Lalibela, Ethiopia is one of the most significant historical tourist destinations on the African continent. It is a place that holds great religious and cultural importance for the Ethiopian Orthodox Church, and it constantly attracts visitors from far and wide. Lalibela is a city of ancient churches, rock-hewn monasteries, spectacular landscapes, and fascinating cultural experiences. If you are planning a 5-night 6-days trip to Lalibela, then you need to have a well-planned itinerary to make the most of your visit. With that in mind, here is a detailed trip itinerary that is sure to give you an experience of a lifetime.Day 1: Arrival and sightseeing of the cityOn the first day of the trip, you will arrive at Bole International Airport in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. From there, you will catch a local flight to the city of Lalibela, which is located in the northern part of the country. Upon arrival, you will check into your hotel, have lunch, and take a brief rest. Afterward, you will embark on a sightseeing trip of the city, visiting sites such as the Biete Amanuel church, Abba Libanos monastery, and other ancient churches.Day 2: Exploring the Monolithic ChurchesOn the second day of the trip, you will start early in the morning to discover the impressive rock-hewn churches. These are made from a single piece of rock, and they have been standing for close to a thousand years. You’ll marvel at the incredible engineering feats that African people did over the centuries. You will visit around eight monolithic churches, each with its unique architectural design and cultural significance. In the afternoon, you’ll enjoy a traditional coffee ceremony and visit the local markets to experience the culture and food of the area.
Day 3: Mule and Donkey Trekking to Yemrehanna KristosThis will be a day of adventure as you head out to one of the most remarkable hidden treasures in Lalibela, the Yemrehanna Kristos church. You will trek from the city center through the countryside, which will offer you the chance to see the beautiful landscapes and rural life of Ethiopia. To reach the church’s location, you will ride on mules and donkeys, making the journey all the more memorable. Upon arriving at Yemrehanna Kristos, you will visit the unique church that blends Ethiopian and Axumite architecture, and head back to your hotel after enjoying a picnic lunch on-site.Day 4: Visiting Asheton Maryam MonasteryAfter breakfast, you will board a vehicle and take a journey to the Asheton Maryam Monastery, located 3600 meters above sea level. You will enjoy a spectacular view of Africa’s second highest mountain, Mount Ras Dashen, from the peak. The hike is around 3 hours from where you’ll begin, and the last part involves trekking up 123-steps carved into a mountain. But the effort will be worth it as you get to visit and explore the beautiful and historic Asheton Maryam Monastery at the top.Day 5: Traditional Ethiopian Cooking and Coffee ceremony
On your final full day in Lalibela, you will have a traditional Ethiopian cooking class where you will learn to cook dishes and even taste some exotic delicacies. You will also enjoy a coffee ceremony, a popular cultural ritual in Ethiopia which involves the brewing, roasting, and tasting of traditional Ethiopian coffee. Afternoon sightseeing includes a visit to Na’akuto La’ab cave church, which is about 48 kilometers from Lalibela. The church was built in the 4th century by King Lalibela’s wife and is home to several ancient churches and monasteries.Day 6: DepartureOn the final day of your trip, you will have breakfast and check out of your hotel for your return journey to Addis Ababa.ConclusionThese six days of adventure and exploration will give you an unforgettable experience. We hope that this Lalibela itinerary inspires you to visit this unique and beautiful destination. The trip will be a chance to connect with Ethiopia’s long history and rich cultural heritage. Don’t forget your camera and adventurous spirit for this trip!
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