The Route

The route will be a mix of on- and off-road riding - some relatively easy trails, but also some steep ascents. This year, daily rides of 50-60 kilometers will be complemented by additional trails for the more experienced riders. Why not start training now?!

Day 1

from Mount Hermon to Kibbutz Merom Golan – the North Eastern Golan Heights

Our journey will begin 2,200 meters (7,200 feet) above sea level, on Mount Hermon—the highest mountain in Israel, in the north eastern part of the Golan Heights. We will Begin by riding south in the breathtaking scenery of the Northern Golan, passing by the Druze town of Majdal Shams. Through apple and cherry orchards, we will ascend to an overlook over Lake Birkat Ram and then climb Mount Odem, which offers a fine view of some Syrian-turned-Israeli fortifications. Further south, our route will take us through Odem Forest and the Oz Monument, commemorating 77 Israeli soldiers killed in the Golan Heights during the Yom Kippur War. We will finish in Kibbutz Merom Golan, situated 1,000 meters (3,280 feet) above sea level, but not before we visit Mount Bental and its military post, overlooking the remains of the Syrian town of Quneitra.

Day 2

Crossing the Golan Heights

On the second day we will cross the eastern parts of the Golan Heights going south along the Golan Path. We will enjoy a relatively easy ride through Bashanit Ridge, along the Syrian border. Some of the highlights along the way are the Fachem Springs and the remains of a mysterious site from the Bronze Age. We will also visit the remains of a synagogue and a Jewish settlement from the Talmudic Era, and to top it all off we will ride along the cliffs of Semech and El-al streams, enjoying their wonderful scenery.

Day 3

Southern Golan Heights

The southern part of the Golan Heights offers a ride along the On Cliffs, with an exceptional view of Lake Kinneret (the Sea of Galilee), which sits 200 meters (660 feet) below sea level. Bathing in the natural hot springs of Hamat Gader (along the Syrian-Israeli border) will be among the highlights of the day.

Day 4

Down to the Jordan Valley, Up to Safed

Day 4 is the most challenging one, beginning 200 meters below sea level and culminating 700 meters (2,300 feet) above it, in the mystical city of Tzfat (Safed). From the shores of Lake Kinneret via the remains of the ancient fishing village of Capernaum we will ride north, crossing the Daliyot and Yehudiyya streams, and west, along the upper reaches of the Jordan River. After enjoying some of the best lookouts on the Jordan Valley, we will continue to ascend reaching Biriyya Forest, then ride through the winding roads and magical scenery that will take us to Safed.

Day 5

From Safed in the Galilee to Kiryat Tivon on Mount Carmel

Exhilarating downhill ride will take us through the terrains of the Lower Galilee. We will cross Amood and Tsalmon streams, ride alongside the National Water Carrier of Israel in the Beit Netofa Valley, cross the Tzippori National Park, and visit the former Templar settlement called Bethlehem of the Galilee. Climbing the eastern slopes of Mount Carmel, we will arrive at Ma’alot Tivon, an IMPJ Congregation in the town of Kiryat Tivon (near Haifa).