Northern Ethiopia
Painted churches cut into sandstone towers in Tigray, reached by barefoot climbs.
Overview
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.
Highlights
Plan your visit
October to May, when the paths are dry
Fly to Mekelle, then about two hours by road.
By 4x4 to the trailheads, then on foot.
Gallery
Photos: Unsplash
Journeys
Length 04 days
Gheralta
Painted churches cut into the sandstone towers of Tigray, reached by barefoot climbs and narrow ledges high above the Hawzen plain.
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