All of Israel by foot

The Israel Trail is an 850-kilometer (528-mile) long trekking route, which runs from Kibbutz Dan, located in the country's northern tip, all the way to Eilat in the south. I promise that if you take our advice and travel by foot, as we did (some prefer 4x4 vehicles or bicycles), the trip will be an unforgettable experience, even if you are an experienced trekker. When to go It is advisable to take on the Israel Trail in September-October, or in March-April, as I believe it is better to travel from north to south (it is much more appealing to end the trip in Eilat and jump into the Red Sea, than to finish in Kibbutz Dan and immediately get on a bus back home). I recommend September-October, when it is not too cold in the north. Also, as you make your way south, it would already be fall in the Negev and Arava deserts, so it would not be too warm either. The journey took us 42 days, but it can also be done at a faster or slower pace. We walked an average of 20 kilometers (about 12 miles) a day, although on certain days we walked twice that distance (you would be surprised at what the human body is capable of). We had also decided to walk only six days a week, so we rested on Saturdays. It is recommended to rest for at least one day a week it's good for the body and soul, and makes the trip seem less like a race against time. Choosing a partner Choosing a suitable partner is crucial to the trip's enjoyment level. Yonatan and I have been close friends since grade school, and this definitely contributed to the fact that we not only completed the journey, but also enjoyed it thoroughly. When you set out on such a journey with someone you know so well, you are confident you have someone to trust and lean on when the going gets tough, and also someone to talk to when it gets a little boring. Therefore, I suggest you try convincing a friend before seeking a trekking partner on the Internet. However, if you insist on finding a travel companion on the Internet, you should attempt to form a small group of trekkers, say four people. In any case, try to gather an even number of people. Losing weight as a bonus The trip's physical aspect was very intimidating to me before we began. I remember thinking to myself as we passed Mount Meron and Mount Tavor on the way to the starting point: "How in the world am I going to climb these mountains?" But as it turned out, climbing the mountains was not so difficult for Yonatan and I, and neither one of us have a combat-unit military background. We are not that into sports either, but we discovered that willpower is more important than physical strength. The journey's beginning is a bit grueling, and during the first week or so, you should expect to experience pain in muscles you never knew existed. But the pain eventually subsides, and the walking becomes more and more pleasant with each passing day. You should also know that Yonatan and I shed 10 kilos (22 pounds) on the trek, so even if you don't enjoy the trip, at least your figure will improve. Planning the trek Extremely important! Prior to the trip, we had spent a week going over maps, planning our itinerary, and marking water sources and lodging areas. Zvi Gilat's Map and Guide to the Israel Path is very helpful as well, but be sure to purchase the updated edition. Equipment The Israel Trail would seem entirely different if we hadn't carried so much weight on our backs, and each time we passed by trekkers who had carried light and compact backpacks, we could not do anything but eat our hearts out. A light backpack can help you skip over stones while crossing a stream, bend over to tie your shoelaces, or walk down a slippery and steep slope. Having enough water is key, and the further south you are, the more water you will consume. In the northern areas, 3-4 liters (about 0.8-1 gallon) of water a person a day are sufficient for both drinking and cooking. In the south, especially if you are traveling during the April-May period, you should plan on 9-12 liters (about 2.4-3.1 gallons) a person a day. This is a lot of weight to carry, so it is recommended to plant water bottles along the path in advance, or have someone bring you water when you reach a certain point. I recommend the two-liter bottles (about 0.5 gallons), and you should also purchase water-bag with a drinking tube connected to it. This is very comfortable, as you can drink while you're walking, without having to stop and take the bottles out of your backpack. Safety The Israel Trail does not cross the Green Line (the border between Israel proper and the territories), so we did not feel obliged to carry a rifle with us, although we do know someone who had received an IDF permit to take his M-16 along for the trip. To me this seems unnecessary and uncomfortable. In any event, it is advisable to make a list of important phone numbers, including the Committee for Israel's paths (Danny Gesper: 972.3.638.8719), a list of field schools or park rangers you may need along the way, and the phone number of the Ministry of Education's situation room, in case of emergency. Accommodations In the northern part of our expedition, we did our best to sleep in nearby towns, and in the south we slept in camping sites, or on the path itself. Try to arrange your trip so you sleep near a water source, and do not sleep on exposed mountaintops or valleys, as the nights may get very cold in these areas. In any case, sleeping on a slope may be quite amusing, even though calling it "sleeping" is a bit of a stretch. A few more tips Try to plan the trip so you enjoy the rest days in pleasant locations, such as Lake Kinneret (Sea of Galilee), or even a friend's house. Also, determine certain destinations where you would be able to give and receive equipment, such as maps, film, and gas balloons. This way you will carry less and enjoy yourself more. Just before departure Before you embark on the Israel Trail trek, you should lay down a few rules for the journey, and make an effort to stick to them (such as not hitchhiking, or showering every day). When you meet people on the way and tell them you're walking from Kibbutz Dan to Eilat, some will look at funny, some will smile and compliment you, and others will simply ask, "Why?" But no one will remain indifferent, because you'll be doing something amazing. Tell us about your hiking adventures in Israel, and include pictures. We'll publish or link to the best stories on Ynetnews. Follow Israel Trail hiker Maoz Inon on his trek through the country. Nice pictures, too.

All of Israel by foot

From north to south, or south to north, Israel Trail is a 500-mile trek along country's spine