3 Days Expedition Tour to Gheralta Mountains
Tour Overview
Gheralta is often called the “Arizona of Africa,” but with a history that is much older and more spiritual. It is the ultimate Mixed Attraction, combining world-class trekking with 4th-century religious history.
Day 1: The Monoliths of Wukro & The Sandstone Horizon
• Morning: Arrive in Mekele and drive north toward the Gheralta range. Your first stop is Wukro Cherkos, a semi-monolithic church known for its Aksumite pillars and calm atmosphere.
• Afternoon: Continue to the Hawzen plains. As the massive red sandstone spires of the Gheralta mountains appear on the horizon, you will visit Abrha we Atsbeha. This is one of the most beautiful churches in Tigray, famous for its sophisticated architecture and 17th-century murals.
• Evening: Overnight at a lodge nestled at the base of the cliffs. Watch the sunset turn the sandstone mountains into glowing gold.
Day 2: The Ascent of Faith (Abuna Yemata Guh)
• Morning: This is the highlight of the trip. We trek to Abuna Yemata Guh. To reach it, you must climb a vertical cliff face using hand-holds worn into the rock over 1,500 years. (Don’t worry, our expert scouts are there to assist you!).
• The Reward: Inside the tiny cave church, you will see some of the best-preserved frescoes in the world, dating back to the 5th century. The view from the “porch” of the church, 200 meters straight down, is breathtaking.
• Afternoon: A gentle walk through the local villages to meet the Tigrayan farmers and experience a traditional coffee ceremony in a stone-built home.
Day 3: The Fortress in the Sky (Maryam Korkor)
• Morning: A more traditional mountain trek (approx. 2 hours) to the top of the Korkor massif. Here lies Maryam Korkor, one of the largest rock-hewn churches in the region, featuring high ceilings and complex arches.
• The Hidden Gem: Just a short walk away is Daniel Korkor, perched on the very edge of a sheer precipice, offering a 360-degree view of the Hawzen plains.
• Afternoon: Descend the mountain for a final traditional meal before returning to Mekele for your flight out.
