Abyssinian Lullaby feat. St. Michael’s day | Lalibela, Ethiopia

Lalibela is located in the heart of Abyssinian Highlands, on the side of mountain range culminating at 4284 mtrs. Its 2500 meter altitude provides a climate with daily temperatures 20-15C. The world recognized glory of the city comes from the churches curved in monolithic rocks, concept similar to Petra or Ellora gained Lalibela a spot not only on UNESCO World Heritage list but also on many travel connoisseurs bucket lists. We will discover this 7th or perhaps 8th world's wonder over an extended weekend trip.

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Although date of churches creation is speculated to be around 12th to 13th century, it has been widely attributed to King Lalibela 24 years' project, at the time when city was called Roha. The legend says the King was born surrounded by the bees, and it became the sign of his future reign. The name also relates to this event – Lalibela origin in ancient Amharic means “The one who eats honey”.

Its only in 1950s when the first road to Lalibela was finally constructed and so the former dwellings started being replaced with houses and corrugated iron sheet roofs. Until then it took forty to fifty hours on mule to reach the city.

With 8 rock hewn churches and 2 rock hewn palaces Lalibela contains a number of courts, tunnels, pools and was significant achievement of architecture of its times. City quickly became political and religious center, putting Aksum, capitol city on secondary position. Moreover, due to its remote location it is only Lalibela who survived religious wars ravaging Ethiopia over centuries, other places including Aksum were completely destroyed. No wonder the presence of churches is considered as holy protection to the northern Abyssinian plateaus.

Our plan is to visit this soaked with history UNESCO site but also spend some time outside to stretch the legs. We ll take the opportunity to see St. Michael’s day, which makes Lalibela a vibrant place and observe very unique celebrations.

Commemorating the anniversary of the pass away of Saint-King Lalibela, St Michael’s day is filled with white-robed pilgrims and high priests surrounding the churches in procession. Even the Ark of the Covenant is removed from it’s hiding place and carried through the cobble-stone streets, although it’s carefully covered in red to prevent anyone from looking at it directly, according to Old Testament tradition, and of course we know from Indiana Jones what happens if you do!

Lets go!!

DAY 1
Meeting at Dubai Terminal 1 for a flight to Addis and connecting flight to Lalibela. Check in to our comfy lodge, lunch. Spend rest of the day discovering 3 church complexes: the most famous group of George, Royal and Ecclesiastical.

DAY 2
After hearty breakfast, we will start the day with the hike to Ashetom Maryam - a church hidden on a cliff with spectacular 360 degree view of the city. Visit to open market and the township, continue to churches for yet another spectacular discoveries. Beside churches, we will also go to market today to check the locals shopping lists for St. Michaels meals tomorrow.

In the evening we will witness night mass and pilgrims watch, part of St. Michael's celebration.

DAY 3
Early wake up call to observe St. Michael's processions.

Flight to Addis and quick look at bustling metropolis, visit Lucy and further fly back home.

Level: Easy- two short but steep in places hikes. Available for beginners.
Activities: sightseeing, trekking, celebrations.
Accommodation & meals - all included: comfortable ROCK HEWN lodge (sharing rooms).
Single room / upgrades to traditional TUKUL subject of availability at the time of booking.

Cost:
2950 AED excluding flights,
6200 AED all inclusive of flights,

Cost valid until JUNE 13. Past this date please inquire about cost and availability.

Specifically excluded: visas, all kind of entry or photography fees or other tips, meals and entry fees in Addis, if any.

See yah in Lalibela x

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