3-Day Ashenda Festival and Lalibela Rock-Hewn Churches Tour

3 Days Round trip from Lalibela Easy pace
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The journey

Trip highlights
  • 01 Annual Ashenda Festival celebrations in Lalibela from August 20-22
  • 02 Young women in beautiful traditional dresses with jewelry and flowers
  • 03 Traditional songs, dances, and colorful cultural performances
  • 04 Explore Lalibela's Rock-Hewn Churches, including Bete Medhane Alem and Bete Maryam
  • 05 Large public festival gathering at Kose Meda
  • 06 Celebrate women's cultural expression and community identity
  • 07 Authentic interaction with local communities and traditions
  • 08 Excellent opportunities for cultural photography

Experience the Ashenda Festival in Lalibela, one of northern Ethiopia's most colorful cultural celebrations, held annually from August 20-22 after the two-week fasting period of the Feast of the Assumption of Saint Mary. See young women in beautiful traditional dresses adorned with jewelry and flowers as they perform traditional songs and dances, while communities gather to celebrate cultural identity, unity, and the empowerment of women. Alongside the festival, explore Lalibela's remarkable Rock-Hewn Churches, including Bete Medhane Alem and Bete Maryam, and enjoy the vibrant music, colorful processions, and unique traditions that make Ashenda one of Ethiopia's most important festivals.

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 3 Days
Tour type Private
Activity level Easy
Accommodation Included · Standard
Transport Included
Wheelchair access No
Cities Addis Ababa, Lalibela
Languages English

Day by day

The itinerary

1
Day 01

Fly to Lalibela and Explore the Rock-Hewn Churches

Fly from Addis Ababa to Lalibela and transfer to your hotel upon arrival. After check-in and lunch, begin your exploration of Lalibela's remarkable Rock-Hewn Churches.

Visit Group 1, which includes churches such as Bete Medhane Alem and Bete Maryam, known for their unique architecture and religious significance. Continue to Group 2, where you will explore churches connected by tunnels and passageways carved from solid rock.

End the day with a traditional Ethiopian dinner and an introduction to the Ashenda Festival celebrations.

2
Day 02

Celebrate Ashenda and Visit More Rock-Hewn Churches

After breakfast, immerse yourself in the colorful Ashenda Festival celebrations taking place throughout Lalibela. Enjoy performances of traditional songs and dances as young women dressed in vibrant cultural attire fill the streets with music and festivities.

The festival offers a unique opportunity to experience the rich cultural heritage and community spirit of northern Ethiopia. After lunch, continue your cultural exploration with a visit to additional Rock-Hewn Churches and learn about their history, symbolism, and spiritual importance.

Return to your hotel in the evening and enjoy dinner while experiencing the festive atmosphere of the town.

3
Day 03

Grand Ashenda Festival at Kose Meda and Departure

Following breakfast, proceed to Kose Meda, the main venue for the grand Ashenda Festival gathering. Witness large-scale cultural performances featuring traditional music, dance, poetry, and colorful ceremonial dress.

Meet local participants and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere as communities come together to celebrate this important cultural event. Take time to capture memorable photographs and experience the festival's joyful spirit before concluding your visit.

Later, transfer to Lalibela Airport for your return flight to Addis Ababa.

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map
Round trip from Lalibela 2 cities · 3 Days

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

  • 2 days' accommodation with breakfast
  • 4x4 Toyota Land Cruiser jeep with fuel and driver
  • Park fees
  • Entrance fees
  • Scout fees
  • Local guide fees and other associated expenses
  • Nature professional guide
  • Photography and video fees
  • Hotel or airport pickup and drop-off
  • Unlimited bottled water
  • Government tax
  • Ethiopian coffee or tea

What's Not Included

Personal tips

Alcoholic drinks

Domestic flights

What to bring

  • Comfortable walking shoes
  • Light, modest clothing
  • Warm jacket for evenings
  • Sun hat or cap
  • Sunglasses
  • Sunscreen
  • Camera or smartphone
  • Personal medications
  • Small backpack
  • Travel documents
  • Cash for souvenirs and tips
  • Umbrella or rain jacket
  • Respectful attire for church visits

Know before you go

  1. Carry a valid ID or passport at all times.
  2. Wear modest clothing when visiting churches.
  3. Comfortable walking shoes are highly recommended.
  4. Lalibela's altitude is high; stay hydrated.
  5. Nights can be cool, so bring a light jacket.
  6. Respect local customs and religious traditions.
  7. Ask permission before photographing people.
  8. Carry some cash for small purchases and tips.
  9. Protect yourself from the sun with a hat and sunscreen.
  10. Domestic flight schedules may change, so allow flexibility.

Logistics

Meeting & route

Meeting point
Bole International Airport, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Tour start
Lalibela, Ethiopia
Tour ends at the same location as the start point.
End of the journey

Your 3 days finish where they began, in Lalibela.

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Starting from

USD 500 /person
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