Journey through the Ethiopian Highlands on a guided, three-day trekking adventure from Lalibela. On your tour, immerse yourself in Highlander culture amidst the stunning natural beauty of the Lasta Mountains. See the first big birds, experience a coffee ceremony, and visit a working monastery.
To begin your tour, your guide will meet you at your hotel in Lalibela at approximately 7:30 am. From there, trek in the direction of the scenic Lasta Mountains. After about three hours, you’ll reach the Merebarbu Plateau. Pause for a snack of fruits and kollo, a typical Ethiopian roasted barley.
Continue your hike to the plateau of Ad Medhane Alem, or Atabkit, known as the “tight pass.” Here, delight in the expansive views of the highlands stretching out before you. Birds of prey, such as the Lammergeier and the Augur buzzard, soar overhead as you tuck into lunch provided by the eco-lodge.
After lunch at Atabkit, trek to the Ad Medhane Alem Village and get acquainted with your host family for the evening. Explore the village with your family and partake in the honored custom of an Ethiopian coffee ceremony. In the evening, gather around the fireplace and relax as dinner is served.
The next morning, following breakfast with your host family, set out on a shorter trek to Tigu Kebele, about three to four hours. Along the way, pass by highland farms, where you’ll see families at work and children at play. Cows and sheep graze freely in the fields.
Upon arrival in Tigu Kebele, stop by your accommodation for the evening, the Abune Yosef Eco Lodge. For lunch, you’ll hike to a scenic spot 40 minutes away, situated at an altitude of 4,000m. Relax in the stunning surroundings of the Abune Yosef conservation area.
Spend your afternoon in Tigu Kebele with two options. You can choose to hike further after lunch to the other side of the mountains for impressive views. Wander onwards to the twin Ziggit peaks, and even climb to the top of Rim Gedel, the highest summit in the Lasta Mountains at 4,284m altitude.
Alternatively, you can choose to join in the daily rhythm of the village locals. Milk a cow, learn how to bake the famous Ethiopian Injera bread, harvest some crops with the farmers, or visit the local mountain school for a glimpse into Highlander culture.
After your evening in Tigu Kebele, greet the next day with breakfast and a descending trek to the working monastery of Asheten Maryam. Carved into the mountainside, this remarkable structure is home to monks, nuns, and rare religious artifacts, including ancient crosses and a Bible.
Finally, continue along your way back to Lalibela, where your tour of the Ethiopian Amhara Highlands concludes in the mid-afternoon.
