Private Tour

3 Days Trekking in Gheralta Mountains and Tigray Churches

Overview

Available languages

German

English

Italian

French

Spanish

3 days

Mobile ticket

Discover the dramatic Gheralta Mountains and the ancient rock-hewn churches of Tigray on this 3-day trekking adventure. Hike to remote cliff-top sanctuaries like Abune Abraham, Maryam Korkor, Daniel Korkor, and the legendary Abune Yemata Guh. Camp under the stars, share coffee with local families, and enjoy breathtaking highland views while exploring centuries-old religious sites and authentic Tigray culture.

Additional Info

Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries

Not recommended for pregnant travelers

Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health

Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

What To Expect

Day 1

Day 1: Addis – Mekele – Gheralta Mountains – Abune Abraham – Mariam Papsite

Addis Ababa

After an early breakfast in Mekele, drive north about 100 km towards the striking Gheralta Mountains. En route, stop to visit Abreha we Atsbeha Church, one of Tigray’s oldest and most beautiful rock-hewn churches. Continue to the trekking start point, where you’ll enjoy a light snack before beginning your 3-day trek. Hike 2–3 hours up the escarpments to reach Abune Abraham Church (7th century AD), richly decorated with colorful murals. After lunch on the mountain top, continue trekking across scenic landscapes dotted with wildlife, traditional Tigray houses, and sweeping highland views until you arrive at Mariam Papsite. Here, you’ll have the opportunity to experience local village life, with the chance to be invited into a farmer’s home for traditional Ethiopian coffee. Trek further to the base camp (about 4 hrs) and spend the night camping under the big sycamore tree.

Admission Not Applicable

Day 2

Day 2: Trek to Kamer Mountain – Maryam Korkor & Daniel Korkor

Gheralta Tours

After breakfast, begin a challenging full-day trek (7–8 hours) towards Kamer Mountain (2,700m), the highest peak in Gheralta. From the summit, enjoy breathtaking panoramic views stretching to all four corners of the mountains. After lunch on the mountain top, continue trekking to visit Maryam Korkor and Daniel Korkor Churches, some of the most celebrated rock-hewn sanctuaries in Tigray, dating back to the 4th century AD. Their remote location and stunning cliff-top settings make them among the most rewarding to reach. Spend the evening camping at the top of Korkor mountain, alongside monks and nuns, where you’ll witness one of the region’s most beautiful sunsets followed by a peaceful sunrise the next morning.

Admission Not Applicable

Day 3

Day 3: Abune Yemata Guh – Return to Mekele / Axum

Axum

Enjoy an early breakfast prepared by your trekking cook before setting off towards one of Tigray’s most iconic churches, Abune Yemata Guh. Known as the “church in the sky,” it is famed for its dramatic location perched high in the sandstone cliffs and for its vibrant medieval frescoes. After the visit, descend and enjoy a final trek across the Gheralta landscapes. Following lunch, drive back to Mekele or continue onward to Axum for your next adventure.

Admission Not Applicable

What‘s Included

3 Day Accommodation with breakfast

Professional local trekking guide (English-speaking)

Bottled water throughout the trekking days

All camping equipment (tents, mattresses, cooking gear, etc.)

All entrance fees to churches and sites mentioned in the itinerary

Domestic flights (Addis Ababa – Mekele / Axum – Addis Ababa)

Hotel accommodation in Mekele or Axum before/after the trek

Personal trekking gear (sleeping bag, hiking boots, walking sticks, etc.)

Travel insurance (highly recommended)

Pickup points

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