This walk will take you from Tuqu’ through Wadi Jihar to Reshayda village. It is a wonderful desert hike through the Jerusalem Wilderness, descending into the spectacular Wadi Jihar, a deep limestone canyon that winds down into the desert. The hike from Tequa to Wadi Jihar will take about 4 hours. The terrain is rocky desert tracks, with a descent and few small climbs.
Tequa is located 12 kilometers to the south of Bethlehem. It stands on the top of a hill that is covered with olive trees, always looking green and beautiful and forming a fantastic landscape for visitors. From the northern side of the village where Khirbet Tequa (Ruin of Tequa) is located, the beholder can see the dead see in the east, mountains of Hebron in the south, the villages of (beit-fajjar, Um Salamona, Joret Alshama’, Marah Rabah, Khallet Elhaddad, and ALmanshiyya) in the west, and finally the cities of Bethlehem and Jerusalem in the North.
The village of Tequa’ dates back to 1948 and its residents originate from ‘Arab at Ta’amra. It has many archeological and historical sites such as Khirbet (ruin) Tequa’ which goes back to the Old Testament, in addition to some antiquities and remains of some Roman and Greek cities and churches.
Emerging from the valley and reaching to Al-Rashaydeh village, you will have the chance to try a traditional Palestinian meal at one of the Tequa homestays.
Info:
Walking Distance: Approximately 14 km
Walking Time: Approximately 4- 5 hours
Category: Easy to Moderate
Recommendations:
- Lightweight walking boots
- Walking poles
- At least 3 – 4 liters of water and snacks for the hike
- Sunscreen and a hat
- Your camera
Accommodation in Reshayda:
- Mohammad Rashayda Bedouin Family