Awarta to Duma
Walk from a village to village, encounter the stunning views of the Jordan Valley in the background.
From Awarta the trail leads out of the village following a ridge with expansive views of the surrounding hilly countryside. Halfway between Awarta and Aqraba sits Mt. Arma or Orma, whose name means pile of wheat. At the mountains are the remains of an ancient – likely Roman – watchtower and spacious cisterns cut into the mountain’s face.
A few kilometers ahead, the trail passes through Aqraba, a village whose name (scorpion in Arabic), according to oral tradition, came from Canaanites who compared Aqraba’s inhabitants’ strength to that of scorpions. From Aqraba, the route takes hikers along the rim of the Jordan Valley with incredible views of Jordan and Al-Qarn (or Sartaba), an ancient mountain-top fortress. Continuing through the village of Majdal Bani Fadil, the trail ends in Duma, a Palestinian village whose name comes from the Canaanite word for quietness or rest.
For the hike take:
- at least 3 liters of water
- snack
Check the weather before you go. Always remember about sun protection (sunscreen, hat, sunglasses). During the summer season wear light but modest clothes. During the winter season remember about a warmer jacket – mornings and evenings are usually cold.
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Topo map
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Map legend
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Walking notes
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Elevation profile
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GPX File