Between the Jordan and the Golan – Second Day of Sukkot

Photographs: Yos Stiebel, Shutterstock, Meteor Star Observations, Shimon Binyamin, Dov Greenblatt, Shai Rowan, Amit Mendelsohn, Ze'ev Stein, from the PicWikimedia website, Tomer Avni, Saar Nudel

About the Activity

The second day of Sukkot is an excellent time to head out into nature, and we invite you to a family vacation in the heart of the Golan Heights. Over the course of two days, we will hike between the Mountainous Jordan River and the landscapes of the central Golan Heights, learn about stories of history, nature, and people, encounter the world of migrating birds, and enjoy a bonding family evening in a pleasant holiday atmosphere. Two days of green landscapes, walking trails, flowing water, and shared experiences for the whole family between the Jordan River and the Golan Heights.

Friday | October 2, 2026

13:00 – Meet at the Mishmar HaYarden gas station on Route 91.

We will begin at Ateret Fortress, an impressive fortress located on the bank of the Mountainous Jordan River, which tells the story of the struggles for control of the area hundreds of years ago. We will observe the contours of the Syrian-African Rift, one of the significant geological processes that shaped the landscape in the area. We will continue on a pleasant walking trail along the Mountainous Jordan River, among flowing water, green vegetation, and the landscapes of the Golan Heights and Galilee.

19:00 – Dinner

After dinner, we will gather for an enjoyable family evening of board games—an opportunity to put the screens aside for a moment, laugh, play, and spend time together in a pleasant holiday atmosphere.

Saturday | October 3, 2026

8:00–9:00 – Breakfast and collection of a packed lunch.

9:30 – Vacating the rooms and setting out on a beautiful trail from Mount Hermonit to the Circassian village of Jouweisah, along the spectacular ridgeline of the central Golan Heights. Why Hermonit? Who were the Circassians, and where did they come from? We will hear the story beside the spring.

Later, we will visit Botemiyah Reservoir, one of the Golan Heights’ important water sites for migrating birds. Using binoculars, we will observe waterbirds and other species that visit the reservoir during the migration season, and discover the importance of water bodies for the animals in the area. We will also stop here for the packed lunch that we will take with us in the morning.

14:00 – Estimated end time in the field

Includes accommodation, full board, and of course high-quality, professional guiding based on intimate familiarity with nature in the area.

The Vacation Includes Full Hospitality at Golan Field School

• Air-conditioned ground-floor guest rooms, each with a shower and toilet
• A protected space on the premises
• Kosher kitchen and dining room
• Lobby with a coffee/tea corner and television
• Synagogue
• Dinner, breakfast, and a packed lunch

For questions and inquiries about the vacation: [email protected]

Important Information

Activity area:
Golan Heights

Target audience:
Families; suitable for baby carriers

Difficulty level:
Easy

Walking duration:
Walking on level ground and uphill

Trail length:
2 km

Required equipment:
Closed, comfortable walking shoes suitable for walking in water, plus a replacement pair; hat; 2 liters of water per hiker per day; sunscreen; personal equipment; backpack for carrying water and lunch on the trail

Please Note

The Society for the Protection of Nature in Israel reserves the right to cancel or modify the activity in accordance with weather, security, and safety conditions, and at its sole discretion.

The activity will take place only if a minimum number of participants register. Notification will be provided up to one week before the activity.

Children up to age 2 participate free of charge.