This route covers 1100km return.It involves around 18,000m of cumulative elevation gain.
The route reaches roughly 1,208m at its highest point. While the altitude is moderate, weather exposure and wind can make conditions feel more demanding than the elevation suggests.
Technically, the Israel National Trail (Shvil Yisra'el) standard trail is challenging. The primary difficulty is the sustained physical effort required or technical terrain features.
Overview
Technical Summary
The Israel National Trail (Shvil Yisra'el) is a long-distance route spanning approximately 1,100km (680 miles) from Kibbutz Dan in the north to the Red Sea at Eilat. The trail traverses diverse ecological and historical zones, including the forested hills of the Galilee, the coastal plain, the Jerusalem highlands, and the extensive Negev and Arava deserts.
Logistical Support and Arid Geology. The defining characteristic of the INT is the 'Trail Angels' volunteer network—a community-driven infrastructure providing water caches and overnight logistical support in remote areas. This human layer is integrated with unique geological features, specifically the 'Makhteshim' (erosion craters) of the Negev. The transition through Makhtesh Ramon involves significant vertical relief and exposure on crater rims, representing the most physically and logistically demanding phase of the traverse.
Hazard Assessment
The southern half of the trail (Negev Desert) has almost no natural water sources for days at a time.
Daytime temperatures in the desert can exceed 35°C, while narrow wadis can flash-flood instantly during rare rain events.
The Expert Take
Success on this route requires balancing physical stamina with environmental awareness.Local conditions shift rapidly; always verify forecasts with regional authorities before moving to higher ground.
Stage Breakdowns
Mediterranean Highlands
Trekking through limestone hills, forests, and past the Sea of Galilee. High density of archaeological sites. Typically takes 5–7 days for section hikers.
Coastal & Hills
Walking through the coastal plains and the Jerusalem hills toward the Judean desert transition. Offers mixed terrain of agricultural land and pine forests.
Desert Massifs & Craters
The most challenging section requiring advanced water logistics. Traversing the Makhteshim and desert plateaus to the Gulf of Aqaba. Typically takes 10–14 days for the core desert segment.
Route
Geometry
Topographical Data & Reference Points
- Route Typehiking
- Highest Point1208m (High Variant)1208m
- Standard Transit Max1148m (Approx)
- Lowest Pointvalley floor elevation-420m
- GPS Location31.7680°N 35.2130°E
Technical Profile
Vertical Ascent Profile
An extremely varied profile, from the Mediterranean coastline to the sub-sea level Jordan Valley, and the high cliffs of the Negev craters.
Terrain Characteristics
Technical Hiking (Class 1/2) — sustained walking on ancient paths and wadi bottoms; occasional assisted sections using metal ladders and rungs in the Negev craters.
The cumulative energy expenditure for Israel National Trail (Shvil Yisra'el) represents a significant physical commitment. Success requires adequate preparation and moisture management.
Data referenced from regional park authority sources and topographic surveys.
Technical
Matrix Profile
The HikeMetrics Global Matrix provides an objective, multi-dimensional assessment of technical difficulty, exposure risk, and environmental load.
Risk Summary
Professional evaluation of route mechanics and environmental stress factors. Recommended for participants within specified technical scope.
This profile uses the HikeMetrics v1.0 risk matrix, prioritizing environmental stress and movement complexity over simple elevation metrics.
Technical Specs
Access & Logistics
Regulations
No permits required for the trail itself. Some specific nature reserves along the way may have entry fees (e.g., Timna Park, Nahal Snir), but hikers often have free transit rights or can bypass pay stations.
Seasonality
Primary windows are February-April (Spring bloom, cooler desert temps) and October-November. Summer (June-August) is not recommended due to extreme heat loads.
Safety Index
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Cross-Reference Analysis
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Next Operational Phase
Get Field Ready
Logistics & Permits
Verify all permit requirements and regional park access rules. High-season routes often require advance coordination for logistics.
View Requirements Protocol 02Field Preparation
Ensure equipment matches the technical demands of the specific terrain. Check current trail reports and humidity/wind variables.
View LoadoutExplore Similar Journeys
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Region Cluster
Direct Comparison
Compare with Langtang Valley Trek
Compare terrain metrics, intensity scores, and physical demands side-by-side.
Core Concepts
Topic grouping based on geography, physical exertion profile, and technical movement typology.
Route Questions
Which direction is best?
North-to-South (starting February/March) is the standard for thru-hikers, allowing for cooler temperatures in the desert toward the end. South-to-North is popular in autumn to avoid the early heat of the southern desert.
Is it safe?
Safety conditions vary by region and current events; check official travel advisories and the Israel Nature and Parks Authority (INPA) updates before departure. The trail itself is well-marked and supported by a strong community network.
Dossier Verification & Sync
Data points indexed in this dossier are cross-referenced against authoritative land management records and regional mapping. HikeMetrics maintains independent verification protocols for all primary route geometry.