Customized Lalibela Tours: from 1 to 6 Days! Experience the wonders of Lalibela with our expertly guided tours. From the iconic rock-hewn churches to nearby monasteries and scenic trekking, our tour packages to Lalibela can be tailored from 1 to 6 days, creating an unforgettable journey through history, culture, and breathtaking landscapes.
Take a guided tour of Lalibela’s rock-hewn churches, one of Ethiopia’s most iconic attractions. Explore the Northwestern cluster, including Bete Medhane Alem, Bete Mariam, Bete Meskal, Bete Denagel, Bete Mikael, and Bete Golgotha. End the day at Bete Giorgis (St. George), Lalibela’s masterpiece and the pinnacle of the rock-hewn tradition. Overnight in Lalibela at Halle Hotel. Book your Lalibela tour today for an unforgettable experience.
Day 1: Explore the Northwestern Cluster
Take a guided tour of the rock-hewn churches of Lalibela, a history and mystery frozen in stone. For many travelers, this is the highlight of Ethiopia and a must-see UNESCO World Heritage site. Begin your Lalibela tour with the Northwestern cluster: Bete Medhane Alem, Bete Mariam, Bete Meskal, Bete Denagel, Bete Mikael, and Bete Golgotha. Overnight stay at Halle Hotel, Lalibela.
Day 2: Yimrehane Kirstos & the Southeastern Cluster
In the morning, drive to the monastery church of Yimrehane Kirstos, one of Ethiopia’s best-preserved late Axumite buildings and among the most celebrated churches outside Lalibela. Remarkably, the church rests on a foundation of carefully laid olive-wood panels. After lunch, visit the Southeastern cluster: Bete Gabriel-Rufael, Bete Merkorios, Bete Amanuel, and Bete Abba Libanos. Conclude the day at Bete Giorgis (St. George), Lalibela’s masterpiece and the pinnacle of the rock-hewn tradition. Overnight stay at Halle Hotel, Lalibela.
Day 1: Explore the Northwestern Cluster
Take a guided tour of the rock-hewn churches of Lalibela, a history and mystery frozen in stone. If you are only to see one thing in Ethiopia, this should be it—considered by many as the highlight of Ethiopia. After hotel check-in, begin your Lalibela tour with the Northwestern cluster: Bete Medhane Alem, Bete Mariam, Bete Meskal, Bete Denagel, Bete Mikael, and Bete Golgotha.
Overnight at Halle Hotel, Lalibela.
Day 2: Yimrehane Kirstos & the Southeastern Cluster
In the morning, drive to the monastery church of Yimrehane Kirstos, one of Ethiopia’s best-preserved late Axumite buildings and among the most celebrated churches outside Lalibela. Remarkably, the church rests on a foundation of carefully laid olive-wood panels. After lunch, visit the Southeastern cluster: Bete Gabriel-Rufael, Bete Merkorios, Bete Amanuel, and Bete Abba Libanos. Conclude your tour with Bete Giorgis (St. George), Lalibela’s masterpiece and the pinnacle of Ethiopia’s rock-hewn church tradition.
Overnight at Halle Hotel, Lalibela.
Day 3: Trekking to Ashetan Mariam
Embark on a trek (on foot or by horse) to the monastery church of Ashetan Mariam, set high in the mountains overlooking Lalibela. Along the way, experience authentic local life—see how villagers farm, prepare injera, and live in the Ethiopian highlands. Stop for lunch at Hudad Lodge (meals at your own expense) and enjoy panoramic views. The route also offers excellent birdwatching opportunities, with around 150 species found in the area, including 12 species unique to Lalibela.
Overnight at Halle Hotel, Lalibela.
Day 1: Explore the Northwestern Cluster
Take a guided tour of the rock-hewn churches of Lalibela, a history and mystery frozen in stone. If there is only one thing to see in Ethiopia, this should be it—considered by many as the highlight of Ethiopia. After hotel check-in, begin your Lalibela tour with the Northwestern cluster: Bete Medhane Alem, Bete Mariam, Bete Meskal, Bete Denagel, Bete Mikael, and Bete Golgotha.
Overnight at Halle Hotel, Lalibela.
Day 2: Yimrehane Kirstos & the Southeastern Cluster
In the morning, drive to the monastery church of Yimrehane Kirstos, one of Ethiopia’s best-preserved late Axumite buildings and among the most popular churches outside Lalibela. The church is remarkably built on a foundation of carefully laid olive-wood panels. After lunch, visit the Southeastern cluster: Bete Gabriel-Rufael, Bete Merkorios, Bete Amanuel, and Bete Abba Libanos. End your day at Bete Giorgis (St. George), Lalibela’s masterpiece and the pinnacle of the rock-hewn tradition.
Overnight at Halle Hotel, Lalibela.
Day 3: Trek to Addi Dega
Begin trekking east of Lalibela to Addi Dega (4–5 hours). Along the way, watch for friendly endemic Gelada baboons, particularly around Hudad, as well as the majestic Lammergeyer (bearded vulture). Bird enthusiasts will enjoy spotting some of the 150 bird species found in the area, including 12 species unique to Lalibela. Upon arrival in Addi Dega, local villagers will welcome you with traditional hospitality, including a relaxing foot massage. Here, you’ll have the chance to experience authentic rural Ethiopian life.
Overnight at Addi Dega community house or camping.
Day 4: Return Trek to Lalibela
Trek back to Lalibela through Degosach and Bete Anbessa, enjoying scenic landscapes and local encounters along the way.
Overnight at Halle Hotel, Lalibela.
Day 1: Explore the Northwestern Cluster
Take a guided tour of the rock-hewn churches of Lalibela, a history and mystery frozen in stone. If there is only one thing to see in Ethiopia, this is it—considered by many travelers as the highlight of Ethiopia. After hotel check-in, begin exploring the Northwestern cluster: Bete Medhane Alem, Bete Mariam, Bete Meskal, Bete Denagel, Bete Mikael, and Bete Golgotha.
Overnight at Halle Hotel, Lalibela.
Day 2: Yimrehane Kirstos & the Southeastern Cluster
In the morning, drive to the monastery church of Yimrehane Kirstos, one of Ethiopia’s best-preserved late Axumite buildings. The entire church is remarkably built on a foundation of carefully laid olive-wood panels. After lunch, visit the Southeastern cluster: Bete Gabriel-Rufael, Bete Merkorios, Bete Amanuel, and Bete Abba Libanos. Conclude the day at Bete Giorgis (St. George), Lalibela’s masterpiece and the pinnacle of the rock-hewn tradition.
Overnight at Halle Hotel, Lalibela.
Day 3: Trek to Addi Dega
Begin trekking east of Lalibela to Addi Dega (4–5 hours). Along the way, encounter Gelada baboons, the majestic Lammergeyer (bearded vulture), and a variety of birdlife—around 150 species, including 12 endemics. On arrival, you’ll be welcomed by villagers with traditional hospitality, including a foot massage. Experience authentic rural Ethiopian life and immerse yourself in the community.
Overnight at Addi Dega community house.
Day 4: Trek to Abune Yosef Mountains
After breakfast, continue trekking towards Abune Yosef, reaching Rim Gedel at an altitude of 4,200m—the third-highest peak in Ethiopia. Along the way, explore the dramatic mountain ranges of Tinishu Zigit and Tiliku Zigit. Total trekking time: 6–7 hours.
Overnight at Tigu Kebele Eco-Lodge, near Abune Yosef Mountains.
Day 5: Trek via Yimrehane Kirstos & Return to Lalibela
Descend towards Lalibela via the monastery church of Yimrehane Kirstos, dramatically built beneath a massive natural cave and considered one of Ethiopia’s most remarkable churches outside Lalibela. Trekking time: 3–4 hours. In the afternoon, continue the journey back to Lalibela via Medagie.
Overnight at Halle Hotel, Lalibela.
Day 1: Northwestern Cluster of Rock-Hewn Churches
Begin your Lalibela tour with a visit to the world-famous rock-hewn churches of Lalibela, often described as a “history and mystery frozen in stone.” For many travelers, this is the highlight of their trip to Ethiopia. After hotel check-in, explore the Northwestern cluster: Bete Medhane Alem, Bete Mariam, Bete Meskal, Bete Denagel, Bete Mikael, and Bete Golgotha.
Overnight at Halle Hotel, Lalibela.
Day 2: Yimrehane Kirstos & the Southeastern Cluster
In the morning, drive to the monastery church of Yimrehane Kirstos, one of Ethiopia’s best-preserved late Axumite structures. Uniquely, the church rests on a foundation of carefully laid olive-wood panels. After lunch, visit the Southeastern cluster: Bete Gabriel-Rufael, Bete Merkorios, Bete Amanuel, and Bete Abba Libanos. Conclude the day at Bete Giorgis (St. George), Lalibela’s iconic masterpiece and the pinnacle of rock-hewn architecture.
Overnight at Halle Hotel, Lalibela.
Day 3: Trek to Addi Dega Community
Start trekking east of Lalibela to Addi Dega (4–5 hours). Along the way, spot endemic Gelada baboons, the Lammergeyer (bearded vulture), and a variety of birdlife—over 150 species, including 12 endemics. Upon arrival, you’ll be welcomed by villagers with their traditional hospitality, including a foot massage. Experience authentic Ethiopian rural life, farming traditions, and community culture.
Overnight at Addi Dega community house.
Day 4: Trek to Abune Yosef Mountains
After breakfast, continue trekking towards Abune Yosef, reaching Rim Gedel (4,200m), Ethiopia’s third-highest peak. Along the way, explore the dramatic mountain chains of Tinishu Zigit and Tiliku Zigit. Total trekking time: 6–7 hours.
Overnight at Tigu Kebele Eco-Lodge near Abune Yosef Mountains.
Day 5: Trek via Yimrehane Kirstos
Descend towards the monastery of Yimrehane Kirstos, dramatically built beneath a massive natural cave and considered one of the most remarkable churches outside Lalibela. Trekking time: 3–4 hours.
Overnight at Yimrehane Kirstos community lodge.
Day 6: Arbatu Ensesa & Return to Lalibela
Trek back towards Lalibela via Degosach. En route, visit Arbatu Ensesa, a semi-monolithic church built 1,500 years ago. Continue to Adefa, once the capital of the Zagwe dynasty for more than 300 years. Here, you will meet the local Jewish community, known for their traditional craftsmanship in blacksmithing and metalwork. By late afternoon, return to Lalibela.
Overnight at Halle Hotel, Lalibela.
Lalibela History Highlights
Roha, the now, Lalibela was the capital city of Ethiopia from 9 to 12 century.
- King Lalibela is one of the Zagwe dynasty ruler who ruled Ethiopia during the 11th century.
- The Ethiopian church canonized Lalibela and the name of Roha to Lalibela, Roha became Lalibela the holy city, and pilgrims to Lalibela shared the same blessing as pilgrims to Jerusalem
- The first European to describe Lalibela, Francisco Alvarez, came to this holy city between 1521 and 1525,
- Lalibela is home to 11 medieval monolithic churches that were curved out of solid rock. Still a place of pilgrimage and devotion.
- The building of these churches are attributed to King Lalibela who set out to construct a ” new Jerusalem “in the 12th century after Muslim conquests halted Christian pilgrimages to the holy land.