Nahal Mashash is a typical stream in the Judean Desert with a steep canyon, various animals, and plants unique to the Judean Desert.
The steep canyon has a number of hand-holds imbedded in the rocks, for your assistance. In the part of the trail where Nahal Mashash meets Nahal Tekoa and connects to Nahal Draga, there are many flat rock surfaces and shade for most of the day, where you can rest.
From the confluence of Nahal Tekoa and Nahal Mashash, it’s possible to ascend towards Mashash Muraba’at. Mashash Muraba’at received its name from a pair of rectangular-shaped caves containing artifacts from the end of the Bar-Kochva uprising. These include a document in which Bar-Kochva’s name first appears.
The caves can be reached by following a colorless (‘transparent’) trail-marker (it’s a linear trail; out-and-back). The ascent back to the dirt road is steep and open to the sun.
Please note: you are passing through the Matzuk HaEtekim Nature Reserve. Please do not descend from the marked path and be sure to exit the reserve before dark.
In stormy and rainy weather, it is strictly forbidden to enter the stream for fear of flash-flooding.
It is forbidden to hike on the trail during extreme heat.
- Trail Length: approx. 6 kilometers (of which 3 kms are along a dirt road)
- Trail Duration: approx. 5 hours
- Degree of Difficulty: for good walkers
- Recommended Season: spring/autumn/winter
- Trail Map: #8
- Trail Marks: Color Green 8433/ Color Red 8341/ Color Black 8426
- Starting and Finishing Point: Metzoke Dragot Travelers Village
You need to walk along a dirt road marked green, for one and a half kilometers, until reaching the beginning of the trail
The itinerary, as described above, is a recommendation only, and those who choose to take this trip do so at their own discretion and responsibility. The Regional Councils will not be held accountable in the event of any adverse consequences that may ensue.