Boneh - Southern Tiyul

The Boneh Southern Tiyul was an amazing desert experience! The Boneh-niks were seriously challenged by the intense hikes, but that challenge in the end created a real sense of accomplishment and pride, shared by the whole group, that they will look back on for a long time. And all of that in the beautiful and very unusual scenery of the Judean Desert, overlooking the Dead Sea, for four days.

The first day the group hiked down the Tamrur Cliff and through the Bokek Riverbed (now dry, but still green with plants and flowers from the spring rains). When they arrived at the campsite, they got their first taste of the tiyul “routine” – get some hot soup from the all-Habo-graduates kitchen staff, set up their tents before nightfall, start chopping vegetables for dinner, make a fire, eat and chill under the stars for a while. Then in the morning, rising with the sun, break camp, and set off on their way.

The next day they hiked the Rachaf Ascent and through the Kanaim Stream, a rocky downhill path that required a lot of mutual support and looking out for each other. Then they climbed Mt Elazar, which overlooks Masada, and then went up the Roman Ramp to Masada itself, touring the ancient Jewish fortress and hearing its famous story. Then it was down the Snake Path to the campsite.

Down the Snake Path

The next morning they crossed back across Masada, including a quick ride up on the Cable Car! The group hiked through a long hot stretch of desert, seemingly dry and barren, but when they arrived at the Tze’elim Stream bed they found hidden pools of water still remaining from the last rains, and had a great swim that made the hot desert seem delightful.

Hidden pools

Tze'elim Stream

From there it was all the way down the stream to the camp site. The next morning, the tired Shnatties finished their hiking on a short path through the David Stream to the famed oasis of Ein Gedi, where they played and splashed in the waterfalls. They also visited the kibbutz of Ein Gedi, and to cap off their trip went to the Dead Sea beach for some floating, mineral bathing and relaxing. And then it was back to Ein Dor to relax after an intense, incredible week.