3. Wadi David
Wadi David is one of the two valleys that incorporate En Gedi Nature Park. This area of lush vegetation – in striking contrast to the surrounding desert hills – is a haven for hikers and wilderness lovers.
Trek from the waterfall up to En Gedi Spring, where northwest of this you’ll find the remains of a 4th-millennium-BC Chalcolithic temple dedicated to the cult of the moon. In the center of the building is the circular «moon stone,» while two gates of the sacred precinct face towards En Gedi Spring on one side and the Shulamite Spring on the other.
From the Shulamite Spring, a track continues north to the Dodim Cave above the waterfall. From the temple, tracks run northwest to the Dry Canyon and west to a square Roman fort and a circular Israelite stronghold.
4. Wadi Arugot
Wadi Arugot is En Gedi Nature Park’s southern valley.
Like Wadi David there are a multitude of pools and waterfalls along the trails here, though some of the hiking in this wadi is more difficult than in Wadi David, so it tends to get less visitors.
Just northwest of Wadi Arugot’s trailhead, along the highway, is En Gedi’s ancient synagogue ruins. This site dates from the 3rd century and contains an intricate mosaic pavement of swirling fauna motifs and surviving inscriptions. Even if you don’t fancy sweating it out on a hike, it’s worthwhile making a stop here to visit the synagogue.
