Climbing to view the sunrise at Masada is a unique experience that is so often embedded in the minds of visitors to Israel long after their trips here have finished. The sunrise at Masada is something magical and unforgettable which is often considered to be one of the world’s most impressive, with the slowness of the light emerging over the Jordanian Moab Mountains and the Dead Sea, it is quite spectacular. Because the cable car doesn’t begin operations until slightly later, climbing by foot is the only way to see the Masada sunrise.
The hike up Masada via the Snake Path, takes between ninety minutes to two hours, and is a moderate hike depending on the personal fitness level of each hiker. Set out at the bottom around 1 hour before the sun begins to show, and you’ll reach the top at the most spectacular moments. After exploring the magnificent fortress, many visitors, opt to hike at the Ein Gedi Reserve, or just to take a relaxing dip in the Dead Sea.
While it is possible to climb Masada at sunrise independently, many like to join a group tour, or, for families, head to Masada with a private guide.
- Masada Sunrise group tours are self-guided and leave Tel Aviv and Jerusalem every day and start from 69 USD per person. More information.
- Private guided tours are available every day and offer a flexible schedule which is customizable. For those interested, we also offer a private Masada Sunrise Yoga, Ein Gedi Oasis, and Dead Sea Wellness Experience Tour offering a once-in-a-lifetime experience for a private yoga session atop Masada as the sun rises.
- For those who are interested in visiting Masada not during sunrise, our Masada, Ein Gedi and the Dead Sea tour ascends Masada using the cable car, and departs slightly later in the morning, after the sunrise.More information
