What To Expect
What does my registration fee cover?
The fee covers everything you will need from Sunday morning when you get on the bus until Thursday afternoon following lunch. Specifically, the fee includes three kosher meals each day, all special evening activities, and overnight accommodation (three to a room) at an Israeli Guest House. All hike guides and medics are included in this fee as well as daily transportation and return bus trip to Ben Gurion.
The extras will be tips for our guides and drivers (approx. $100 US), and any food, alcohol or gifts you purchase along the way.
Where and when does the trip begin?
We meet in Jerusalem, early Sunday morning, October 17th, and travel by bus to our opening ceremonies location. The hike begins immediately after the ceremony. Specific bus pick up-points will be announced at a later date.
Where and when does the trip end?
Our final day of hiking is Thursday, October 21st. There will be an afternoon closing banquet and party for all participants. Buses will depart late afternoon on Thursday and arrive at Ben Gurion airport by 9:00 P.M. The bus continues to Tel Aviv for those staying on in Israel.
Where will we be staying and eating our meals?
We will be staying at a Kibbutz Guest House where we will be served breakfast, have our opening ceremonies and some of our other meals. The base fee covers three guests to a room. Other accommodation may be arranged at an additional cost.
All meals and snacks are kosher. Breakfast will be served buffet style at the Kibbutz Guest House. Lunches will be eaten on the trail, picnic style. Snacks and water are provided for you to carry in your knapsacks. Dinners will be eaten at the Kibbutz Guest House and/or off-site.
What will the weather be?
Generally, in the Golan Heights, the middle of October is a delightful month with daily highs in the 13 – 26 degree C range. We expect to wear t-shirts and shorts most days, however there is always the likelihood of rain. A sun hat is mandatory on all days. Be prepared with long sleeve shirts and a jacket for cool early morning and evenings and rain gear in case of showers.
How long will we be hiking each day?
We will typically hike from 4 to 7 hours (6 to 12 kilometers) per day with a break for lunch.
What will I carry with me on the hike?
You will need to carry a knapsack large enough to hold 3 to 4 litres of water for the start of the day. In addition you will take the following with you on each hike: passport, money and identification, emergency information cards, a cell phone, rain gear (if the forecast indicates rain), a spare pair of socks, some fruit or snacks, sun block, band aids, toilet paper and wipes (there are no facilities on route).
What type of shoes should I wear?
Proper hiking boots with good ankle support which have been broken in prior to the hike are mandatory. (Open-toed sandals or running shoes will not be permitted.) We also recommend taking previously laundered hiking socks in order to avoid blistering.
Will there be security and medical support on the hikes?
Yes, there will be several armed medics accompanying us.
Will we have guides?
Yes, in addition to the medics, there will be one guide for every hiking group. The hiking groups will be categorized by ability--expert, advanced and intermediate. The guides will point out local points of interest along the route and provide other technical or practical hiking assistance as required.
Will we be meeting Victims of Terrorism who have been helped by One Family Fund?
Yes, a number of them will be joining us; some will hike the trails with us, while others will join us for dinner and evening activities. You will have plenty of opportunities to meet, ask questions and learn about their lives.
