Northern
Simien Mountains
Discover Simien Mountains.
Northern Ethiopia
Gheralta
Painted churches cut into sandstone towers in Tigray, reached by barefoot climbs.
Overview
About Gheralta
The Gheralta range rises above the Hawzen plain in Tigray, and its sandstone towers hold dozens of churches cut into the rock by monks seeking solitude. The best known, Abuna Yemata Guh, sits inside a cliff at 2,580 m.
Reaching it means a short rock face climbed barefoot and a ledge above a long drop. Maryam Korkor and the hermit’s cell of Daniel Korkor need a steep walk but no climbing.
- Region
- Northern
- Best time
- October to May
Highlights
What makes it worth the journey
Highlights
- Abuna Yemata Guh
- Maryam Korkor and Daniel Korkor
- Sunset over the sandstone towers
Things to do
- Climb to a cliff church with local guides
- Walk to Maryam Korkor
- Watch the towers turn red at dusk
Plan your visit
Before you go
Best time to visit
October to May, when the paths are dry
Getting there
Fly to Mekelle, then about two hours by road.
Getting around
By 4x4 to the trailheads, then on foot.
Good to know
- Tigray is under official travel warnings and flights to Mekelle are suspended; tours are paused.
- Shoes with good grip; socks for church floors.
Gallery
A look at Gheralta
Photos: Unsplash
Let us plan your Gheralta trip
Tell us when you want to travel and what you love. A local specialist will reply with a suggested plan and a clear price.