Shibli – Hiking on Mount Tabor
Accommodation in Shibli
When looking for a hotel in Shibli, the Mount Tabor hike is a specific reason to visit. The trail begins at the Israel National Trail marker at the entrance to Shibli and ends at the village taxi terminal.
Mount Tabor Hike: Duration and Route
The descent on the hike to Shibli takes one to one and a half hours. The route follows the Israel National Trail all the way to the edge of Shibli. Some sections are steep and slippery; conditions may vary. Check the current trail conditions before setting out. The route soon leads into a grove of Tabor oaks. Soon, the trail to Shibli reaches a grove of Tabor oaks.
Vehicle Transfer and Other Hiking Information
A short vehicle transfer is required for the Mount Tabor hike described here. Allow for it in addition to your walking time. Taxis are available at the Shibli taxi terminal for the ride up Mount Tabor; check availability in advance. A dedicated shuttle terminal has also been set up in Shibli. If you are planning a specific trip, check in advance whether a shuttle runs to suit your schedule and when.
A trailhead has also been set up at Ein Toot in Shibli. Ein Toot is another trailhead in Shibli. The Mount Tabor hike begins at the Israel National Trail marker at the entrance to Shibli and ends at the taxi terminal; the descent takes one to one and a half hours and is steep and slippery in places.
Archaeological Sites in the Northern District
In the wider destination of the Northern District, Tel Hazor and Tel Megiddo are notable archaeological sites. Tel Hazor is a biblical tell with significant remains of a city associated with the Bible; the visit focuses on the upper city. The site includes Solomon’s Gate, with six chambers and two towers dating to the 10th century BCE. An excavated shaft is 45 meters deep, with steps three meters wide carved into its vertical walls. The underground water-collection system is an advanced, geographically adapted engineering achievement for storing water.
The history of the palace also shapes Tel Hazor: the Canaanite palace was used by the kings of Hazor in the 14th and 13th centuries BCE. The Late Bronze Age palace is considered the most elaborate in Israel and one of the most significant in the Levant. The fortifications of Tel Hazor are considered the finest example of their kind in the area from southern Turkey to the northern Negev. Tel Hazor National Park is accessible from the north and south via Route 90 toward Ayelet Hashahar; check your navigation before setting out.
Tel Megiddo is one of three tells that preserve significant remains of cities associated with the Bible and are closely connected with biblical events. The Early Bronze Age temple complex is exceptional for the number of its temples, the continuity of cultic activity, and its documented ritual activities. The orthogonal city plan from the Iron Age is another archaeological highlight: it has few parallels in the Levant.
For the broader travel overview: Northern District.
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