A rappelling tour requires advance preparation and an understanding of the nature of the tour and the route. It isn't for everyone, but those who have experienced it will tell you it's an adrenaline-pumping adventure that can suit almost anyone.
Rappelling tours are complex trips that require preparation and professionalism – you can't simply head out on them without preparation and a professional team. Hevel Eretz has the knowledge, ability and experience to lead tours throughout Israel. Rappelling tours are a challenging activity that, beyond the descent itself, includes hiking in wonderful places and enjoying nature in all its glory. Here are our recommendations for some routes and sites that combine rappelling.
The Stalactite Cave
In Atarot, in a somewhat unexpected area, lies a special cave that few people know about – a cave you can only enter by rope. The tour suits adventure lovers and can be enjoyed right in the center of the country, in Atarot near Jerusalem. This impressive cave was discovered by accident during earthworks at the site. The descent into the cave is unique, because the rappel is done without a wall to rest against: the bell-shaped cave is entered through its upper opening and you descend to its floor. The tour also requires climbing back out of the cave, using means such as a rope ladder. Inside the cave we can enjoy unique formations preserved for millions of years.
Nahal Rahaf
One of Israel's favorite rappelling sites is Nahal Rahaf in the Judean Desert. The route crosses the impressive rift escarpment through a series of no fewer than 9 waterfalls of different heights, from a few meters up to 35-meter descents down the cliff. This varied sequence of waterfalls lets people with a wide range of experience enjoy a wonderful rappelling tour. The bonus of this route is that the rest of it is challenging in its own right, with iron rungs and ropes along the way. Winter rains, though not plentiful, often change the terrain and create a new reality on every tour – and the water pools that fill up in the winter months make it a perfect route.
Nahal Tamarim is a spectacular route that serves as an excellent rappelling site and is one of the most beautiful in the Judean Desert and in Israel as a whole. Even apart from the rappelling, it offers a beautiful and impressive hike, spiced up with 4 waterfalls – the lowest 25 meters high and the longest reaching 60 meters. The tour starts near the Dead Sea and heads through the stunning desert toward the desert plateau. The walk up takes about two hours, so plan accordingly. After the climb, the descent and the rappels down the waterfalls begin, each more impressive than the last. We recommend using a professional company such as Hevel Eretz to plan and run the tour.
Nahal Zavitan
One of Israel's favorite rappelling sites is in the Golan Heights. The Nahal Zavitan route offers various types of hikes; rappelling fans will choose the Black Canyon route, perfect for the summer months when long hikes elsewhere in the country are difficult. The route, which also suits less experienced hikers, includes descents of up to 20 meters, stone steps and iron rungs, and of course large, impressive natural pools. The Nahal Zavitan route is one of the most popular in the country, and since the COVID period advance registration is required to secure your place.
