Masada Sunrise Day Tour from Jerusalem: Snake Trail hike

Climb Masada's ancient fortress as the sun rises over the Judean Desert.

This 10-hour day tour from Jerusalem combines a guided hike up Masada's Snake Trail at sunrise with stops at Ein Gedi Nature Reserve and the Dead Sea. You ascend the fortress on foot via uneven desert terrain, explore the ruins at the summit, then descend by cable car (on some options). The tour includes transportation from Jerusalem and a live English-speaking guide. A moderate to high fitness level is required for the uphill hike in desert heat.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time at each

1. Masada2h
2. Ein Gedi Nature Reserve1h 30m
3. Dead Sea2h

Masada, Ein Gedi, and Dead Sea visit

• Hike Snake Trail at Masada
• Explore Ein Gedi Nature Reserve
• Relax and float in Dead Sea

The experience

What makes this tour work is the timing: you start early enough to reach Masada's summit as the sun breaks over the Dead Sea, then spend the rest of the day cooling off. The Snake Trail is a real climb (uneven footpaths, uphill the whole way, no shortcuts), so the guide's knowledge of pacing and the desert itself matters. You'll see the ancient fortress ruins at the top and the sweeping views of the Judean Desert that make the effort worth it.

After Masada, the tour pivots to Ein Gedi, a nature reserve built around waterfalls and natural springs that feel like an oasis in the arid landscape. You can walk among the springs and spot wildlife before heading to the Dead Sea itself. The mineral-rich water is dense enough that you float without effort, and most people spend time here just drifting and letting the salt hold them up. Bring a bathing suit and water shoes. The salt can sting, and the shore is rocky.

Transportation runs the whole day: you leave Jerusalem in the morning, get driven to each site, and return by evening. The guide is local and speaks English, so questions about what you're seeing get answered as you go. Bring a hat, sunscreen, plenty of water, and snacks. The desert sun is relentless, and you'll be exposed for most of the day.

What’s included

• Transportation from Jerusalem to Masada, Ein Gedi, and the Dead Sea.
• a live English-speaking guide throughout the day.
• access to all three sites.

Before you book

Days and timesNext departure: 1 Mar 2027

Book up to10h before

AgesAdult (12 and older) · Child (under 12)

GroupUp to 30

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

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

Paid on siteUS$ 45

Prices and times updated 4 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical levelPublic transport nearbyInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Tourist Israel

Is this one for you?This tour suits small groups and solo travelers who are physically fit and ready for a strenuous desert hike in heat. The early sunrise start and the fixed itinerary mean you'll move through three very different landscapes in one day (fortress, oasis, and mineral lake), but only if you can handle the Snake Trail climb.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (under 12).

How hard is the hike up Masada's Snake Trail?

The Snake Trail is a steep, uphill climb on uneven footpaths in desert terrain. It takes sustained effort and a moderate to high fitness level. The guide will set the pace, but you need to be ready for the physical demand and the heat.

What's the difference between hiking up and taking the cable car down?

Some tour options include the cable car for the descent, which saves your legs on the way down. If your option doesn't include it, you'll hike both directions, which adds time and physical effort to the day.

What can I actually do at Ein Gedi?

Ein Gedi is a nature reserve with waterfalls, natural springs, and wildlife. You'll have time to walk among the springs and explore the landscape. It's a quiet stop compared to Masada and a chance to cool off before heading to the Dead Sea.

Is floating in the Dead Sea as easy as it sounds?

Yes, the mineral-rich water is so dense you float without any effort. Wear a bathing suit and water shoes. The salt stings if it gets in your eyes or cuts, and the shore is rocky, so shoes protect your feet.

What should I bring for a 10-hour day in the desert?

Hat, sunscreen, walking shoes, water shoes, bathing suit, towel, and plenty of water and snacks. The sun is intense all day, and you'll be exposed during the hike and at each stop, so protection and hydration are essential.