Line © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL), checked by Global Adventurer.
The walk
From the taxi terminal at the foot of Mount Tabor (הר תבור) in Shibli, follow the green marks, shared with the Israel National Trail, up the steep north-west slope through woods of Tabor oak. Below the Greek Orthodox monastery join the black-marked summit ring and follow it all the way round: east along the north side past a rock-cut cave, with views over the Galilee towards Mount Hermon, round the eastern end and back west along the south side above the Jezreel Valley to the Gate of the Winds. Rejoin the green there and go back down the way you came.
It is 4.5 km round with 273 m of ascent; allow about 2 hours. The grade is Easy: a steep, rocky climb and descent, then an easy path round the summit.
The steep path is slippery and dangerous after rain. Carry water: there is little on the way. The Franciscan Basilica of the Transfiguration on the summit is open on weekdays from 08:00 to 17:00 and closes for lunch at weekends; entry is free.
The mountain is free and open in daylight. Buses 350 and 352 stop at the taxi terminal, where shuttle taxis also run to the summit.
Route drawn by Global Adventurer along OpenStreetMap paths (© OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL), with figures worked out from it. Check the forecast and the ground on the day: paths change.
Good to know
- Mount Tabor's dome rises 562 m above sea level, about 400 m above the plain around it
- Christian tradition places the Transfiguration on the summit; the Franciscan basilica of 1921 stands among remains of earlier churches and a fortress
- The woods on its slopes are of Tabor oak, named after the mountain
- The Bible names Tabor as the gathering place of Barak's army before the battle with Sisera
Getting there
Start: Mount Tabor taxi terminal car park, Shibli. 32.69413, 35.38505
Directions to the start
Google Maps Apple Maps Waze Moovit
Waze drives you to the car park; Moovit has the buses and trains to the start.
Places to stay nearby
Rooms in and around Mount Tabor taxi terminal car park: Booking.com → Expedia → Hotels.com →
Affiliate links: if you book, Global Adventurer earns a small commission at no cost to you.
Paths change, and the weather decides the day. The line and figures come from OpenStreetMap and our own checks; take a map, check the forecast, and turn back if it isn't right.