Dead Sea Basin

A day’s trip to this unique region is a journey to remember. Descending towards the Dead Sea basin from east of Jerusalem, the elevation drops dramatically from 2,400 ft above sea level, to more than 1,400 ft below sea level within less than half an hour (!) revealing a starkly beautiful landscape sculpted by millions of years of geological forces. This is the Jordan Rift Valley, cradling the Dead Sea, Earth’s lowest point above the surface. The Dead Sea itself is a relic of a vast prehistoric ocean, its intense salinity a result of millions of years of evaporation under the relentless desert sun.

There are numerous places to visit on a day in this are. Masada National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a great place to start if this is your first time visiting the area. Atop a dramatic mesa overlooking the Dead Sea, the remains of a fortified palace tell the story of King Herod’s opulent desert retreat and the courageous stand of Jewish rebels against Roman forces nearly 2,000 years ago. For those who have been here before, as well as spiritually important for Christians, a visit to the Qumran Caves reveals the site where the remarkable Dead Sea Scrolls were unearthed. These ancient biblical and historical texts, preserved for millennia in the dry desert climate, offer a window into the religious and social life of Judea in the Second Temple period. If it’s relaxation and physical chillness you seek, the Dead Sea is a good place to revitalize in one of the sea’s beachside resorts. Lather up with mineral-rich mud, renowned for its therapeutic properties, and float effortlessly in the buoyant waters – a memorable experience! The Dead Sea’s high salt content makes swimming nearly impossible, but allows you to recline and soak up the scenery. Combining archeology and wellness with some nature, the Ein Gedi National Park offers a hike through canyons teeming with desert wildlife, leading to fresh waterfalls and lush vegetation fed by hidden springs. The park offers a stark contrast to the barren landscape surrounding the Dead Sea. If you have visited this region many times and are looking for something different, a unique perspective of the Dead Sea can be experienced through a boat tour, going to surreal sight of sinkholes formed by the dissolving of underground salts, as well as sparkling salt daimonds, creating a cool and dramatic adventure from within the Sea and along the shoreline. 

As the sun dips below the horizon, casting long shadows across this ancient landscape, depart with a newfound appreciation for this unique area where history, geology, and natural wonders collide.