3 Days Gheralta Mountains Trekking

Gallery

Moments on this route

Overview

About this tour

Explore the dramatic landscapes of the Gheralta Mountains on this 3-day trekking adventure starting and ending in Mekelle. This journey takes you through towering sandstone cliffs, remote mountain villages, traditional Tigrayan houses, and some of Ethiopia’s most remarkable rock-hewn churches. Designed for travelers who love history, hiking, culture, and breathtaking scenery, this tour combines mountain trekking with visits to ancient churches such as Yohannes Maqudi, Abune Abraham, Mariam Papsite, Mariam Korkor, and Daniel Korkor. Trek through the dramatic Gheralta Mountains Visit ancient rock-hewn churches hidden in the cliffs Explore Yohannes Maqudi and Abune Abraham Experience traditional Tigrayan village life Enjoy panoramic views from the high points of Gheralta Visit Mariam Korkor and Daniel Korkor before returning to Mekelle

Highlights

What makes it special

• Trek through the dramatic Gheralta Mountains
• Visit ancient rock-hewn churches hidden in the cliffs
• Explore Yohannes Maqudi and Abune Abraham
• Experience traditional Tigrayan village life
• Enjoy panoramic views from the high points of Gheralta
• Visit Mariam Korkor and Daniel Korkor before returning to Mekelle

Itinerary

Day by day

1. 1

   Mekelle – Gheralta Mountains – Yohannes Maqudi – Abune Abraham

   Drive about 100 km from Mekelle toward the dramatic Gheralta Mountains. After reaching the trekking starting point near the base of the mountain, begin your hike to Yohannes Maqudi, an ancient rock-hewn church set high in the mountains. After visiting the church, continue trekking through beautiful mountain scenery to Abune Abraham, a colorful and historic church believed to date back to the 7th century AD. Later, descend toward the base camp for an overnight camping experience in the village.

2. 2

   Gheralta Trekking – Mariam Papsite – Korkor Village

   After breakfast prepared by the camp cook, continue trekking through the stunning Gheralta landscape. Along the way, enjoy wide mountain views, traditional Tigrayan houses, local wildlife, and peaceful rural scenery. Visit Mariam Papsite before continuing the trek toward Korkor village, where you will spend the night camping in a local village setting.

3. 3

   Gheralta High Point – Mariam Korkor – Daniel Korkor – Hawzen – Mekelle

   After an early breakfast, trek to one of the highest points of the Gheralta area, reaching around 2,700 meters above sea level. From the top, enjoy panoramic views across the remarkable Gheralta Mountains. After lunch on the mountain, continue trekking to visit the famous rock-hewn churches of Mariam Korkor and Daniel Korkor. After exploring the churches, walk for about one hour to Hawzen, where your vehicle will meet you for the drive back to Mekelle. Highlights: Gheralta viewpoint, Mariam Korkor, Daniel Korkor, Hawzen, return to Mekelle