Day trip to Tigray Churches
Highlights
- Impressive cross-shaped church with fine frescos
- Seldom-used church with astounding views and fine paintings
- Spectacular church sited within a cliff face
- Mildly challenging climb with breathtaking views
- Opportunity to experience unique architectural features and church treasures
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Duration 7 to 9 hours
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Private Tour
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Professional Guide included
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Lunch included
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Admission Tickets included
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Air-conditioned vehicle
Embark on a mesmerizing journey through history, religion, and culture with this extraordinary day trip to Tigray Churches. This tour offers a unique blend of adventure and discovery, allowing travelers to immerse themselves in the captivating landscapes while trekking, walking, and climbing their way to ancient wonders. Starting early in the morning, the tour takes you to Maryam Korkor, a grand church adorned with 17th-century frescos and architectural marvels. Just a short walk away, Daniel Korkor awaits with its breathtaking views and exquisite paintings. The highlight of the trip is the awe-inspiring Abuna Yemata Guh church, nestled halfway up a sheer rock pinnacle. Climb your way to this hidden gem, overcoming challenging sections and relying on expert guides who provide ropes for added assistance. The final scramble and precarious ledge walk will test your nerves and reward you with an unforgettable experience. Don't miss this chance to discover the wonders of Tigray's ancient churches.
At a Glance
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Free cancellation
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7 hours
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Instant Confirmation
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Available in English
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Mobile voucher
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Small Group tour
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Guided
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Family friendly
Featured Reviews
Explore the stunning Tigray Churches on a private day trip, immersing in history, culture, and breathtaking landscapes of Ethiopia.
Included
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Coffee and/or tea
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All Fees and Taxes
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In-vehicle air conditioning
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Lunch
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Professional Guide
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Bottled water
Excluded
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Services which are not mentioned on the inclusion
Pickup
Check if pick-up is available from your location, you will select during checkout (providers may allow other pickup locations)
What to expect
ገዳም ማርያም ቆርቆር / Mariam Korkor Monastery
We start our tour early in the morning by driving to Hawzien. Then proceed to Maryam Korkor. Although an unsightly green from the outside, this impressive, cross-shaped church is known for its architectural features (cruciform pillars, arches and cupolas), fine 17th-century frescos and church treasures. It’s also one of the largest churches in the area. The path begins around 1km from the road just southeast of Megab and involves a fairly steep one-hour ascent.
ገዳም ዳኒኤል ቆርቆር / Daniel Korkor Monastery.
Just a couple of minutes’ walk from Maryam Korkor is the seldom-used church of Daniel Korkor. It sits atop a paralysing precipice, offers astounding views and has fine paintings.After enjoying Maryam Korkor, there is a short seven-ten min walk to Daniel Korkor. On the way I like to stop under a large sycamore tree, to take in the view and have a snack. Daniel Korkor faces out over the Haiwzen plain, and one of the best pictures of the valley can be taken as you approach the church. Overlooking a terrifying cliff is a small hole in the rockface—that is the entrance to Daniel Korkor. Inside, you will find that there are two chambers where it is believed that two monks lived, before it was converted into a church. The outer chamber is filled with vivid paintings in light pastel colors with a white background, which are very different from any of the other paintings in other churches
Abuna Yemata Guh is spectacularly sited within a cliff face, halfway up a sheer rock pinnacle 4km west of Megab. The first 45 minutes of the climb is mildly challenging, with a couple of tricky sheer sections requiring toehold action; guides carry ropes for the final push. The last two minutes require nerves of steel to make the final scramble and precarious ledge walk over a 200m drop. Then you will drive back to Mekele
The experience can be subject to change due to bad weather or unforseen circumstances. We always endeavour to give you the best possible experience.
Additional Information
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Not recommended for pregnant travelers
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Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
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Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
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Public transportation options are available nearby
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Travelers should have a high level of physical fitness
What our experts say
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Wear sturdy shoes for trekking.
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Bring a camera for amazing views.
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Try local snacks under the sycamore tree.
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Stay hydrated, bring extra water.
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Don't rush the final climb at Abune Yemata.
More About this Experience
Introduction
Experience the rich history and spirituality of Ethiopia with a captivating day trip to the Tigray Churches. This unique tour offers a perfect blend of history, religion, culture, and adventure, allowing travelers to immerse themselves in the breathtaking landscapes and ancient structures of the region.What to expect?
Embark on a journey that will transport you back in time as you explore the Tigray Churches. These remarkable structures, carved into the cliffs and perched on rock pinnacles, offer a glimpse into Ethiopia's religious heritage and architectural marvels. Prepare to be amazed by the intricate frescoes, hidden caves, and sacred artifacts that await you.Who is this for?
This day trip is designed for anyone with a thirst for knowledge and a sense of adventure. History enthusiasts will be fascinated by the rich stories and legends surrounding the Tigray Churches, while spiritual seekers will find solace in the peaceful ambiance of these sacred sites. Whether you are a seasoned traveler or a first-time visitor to Ethiopia, this tour offers a unique and immersive experience for all.Why book this?
Book this tour to unlock the secrets of Ethiopia's ancient past and witness the awe-inspiring beauty of the Tigray Churches. With a professional guide by your side, you'll gain a deep understanding of the historical and cultural significance of these architectural wonders. The opportunity to trek, walk, and climb to reach these hidden gems adds an element of adventure to your journey, making it an unforgettable experience.Good to know
During this day trip, you will be provided with all the essentials to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable experience. From a knowledgeable guide to an air-conditioned vehicle, bottled water, and a delicious lunch, every detail is taken care of. It is important to note that some sections of the climb to the churches can be challenging, requiring a moderate level of fitness and a willingness to overcome heights.Reviews
Travelers who have embarked on this day trip have been in awe of the Tigray Churches and the overall experience. They have praised the knowledgeable guides who shared fascinating stories about the history and significance of each church. Many have mentioned the sense of accomplishment and wonder they felt after conquering the challenging climbs. Overall, the reviews reflect a high level of satisfaction and appreciation for the unique and enriching experience provided by this tour.This is a popular product and the date you are looking for just sold out. Next available date is