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Lalibela is located in the heart of Abyssinian Highlands, on the side of mountain range culminating at 4284 mtrs. Its 2500 mts altitude provides a climate with daily temperatures 20-15C. The world recognized glory of the city comes from the churches curved in monolithic rocks, concept similar to Petra or Ellora gained Lalibela a spot not only on UNESCO World Heritage list but also on many travel connoisseurs bucket lists.https://vimeo.com/297861237
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Although date of churches creation is speculated to be around 12th to 13th century, it has been widely attributed to King Lalibela 24 years' project, at the time when city was called Roha. The legend says the King was born surrounded by the bees, and it became the sign of his future reign. The name also relates to this event – Lalibela origin in ancient Amharic means “The one who eats honey”.
Its only in 1950s when the first road to Lalibela was finally constructed and so the former dwellings started being replaced with houses and corrugated iron sheet roofs. Until then it took forty to fifty hours on mule to reach the city.
With 8 rock hewn churches and 2 rock hewn palaces Lalibela contains a number of courts, tunnels, pools and was significant achievement of architecture of its times. City quickly became political and religious center, downgrading Aksum, a capitol city, to secondary position. Moreover, due to its remote location it is only Lalibela that survived religious wars ravaging Ethiopia over centuries, other places were completely destroyed. No wonder the presence of churches is considered as holy protection to the northern Abyssinian plateaus.
Our plan is to visit this soaked with history UNESCO site but also spend some time outside to stretch the legs. We ll take the opportunity of Easter celebration which makes Lalibela a vibrant place and observe very unique celebrations.
Ethiopian Orthodox Christians celebrate Easter anywhere from a week to two weeks after the western Church. Fasika (Amharic term) follows eight weeks of fasting from meat and dairy. On Easter Eve, Ethiopian Christians participate in an hours-long church service that ends around 3 a.m., after which they break their fast and celebrate the risen Christ. Orthodox churches base their Easter date on the Julian calendar, which often differs from the Gregorian calendar used by rest of the world. Therefore the Orthodox Easter period often occurs later than the Easter period that falls around the time of the spring equinox.
Lets go!!
DAY 1 / Friday
Meeting at Dubai Terminal 1 for a flight to Addis and connecting flight to Lalibela. Check in to our comfy lodge, lunch and move for a short hike to a church located on a cliff with spectacular 360 degree view of the city and the sunset. Orthodox church start celebrate Easter on this day and we will sneak peak on their customs.
DAY 2 / Saturday
Early morning glimpse at Fasika pilgrims. Spend a day discovering 3 church complexes: the most famous group of George, Royal and Ecclesiastical. Beside churches, we will also go to market today to check the locals shopping lists for Easter meals tomorrow.
DAY 3 / Sunday
Early wake up call and observe Easter processions. Drive to yet another spooky location - church built within basaltic cave. It contains skeletons remaining of over 500 pilgrims. In the evening Easter celebration continues, with local dance band. Flight to Addis and quick look at bustling metropolis, visit Lucy and further fly back home.
Level: Easy- two short but steep in places hikes. Available for beginners.
Activities: sightseeing, trekking.
Accommodation & meals - all included: comfortable ROCK HEWN lodge (sharing rooms). Meals included except meals on transfers.
Single room / upgrades to traditional TUKUL subject of availability at the time of booking.
Cost: AED 5860 all inclusive of flights // 2480 AED without flights.
Specifically included: meals in Lalibela, entry fees.
Specifically excluded: visas, all kind of entry or photography fees or other tips, meals and entry fees in Addis, if any.
See yah in Easter Lalibela x
Trekkup Crew
Whatsapp 050 4848238 / [email protected]
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Event Venue & Nearby Stays
Dubai International Airport, Dubai,Dubai, United Arab Emirates
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