Gheralta, located near Hawzen in Ethiopia, boasts breathtaking mountain ranges and more than 35 remarkable rock-cut churches. The Gheralta Mountain is home to some of Ethiopia’s oldest and most exquisite mountain churches. This area not only offers stunning natural beauty but also showcases the rich culture of the local Tigray people. It is an ideal destination for an unforgettable experience.
The Tigray region, particularly the Gheralta Massive, houses the largest concentration of cave churches in Ethiopia, some of which date back to the 4th and 6th centuries. The finest Ethiopia mountain churches are situated on the outcrops of this mountain. It effectively served as a natural wall and an important sanctuary for monastic life.
To get to the churches you may need to Hike for up to 2 to 3 hours. The trek to the top of the mountains is challenging but also rewarding, offering breathtaking views throughout the journey. We encourage you to immerse yourself in the beauty of nature, the local culture, and the majestic mountains while being mindful of preserving the environment by leaving only footprints behind.
Places to see In the Gheralta Mountains
Gheralta Mountain is famous not only for its natural beauty but also for its captivating attractions. The trails leading to these attractions offer a picturesque journey through bushes, farms, and rocky terrains. The must-see Attractions in the area include the Abune Yemat Guh Church, Mariam Korkur Church, and Abune Gebre Mikael church. Perched at a high elevation, ascending to these churches offers an unmatched adventure and an opportunity to marvel at the wonders of the scenic landscape.
Abune Yemata Guh
Abune Yemata Guh is a magnificent rock-hewn church located on top of the Gheralta mountain in Ethiopia. Its grandeur and beauty are truly awe-inspiring.This church on the mountain is a popular destination for tourists and locals alike, but only a few brave ones will have the opportunity to climb to the top and witness its beauty up close. The Abune Yemata Guh church is small but well-preserved, with colorful paintings adorning the cave walls.
To reach Abune Yemata Guh, visitors must first drive through Megab when coming from Hawzen. The road is mostly asphalted, except for the last 1 KM detour from the main road. Once visitors park under a lone Acacia tree, they are almost directly on the trail. The trail is uphill and consists of loose sand and rocky dirt, with local scouts choosing spots to take a rest. Before tackling the climbing section, visitors should take a break and prepare themselves mentally and physically. The climbing section involves clambering up a sheer cliff face using handgrips and footholds at irregular intervals, so it is not recommended for those who suffer from vertigo, have a knee problem, or are elderly.
Upon reaching the Mountain, take a moment to appreciate the breathtaking view and enjoy a well-deserved rest. The entire climb, including visits to the church, taking photos, and making stops, will take approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes. The descent back down will take around 40 minutes. Visitors should wear good shoes, and bring, water, sunscreen, and a hat to protect themselves from the sun. However, it is advisable to avoid the climb if you suffer from vertigo, have knee problems, or are elderly. Overall, climbing to Abune Yemata Guh Church is a unique and rewarding experience that is not to be missed if you are in Ethiopia.
Mariam Korkur
Mariam Korkur is renowned for its impressive Rock-Cut churches, which are considered the finest in the Gheralta mountain region. These churches are perched on top of the mountain, offering breathtaking views and a sense of awe-inspiring architectural beauty. To reach these churches, visitors must embark on a moderately challenging ascent that takes approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes. The footpath leading to the churches is steep, and as you make your way up, you will pass through natural rock passages, adding to the adventurous experience.
As you hike halfway up the mountain, you will come across a point where you have two route options. The first route, known as the women’s route by locals, is slightly longer but offers a less vertigo-inducing experience. This route is favored by the locals and provides a more gradual ascent. On the other hand, the second route, referred to as the men’s route, is shorter but requires climbing and scrambling up the rock face using footholds and handgrips. This route is more challenging but offers a thrilling adventure for those seeking an adrenaline rush.
Once you reach the plateau at the top, you will discover another remarkable church called Daniel Korkor. This church is just a short walk away from Mariam Korkur and rewards visitors with stunning panoramic views of the surrounding plains. Standing at this vantage point, you can take in the vastness of the landscape and appreciate the natural beauty that surrounds these ancient rock-cut churches. The combination of the architectural marvels and the breathtaking scenery makes Mariam Korkur a must-visit destination for history enthusiasts and nature lovers alike.
Saint Abuna Gebre Mikael
Named after Saint Abuna Gebre Mikael, who carved the church in the 4th century, it’s one of the best rock-cut churches in the area. The neatly hewn ceiling and brightly colored paintings are a testament to the skill and dedication of the craftsmen who created it. If you’re up for a challenging hike, the Abune Gebra Michael church is definitely worth the effort. Situated on Gheralta Mountain, the trail to the church is steep and requires some scrambling and climbing between rocks. You’ll need to use your hands for balance and pull yourself up in some sections, but the stunning views and unique experience make it all worth it.
The hike takes around 3 hours in total, including the time spent visiting the church. If you’re looking for a challenging adventure and a chance to explore Ethiopia’s rich cultural heritage, the Abune Gebra Michael church is a must-visit destination.
How to get to Gherlata Mountain
Many international visitors typically start their journey in Addis Ababa and explore other destinations like the Danakil Depression, Mekele, Axum, and Lalibela before finally reaching Gherlata. When deciding on the most suitable mode of transportation, it is crucial to take into account your current location and prioritize factors such as speed, affordability, and comfort. Whether you opt to arrange an Organized guided tour, rent a car, or utilize public transportation, We put some options offering the most efficient and convenient means of reaching Gherlata Mountain.
Organized trip
Taking an organized trip to the Gheralta Mountain with a reputable tour company or guide offers numerous advantages. It provides convenience and safety while allowing flexibility in your itinerary. Instead of spending valuable time and experiencing frustration in planning, you can rely on them to handle flight and hotel bookings, arrange transportation, and create a tailored itinerary that suits your preferences.
Private cars
Private car rentals in Ethiopia typically include a driver, and you can arrange for one through hotels or travel agencies. Keep in mind that the prices and conditions of the cars can vary significantly, so it’s advisable to inquire about the details and negotiate a price that includes fuel. Additionally, it’s wise to book your car in advance, especially during the high season, to ensure availability.
Public transport
To get to Gheralta mountain, one can opt for the use of public transportation. The first step would be to board a bus that will take you to the small town of Hawzen. Once in Hawzen, you can find basic accommodations to rest before continuing your journey. To reach Gheralta mountain from Hawzen, you can take a Tuk Tuk, which is locally known as Bajaja. This mode of transportation is a convenient and affordable way to reach your destination.
The routes
Mekele ➝ Hawzen ➝ Megab ➝ Gheralta Mountain
Mekele ➝ Bus to Hawzen ➝ TookTook (bajaj) to Megab ( pick up tour Guide) ➝ TookTook to Gheralta Mountain
Mekele is the largest city and the capital of Tigray region.
Hawzen Situated just 10 km away from the mountain, Hawzen is the closest town to the Gherlata mountain. Moreover, all the major Gheralta churches and trekking routes are located within a 20 km radius of Hawzen, making it an ideal base for your exploration of the region.
The bus ride takes about 2 hrs from Mekele. It takes 6 hrs From Axum with a bus change in the city of Addigrat, depending on the number of stops they may have.
Megab– Located at the foot of Gheralta Mountain, Megab is a small village that hosts the local tour guide office of Gherlata Mountain, where visitors hire local Tour guides.
Hawzen-to Megeba is 30 minutes by TOOKTOOK ride. To get to the mountain Travel times vary and the impact on your plan to get there depends on which option you choose, but in general, public transportation is possibly the cheapest way to get to the mountain.