Masada, Ein Gedi and the Dead Sea - The ultimate guide to the Judaean Desert

A complete guide to visiting Masada, the Dead Sea, Ein Gedi and Qumran. This video will show
you all you need to know about the main sites in the Judaean Desert.
Here’s what this video is about:
Masada: How do you get there? A brief history of Masada and information about the best way to
see Masada - an unknown trail that surrounds Masada.
The Dead Sea is one of the wonders of the world. It is the lowest point on earth and you can
float on its dense salty waters! Where are the best beaches and what do you need to be aware
of?
Ein Gedi is a national park that is home to two spring-fed streams with drinkable water that flow
all year round - Nahal David and Nahal Arugot. A visit to Ein Gedi combines history - there is an
ancient, 6,000-year-old temple, and a beautiful synagogue with a mosaic floor - and wildlife -
there are plants that originally come from Africa, and you get to see animals including the ibex
and the rock hyrax. Ein Gedi is perfect for those who love hiking. Most visitors go for two to
three hours, but there are also longer full-day treks.
Qumran is a small archeological site. I describe it as the most important unimpressive site in the
world. The site is hardly spectacular in itself, but in order to understand it you need to look at the
cliffs all around and know the history of the place. The Dead Sea scrolls were found in the caves
set in the cliffs around Qumran. This is one of the most important archeological finds in Israel
and the world.
For all information see my internet site - www.travelingisrael.com
My Booklets - amzn.to/2GKshYY
My Booklets on Kindle- amzn.to/2RvHzTI

[@carterbarsoom374]

1970, I worked at the youth hostel in Massada for 6 months. I’m 76 now and that experience remains a highlight of my life. No hotels back then.

[@ilostsomethingonce]

Ein Gedi was hands down the prettiest view I've seen in my life.

[@suzannemolineaux7001]

Dear Oren, I think you are terrific. Your videos are packed with information. I am coming to Tel Aviv soon for vacation, and am grateful for your presentations on arriving at the airport, and how to get a rav-kav card. Regards, Suzanne Molineaux

[@falloutman565]

I love the history you give of Israel. You’re very knowledgeable. Thank you

[@stephenbalga102]

Yes, you need to be fit. When I was 20 in July 1975 a group of us hiked the whole Wadi Quelt from Jerusalem to Jerico. Awsome! Same month a few of us split from our group to Masada and took a sherut to the siege ramp side to hike over and meet everyone at the base of the snake path. One problem. We arrived too late. The guard said Masada was closed. We were stuck.But we had a good conversation with the nice guard and out of the blue he said we could go up and stay the night on top of Masada and go down the snake path in the morning. Are you kidding me! What an adventure this was. We had the whole place to ourselves. The breezy silence was eerie. Oh, and the stars at night...then sunrise over the Jordanian highlands. The guard broke the rules for us and I will never forget his kindness for the memory of a lifetime!

[@andrewburke800]

Beautiful scenery and excellent commentary, and a great history lesson too, that's why I enjoy your videos

[@alerdman2002]

David's Hostel in Tiberius was very comfortable and PARKING !! Just got back home two weeks ago from Israel, bought your booklets and still enjoy them thank you

[@coreygrua3271]

I have been to the Holy Land many times; once with a fine Utah tour group and often since with Oran, Danny Herman, and Sergio and Rhoda. I’m so very grateful for the selfless sharing of their intriguing video stories. The place still fascinates me, in person or on my iPad. Israel is full of unnumbered blessings.

[@gracely77]

We didn’t stop at Masada. We did stop at Qumran. I would like to go back and take my time. Thank you for the information. I will certainly look you up in the near future.

[@britasingh]

You always manage to give the most important informations. Excellent again.

[@davidmcintosh8978]

This man is a great speaker great diction very precise and detailed another great video thank you for all the info so amazing how much information that you are able to talk about without a Teleprompter amazing!!

[@mumtazanjum8617]

Thank you very much for this beautiful video. God bless and save Israel now and always Amen. God bless you brother.

[@muhammadsuleman9328]

Jews people get out from Palestine🤣

[@islandtat3414]

You’re the best, Oren!

[@sandrapotgieter7488]

Thank you!!! love your video's...from South Africa..

[@amunek]

Went to Masada a few years back & hiked up the snake path in the morning, just in time to sit down & watch catch sun rise over the desert....brilliant experience

[@kf505]

Very interesting history! Beautiful views. Thank you for another awesome video

[@philiptilden2318]

He’s dead right about walking in the Judean desert in summer. I walked down the snake path from Masada in July and it was nearly unbearable. Although I was 19 it was still punishing. There is no escape from the heat, it comes down and even up from the ground and, as he said, there is no shade to give you any respite. Even though I was walking down, I was still drenched in sweat and breathing as deeply as I could, like I’d just run a marathon.

[@scottmeans2]

Thanks for taking me to the dessert. It's info I didn't know.thanks scott

[@lizb7777]

So I bought your booklet. Thanks for the information. I enjoyed the read. I am in Isreal now and will put the information to good use.

[@christineamclearly-halton1581]

Oren✨ . I love hearing about the history and knowledge you share . Awesome sights , and interesting places . 🇮🇱Thank you Kind regards from Australia 🇦🇺🤗

[@Bear049]

Thank you very much the video was great love to hear the history. History is very important. I want to come visit would you be willing to be my guide

[@Travelingisraelinfo]

Thanks! Yes all my details and more information can be found on my site - www.travelingisrael.com

[@olmaBLN]

I did it only as day tours and visited 3 times at Massade, unforunately never Ein Gedi. A pitty, that some beaches don´t exist anymore, because of the sink holes, I hope Israel and Jordan will manage to find a way of keeping the Dead Sea alive. Kalia Beach in the north is nice and some Israelis told me, that Ein Bokek isn´t interesting, if you don´t sleep there. Just hotels, nothing really more. I now visited Israel 8 times since 2010 and still find everytime new ascpects and recommendations in your video!! LOVE IT!!!

[@logicaredux5205]

You are an excellent guide!

[@ThomasArnold]

Great tour, as always.👍👍👍

[@andrewss4980]

Good information

[@jppreethi1642]

So wonderfully explained!

[@talyahyeminagomes3602]

Thank you. Great information.

[@miongoogle1035]

Excellent information, very well presented, and great tips. thanks!

[@nocturneowl2660]

Great info. I was there Nov 2016. Wouldn't mind going back.

[@christophercarpenter2740]

I love your videos. Thank you, very much!

[@sdh4230]

I miss coming to Israel so much.

[@abbaborowich4154]

Oren, you are a treasure! Each of your videos is spectacular. Your commentary is highly informed and adds enormously to the sites. I wonder if you are available to guide people or do you just write about each site?

[@Travelingisraelinfo]

Shalom, Thanks! I did guide, but now in the corona time I don't. I still don't know what my plans are for post corona era :-)

[@kikauffa]

Great thank you !

[@amberfierstein1294]

Oasis hotel is lovely it’s next to the Dead Sea and a beautiful spa

[@angelyqueangel9628]

Excellent information. Great video. Thanks a lot.

[@johannanarvaez8129]

It is a beautiful place. I had the opportunity to visit it last year during summer. ❤️ Shalom!

[@wendyleonenko8962]

Very good explanations. Very interesting history. Thank you.

[@ottomuc]

Thank you for this video with all your information. We visited Ein Gedi and the Baths with the Egged bus 486 which runs very often, cheap, fast and save from Jerusalem CBS to all interesting points in this area... :))

[@lupitabustos8993]

Excellent ,thank you

[@marie-joelleraussou]

Thanks for talking about these fascinating sites, may be one day travel is allowed again and I can visit.

[@bensonwagoner160]

Thanks Loved the history, good job. Quality excellent

[@MrStingray1985]

This is another great video, and it's very nice how you always emphasize the importance of history in order to get an idea of what a certain sight is all about. Also, thanks for not pretending that En Bokek is actually a nice place ;)

[@philtrumcorp]

I love Orens videos and planned my entire Israel trip around them and, because of Oren, it was a great success. I have to say the Dead Sea was something i could have skipped in terms of swimming in it. If you go to Masada you will see the dead sea (you dive along it for quite a long time) and my advice is to look at the Dead Sea from afar and be done with it. As Oren mentions, many of the more quiet beaches are closed because of sink holes. The few that are open are very crowded tourist traps. The open beaches were dirty with lots of dirty mud covered (many drunk) tourists trying to tick a box off their list. not pretty. with 100 tourists standing in a 20 square meter area, the beach littered with food wrappers, beverage bottles, face masks, etc... the water looks like thick mud and, as Oren suggests, is a strong toxic salty chemical bath that stings your skin. I tried to find something cool or interesting about it, but couldn't come up with anything. i wish i'd skipped it.

[@spuk1980]

great video my friend. I cant wait to visit your country, i love its history!

[@colorfulsisters9089]

we just went here the other day. love the dead sea so much :)

[@chantsd27]

Thanks for the info

[@piacone]

Very informative and helpful in planning our trip to Israel next year. Thanks!

[@antonboludo8886]

You are a good man. Thank you :D

[@user-ed8nz7vn7l]

Thanks a lot 😘

[@18Piosta]

Great video!

[@rubensawaiya8109]

Thanks bro nice vedio

[@amytrumble7649]

Thanks so much really enjoying your videos and ordered all your books which arrived 2 days ago! Can’t wait to read them

[@Travelingisraelinfo]

Thanks! If you enjoy them (or not) I will be happy to hear for you.

[@amytrumble7649]

travelingisrael.com do you have tours I can book on?

[@Travelingisraelinfo]

yes, you can write me when you come. you can find my mail on my site - www.travelingisrael.com

[@101life9]

I thank you so much for sharing your valuable experience and info. Greatly appreciated. Will want to meet you one day in Israel! God bless.

[@Travelingisraelinfo]

Thank you! I love when I go (mainly in Jerusalem) and meet tourists that recognize me from my videos. Feel like a celeb :-)

[@jromegoh]

Love your videos! Very informative 👍 I don't usually comment but I had to leave a message of support after watching a few of your videos. I been to Israel once and would love to go back again some day. Cheers!

[@Travelingisraelinfo]

I appreciate that!

[@darransykes5703]

I visited Masada on the last day of my trip to Israel and in the evening, I also visited a beach on the Dead Sea although I can't remember which one.... I found the Dead Sea very slippery underfoot and also after getting out of the water, my skin felt very greasy but I had a great time whilst there!

[@Travelingisraelinfo]

Hey Guys, I hope you enjoyed my video and found it helpful! If you’re looking for a deeply moving experience that will inspire you and your loved ones then you need to contact us and find out about our immersive experiences, for which we devise a tour that is tailor-made for you and your interests. schedule a call - calendly.com/11213/oren If you’re traveling on a modest budget, you can also purchase my Booklets, in which I basically wrote down everything that I say on my 3 most popular tours: Jerusalem, Tel Aviv, and the Judaean Desert. I also added maps, pictures and graphics which will enable you to be your own guide. The booklets are only sold outside Israel, so order now and come prepared! Or download as a PDF or EPUB (e-book). All the details on my site - www.travelingisrael.com/israel-guide-booklets/ Booklets as PDF - payhip.com/b/oInG Booklets as EPUB (Ebook) - payhip.com/b/KBx5 Leave a comment below Enjoy Israel! Oren

[@danielphilippe6675]

Thank you for your amazing guide video! How can we find the secret surrounding path? Where does it start?

[@Travelingisraelinfo]

You will have to guy my booklet...You have to have a map

[@msrjorge1805]

I really enjoyed it! Excellent video! How can I get the booklet ?

[@Travelingisraelinfo]

Thanks! here you can find my booklets - My Booklets on Amazon - amzn.to/2GKshYY

[@joshuaw7330]

Nice video. I was wondering if there is a route for cycling touring to the Negev. Can you share the way out of Jerusalem, to the Negev, and is there free camping on the way ? Awaiting a reply.

[@elliottsolomon3007]

Will you be adding this tour to your app?

[@msrjorge1805]

Great video! Is there any bus that can be taken from Ein Bokek back to Jerusalem ? Please advise.

[@Travelingisraelinfo]

Yes, see my internet site - www.travelingisrael.com/the-judaean-desert/

[@kathleenklein4231]

I hiked Ein Gedi, it was interesting, but I am not super fit and I fell and twisted my ankle. It is not an easy hike. At the time I was 55, now 57. I went to Massada on the same day, which is a must see.

[@rotitelor]

What would be a good time to visit Israel if I wanted to minimise exposure to heat and rains. Is the March/April time frame a good time to visit?

[@valgoldthorpe1377]

I've just been on a trip there in February. The temperature in the desert was very pleasant and comfortable - although the Dead Sea was cold to bathe in.

[@DinastiaJonas]

Are the Sunrise Masada tours, including Ein Gedi and the Dead Sea, any good? Or could I explore the Judean dessert on my own from Jerusalem?

[@Travelingisraelinfo]

Hey, I wrote about it here - www.travelingisrael.com/dead-sea-masada-day-tours-jerusalem-tel-aviv/

[@michaelrichmond3315]

Great video we are coming for Christmas vacation this year. Arrive x mas day sat we want to do 4 nights Jerusalem 2 nights dead sea resort and 1 night in the Bedouin village tents kfar something or other. I am very excited. I dont want to rent car and drive would rather have a car service. Any suggestions on itinerary or transport? Thanks so much. Michael

[@Travelingisraelinfo]

Sorry, I have no recommendations. A taxi will be cheaper than a tour guide with a car

[@estherpaul2670]

please make one video (eneglaim location)

[@zenoviyleskiv5858]

what time of the day is the best time to visit Masada?

[@summerwind3217]

Sorry. Your face looks tension. But your presentation is so good. Nice Advice some time. Any way you are a super man. Keep it up. I subscribed to your channel. Thank you.

[@zenoviyleskiv5858]

How hot is in Masada and Ein Ged in firs week of October ?

[@Travelingisraelinfo]

It will be around 30 C.

[@alimel1267]

Wow, great info.. By the way do you have Instagram?????

[@Travelingisraelinfo]

Yes. Traveling Israel

[@mlcamc77]

I really want to go to Israel for stepping in all those biblical places especially locations were Jesus made history.

[@shirakawak]

I'm visiting Israel for the first time in a couple of weeks and I was wondering if it's safe to drive from Tel Aviv to the Dead Sea

[@Travelingisraelinfo]

Yes, no problem.

[@gracekahugu3506]

Very safe ! I was in isarel September this year 😀 very beautiful place to visit, all of what we here on media is a lie , the only place that is not safe is Gaza and anyway it's your choice , we even went to Palestine Bethlehem, Jericho ,Masada Dead Sea Bethany , Golan Heights very peaceful

[@melissaolivas9157]

@@Travelingisraelinfo I was wondering about something similar. Can you offer advice or do a video on travelling to places like Bethlehem or Nazareth? Also, advice for the visiting the temple mount?

[@arthurcantrell1954]

Dang! Sinkholes are scary!

[@asdsad7476]

Masada means fire temple another name for masgad, masjid, mazgit, maskit, maskat. Mad means flesh or meat offering for gods. Had, lad, got means place. Mazda, Masada have the same meaning, solace that giving or distributing sacrificed animals...

[@dr.daverobbo2407]

My song was inspired by the story f Masada: kzbin.info/www/bejne/jmnMYplmmLeYeqc

[@died4us590]

If you take a map of Qumran and turn it upside down next to a map of Jerusalem they are matches. The pools, the Mikvahs, and even the sheep pens from over 2000 years ago. Christianity was corrupted within the first 100 years after Yeshua was crucified. The Zohar has the keys to Judaism, and Yeshua. Catholicism and Christianity all celebrate pagan holidays created by Rome. The Essenes lived in Qumran, as well as Yeshua. Have you heard of the copper scroll initiative in Qumran, they have detected and scanned the area, but they have not given permission to open up the hot spots. The Ark of the Covenant is rumoured to be there, but only a true Levite can touch it, and that would probably be a reason not to dig. Jeremiah is supposed to have written the copper scroll as well as hiding the temple treasure. Good you tube videos are out there on the guy from Texas USA who figured it out. Thanks for the information, just found your channel, Shalom.

[@jasonmarkson3773]

Habibi, you forget to tell people NOT to get any dead sea water in their eyes. AND ALSO for women not to stay in the water for longer than 20-25 minutes because the extreme alkalinity of the water "OFTEN" causes vaginal problems for women. (Source: my friend who is a nurse in Jerusalem)

[@Travelingisraelinfo]

About the eyes I can agree about the vaginal problems, never heard about it. But I am not a nurse..

[@newlife5904]

i like you man , btw. God bless you in the name of Yeshua the messiah . he changed my life completely . And through him I have the most amazing and beautiful relationship with the holy God of Israel. I understand that your channel is not religious but I encourage every human being to seek the truth from God alone . Not priests, rabbis, muslim scholars , hindu texts , scientists , parents , own understanding. But YHWH is alive and he can reveal the truth to those who desire and trust in him alone. Shalom love you

[@oliverlison]

The water of the Dead Sea is used for the cosmetic industrie, the date plantage, and also because of the evaporation basins in the south. Once there is nothing left, there will be no businees for anyone any more. The second biggest environmental probelem ist that people toss litter everywhere. Really sad to see how much rubbish is dumped in the landacape. I say it because I love Israel. If I could I would love to live there.

[@arthurcantrell1954]

Haha. No lifeguard needed you float 😂

[@notallwholaunderarewashed588]

See pics of all of these including my Jeep ride on www.notallwholaunderarewashed.com. Join the “armchair travelers “ in 50+ countries around the globe. Enjoy and be blessed my friends!

[@voltairesuico2616]

&ù

[@TheLionessjudah]

I came here to see the sites mainly but your views on Christianity are very limited and you have a disconnect of knowledge. You have to understand that the early Church consists of the first believers and they were Jews. Very important to understand that you cannot just skip over the facts and go straight to Rome. We who are Christians are not all Catholics but we understand the fulfillment of prophesy concerning God's plan to bring His Salvation to the world via His completed work at the Cross. What is rejected is God's plan to bring His aforehand promise that the "the Jews were to be a Light unto the Gentiles."

[@speaktruth9313]

If so much of the history of the area is known to be historically Jewish why do Muslims deny this truth?

[@1divemaster1]

Good information