Wadi Qelt

وادي القلط

A beautiful canyon with a flowing stream running through the desert, featuring the ancient St. George Monastery perched on its cliffs. It's perfect for hiking and offers respite with natural pools and verdant vegetation.

Things to do

• Visit St. George Monastery — Explore the ancient Greek Orthodox monastery built into the cliff face in the 5th century, accessible via a short hike down the canyon.
• Hike the canyon floor — Trek along the stream bed through the lush wadi, passing through pools and vegetation-covered sections of the 20-kilometer canyon.
• Swimming in natural pools — Cool off in the crystalline freshwater pools formed by the Ein Qelt spring, which maintain a refreshing temperature year-round.
• Photography at sunrise — Capture the dramatic play of light on the monastery and canyon walls during early morning hours when shadows create striking contrasts.
• Bird watching along the stream — Spot resident and migratory birds including eagles, herons, and partridges attracted to the water source in the arid landscape.
• Botanical exploration — Identify desert plants adapted to the wadi environment including date palms, acacias, and wildflowers that bloom seasonally.

Food to try

• Fresh trout from local springs — Farm-raised trout sourced from the cool spring waters of the wadi region, typically grilled simply with lemon and herbs.
• Zarʿa (Palestinian salad) — A fresh mix of tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, and parsley dressed with olive oil and sumac, commonly served in nearby villages.
• Mansaf — The traditional Palestinian main dish of lamb cooked in yogurt sauce served over rice or bread, often enjoyed at local family restaurants.
• Date and nut pastries — Sweet treats made with local dates, walnuts, and honey wrapped in thin phyllo dough, reflecting the valley's date palm heritage.
• Herbal tea from wadi plants — Locally brewed mint and sage tea using herbs grown along the wadi, served fresh and unsweetened in traditional Palestinian style.

Local customs & good to know

• Dress modestly for monastery visit — Wear long pants and covered shoulders out of respect when entering St. George Monastery, as it remains an active religious site.
• Hire a local guide — A knowledgeable local guide enhances safety on the hike, provides historical context about the monastery and wadi ecology, and supports the community economy.
• Respect water source boundaries — The Ein Qelt spring is sacred to both Christians and local Palestinians; avoid swimming near the monastery's water intake and observe any marked restricted areas.
• Visit during cooler months — Locals recommend visiting between October and April when temperatures are mild; summer heat in the exposed canyon can be dangerous for unprepared hikers.