Hebron, Palestine, March 2015. Hikers on the trail between Dura and Surra. The Abraham Path is a long-distance walking trail across the Middle East which connects the sites visited by the patriarch Abraham. The trail passes through sites of Abrahamic history, varied landscapes, and a myriad of communities of different faiths and cultures, which reflect the rich diversity of the Middle East. Photo by Frits Meyst / MeystPhoto.com for AbrahamPath.org

Bethlehem

The Palestine Heritage Trail continues through the wilderness between the shrine of An-Nabi Musa and Mar Saba Monastery with scenery full of breathtaking views on remote desert mountains and valleys. Afterward, the way meanders steeply up the hills towards Bethlehem, the birthplace of Jesus. The town is a natural rest and recovery point for hikers. From there, the path continues to Artas, passing near ancient aqueducts, Solomon’s Pools, and the picturesque convent of Hortus Conclusus. This section ends in the historical village of Tuqu’ with a view on the Herodium (Jabal al-Fourdis), a fortress built by King Herod the Great.

Bethlehem-Regional-Map-1024x672

Day Stages

In Arabic, Tal al-Qamar means Hill of the Moon. The site, remote from the hustle and bustle of the city life, is a perfect spot to watch a full moon or stargaze.

Follow this beautiful hike that leads through the picturesque Wadi Quelt and view the clings on the side of the rocky canyon Deir al-Quelt (St. George’s Monastery).

This journey follows through large uninhabited areas, filled with beautiful panoramic vistas.

This journey follows through large uninhabited areas, filled with beautiful panoramic vistas.

5: Jab’ah to Battir (10.2KM)

This journey follows through large uninhabited areas, filled with beautiful panoramic vistas.

Name  Area Language spoken  Contact information Other services Particular Interests
Riziq Ghayda Bethlehem Arabic , english Mobile: 0568640522

E-Mail Address: riziq4ever@hotmail.com

Flora/fauna, history, archaeology
Ibrahim Mashalla Bethlehem Arabic English Mobile: 0598955748

E-mail address: moa_bethleehem@yahoo.com

Flora/fauna, history, archaeology
Muhammad Al Qurna Bethlehem Arabic , English Mobile:059-958-8849

Email Address: alqornah31@yahoo.com

Flora/fauna, history, archaeology
George Gacaman Bethlehem Arabic , english Mobile: 0598448822

E-Mail Address: georgio_gacaman@hotmail.com

Flora/fauna, history, archaeology
Nidal Rishmawi Bethlehem Arabic , English Mobile: 0598951013
E-Mail Address: abusimon.14@hotmail.com
Flora/fauna, history, archaeology
John Atick Bethlehem Arabic , English Mobile Number: +972 (0)569804080

Email Address: wildpalestine@gmail.com

Website: www.wildpalestine.org

Flora/fauna, history, archaeology
Usama Zughbi Bethlehem Arabic , English +970 (0)599774749

Email: uzoughbi@gmail.com

Flora/fauna, history, archaeology
Wi’am Al Mashahla Bethlehem Arabic , English Mobile: 0568125526

E-Mail Address: wiam.dakrat@gmail.com

Flora/fauna, history, archaeology
Nadine Yatim Bethlehem Arabic , English Mobile: 0568601030

E-mail address:nadinealyateem@gmail.com

Flora/fauna, history, archaeology
Location Name Price Range Contact info
Bethlehem city Tal Al Qamar Guest house $ Facebook

Email: alkarmel48@hotmail.com

Phone number: 0568 903 502

Beit Sahour, Bethlehem region al Beit Guesthouse $  02 277 5857 or 059 856 3341
Email: info@arabwomenunion.org or info@elbeit.org
Bethlehem city Host Al Syrian Guest House $

Telephone +970 2 2747529

Email reservations@hoshalsyrian.com

http://www.hoshalsyrian.com

Bethlehem city Manger Square hotel $ Phone number: 02 277 8888

Website: http://www.mangersquarehotel

Bethlehem city Lorrette & Nicola Zoughbi Homestay $  Phone: 0599774749
Bethlehem city Dar Sitti Aziza $ Phone: +972 2 2744848

Fax: +972 2 2744343

Tuqu’ Rabiha HomeStay $ Phone:(0)597827866
Tuqu’ Mussa Al Shaer HomeStay $ Phone: (+970) 599087068
Tuqu’ Zariefa Homestay $ Phone: 0595177620

There are no exact schedules for the following transportation options. Buses and services (orange shared taxis for up to seven people; pronounced servees) usually start driving when they are full. Most transportation stops operating at sunset. The transportation might be less frequent on Fridays, especially between 12-2pm. Prices are subject to change.

FROM / TO BETHLEHEM DISTANCE TRANSPORTATION PRICE
Jerusalem 10km Bus 6-28NIS
Ramallah 50km Bus 18NIS
Jericho 45km Bus 25NIS
Mar Saba 15km Bus or taxi 5NIS
Beit Sahour 2km Bus 3NIS
Tuqu’ and Harmala 9km Taxi 5NIS
Artas 4km Taxi 5NIS
Al-khader 4km Bus 3NIS
Location Name Contact Mission Products
Dar Salah, Bethlehem Region Dar Salah Women’s Association Jawaher Salah 0599896661

Email: g_m-kh@hotmail.com

Focusing on women and community empowerment and targeting children, youth, poor people and special needs Bread (shrak), embroidery and pickles
Aizarieh,Bethlehem region Cooperative of Rural Development- Aizarieh Yara Ghbash 0597939497 enhancing and changing the situation of the women in the village Jam,Labneh,Chilli,Makdous,and Zaatar.
Shawawreh, Bethlehem Region Shawawreh Women’s Association Shifa Salem

Tel: 0598907239

Focusing on women and community empowerment and targeting children, youth, poor people and special needs pickles, jam, sweet, cheese, yogurt, oil as well as embroidery and straw.
Beitsahour,Bethlehem Region Arab Women’s union Basma Jacaman

2772022/0598225190

targeting children, youth, poor people and special needs  Food products,  and hand products,carpet weaving, paper recycling and use as colored and decorated cards
Bethlehem Nabd Women Center Samerah Odeh::0598321720 Pickles, Jam, Pastries, Desert Palestinian food, Handicrafts (embroidery, and straw)
Tuqu’ Bethlehem region Tuqu’ Women’s Center Head Woman: Alia Shaer

Phone number: 0599964789

Email: alia_alshaer@live.com

Focusing on women and community empowerment and targeting children, youth, poor people and special needs Handicrafts
Al-Ubeydiya, Bethlehem Region Al-Ubediya Sabaya Center Sara Hasasneh

Tel: 0598799128

Focusing on women and community empowerment and targeting children, youth, poor people and special needs Bread (shrak), embroidery and pickles

Artas, Bethlehem Region

Artas Women Committee  head women: Fida’ Rabaya : Tel: 0592807499 Focusing on women and community empowerment and targeting children, youth, poor people and special needs  jam, pastries, maftoul, and sweets