Masada Snake Path

The Masada Snake Path is one of the most iconic hikes in Israel. Masada is an ancient and famous fortress that stands beside the Dead Sea. Starting from the base, the Snake Path winds its way up approximately 400 meters from the lowest place on earth, the Dead Sea. It then continues to the peak. Here, archaeological remains tell a story of heroism and endurance. You can enjoy magnificent views of the Dead Sea and the Moab Mountains of Jordan on the other side.

History of Masada

The fortress of Masada, built by King Herod, stands as a symbol of resilience and history. It was famously conquered by a group of Jewish zealots, only to be besieged by the Romans soon after. Facing inevitable capture, the zealots chose to take their own lives rather than surrender as an act of courage and defiance. Today, Masada remains one of Israel’s most iconic sites, offering not only breathtaking views of the surrounding desert but also a story of heroism that continues to captivate visitors from around the world.

Visiting Masada for Hiking

Climbing Masada at sunrise is something of a tradition in Israel, and on a clear day, the emergence of the sun over the Jordanian Mountains, illuminating the sky in a deep red, before projecting a haze across the crystal blue waters of the Dead Sea, is magical, unforgettable, and probably one of the greatest sunrises in the world.

Travelers can choose from our Masada and Dead Sea tours to experience the region without the hassle of planning everything themselves. Our Masada Sunrise, Ein Gedi & Dead Sea Tour includes a hike up Masada before dawn, followed by the Ein Gedi Nature Reserve and a relaxing float in the Dead Sea, all led by a knowledgeable guide.

The Masada Snake Path takes approximately an hour to ninety minutes to climb, and thirty to forty minutes to descend, depending on physical fitness. Because of the intense summer heat, it is recommended to climb before sunrise in the summer months. The path opens before the National Park and modern cable car which many visitors now use to ascend and descend the mountain. If you do arrive before the park opens, you can pay your entry fee at the top of the fortress.

Visiting Masada is easy, and generally combines well with a visit to the Dead Sea, and one of the other nature reserves in this region of the country - Ein Gedi or Qumran, or alternatively with a jeep tour in the desert. Whilst it is possible to reach Masada by public transport, it is challenging with buses infrequent, and stopping a walk away from the entrance to the site. If you don’t rent a car, there are, however, a good number of tours to Masada.

Tours to Masada

Our Masada, Ein Gedi, Dead Sea, & More Tour operates every day from Tel Aviv and Jerusalem, offering travelers an enjoyable way to reach Masada and hike to the top of the fortress. The tour also includes visits to Ein Gedi and the Dead Sea. If you’re based in Eilat, our Masada, Ein Gedi, and Dead Sea Tour from Eilat is also available as a convenient departure from the south, ensuring everyone can experience the best of Masada and the surrounding region.

For families or small groups, taking a private Masada tour for the day with a licensed guide allows you to visit and climb the Masada Snake Path, and visit some of the other treasures of the region.

Tips for Hiking the Snake Path

• Wear comfortable shoes
• Bring a water bottle
• In the summer months, a hat and sunscreen are a must
• Wear comfortable and breathable fabrics. It is good to dress in layers, as it can be cool before the sun rises, and very hot once it emerges
• Bring a camera!
• Best to bring snacks along, especially because the path is open before the park itself opens so it may not be possible to purchase snacks