Ethiopia · Trekking

5-Day Ethiopian Highlands Trek with Lalibela Churches and Villages

5 Days Round trip from Lalibela Moderate pace

Rock-Hewn Churches, Lalibela - UNESCO World Heritage CentreRRock-Hewn Churches, Lalibela

The journey

Trip highlights

01 Visit the mountain monastery at Asheten Maryam
02 Trek through villages in the Merebarbu plateau region
03 Come across Gelada Baboons, Simien fox, and indigenous fauna
04 Visit the famous Rock-hewn Churches of Lalibela
05 Hike to Twin Zigits Peak
06 Interact with locals and enjoy bonfire evenings

Explore the beautiful mountain monastery at Asheten Maryam and trek through picturesque villages in the Ethiopian Highlands. Interact with local communities, taste famous Ethiopian coffee, and look out for Gelada Baboons, Simien fox, and other indigenous fauna along the way. The journey also takes you to Twin Zigits Peak and the lowlands of Lalibela before culminating at the famous Rock-hewn Churches of Lalibela, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

After breakfast, trek to the famous eleven Rock-hewn Churches of Lalibela, a UNESCO World Heritage Site believed to be carved out of a single rock.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 5 Days

Tour type Private

Activity level Moderate

Accommodation Included · Standard

Transport Not included

Wheelchair access No

City Lalibela

Languages Amharic, English, German

Day by day

The itinerary

Day 01

Trek to Asheten Maryam and Village Encounters

Your Lalibela tour guide will pick you up from the hotel after breakfast.
Trek to the mountain monastery of Asheten Maryam. It is located on a cliff, so the view from the top is outstanding. Moreover, the monastery is a treasure house of old books, paintings, and more.
Trek to the Merebarbu plateau region and visit the Wollo-Amhara village, a historical province.
After a quick lunch, visit Atabkit village and interact with members of the village community.
End the village tour with some freshly brewed Ethiopian coffee.
Head back to the hotel with your guide for an exciting bonfire experience.

Overnight stay at the hotel.

Day 02

Trek to Tigu Kebele Village

After an early breakfast, commence your trek with your private tour guide to Tigu Kebele village. It is a five-hour trek, so travelers are advised to start early.
Visit the company huts when you reach the village. These huts are located at a height of 3800 mtrs.
If you are lucky, you may get to see baboons, Simien fox, and a variety of local flora and fauna.
Return to your hotel for another round of bonfire.

Overnight stay at the hotel.

Day 03

Twin Zigits Peak and Rim Gedel Views

Your private Ethiopian guide will pick you up from the hotel. Our first stop is an interesting spot because you will come across hundreds of bleeding-heart monkeys, also known as Gelada Baboons. These are only found in this region of Ethiopia.
After a quick lunch, be ready for some more trekking to Twin Zigits Peak.
Climb Rim Gedel for a breathtaking view of the surrounding regions.

Overnight stay at the hotel.

Day 04

Rock-hewn Churches of Lalibela

After breakfast, trek to the famous eleven Rock-hewn Churches of Lalibela, a UNESCO World Heritage Site believed to be carved out of a single rock.
Explore the surrounding areas, walk inside the churches, and click innumerable pictures in front of the paintings before heading out for lunch.

Overnight stay at the hotel.

Day 05

Lalibela Lowlands Trek and Departure

After breakfast, trek across the lowlands of Lalibela.
Return for lunch and check out of the hotel.
You will be transferred to Lalibela International Airport for your flight back home.