25 photos that will make you want to hike the Israel National Trail

by | Last modified on Oct 9, 2023 | Israel, Israel National Trail

There were so many memories, so many views, so much to see and do that a handful of photos are not enough to capture my timing on walking 1000km the length of Israel. But it was fun trying to pick out the best ones! Here’s are 25 photos that will make you want to hike the Israel National Trail…..

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One of the most stunning views in the north was seeing Mount Heron floating above a blanket of clouds as the sun started to rise in the distance.

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The food in Israel is amazing and nothing, and I mean nothing, beats falafel after a long day walking.

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My tough day was soon forgotten when I saw the Sea of Galilee.

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The beach section of the hike leading to Tel Aviv provided warming sunsets, lots of swimming and a complete change of scenery.

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Hike the Israel National Trail

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The lush area of Jerusalem slowly started to flatten out into spacious, dry desert. Although we went days without seeing anybody, we were never really alone.

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Maktesh HaKatan (the small crater) was one of the most memorable views of the journey. No picture can really do it justice.

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Mount Karbolet, an infamous knife-edge walk, was a difficult but satisfying day with 360 scenery from start to finish.

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I was fascinated by the Bedouins we passed who live a simple existence deep in the desert. Drawn to their slow relaxed way of life. We even had an opportunity to stay in a Bedouin camp.

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Hike the Israel National Trail

Finishing the hike in Eilat provided the perfect end to an incredible adventure. I fell in love with diving while exploring the reefs of the Red Sea and visiting the playful residents at Dolphin Reef.

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Tempted to hike the Israel National Trail? Check out my blogs with top tips and advice to get you started:

For shorter hiking trips in the country, check out the 6 best hikes in Israel.

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Bex Band

Bex Band

Welcome to my blog! I'm an award-winning adventurer, bestselling author and founder of Love Her Wild. My work and adventures have featured in BBC, The Guardian and Condé Nast. I love nothing more than travelling and getting outdoors on solo and family adventures. Using my years of experience, I provide advice and inspiration on various topics, including wild camping, charity challenges, glamping and travel itineraries.

15 Comments

  1. Sue and Ron Hayes

    What an amazing collection of photos and memories of your amazing trek. Sue and Ron

    Reply
  2. lovinglifeinwelliesblog

    Wow, that picture of you the swimming – the water?! Amazing. It’s a country I’ve always wanted to go and the bad press has put me off in the past, especially with all of the political conflict. Great photos – something like this is on my bucket list…

    Reply
    • admin

      You should definitley go! Ignore the press, Israel is completely different to how I imagined. Easyjet do realy cheap return flidhts (£120) so there really isn’t any reason not to 🙂

      Reply
      • lovinglifeinwelliesblog

        Wow brilliant. I’ll put it on my list for sure.

        Reply
  3. Natalia

    On My Way! Jan 30/2018:)
    Thank you for the preview!!

    Reply
    • Bex Band

      Enjoy!! I’m very jealous. I want to go again 🙂

      Reply
      • Natalia

        Jelly?
        Of moi?!
        Haha
        You, darling, are living the dream!! xx

        Reply
        • Bex Band

          Lol…ok you may have a fair point!! Although I do miss the simplicity of the trail. Nothing beats the quiet of the desert 🙂 xx

          Reply
          • Natalia

            I was thinking of you as I hiked up the Grouse Grind (in the snow:)
            It was deserted; as I like it; and thought: funny how that happens when we walk; eh; (think!:) that perhaps I too will bring home a hubby?

          • Bex Band

            Haha…you never know!! x

  4. Natalia

    Right?!!?

    PS Bex: how long did it take you to walk the INT ..

    Reply
    • Bex Band

      52 days. I felt like it was a good amount of time with enough rest days. Wish I’d taken the first couple of weeks a bit slower as pushed myself too much. Found the desert section much easier as was fitter by then. X

      Reply
      • Natalia

        Thanks !!
        Keep well
        I’ll send a message once on trail?

        Reply
  5. Ewelina

    Hello Bex! Thanks a lot for so many great posts about INT! I’m doing it next February-may and it’s been an amzing resource so far. I have a question – were there any particularly complicated/dangerous parts of the trail? I see you were accompanied – anything that could have been difficult on your own?

    Reply
    • Bex Band

      Thank you! And good luck…you are going to have a great time.

      I would be comfortable doing the trek now on my own. At the time though I didn’t have the experience to do it solo. So really it comes down to your experience and skills.

      If you are a confident hiker, you know basic first aid and are comfortable with navigation then it is perfectly feasible to go alone. Most of the trail is easy to follow with some basic scrambling in parts (nothing too exposed or complicated). The only real dangerous areas are when you reach the desert stretch and water and navigation pose a risk.

      The toughest and most dangerous day on the trail is climbing Karbolet. There are sections where you are a little exposed and it is a long day with lots of scrambling. This is towards the end of the hike (assuming you are finishing in Eilat) so by then you should be confident enough to complete this without issues.

      I hope that helps! 🙂

      Reply

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