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- Banias (the Hermon foothills and waterfall) — A cool, green slice of Israel where limestone springs carve a narrow canyon and a roaring waterfall drops into pools. The sound, the moss, and the mix of birds and small mammals feel more like a European hike than the surrounding Middle Eastern hills — a welcome contrast on a long thru-hike.
- Mount Hermon (the high alpine section) — The trail climbs into real alpine terrain with rare high-elevation views, wildflowers in season, and even snow in winter. It’s the highest point on the route, so the panoramas and the sense of “you’re way up here” make it stand out from everything else on the INT.
- Sea of Galilee & Arbel Cliff (Kinneret viewpoints) — Sharp cliffs drop to one of the only freshwater lakes in the region and the views at sunrise or sunset
- Banias (the Hermon foothills and waterfall) — A cool, green slice of Israel where limestone springs carve a narrow canyon and a roaring waterfall drops into pools. The sound, the moss, and the mix of birds and small mammals feel more like a European hike than the surrounding Middle Eastern hills — a welcome contrast on a long thru-hike.
- Mount Hermon (the high alpine section) — The trail climbs into real alpine terrain with rare high-elevation views, wildflowers in season, and even snow in winter. It’s the highest point on the route, so the panoramas and the sense of “you’re way up here” make it stand out from everything else on the INT.
- Sea of Galilee & Arbel Cliff (Kinneret viewpoints) — Sharp cliffs drop to one of the only freshwater lakes in the region and the views at sunrise or sunset are ridiculously photogenic. Add in ancient cave dwellings and a few historic sites nearby, and you get scenery plus cultural layers — perfect for a rest day with a view.
- Masada & the Dead Sea (history above the lowest point on Earth) — Hiking up to Herod’s fortress at first light is cinematic: sheer dropoffs, ruins clinging to the top, then the otherworldly Dead Sea below where you can literally float. The shock of salty water and pale desert makes this section unforgettable and very different from typical mountain trails.
- Makhtesh Ramon (the Ramon Crater) — personal favorite — A vast, eroded “crater” with layered rock, mute desert colors and a silence that grows on you. It’s geologically unique, excellent for spotting Nubian ibex, and at night the stars feel absurdly close — great for long, solitary miles and some proper desert stargazing.
Spotted a mistake or missing something? Contact us.
Dead Sea to or from Tel Aviv Airport, Private Airport Transfers
The Dead Sea and Masada Desert Adventure Private Tour
Transfers all over the Holyland: Haifa, TLV, Airport, JLM, Jordan
Transfers - Haifa, TLV, Airport, JLM, Jordan - VIP minibus
4 Days Private Guided Tour in Jordan Starting from Israel
UNESCO Gems of the South Private tour
GOKEDEM Adventure Kayaking to Deadsea Sinkholes
Best of the Holyland in 5 Days - Israel Highlights Private tour
New Jerusalem - Private Full Day Tour
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Hi, I’m Johan (Netherlands 🇳🇱), the creator of TakeYourBackpack. Over the past decade, I’ve backpacked through 80+ countries across six continents, gaining extensive experience with independent travel, long-term trips, and overland routes.