1000 miles of Hiking Abraham's Path in the Middle East

Learn About Abraham’s Path

Not many people know about Abraham’s Path, which makes it a unique trail to hike. Unlike the famous Appalachian Trail or Pacific Crest Trail, this route isn’t well known, making it a great choice for hikers who are looking to explore more obscure trails. The trail is named after Abraham, the mythical founder of the three great religions of the world - Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. The legend claims that the three faiths are descended from the common ancestor Abraham, who is believed to have built an altar in the Middle East around 4,000 years ago. Whether or not you believe the legend, hiking the trail is a great way to explore the cultural heritage of the Middle East. You’ll get to explore some of the most sacred places in the world, including the Forest of the Souls, where Muslim pilgrims hike through on their way to Mecca.

Hiking Conditions

Hiking the Abraham Path will take you through a variety of climates, so be ready to experience anything. You’ll go from warm deserts to snowy mountaintops and humid swamps in between. The desert section of the trail is best avoided during the hot summer months, so try to hike this trail during the cooler months if possible. The winter months in the Middle East are generally mild and aren’t a big concern, but there is always a chance of snow occurring at higher altitudes. At the same time, some parts of the trail will be impossible to hike during the winter due to flooding and impassable paths. The good news is that most of the trail can be hiked at any time of the year, making it more accessible for people of all skill levels.

Which Countries Are Included in the Path?

The Trail passes through 10 different countries while traveling over 1,000 miles. The full list of countries is as follows: Israel - hikers will start the trail at the Dead Sea, the lowest point on earth. From there, they will travel up the Judean Mountains to Jerusalem, the holiest site in Judaism. Once in Jerusalem, hikers can visit the Wailing Wall, where many people leave written prayers. After Jerusalem, the trail moves on to the Sea of Galilee, where Jesus is said to have walked on water. From there, hikers can visit the Golan Heights, an area that was recently controlled by ISIS. Syria

- Hikers will pass through the Syrian Desert on their way to Damascus, the capital of Syria. Damascus has a rich history as one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world. From Damascus, explorers can travel nearby to the Dead Sea Scrolls caves, where the oldest copies of the Bible are preserved. Iraq

- From Damascus, hikers can travel to the city of Erbil, the capital of Iraqi Kurdistan. Erbil is a great place to visit if you want to learn more about the culture of the Iraqi people. From Erbil, hikers can travel to the Iraqi Desert, where they will find the ancient city of Babylon, as well as the famous Hanging Gardens of Babylon. From the desert, hikers can travel to the city of Baghdad, where they can see the Great Mosque of Samarra and other historic sites. Jordan

- Hikers will pass through the Jordanian desert on their way to the ancient city of Petra, one of the most famous sites in the world. Outside of the city, hikers can find the famous Siq, a narrow canyon that leads to the Great Treasury. From Petra, climbers can continue to Wadi Rum, a great place to go on a desert safari.

Tips for Travelling on the Path

If you decide to hike this trail, be prepared for it to be an intense adventure. The trail often takes hikers through war zones, deserts, and dangerous swamps, so come prepared for anything. One of the best ways to prepare for this journey is to get in shape beforehand. This trail is not for the faint of heart, and you’ll want to be in good shape if you want to complete it. Another important thing to remember is that this is a travel trail, which means that you’ll likely need a visa to access the different countries. Make sure that you have all the necessary paperwork, and be sure to double-check the visa requirements before your trip. With all that said, hiking this trail is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that you’ll never forget. It’s a great way to see the Middle East, and you’ll have unique experiences that can’t be found anywhere else.