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Lalibela is located in the heart of Abyssinian Highlands, on the side of mountain range culminating at 4300m. City's 2500m 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. We will discover this 7th or perhaps 8th world's wonder over an extended weekend trip.[https://vimeo.com/297861237](https://vimeo.com/297861237)
[https://vimeo.com/329506645](https://vimeo.com/329506645)
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, putting Aksum, capitol city on secondary position. Moreover, due to its remote location it is only Lalibela who survived religious wars ravaging Ethiopia over centuries, other places including Aksum 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.
Lets go!
DAY 1
Meeting at Dubai Terminal 1 for a flight to Addis and connecting flight to Lalibela. Check in to our comfy lodge, lunch, coffee ceremony and move to main churches complex, consisting of 5 rock-hewn structures for afternoon visit.
After churches its time to visit famous local nightclub called Torpedo, although it is not included on UNESCO list.
DAY 2
After hearty breakfast, we will start the day with the hike to Ashetom Maryam - a church hidden on a cliff with spectacular 360 degree view of the city. Visit to open market and the township, continue to churches for yet another spectacular discoveries.
In the evening dinner with local dance performers.
DAY 3
Start the day with the most famous group of St. George and check on the Sunday mass processions. On the way to airport souvenir shopping.
Flight to Addis and if time allows, quick look at bustling metropolis, visit Lucy and further fly back home.
Level: Easy- one short but steep in places hikes. Available for beginners.
Activities: sightseeing, trekking, cultural immersion.
Accommodation & meals - all included: comfortable ROCK HEWN lodge (sharing rooms).
Single room / upgrades to traditional TUKUL subject of availability at the time of booking.
Cost: AED 2,650 excl. flights // AED 5750 incl. flights until FEB 07.
Specifically excluded: e-visas, photography fees or other tips, entry fees and meals in Addis.
See yah in Lalibela x
Trekkup Crew
Whatsapp 050 4848238
Find all trekkups at [linktr.ee/trekkup](http://linktr.ee/trekkup)
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Event Venue & Nearby Stays
Dubai International Airport, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
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