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Mount of Temptation

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Mountain
—°9
Mount of Temptation (Palestinian Territories)

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The Mount of Temptation, also known as Jebel Qarantal, rises dramatically near the ancient city of Jericho, overlooking the Jordan Valley and the Dead Sea. According to Christian tradition, this is the site where Jesus fasted for forty days and was tempted by the devil. The Greek Orthodox Monastery of the Temptation is literally built into the cliffside, clinging to the rock face at an elevation of about 350 meters. Originally founded in the 4th century during the Byzantine era and rebuilt in the late 19th century, the monastery is accessible via a steep walking path or a scenic cable car ride from Jericho. The site features several caves that have historically served as hermitages for monks. Beyond its deep religious significance, the mount provides incredible views of the Judean Desert and provides insight into the early monastic traditions that shaped the spiritual landscape of the Holy Land.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Apr, May, Oct.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C111316202428303028241814
Rain mm635832156101182952

📋 Practical info

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Getting there
The primary access to the cliffside monastery and the upper mountain sections is from Jericho. Visitors can choose to hike up a steep, winding path or take the popular commercial cable car that shuttles up the slope.
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Best season
The handy visiting season spans from late autumn through early spring. The intense summer heat characteristic of the Jericho region makes the strenuous uphill climb remarkably unpleasant and potentially hazardous to health.
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Terrain & paths
While the cable car bypasses the hardest sections, the traditional hiking route is severely steep, exposed to the elements, and rocky. The area near the monastery includes numerous stairs and uneven stone terraces.
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What to bring
Modest clothing covering shoulders and knees is strictly required to enter the religious monastery. For the physical journey, strong walking shoes, ample water, a wide hat, and sunscreen are absolute necessities for all.
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Parking
An extensive, clearly marked visitor parking lot is situated at the lower cable car terminal in Jericho. It provides ample space for cars and large tour buses, making it the most practical spot to leave your vehicle.
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Safety
Heat exhaustion is a pervasive threat during warmer periods, demanding continuous hydration. The physical exertion of the steep stairs leading to the monastery should not be underestimated by elderly or unfit visitors.
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Time needed
A complete visit usually spans two to three hours. This allows sufficient time to take the cable car or hike up, comfortably explore the magnificent cliffside architecture, and enjoy the unparalleled Jordan Valley views.

Geography

Coordinates
31.87000, 35.43000

Facts

  • The summit is 350 meters above sea level
  • The first monastery was built in the 4th century
  • The current monastery complex dates back to 1895
  • The Jericho cable car is approximately 1.3 kilometers long
  • About 30 ancient hermit cells are located in the cliffs
  • The mountain is situated in one of the driest zones

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Mount of Temptation SlopesMount of Temptation Slopes<1 km · NEExplore →
Ein es-Sultan SpringEin es-Sultan Spring2 km · NExplore →
JerichoJericho3 km · NWExplore →
St. George's MonasterySt. George's Monastery3 km · SWExplore →
Jericho Date PlantationsJericho Date Plantations3 km · NExplore →
Hisham's PalaceHisham's Palace3 km · NExplore →
Wadi el-Makkuk Nature ReserveWadi el-Makkuk Nature Reserve5 km · SExplore →
Wadi AujaWadi Auja6 km · EExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Mount of Temptation (9)

The Dok Fortress

Ruins of a fortress on a hill, dating from Byzantine or earlier times.

Mount of Temptation

Mountain in the Jordan Valley, site of the biblical temptation of Jesus.

emran samarat house

Viewpoint overlooking the area around Jericho.

Ancient Jericho

Ruins of one of the world's oldest settlements.

Mount of Temptation Viewpoint

Scenic overlook on the Mount of Temptation.

Tell es-Samarat

Archaeological mound near Jericho.

Al Murabitin Mosque

Mosque in the Jericho region.

Tel Jericho

Archaeological site in the West Bank, an ancient tell.

Ain al-Sultan

Spring in the West Bank, also known as Elisha's Spring.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

When is the best time to visit the mountain?
In spring or late autumn with moderate temperatures.
Is the path steep?
Yes, very steep, good physical fitness is required.
Is there water on the summit?
No, bring everything with you.
Are you allowed to climb the rocks?
Climbing is often prohibited in protected areas.
Is it windy on the mountain?
Often yes, bring a light windbreaker.
Mount of Temptation: where is it located?
Mount of Temptation is located in Palestinian Territories.
Mount of Temptation: what is there to see?
Highlights include The Dok Fortress, Mount of Temptation, emran samarat house.
Mount of Temptation: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Apr, May, Oct.
Mount of Temptation: why is it worth visiting?
The Mount of Temptation, also known as Jebel Qarantal, rises dramatically near the ancient city of Jericho, overlooking the Jordan Valley and the Dead Sea.
View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →
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Nearby cities

East Jerusalem — Mount of Temptation (Palestinian Territories)
East Jerusalem
East Jerusalem includes the Old City and major religious sites such as the Dome of the Rock.
Nablus Old City — Mount of Temptation (Palestinian Territories)
Nablus Old City
The Old City is famous for its historic market and traditional soap factories.
Nablus — Mount of Temptation (Palestinian Territories)
Nablus
Nablus is situated between Mount Ebal and Mount Gerizim and is famous for its traditional soap production.
Ramallah — Mount of Temptation (Palestinian Territories)
Ramallah
Ramallah is the political and economic administrative center of the West Bank.
Al-Bireh — Mount of Temptation (Palestinian Territories)
Al-Bireh
Al-Bireh is adjacent to Ramallah, forming a continuous urban area.
Surif — Mount of Temptation (Palestinian Territories)
Surif
Surif is located in the northwestern Hebron Governorate near the Green Line.
Al-Ram — Mount of Temptation (Palestinian Territories)
Al-Ram
Al-Ram is located north of Jerusalem and is a busy commercial and residential area.
Halhul — Mount of Temptation (Palestinian Territories)
Halhul
Halhul is located north of Hebron on one of the highest points in the West Bank.
Jericho — Mount of Temptation (Palestinian Territories)
Jericho
Jericho is considered one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world, located deep below sea level.
Bani Na&#39;im — Mount of Temptation (Palestinian Territories)
Bani Na'im
Bani Na'im is located east of Hebron and is known as the 'City of Martyrs'.
Sa&#39;ir — Mount of Temptation (Palestinian Territories)
Sa'ir
Sa'ir is located northeast of Hebron in a deep valley.
Al-Eizariya — Mount of Temptation (Palestinian Territories)
Al-Eizariya
Al-Eizariya is historically known as Bethany and is located on the eastern slope of the Mount of Olives.
Beit Jala — Mount of Temptation (Palestinian Territories)
Beit Jala
Beit Jala is a predominantly Christian town west of Bethlehem.
Tubas — Mount of Temptation (Palestinian Territories)
Tubas
Tubas is in the northeastern West Bank overlooking the Jordan Valley.
Beit Sahour — Mount of Temptation (Palestinian Territories)
Beit Sahour
Beit Sahour is located east of Bethlehem and is traditionally identified with the Shepherds' Fields of the biblical Nativity story.

History & landmarks

Old City of Ramallah — Mount of Temptation (Palestinian Territories)
Old City of Ramallah
The historical center of Ramallah preserves many Ottoman-era stone houses and serves as a vibrant cultural hub.
Mount of Temptation Monastery — Mount of Temptation (Palestinian Territories)
Mount of Temptation Monastery
The Greek Orthodox monastery clings to a cliff above Jericho, where tradition says Jesus fasted for 40 days.
Ein Sultan Spring — Mount of Temptation (Palestinian Territories)
Ein Sultan Spring
Ein Sultan is the primary natural freshwater spring in Jericho.

More places

Mount of Temptation Slopes — Mount of Temptation (Palestinian Territories)
Mount of Temptation Slopes
The slopes of the Mount of Temptation near Jericho host rare desert flora and cave-dwelling bats.
Monastery of the Temptation — Mount of Temptation (Palestinian Territories)
Monastery of the Temptation
The monastery is situated on a steep cliff overlooking Jericho.