24 November 2017, Friday. ADH-DHAHRIYA TO BEIT MIRSIM - Thru Walk Masar Ibrahim 2017

The final stage of Masar Ibrahim begins with an interesting 19-kilometer hike between Adh-Dhahriya and Beit Mirsim, both located southwest of Hebron.

Six kilometers down the trail from Adh Dhahriya hikers will see the ruins of a Byzantine church, located about 300 meters east of the village of Anab al-Kabir. The compound served as a main religious center for the neighboring locations and includes parts of mosaic floors, as well as the remains of a wine press and grain mill.

The Masar passes through populated areas, including next to the primary school of Anab al-Kabir. If you hike on a workday, it is very possible that students on their way home from school will join you for some part of the trek.

After Anab al-Kabir the trail turns back to the north, leading to the suburb area of Adh-Dhahriya, where small shops can be found – a great place to refill supplies of cold water for the rest of the day- before passing next to an amusement park and garden where hikers can take a break in a shady spot.

The final part of the trail leads through the picturesque Wadi Nufakh, a valley that becomes a river during the rainy season. The slopes of the valley are rich in various shrubs, including felty germander (Teucrium polium, or in Arabic, jedeh (الجعدة)), which is widely used in popular medicine for treatment of stomach ailments. A small olive grove, ideal for taking rest in the shade, is located in the middle of the valley.

Before reaching the village of Al-Burj, famous for housing the remains of a Crusader-period fortified castle and a church, the trail passes next to the Israeli separation barrier. The Wall is also later visible from Beit Mirsim, the final location on Masar Ibrahim al-Khalil. The village is rich in heritage and includes such historical sites as a Byzantine olive press and a shrine of the Prophet Handal (Maqam al-Nabi Handal). Close to the village lies Tell Beit Mirsim, an ancient archaeological site, dating approximately to the eighteenth century BC. The site is now located on the other side of the wall and is inaccessible from the West Bank.

• Masar Ibrahim Hikers stamp location : Burqin Church

Walking distance: 19.8 km
Walking time: 5 - 7 hours
Difficulty: Difficult

Recommendations:

• Lightweight walking boots
• Walking poles
• At least 4-5 liters of water and snacks for the hike
• Sunscreen and hat
• Your camera

Included:

• An experienced local hiking guide
• Lunch en route 
• Transportations to/from Jerusalem/Bethlehem