Lalibela is located in the heart of Abyssinian Highlands, on the side of mountain range culminating at 4284 mtrs. Its 2500 mts altitude provides a climate with daily temperatures 20-15C. The world recognized glory of the city comes from the churches curved in monolithic rocks, concept similar to Petra or Ellora gained Lalibela a spot not only on UNESCO World Heritage list but also on many travel connoisseurs bucket lists.
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Although date of churches creation is speculated to be around 12th to 13th century, it has been widely attributed to King Lalibela 24 years' project, at the time when city was called Roha. The legend says the King was born surrounded by the bees, and it became the sign of his future reign. The name also relates to this event – Lalibela origin in ancient Amharic means “The one who eats honey”.
Its only in 1950s when the first road to Lalibela was finally constructed and so the former dwellings started being replaced with houses and corrugated iron sheet roofs. Until then it took forty to fifty hours on mule to reach the city.
With 8 rock hewn churches and 2 rock hewn palaces Lalibela contains a number of courts, tunnels, pools and was significant achievement of architecture of its times. City quickly became political and religious center, downgrading Aksum, a capitol city, to secondary position. Moreover, due to its remote location it is only Lalibela that survived religious wars ravaging Ethiopia over centuries, other places were completely destroyed. No wonder the presence of churches is considered as holy protection to the northern Abyssinian plateaus.
Our plan is to visit this soaked with history UNESCO site but also spend some time outside to stretch the legs. We ll take the opportunity of Easter celebration which makes Lalibela a vibrant place and observe very unique celebrations.
Ashendiye is a music and dance festival that usually takes place from August 22-26 every year following the breaking of the fasting season in the Ethiopian Orthodox church. The festival symbolizes the coming of new hope for girls as it marks the end of the fasting period. It is an expression of girls' freedom, where they choose to express their love to boys or men they are interested in through songs and dance. The girls sing and dance from house to house, parading through the streets of the town. It is one of the most colorful ceremonies in the area.
Lets go!!
DAY 1 / Friday
Meeting at Dubai Terminal 1 for a flight to Addis and connecting flight to Lalibela. Check in to our comfy lodge, lunch and move for a short hike to a church located on a cliff with spectacular 360-degree view of the city and the sunset. In the evening we will join the procession and witness singing and dancing girls.
DAY 2 / Saturday
Early morning glimpse at Ashendiye. Spend a day discovering 3 church complexes: the most famous group of George, Royal and Ecclesiastical. Beside churches, we will also go to market today to check the locals shopping lists.
DAY 3 / Sunday
Early wake up call and observe Ashendiye musical processions, short souvenir stop n the way to airport. Flight to Addis and quick look at bustling metropolis, visit Lucy and further fly back home.
Level: Easy- short but steep in places hike. Available for beginners.
Activities: sightseeing, trekking.
Accommodation & meals - all included: comfortable ROCK HEWN lodge (sharing rooms). Meals included except meals on transfers.
Single room / upgrades to traditional TUKUL subject of availability at the time of booking.
Cost: AED 6120 all inclusive of flights // 2680 AED without flights until JUL 31st
Specifically included: meals in Lalibela, entry fees.
Specifically excluded: visas, any kind of photography fees or other tips, meals and entry fees in Addis, if any.
See yah in Lalibela x
Trekkup Crew
Whatsapp 050 4848238 /
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