Walk the path of history and experience nature and hospitality
The Palestinian Heritage Trail is a 500-km long cultural hiking route in Palestine that crosses more than 60 Palestinian cities, villages and local communities, where travelers can experience and enjoy authentic Palestinian Hospitality. The segment between Beit Mersim to Battir, around 60 Km, crosses 16 Palestinian cities, villages and local communities.
By hiking this segment, you will have the chance to meet locals and experience the hospitality of the families who open their doors, share their food, customs, and stories, visit and learn about different historical/cultural sites and one of the famous world heritage site in Palestine, enjoy nature and the beauty of the landscape, learn how to cook Palestinian traditional food and taste some, buy some gifts which represent the heritage of this area, and finally make friends along the way.
Additional Info
Main features of sustainability:
The trail itself, PH trail org as a DMO, and the service providers are sustainable. The National Geographic ranked it Best New Walking Trail in the world.
Respect for the people and for the cultural and religious values of our territories is fundamental for anyone wishing to discover and experience our itineraries.
Suggested periods
- Autumn
- Spring
Transportation
Walk
Day 1
The tangible and intangible heritage of the local communities
Duration: Full day
Arrival and transfer to Beit Mersim village, one of the oldest villages in Palestine.
Traditional meal at the homestay.
Tour of the village, visit to the main attractions: Al Burj Castle, El Bad Stone-Olive press, Al Reef Palestinian Museum at Der Samet village.
Traditional dinner at the homestay.
Traditional festivals, events or weddings, if available, with the local communities.
Day 2
Beit Mirsim to Al-Kum
Duration: Full day
Breakfast at the homestay.
Start the hike from Beit Mirsim to Sikka.
Traditional lunch during the hike at the Sikka Women’s Forum for Charitable Work.
Tour of the old city of Sikka.
Continue the hike to Al-Kum village.
Rest at the Beit Ba'er natural site.
Tour of Qasr al Muwarraq, the ancient ruins of a palace.
One-hour rest at the Women’s Center.
Optional:
Visit to the Soap shop at Beit Awwa village.
Visit to Beit Awwa Women’s Centre for Rural Development, to learn how they produced maftoul and have a traditional maftoul lunch in the women's center or at the homestay.
Day 3
Al-Kum to Beit Ula
Duration: Full day
Breakfast at the homestay
Start the hike from Al-Kum to Beit Ula.
Rest near Tur Bedo cave (a huge, amazing cave with a lot of stories and history).
Traditional lunch during the hike at the Ethna Cooperative Society (where you can learn about making hand-woven wool carpets, according to a traditional weaving technique that is central to the culture and lifestyle of the Bedouin) or have a picnic lunch in the nature.
Continue the hike to Beit Ula village.
One hour rest at the homestay and tea/coffee break.
Optional:
Tour at Beit Ula Women’s Club, meet the women and learn about the community role, visit the well at Al Qaws and learn about the history of women’s role in relation to water and wells.
Transfer to Wadi al-Quf- Natural Reserve to enjoy the nature and have a cultural night with the locals.
Return to the guesthouse in Beit Ula.
Day 4
Beit Ula to Jaba
Duration: Full day
Breakfast at the Women’s Club guesthouse.
Start the hike from Beit Ula to Jaba.
Rest and traditional lunch at the public park in Suref, near the Maqam Abu Obeida or at the Surif Women’s Club.
Continue the hike to the village of Jaba.
Rest at the guesthouse.
Tour the old town of Jaba.
Visit to the Jab’a public park, followed by a cultural night and traditional lunch.
Day 5
Jaba to Battir
Duration: Full day
Breakfast at the guesthouse.
Start the hike from Jaba to Battir.
Rest and have traditional lunch at the Wad-fuken Women’s Club and learn about their work.
Continue the hike to Husan village and rest and swim in Ein Hawaya spring.
Continue the hike to Battir, and rest in Ein Jama restaurant.
Continue the hike to Battir old city and have a tour there, visit the Al Ein booth and Battir women's center.
Transfer to Bethlehem and then to the airport.