15 things not to miss near the Dead sea

The Fascinating Dead Sea And The Numerous Attractions In The Area

The Dead Sea

The Dead Sea is a geological wonder, and you must see it while in Israel. It is over 400 meters beneath sea level, with an extremely high content of salt. You simply cannot sink in the Dead Sea. The surrounding area is ideal for hiking, and intriguing historical remains including the Jewish fort of Masada. A vacation near the Dead sea is certain to be an interesting and memorable vacation. In Hebrew, the Dead Sea is called Yam Hamelach, or Salt Sea. In Arabec it is Sea of Lot or Bahr Lut. It is located between Jordan and Israel, and the salt content is 25 to 30 percent. Both animals and plants are unable to live in the Dead Sea.

The maximum breath of the Dead Sea is 16 kilometers, and the length is 65 kilometers. A peninsula divides this inland lake, and projects off the eastern shore. This leads to a southern section that is much smaller and only four to six meters deep. The northern section is larger and as deep as 433 meters. The Dead Sea receives most of its water inflow from the Jordan River, and there is no outlet. The level of the water stays constant due to the high evaporation rate from the average annual temperature of 25°C.

The Caves of Qumran

The Caves of Qumran are a significant religious discovery. In 1947, a cache of papyrus and parchment documents were found by a Bedouin shepherd. These documents dated back to the 1st century AD and the 1st century BC. They are called the Dead Sea Scrolls, and are the Bible’s oldest surviving manuscripts. The manuscripts were created by the Essene community, a puritanical and strictly-observant Jewish sect from approximately 150 BC. The sect came about due to conflicts in Jerusalem caused by Hellenistic influences and superficial Temple rites.

Their base was in Qumran, but the Romans destroyed it in AD 68. Their archives and library were hidden in the surrounding caves. There are 500 Hebrew, Greek and Aramaic manuscripts, with ten almost perfectly preserved. These were found in 11 of Qumran’s caves. Some scrolls have disintegrated over the centuries, others are displayed at Jerusalem’s Israel Museum. The ruins comprise a refectory, scriptorium, kitchen, two cisterns, and an aqueducts remains. You can see the cave where several of the scrolls were found. There are nice hotels near the Dead sea including the Crowne Plaza Jordan.

Mineral Beach

Mineral Beach is famous for their amazing spa treatments. They use a combination of mud and water from the Dead Sea and Sulphur pools. The treatments are available at a spa at the Dead Sea, and are quite popular. The facilities include a swimming pool, sun-loungers, a café, sunshades and fresh-water showers necessary after a dip in the Dead Sea. One of the nicest cheap hotels in the Dead sea region is the Leonardo Plaza Dead Sea.

Wadi David

Wadi David is one of two valleys in the En Gedi Nature Park. The lush vegetation of the area is a beautiful contrast to the desert hills surrounding the area. The Wadi David is a paradise for wilderness lovers and hikers. The area encompasses the En Gedi Spring, a gorgeous waterfall and the remains of a Chalcolithic temple from the 4th millennium BC.

The temple was dedicated to the cult of the moon, there is a circular moon stone in the building’s center and two gates. One gate faces the Shulamite Spring, the other the En Gedi Spring. The Dodim Cave can be reached through the northwest track, and a circular Israelite stronghold and square Roman Fort through the west track. If you are looking for an accommodation near the Dead sea, you may want to try the Hilton Dead Sea Resort & Spa.

Wadi Arugot

Wadi Arugot is in the southern valley of the En Gedi Nature Park. Just like Wadi David, the Wadi Arugot features waterfalls and pools alongside the trails. There are less hikers here because the trails are a lot more difficult. Experienced hikers should take the time to visit these trails. Just to the northeast of the entrance to the Wadi Arugot, is the 5th century synagogue. The mosaic pavement is inspiring and there are numerous surviving inscriptions and fauna motifs. A good choice for a Bed and breakfast near the Dead sea is the Jerusalem Garden Home.

En Gedi Beach

For anyone on a budget, the public beach is an excellent option. The beach has lovely stones instead of sand, and an extremely comfortable visit is offered just south of the En Gedi Spa. Visitors can receive a sensational spa treatment, and use the swimming pools and Sulphur pools. The Rosary Sister Guest House Ein Karem is a delightful B&B near the Dead sea.

Ein Boqeq Beach

There is an amazing resort on the Dead Sea’s south western shore that had been used since ancient times for therapeutic purposes. The resort offers numerous spa establishments and hotels for visitors looking for a Dead Sea experience, or looking to the Dead Sea for a treatment for an ailment of the skin. The public beach is free and absolutely beautiful. The Mezad Boqeq fortress to the north of the town, and was built by the kings of Judah as protection against attacks from the Moabite. No vacation near the Dead sea is complete without seeing some of the public beaches.

Wadi Boqeq

Wadi Boqeq is another sensation hiking experience of the Dead Sea. The area is filled with gushing springs and lush greenery. This is an excellent hike for beginners because it is not difficult. After laying on the beach all day, this is a nice place to take a leisurely walk and stretch your legs. For an accommodation near the Dead sea, the Ein Gedi Hotel is always a good choice.

Neve Zohar

Neve Zohar offers several hot mineral springs, a spa and a restaurant. This is also just a three-kilometer walk to Mezad Zohar, a must-see stronghold situated among magnificent mountain scenery on a conical crag. The Byzantines once held this old Nabataean fort. On the road between Arad and Neve Zohar there are two incredible lookout points with amazing views across the Dead Sea. Any visitor searching for Hotels near the Dead sea should consider the Dead Sea Spa Hotel Resort.

Mount Sodom

Mount Sodom is a rock-salt mountain, and will add some adventure for anyone enjoying the Dead Sea experience. The mountain received its name because this site is thought to be the Old Testament’s Sodom. If you enjoy being active, the trails for mountain biking and hiking are exceptional.

This may be the lowest mountain you will ever have a chance to climb because it sits 176 meters below the level of the sea. The Daniel Dead Sea Hotel is one of the lovely cheap hotels in the Dead sea region.

Arad

Arad is a modern town, built in 1961. The town is well known, because right on its doorstep sets the Tel Arad archaeological site. The excavations of the Canaanite town date back to the 2nd millennium BC. To the northwest of the site are a temple and palace precinct, and the residential quarters are located to the south-west. You can trace a line of walls for a considerable stretch. On the acropolis, this wall would have extended to the citadel, and been reinforced with round towers. The acropolis structures you can view today date back to the post-Canaanite period. A thousand years has passed since these structures were built, from the early Israelite times to the days of the Romans. The citadel walls are massive and have been rebuilt with the original materials. You can enter the complex by using the east gate, and the massive towers flanking the gate are incredible. Inside of the walls there is a Hellenistic tower and a variety of store-rooms. The Jewish temple is the most important building here, and in the citadel’s northwest section. This temple represents the only sacred building of this type currently found by excavation. The Temple platform in Jerusalem does not permit excavations, so the Arad temple is of great importance for the history of religion and archaeology. The temple was destroyed several times, but was always rebuilt. For an enjoyable Bed and breakfast near the Dead sea, stop by the Jericho Inn.

Masada National Park

The Masada National Park is timeless, awe inspiring, and the pinnacle of anyone interested in an adventure of the Dead Sea. The mountain is a symbol of determination and courage. The glorious mountain hovers over the Judea desert’s wild terrains and the Dead Sea. The geological value and history have gained this mountain site recognition through the UNESCO World Heritage.

There are not many ways to travel to Masada, but cable car is the most common method. For adventurous travelers, the mountain can be reached by climbing on foot in comfortable walking shoes, or the Ramp Rail is easier. The most challenging trail is called the Snake Trail, and it is open at 5:30am every morning for the early risers. You may want to stay at a B&B near the Dead sea, and Diana’s B&B is a lovely choice.

Black Mud Body Scrubbing

The most traditional activity at the Dead Sea is called black mud body scrubbing. This activity will complete any vacation to perfection. Simply go down to Mineral Beach, and you will find an endless black pool of natural mud waiting for you. The mud is slippery, so be careful when you are walking down. You will enjoy the feeling as the mud soaks right into your skin and the minerals open your pores. Once you have finished, wash off the mud. Then go right to the mineral pools for a true completion of the Dead Sea experience. Once your skin dries, it will feel cleaner and smoother than it has felt in years. This is a sensational feeling, and not to be missed.

The Sky Dive club

For the true adventure enthusiasts, there is the adrenaline pumping feeling of sky diving. Located right at the foot of the Masada, is the Sky Dive Club. This is one of the most beautiful places in the world to see from up high, and there are a variety of packages offered to suit the needs of every adventurer.

The Dead Sea Works

The Dead Sea Works is the fourth largest manufacturer in the world of potash products, and there are organized tours available to take you through the plant. The plant is at the Dead Sea’s southern basin, specialized tour guides are available, and the tours last for an educational and interesting two-hour period. The other attractions include the Metzoke Dragot Desert Resort outdoor sleeping experience and popular tours by jeep. For activities there is a family moonlight trip, abseiling, jeep and safari tours, the drum circle, and so much more.

The Nahal David Stream

The Nahal David Stream is a wonderful experience filled with waterfalls and pools right in the middle of the desert. This is an extremely beautiful hike with sensational wildlife and scenery. The site offers a long, challenging trail and a much shorter trail as well.