Northern Historic Route with Tigray cave churches – 7 days

The Northern region of Tigray is the perfect scenario to enjoy an unforgettable trekking day along the sandstone ridges with astounding views through the Gheralta valley. Climbing up to the Tigray rock-hewn churches will take you back to the 4th century. Abuna Yemata Guh or Maryam Korkor are both the most famous churches.

If you like a challenge and are lucky to be a man (ladies not allowed) you can climb up by rope to Debre Damo Monastery. The view from the top will make you speechless. On your way, you will witness age-old farming practices while surrounded by gelada baboons or birds of prey.

Be enchanted by the beauty and serenity of this area owned by proud people about their history and culture. Unfortunately, those suffering from vertigo may choose any other Historic tour.

HIGHLIGHTS OF THE ROUTE

• The stelae fields in Axum
• Climbing up to the Gheralta cave churches
• The Historic Adwa battlefield

Day 1
Fly to Mekele, the capital city of the Tigray region. Spend the day exploring the city with a tour to the Emperor Yohanis castle, the local market and the museum. Overnight in Mekele (hotel).
Day 2
Drive to Hawzien and visit the Wukro Cherkos rock-hewn church and Abreha we Atsebeha on the way. Overnight in Hawzien (lodge or hotel).
Day 3
Excursion to Dugem nearby churches including Abuja Abraham Debre Tsion and Yohannis Maikudi. Drive back to Hawzien for overnight (lodge or hotel).
Day 4
Excursion to Megab nearby churches. Trek up to a small plateau atop a sheer-sided 2,480 meters high mountain to visit Maryam Korkor Church. After descending, take a picnic and head towards Abuna Yemata Guh, the most compelling church in the Tigray region. Please note that this route is not eligible for people suffering from vertigo. Drive back to Hawzien for overnight (lodge or hotel).
Day 5
Drive to Axum via Adwa, the historic battlefield where the victory over the Italians took place in 1895. On the way, visit Debre Damo monastery, located in a 3,000 meters high cliff top, and the ruins of Yeha, dating from the 8th to 5th centuries BC. Overnight in Axum (hotel).
Day 6
City tour in Axum, home of the ancient Axumite Empire, the Queen of Sheba and the Ark of the Covenant, and visit the Archeological Museum, the tombs, the stelae field and the Maryam Zion church. Overnight in Axum (hotel).
Day 7
Fly to Addis Ababa with time to do some souvenir shopping or sightseeing. In the evening, Inside Ethiopia Tours offers you a farewell traditional dinner with local dancers and musicians representing some of the country’s ethnic groups. End of the tour.