- Address: Northern part of the Judean Desert, Israel;
- Length: about 30 km;
- Sightseeing: the monastery in the cave Deer Mahlikh, reservoir Og.
Nahal Og is a deep rocky gorge with many streams that flow into the Dead Sea . Nahal Og is located in the northern part of the Judean Desert in a picturesque location. The gorge attracts lovers of active tourism from around the world. Several routes of varying complexity make it possible to try to conquer Nahal and the novice and the professional. A reward for those who will cope will be a visit to the monastery carved into the rock.
Description
The length of the Nahal Og gorge is about 30 km, and 1200 m are sharp descents and ascents. First of all, this place captures with its beauty: endless mountain and desert landscapes. Due to the fact that the gorge is close enough to Jerusalem , there have always been many tourists, hikers. Today, the gorge has a map of routes that are equipped with stairs, staples driven into the rock and arrows, so that tourists do not get lost.
What to see in Nahal Og?
In addition to amazing landscapes, Nahal Ogh is rich in two sights, one of them is man-made - a monastery in the cave of Deer Mahlich . The temple is located in a cliff. His visits include most of the routes. Tourists will also be interested to see rock paintings that have been preserved here since ancient times and adorn the walls of the cave.
The second point of interest is the reservoir of Og . It was built in 1994 in the heart of the gorge. Og contains about 600 thousand cubic meters of water. In the reservoir, wastewater from East Jerusalem and Maale Adumim is collected, and rainwater is draining. After the water is cleaned, it is served to local farmers. Against the background of yellow-white rocks, the reservoir looks very picturesque, so all tourists are eager to visit it.
Routes
At first glance, the ravine of Nahal Og seems unruly, since there is no track that would exclude descents, rises and transitions across the river. But experienced tourists were able to develop a map of routes, which include many tracks of varying complexity, their length is from 3 km to 15 km. On some routes, even students are released.
One of the most popular routes among lovers lasts only 5 km, so the journey will take no more than two hours. This track is often used by families with teenage children and tourists with their four-legged friends. It is recommended to pass the track in the spring, autumn or winter. The route passes through rocky cliffs, includes several low slopes and passes through one shallow river.
The most difficult route includes descents along a practically vertical ladder of staples 5 m long and 8 m long. Also, the passage of several mouths and a passage in narrow gorges. To such a journey it is worthwhile to prepare in advance, including taking courses for first aid. Some places of the track can be overcome only with the help of other members of the group, so all tourists should be healthy and strong.
How to get there?
You can get to Nahal Og from Jerusalem on the route number 1. For this, it is necessary to move eastward until crossing with the route number 437. Arriving at the intersection, turn right and drive along an asphalt road 3.5 km. To the gorge there will be another 1.5 km, but this path can only be taken on foot.