Guide to Lalibela Churches and the Abuna Yosef Hike

Guide to Lalibela Churches and the Abuna Yosef Hike

Lalibela is a small mountain village in northern Ethiopia within the Tigray region. What it lacks in size, it makes up for its religious presence. During the 8th and 9th centuries, Christianity spread in Tigray, and Lalibela was the epicenter of religion in Tigray at the time.

Churches were built directly into the rock, with intricate carvings and caves used as places of prayer. Devout Christians come here daily for prayer and Sunday is an incredible sight to see.

Surrounding the villages are lush green mountains and rolling hills. On one side of the village are trails leading up to Abuna Yosef, one of the tallest mountains in Ethiopia standing at 4,260 meters high. The hike up to Abuna Yosef is an incredibly rich cultural experience. Nearly the entire route up is passing by small mountain villages. The interaction with locals and children along the trail makes this a unique hike.

An overnight stay with a local family in traditional mud huts (and possibly some entertainment), made this one of our favorite activities in Ethiopia.

Lalibela Church, Ethiopia

Content and photographs provided by Yana Kogan and Timon.

Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase or booking through one of our links we may earn a small commission (don’t worry, it’s at no extra cost to you).


Guide to Lalibela

Best Time to Visit Lalibela

The best time to visit Lalibela is between October and January during the dry season. January 7 (Ethiopian Christmas) and January 19 (Epiphany) are the two most festive days of the year. Lalibela gets packed, so make sure to plan. Stay over the weekend and check out the Saturday market followed by early morning (6 am) mass on Sunday.


Where to Stay in Lalibela

Budget Stay: Top Twelve Hotel has great rooms with Wi-Fi and hot water, and the hotel has a restaurant and bar.

Mid-Range StayZagwe Hotel has single and double rooms with a balcony, free Wi-Fi, a bar, and a terrace.

Like this post?! How about...
How to Visit Mauritius on a Budget

Where to Eat in Lalibela

Unique Restaurant is a local favorite with meals for 40 to 60 Birr. Come for sunset drinks at Ben Abeba followed by a meal for 40 to 100 Birr ($1.50 – $4 USD).


Rock-Hewn Churches

Lalibela Ethiopia Churches

Two clusters of churches are located in Lalibela, all within walking distance of each other. Eleven total churches are connected by tunnels and small alleyways carved through the stone.

The impressive Saint George Church is the epicenter of this devout village. It is one of the most important monasteries in Ethiopia and a major pilgrimage site.

Declared a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1978, these churches are best visited in the early morning. Hear the chants and congregation of traditional Ethiopian Orthodox worship.


Entry Cost

Lalibela Church, Ethiopia

Entry to the churches cost 1,104 Birr ($50) for a 5-day ticket. No single-day tickets are available and tickets are non-transferable. Although ticket prices are very expensive, seeing the churches is a highlight in Ethiopia.


Community Hike to Abuna Yosef

Abuna Yosef Hike

Aside from the importance of the 11 UNESCO churches, hiking to Abuna Yosef draws tourists to Lalibela. The first day of the hike up the mountains ends at one of the small villages. There are excellent opportunities to immerse in the local traditions and culture.

The second day is a long hike up to the summit of Abuna Yosef, Ethiopia’s sixth tallest peak. The panoramic views of the lush green valleys are impressive. The third day is a hike down the mountain back to Lalibela. Not only are the mountains beautiful, but this hike also adds a wonderful cultural experience.

It is a challenging hike due to the altitude. The peak stands at nearly 4,300 meters and there is a lot of elevation gain in only two days.


Cost

Abuna Yosef Hike: Farm

Costs are negotiable and can range from $20 to $60 per person per day for the three-day hike. Booking ahead will cost more, so wait to book in Lalibela for the best price. There is an extra fee of 300 Birr before the Abuna Yosef summit.


Booking a Guide

Abuna Yosef Hike: Guide

Several tour groups can organize hikes. At the time of writing and for an excellent guide with great prices ($25/per person per day), contact Damena (Dave) at +251 92 077 4790 or damensebabu27@gmail.com. Tell him Timon and Yana say hello!

Like this post?! How about...
Visit Ethiopia: A Complete Travel Guide

Hike Details

Abuna Yosef Hike
  • 1st Day: 8 miles, 4.5 hours
  • 2nd Day: 14 miles, 6.75 hours
  • 3rd Day: 8.2 miles, 4 hours
  • Difficulty: Moderate to hard depending on fitness level

What to Bring on the Hike

Abuna Yosef Hike: Huuts
  • Sleeping bag
  • Sunblock
  • Hiking shoes
  • Headlamps
  • Warm clothing (nights get very cold)
  • Light waterproof jacket

That’s it – we hope you have a wonderful time exploring Ethiopia!


SHARE THIS ON PINTEREST


About the Author:

  • Yana and Timon

    Yana & Timon met at college in Boston, Massachusetts. After graduating, they started their professional careers. They moved to San Francisco in 2010, a city they loved living in for nearly six years.

    After working and saving up money for several years, they quit their jobs and set off on an adventure of a lifetime. They started living a nomadic lifestyle in December 2015 and have not looked back since.

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

85 Shares
Share
Pin85
Tweet