Hod Akev and Mount Tzror
Devshon ascent, Ein Akev pond, and Gev Tzaror
Type: Round Trip
Distance: 21.8km
Ascent: 560m
Descent: 560m
Fast-Trekking Duration: 4-5h
Start: Parking of Ben Gurion grave, Midreshet Ben Gurion
End: Parking of Ben Gurion grave, Midreshet Ben Gurion
Character: A route in the high Zin Desert. The terrain is not technical and includes two “mini” ascents: Ma’aleh Dovshon and Ma’aleh Hod Akev.
Advantages: Flowing and runnable terrain. Opportunity to swim at Ein Akev. Accessible by public transportation.
Disadvantages: The Ein Akev area can be crowded with hikers.
Variation 1: The route can be slightly shortened to 19 km by skipping Har Tzaror and heading toward the exit after descending from Hod Akev. See route here.
Variation 2: A longer 34 km version that includes Nahal Darokh and the spectacular Darokh Horseshoe can be found here.