2-Day Exploring the Rock-Hewn Churches of Gheralta Tour

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

From Axum to Hawzien via Adwa, Yeha, and Adigrat

Your journey begins with a scenic 190 km drive (4–5 hours) from Axum to Hawzien, traveling through historical landscapes via Adwa and Adigrat. Pause to take in the profound significance of Adwa, where Emperor Menelik II led a historic victory over a colonial army, preserving Ethiopia's sovereignty. About 11 km east of Adwa, visit the 6th-century Abba Garima Monastery, founded by one of the Nine Saints and home to an invaluable collection of religious artifacts, including three illuminated gospels dating back to the 10th century.
Continue your morning exploration at Yeha, home to Ethiopia's oldest standing building. Dating back to approximately the 8th century BCE, this remarkable pre-Christian temple stands alongside the historic 6th-century church of Abba Aftse. Afterward, proceed to the legendary cliffside monastery of Debre Damo (Note: Accessible exclusively via a leather rope climb, this site strictly permits male visitors only).

Main Destination:

Debra Damo Monastery (Highlight)

Activities:

Game drives (Normal 4x4 vehicle)

Accommodation:

Gheralta Lodge

• Mid-range lodge located in Tigray

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Non-alcoholic drinks

Exploring the Rock-Hewn Churches of Gheralta

Dedicate your second day to discovering three of Gheralta’s most iconic and architecturally distinct rock-hewn churches: Abuna Yemata Guh, Maryam Korkor, and Daniel Korkor. Begin with an adventurous morning ascent up the Gheralta massif to reach Abuna Yemata Guh. The trek requires navigating handholds and footholds carved into the sandstone, followed by a walk along a narrow, one-meter-wide ledge featuring a dramatic 200-meter drop. The cave church itself rewards your bravery with stunning ancient wall paintings and an ethereal atmosphere.
Continue your exploration with a visit to Maryam Korkor, renowned as the most architecturally impressive church in the cluster. Its vast interior features a towering ceiling supported by twelve free-standing pillars, showcasing master craftsmanship carved high from the ground.

Main Destination:

Gheralta Mountains (Mountain Range)

Accommodation:

No accommodation (End of tour)

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Non-alcoholic drinks

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