6-Day Trekking Tour to Gheralta Mountains Tigray

• You'll be collected from the airport.
• Accommodation before the tour starts can be arranged for an extra cost.

Adigrat – Trek to Seheta Village

Trek Time: ~4–5 hours
Difficulty: Moderate

The journey begins in Adigrat, where you meet your trekking guide and local support team. After a short briefing and gear check, the trek starts along scenic footpaths that wind through farmland, stone terraces, and small rural settlements.

As you ascend into the highlands, you’ll pass farmers tending crops and herding livestock, offering an authentic glimpse into daily rural life. A traditional lunch is served en route, often under the shade of trees or near a village homestead.

Upon arrival in Seheta, you are warmly welcomed by the community. In the evening, enjoy a traditional coffee ceremony, a cornerstone of Ethiopian hospitality, accompanied by conversation and cultural exchange.

Overnight: Community guesthouse (tukul) in Seheta.

Main Destination:

Hawzen (Town)

Accommodation:

Community House

• Budget guest house

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Seheta – Trek to Gohagot & Visit Ancient Church

Trek Time: ~5–6 hours
Difficulty: Moderate to challenging

Today’s trek climbs gradually toward Gohagot, a hilltop village offering wide panoramic views of the surrounding highlands. The route includes rocky paths and gentle ascents, making it one of the more physically engaging days.

Near Gohagot, visit an ancient rock-hewn or semi-monolithic church, often centuries old and still actively used by the local Orthodox community. Your guide explains the distinctive Tigrayan church architecture, symbolism, and the role of monastic life in preserving history and manuscripts.

In the evening, villagers gather for storytelling, sharing legends, religious traditions, and oral histories passed down through generations.

Overnight: Gohagot community tukul lodge.

Main Destination:

Hawzen (Town)

Accommodation:

Communiy House

• Budget guest house

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Gohagot – Trek to Shimbti & Visit Local Church

Trek Time: ~5 hours
Difficulty: Moderate

This day features a scenic and relaxed trek, with frequent stops for photos and rest while crossing valleys and ridgelines. The landscape becomes increasingly dramatic as you approach Shimbti, a village known for its hidden rural churches.

A guided visit to Shimbti Mariam (or a similar local church) introduces you to lesser-known sacred sites rarely visited by outsiders. When available, a local priest provides insight into church traditions, iconography, and spiritual practices.

In the evening, you may join villagers in traditional cooking, bread baking, or other daily activities, offering a deeper cultural connection.

Overnight: Shimbti community guesthouse.

Main Destination:

Hawzen (Town)

Accommodation:

Shimbrety Community Guesthouse

• Budget guest house located less than 1hr drive from Hawzen (Town)

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Shimbti – Trek to Edega Arbi

Trek Time: ~4–5 hours
Difficulty: Easy to moderate

Today’s walk is gentler, with a gradual descent toward Edega Arbi, a traditional farming village. Along the way, learn about highland agriculture, including grain cultivation, ox-plowing techniques, and seasonal farming cycles.

The views open toward the distant Gheralta Mountains, signaling the transition from highlands to one of Ethiopia’s most dramatic geological regions.

In Edega Arbi, families host you in their tukuls, creating an intimate homestay-style experience with shared meals and conversation.

Overnight: Community tukul hosted by local families.

Main Destination:

Hawzen (Town)

Accommodation:

Community Guest House

• Budget guest house

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Edega Arbi – Trek to Hawzen (Gheralta Region)

Trek Time: ~5–6 hours
Difficulty: Moderate to strenuous

This is a visually striking day as the trail follows winding ridges and rocky escarpments toward the towering sandstone formations of Gheralta. The contrast between cultivated land and sheer cliffs creates unforgettable scenery.

Arriving in Hawzen, a small town nestled beneath the cliffs, you check into a community-run guesthouse. If time and energy permit, enjoy a sunset walk or a short visit to a nearby rock-hewn church.

Overnight: Community guesthouse in Hawzen.

Main Destination:

Hawzen (Town)

Accommodation:

Community House

• Budget guest house

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Full-Day Gheralta Church Exploration – Departure

The final day is dedicated to exploring the legendary rock-hewn churches of Gheralta, masterpieces of faith, engineering, and artistry:

Mariam Korkor: Dramatically carved into a cliff face, known for its wall paintings and sweeping views

Daniel Korkor: Often paired with Mariam Korkor, offering tranquility and panoramic landscapes

Abuna Yemata Guh: One of Ethiopia’s most iconic churches, accessible via a challenging climb for adventurous travelers

After visits and an optional lunch in Hawzen, the trek concludes with an afternoon drive to Mekelle or a return to Adigrat, marking the end of a truly immersive cultural journey.

Main Destination:

No major destination visited

Accommodation:

No accommodation (End of tour)

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

• Additional accommodation can be arranged for an extra cost.
• You'll be dropped off at the airport.