Full-Day Trek from Lalibela to Asheten Maryam and Hudad Plateau
07:30 AM - Departure from Lalibela. Meet your professional guide at your hotel in Lalibela. Fuel up with a quick briefing before setting off on foot directly from town, leaving the urban streets behind for the quiet paths of the Ethiopian highlands.
08:00 AM - The Mountain Ascent and Village Walks Begin. Start a steady uphill hike along traditional dirt trails used by local farmers. As you gain altitude, walk through authentic rural villages, observing traditional agricultural life, terraced fields, and stunning valleys unfolding below you.
10:00 AM - Explore Asheten Maryam Monastery. Arrive at the historic rock-hewn monastery of Asheten Maryam, carved directly into the cliffside at an altitude of approximately 3,150 meters. Tour the ancient church, view its centuries-old religious treasures, and take in spectacular 360-degree panoramic views of the surrounding mountains.
11:30 AM - Trekking to the Hudad Plateau. Continue your upward journey toward the Lalibela Hudad Plateau, reaching around 3,300 meters. The terrain opens into a vast, dramatic landscape characterized by sheer escarpments and afro-alpine vegetation. Keep an eye out for wildlife, particularly the endemic gelada baboons foraging along the cliff edges.
01:00 PM - Lunch and Relaxation at Hudad. Take a well-deserved break at the plateau. Enjoy a packed lunch or a simple local meal surrounded by pristine nature and endless mountain horizons. Relax and soak in the serene highland atmosphere.
02:30 PM - Traditional Ethiopian Coffee Ceremony. Immerse yourself in local culture with an authentic Ethiopian coffee ceremony hosted by highland residents. Learn about the roasting process, enjoy a freshly brewed cup, and interact with the incredibly welcoming local community.
03:30 PM - Scenic Descent Back to Lalibela. Begin the downhill trek back toward town. The late afternoon light casts golden hues across the landscape, offering fantastic photography opportunities of the valleys and distant ridges.
05:30 PM - Arrival Back in Lalibela. Arrive back in Lalibela town, where your guide will escort you back to your hotel, marking the end of an unforgettable active day in the Ethiopian highlands.
