National park · Israel
Ein Gedi Nature Reserveשמורת טבע עין גדי
Go for a half day: two stream hikes (David and Arugot) plus the Chalcolithic temple, best November–April and at opening (08:00) to beat heat and tour buses; skip the mountain climbs in summer.Go for a half day: two stream hikes (David and Arugot) plus the Chalcolithic temple, best November–April and at opening (8:00 AM) to beat heat and tour buses; skip the mountain climbs in summer.
- Source checked
- A source and a date are on record: we read it from an official or published page. Not yet confirmed on the ground.
- Field checked
- Someone checked it on the ground, with the date shown.
- Plan calculated
- Worked out by Voykit from its own data (times, distances, budgets). A calculation, not a measurement.
Unknown times stay unknown. How we verify
Map to the park
Add your hotel to get directions from it. · stays in this browser; shared with the pocket card.
Area
30 km² (12 sq mi)12 sq mi (30 km²)
approximate
Established
1971
Best months
Nov–Mar
UNESCO
Biosphere
Rules in force · 5Security advice in this region can change within a dayCheck your own government travel advice for Israel before…
- Middle East ↗Security advice in this region can change within a day; re-read your government's page before departure and again before any border or regional flight.
- Middle East ↗Public drunkenness, public displays of affection and offensive gestures or online posts can lead to arrest in the Gulf states and Iran; dress modestly outside beaches and hotels.
- Israel ↗Check your own government travel advice for Israel before any booking; advice depends on your passport and changes without notice.
- Israel ↗Entry rules, including any pre-arrival authorisation, depend on your passport and on the current border and security position; check the Population and Immigration Authority.
- Israel ↗Confirm that your travel insurance and medical evacuation cover apply to Israel before you rely on it.
At a glance
- Country
- Israel
- Area
- 30 km² (12 sq mi)12 sq mi (30 km²)
- Approximate reserve area; boundaries and figures vary by source (check).
- Established
- 1971
- Best months
- Nov–Mar
- Permits
- For some areas
- Base
- Jerusalem
Ein Gedi is the largest oasis on the Israeli shore of the Dead Sea and one of the few places in the country's deserts where streams run all year. Four springs — David, Arugot, Shulamit and Ein Gedi — feed waterfalls, pools, canyons and a Bronze Age temple below the cliffs of the Judaean Desert. The reserve sits on Route 90 between Masada and the Qumran caves, about an hour from Jerusalem. It is a nature reserve, not a national park: the Israel Nature and Parks Authority (INPA) runs it, charges entry, and closes trails when flash floods are forecast. Most visitors walk the David stream in two hours; the Arugot stream takes longer and reaches further into the canyon.
Decide
Why go, which months, and what lives here when
At a glance
Status
- UNESCO Biosphere Reserve · 1976Ein Gedi and the surrounding Judaean Desert were designated a biosphere reserve (check).
Size and age
30 km² (12 sq mi)12 sq mi (30 km²) · national park since 1971
Approximate reserve area; boundaries and figures vary by source (check).
This page covers the park itself. Nearest base: Jerusalem.
Why go
- Two year-round streams with waterfalls and pools in the middle of the Judaean Desert.
- Ibex and rock hyrax are common along the trails, often within metres of walkers.
- A short, signed walk from the ticket gate to the David waterfall suits almost anyone.
- The Chalcolithic temple above the David stream is one of the oldest cult sites in the region.
When to go
- JanBest
- FebBest
- MarBest
- AprGo
- MayCaution
- JunAvoid
- JulAvoid
- AugAvoid
- SepCaution
- OctGo
- NovBest
- DecBest
- JanMild days, cold nights; streams full
- FebMild; rain possible, flash-flood watch
- MarWarm and green; crowds build
- AprHot by midday; start early
- MayMid-30s °C; stream trails only
- JunHigh 30s °C; mountain trails closed or unwise
- JulAround 38 °C (100 °F); go at opening onlyAround 100 °F (38 °C); go at opening only
- AugHottest month; heat risk high
- SepStill mid-30s °C; short walks only
- OctCooling; good walking
- NovPleasant; first rains
- DecCool and clear; short days
Wildlife and nature calendar
| What | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nubian ibexAll year · Seen year-round, often near the entrance and on the cliffs. | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes |
| Rock hyraxAll year · Common around the gates and along the stream paths. | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes |
| Resident and migrating birdsMar–Apr, Oct–Nov · Spring and autumn migration bring extra species to the oasis. | no | no | yes | yes | no | no | no | no | no | yes | yes | no |
| Tristram's starling and desert passerinesAll year · Present around the cliffs and springs all year. | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes |
Arrive & move
Getting in, how the park is divided, and where things are
Show 3 sectionsHideHow to get there, Zones and sectors, Sketch map
How to get there
From Jerusalem
Bus 486, 487 or 444 from the central bus station to the Ein Gedi field school stop, then walk to the gate; or drive Route 1 east and turn south on Route 90.
1.5–2 h
Open the page →
From Tel Aviv
Bus 421 once a day each way (not on Saturdays), from the terminal near the central train station; or drive via Jerusalem.
2.5–3 h
Open the page →
From Masada
Drive north on Route 90; buses on the same line stop at both.
20–30 min
From Dead Sea hotels
Drive or take a bus south along Route 90.
30–45 min
Zones and sectors
| Zone | What is there | Access |
|---|---|---|
| David stream (Nahal David) | The main entrance, lower pools, the Hidden Waterfall and the Chalcolithic temple above. | Open with a ticket; the lower path is easy, upper paths are steep. |
| Arugot stream (Nahal Arugot) | A longer canyon with pools and the upper ponds, entered from a separate gate. | Open with the same ticket; some sections involve wading and scrambling. |
| Shulamit and Ein Gedi springs | Smaller springs and quiet paths away from the main waterfall route. | Open; check current trail status at the gate. |
| Cliffs and desert plateau | Steep climbs to viewpoints over the Dead Sea and the Judaean Desert. | Open in cool months; closed or strongly discouraged in extreme heat. |
Sketch map
- 1David stream entrance and ticket gate · Gate≈31.467, 35.394Map ↗
- 2Arugot stream entrance · Gate≈31.461, 35.389Map ↗
- 3Hidden Waterfall (David stream) · Viewpoint≈31.470, 35.398Map ↗
- 4Chalcolithic temple · Cave≈31.469, 35.396Map ↗
- 5Ein Gedi Field School · Sleep≈31.470, 35.395Map ↗
- 6Kibbutz Ein Gedi · Village≈31.453, 35.388Map ↗
Take the points offline
6 points as a GPX waypoint file, plus a plain-text list of coordinates. Save it while you have signal: maps apps show the points without a connection.
Approximate positions around the two stream entrances and the kibbutz, for orientation only.
See & do
Caves, trails and wildlife, with how hard each is and whether it needs booking
Show Top experiencesHide
Top experiences
Practical
Fees, permits, rules, where to sleep and what can go wrong
Show 8 sectionsHideEntry fees and permits, Park rules, Where to stay, Safety, Accessibility, Visiting lightly, Questions people ask, Related
Entry fees and permits
| Item | Range | Per | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reserve entry (adult) | ILS 28–35 | person | 2026 estimate; INPA rates differ for residents and tourists (check). |
| Reserve entry (child) | ILS 14–20 | person | 2026 estimate; family and group rates exist (check). |
| Vehicle parking | ILS 0–20 | vehicle | 2026 estimate; may be included in entry (check). |
| Guided hike with a field-school guide | ILS 200–500 | group | 2026 estimate; book ahead (check). |
Ranges, not quotes: fees change without notice. Check with the park or your operator · checked Sep 2026.
Reserve entry ticket permit or guide
Arugot stream entry permit or guide
Night hiking permit or guide
What would our group pay?
People
Nights or days
- ILS 28–35
- ILS 14–20
- ILS 200–500
Tick the fees that apply to your trip to see a total.
A guide, not a quote: the ranges are estimates (checked 2026-09) and each fee may have rules on who pays it. Confirm on Israel Nature and Parks Authority — Ein Gedi Nature Reserve before you go.
Park rules
- No eating on the trails
- Food is allowed only at the Hidden Waterfall and the upper ponds on the Arugot stream; elsewhere it is forbidden to eat inside the reserve.
- No swimming in some pools
- Swimming is restricted to certain pools; follow the signs at each pool.
- Do not feed or approach wildlife
- Ibex and hyrax are wild; feeding them is prohibited and causes harm.
- No litter or fires
- Carry out everything you bring in; fires and smoking are not allowed.
- Trail closures
- The reserve closes or restricts trails when flash floods are forecast; check at the gate or with INPA before setting out.check
Where to stay
Near the park
Ein Gedi Field School
Rooms for families and groups about 1 km (0.6 mi) north of the kibbutz, with views over the oasis; guided desert hikes can be arranged.Rooms for families and groups about 0.6 mi (1 km) north of the kibbutz, with views over the oasis; guided desert hikes can be arranged.
Near the park
Beit Sarah Guest House
Hostel-style rooms on Route 90 near the field school; dorm beds from about ₪145 (2026 estimate).
Near the park
Ein Gedi Country Hotel (kibbutz)
Mid-range kibbutz hotel with a botanical garden; rooms from about ₪520 (2026 estimate).
Near the park
Free camping on the Ein Gedi coast
About 500 m south of the kibbutz; stony ground, toilets and showers for a small fee.
Safety
Heat and dehydration high
Flash floods high
Sinkholes near the Dead Sea shore medium
Steep, exposed rock on upper trails medium
How much daylight do you have?
Time out
Finding the local time zone…
Times are local to the spot (zone loading). The half-hour margin is our rule of thumb, not an official figure; light fades earlier in forest or under cloud. Carry a headlamp on any route that could run late.
Accessibility
- The lower David stream path from the gate is partly paved and reachable with a stroller or wheelchair for the first stretch.
- The waterfall, temple climb and Arugot canyon involve steps, rock and water; not suitable for limited mobility.
- Accessible toilets and shade are at the main entrance area.
Visiting lightly
- Stay on marked trails; the streams and their banks are fragile desert habitat.
- Do not feed the ibex and hyrax, and keep food packed away.
- Take all rubbish out; there are no bins along the trails.
- Use the bus from Jerusalem where possible; parking at the gates is limited.
Questions people ask
How much does it cost to enter Ein Gedi?
Expect roughly ₪28–35 per adult and ₪14–20 per child (2026 estimate); rates differ for residents and tourists, and parking may cost extra. Buy at the gate or from the Israel Nature and Parks Authority site.
What are the best hikes in Ein Gedi?
The David stream to the Hidden Waterfall (2–3 h, easy) is the classic. Add the short climb to the Chalcolithic temple for the view. The Arugot stream canyon (3–4 h, moderate) is longer and quieter. Plateau climbs are hard and only for cool months.
When is the best time to visit Ein Gedi?
November to April. Days are mild, streams are full and the trails are open. June to September is dangerously hot, around 38 °C; if you go then, start at opening and stick to the stream paths.
How do I get to Ein Gedi without a car?
Buses 486, 487 and 444 run from Jerusalem's central bus station to the Ein Gedi field school stop, about 1.5–2 hours. From Tel Aviv, line 421 runs once a day each way and not on Saturdays.
Can I swim at Ein Gedi?
Swimming is allowed only in certain pools, marked by signs. Do not swim in pools where it is prohibited, and never enter the water during a flash-flood warning.
Is Ein Gedi the same as the kibbutz?
No. The nature reserve is run by the Israel Nature and Parks Authority and charges entry. Kibbutz Ein Gedi is just south of it and has a hotel and a botanical garden.
Deep dive
Every source; fees and rules change, so check before you go