2-Day Tigray Church Adventure: Abune Yemata and Gheralta

Climb to fifth-century churches carved into mountain cliffs in the Gheralta region

A 2-day tour from Mekelle to Hawzen in Tigray visits two ancient rock-hewn churches built into cliffsides: Abune Yemata Guh on day one, and Mariam Korkor and Daniel Korkor on day two. Each site requires a steep hike with climbing assistance provided. The churches date to the 5th and 6th centuries and hold frescoes and religious art inside. One night's accommodation, meals, guides and all transport are included.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1: Drive to Hawzen and visit Abune Yemata Church

• Meet guide at Mekelle airport
• Drive to Hawzen (Gheralta area)
• Lunch at local restaurant
• Hike and climb to Abune Yemata Guh church
• Explore church frescoes inside
• Drive back to hotel for overnight

Day 2: Visit Mariam and Daniel Korkor churches

• Hike to Mariam Korkor church
• Explore Mariam Korkor frescoes
• Climb to Daniel Korkor church
• Enjoy panoramic views from Daniel Korkor
• Lunch at local restaurant
• Drive back to Mekelle
• Drop off at hotel or airport

The experience

The tour starts with a drive from Mekelle to Hawzen in the Gheralta area, arriving by noon. After lunch at a local restaurant, you hike to Abune Yemata Guh, a church carved into a cliffside at 2,580 meters above sea level. The climb is steep and involves some scrambling, but an assistant stays with you the whole way up. Inside, the walls and ceilings hold frescoes that have survived for centuries. The church itself was built in the 5th or 6th century by Abune Yemata, one of the Nine Saints who brought Christianity to Ethiopia. You return to your hotel in Hawzen for the night.

Day two takes you to Mariam Korkor and Daniel Korkor, two churches perched on the same height. The hike typically runs 3 to 4 hours round trip depending on your pace, and the ascent is steep. Mariam Korkor is larger than many rock churches, with a high ceiling, multiple interior sections, and ancient frescoes of biblical figures and saints. Daniel Korkor sits even higher on a mountain cliff. The climb is demanding but opens onto panoramic views across the Gheralta landscape. After lunch at a local restaurant, you drive back to Mekelle and are dropped at your hotel, the airport, or another destination of your choice.

Your guide speaks English and leads both days. The package covers entrance fees to all three churches, one night at Vision Hotel in Hawzen (basic, clean, with Wi-Fi and hot shower), breakfast, bottled water, afternoon tea and coffee, and all transport by 4WD or van. Climbing helpers are included to assist on the steep sections. Lunch and dinner are not included, though meals are available at local restaurants along the route.

What’s included

• Entrance fees to all three churches.
• one night accommodation at Vision Hotel in Hawzen.
• breakfast.
• local guides and climbing helpers.
• bottled drinking water and afternoon tea and coffee.
• all transfers and ground transport by 4WD or van vehicle from Mekelle.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 08:30

Book up to1d before

AgesAdult (18 to 65 years) · Senior (66 to 90 years) · Youth (11 to 17 years) · Child (3 to 10 years) · Infant (under 3)

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.You can choose from 9 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Physically demandingPublic transport nearbyNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Majesty Ethiopia Tours

Is this one for you?The 2-day format spreads the climbs across two mornings so you are not exhausted after the first church, and the guide-led pace with climbing assistance suits travelers who want the mountain experience without navigating alone. You need a high level of physical fitness for the steep ascents and altitude. This tour is not recommended for pregnant travelers or those with cardiovascular concerns.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (11 to 17 years); Child (3 to 10 years); Infant (under 3).

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

How steep is the hike to Abune Yemata Guh church?

Abune Yemata Guh requires a challenging hike and climbing to reach the cliffside entrance at 2,580 meters. An assistant person stays with you during the climb to help with the steeper sections and ensure safe passage.

What is inside Mariam Korkor church?

Mariam Korkor is a large rock-hewn church with a high ceiling and multiple interior sections. The walls and ceilings are decorated with ancient frescoes showing biblical figures, angels, and saints dating back centuries.

How long does the hike to Mariam Korkor and Daniel Korkor take?

The hike to both churches typically takes 3 to 4 hours round trip depending on your pace. Both sites sit at the same height and involve a steep ascent, with Daniel Korkor positioned even higher on a mountain cliff.

What meals are provided during the 2-day tour?

Breakfast is included each morning. Lunch and dinner are not included in the package, but local restaurants are available in Hawzen and along the route where you can eat at your own cost.

Where do I stay overnight?

You stay one night at Vision Hotel in Hawzen, a basic and clean hotel with free Wi-Fi and hot shower facilities.