Lalibela 2-Day Eco Trekking Tour

Lalibela looks different from a mountain path. This two-day trek trades some church time for highland views, a village stay, and a close look at rural life above town. I like the chance to meet farming families and join parts of their daily routine, and I like that the price covers a guide, meals, accommodation, water, snacks, and a mule for the trek. The main caution is the altitude: the route reaches about 3,600 meters, so you need a moderate level of fitness and a sensible pace.

The trek is private, so your group sets the rhythm rather than following a large crowd. Guides such as Mareg, Ababa, and Luel have earned strong praise for their English, local knowledge, and care with introductions to host families. Still, this is not a soft countryside walk. The first day includes a long climb, and the Asheton Maryam entrance fee is extra.

Key points at a glance

• The highest point is around 3,600 meters: The Atabkit plateau gives you broad views toward Wollo, Gondar, and Tigray, but the thin air makes the hike harder.
• A local family stay is the heart of the trip: You sleep in a village near Astabir and take part in activities with highland farmers.
• The trek begins at 7:00 am: Pickup is available from your Lalibela hotel, and the walk can also begin at the airport after arrival if arranged in advance.
• Asheton Maryam is the first major stop: Its admission fee is not included, so plan for that added cost.
• A mule carries trekking supplies: You do not need to haul every meal and piece of equipment yourself.
• The package covers most trail costs: Breakfast, dinner, two lunches, drinks, snacks, accommodation, guiding, and luggage storage are included.

Why this trek adds something different to Lalibela

Lalibela is best known for its rock-hewn churches, and you should see them first if they are central to your visit. This trek works as a useful second chapter. Instead of spending another day around town, you climb into the Lasta Mountains and see how people live on the high ground above the famous churches.

I like the change in viewpoint. From the paths above Lalibela, the town becomes part of a much wider setting. The route leads through highland farmland, past animals and villages, and toward a plateau where the views reach well beyond the immediate area.

The human side matters just as much. You stay with a village family, see daily farm work, and may take part in activities alongside the farmers. The experience is arranged as an encounter rather than a quick roadside photograph. A school visit has also formed part of the experience described by past participants, though exact activities can depend on the day and the village.

This is a private tour, which gives you more room to ask questions and pause for views. If you need a slower pace at altitude, tell the guide early. The published plan is active, and you should not expect a relaxed sightseeing schedule.

Starting at 7:00 am with breakfast and a mule

Your day begins at about 7:00 am. You meet the guide at your hotel or at the Highland Eco Trekking office, where a mule and the trek supplies are prepared. If you arrive by air, the company can arrange a start at the airport, but you should settle that detail before the hiking day.

The early start is useful. It gives you more time on the trail and avoids making the return day feel rushed. It also means you should ask your hotel about breakfast in advance. If the hotel has not fed you properly, the company normally begins with a filling breakfast at a local cafe.

That cafe stop is a small but practical touch. A mountain walk at altitude is not the place to begin on coffee alone. If breakfast plans have not already been agreed by email, confirm them with the office or airport pickup guide at least a day before the trek.

Your luggage can be stored safely at the company office in Lalibela. That means you can carry only what you need for one night. The mule carries the arranged supplies, but you still need a small daypack for water, layers, personal items, and anything you want during the walk.

Asheton Maryam and the first climb

The opening stop is Asheton Maryam Monastery, reached during roughly three hours of walking. This section introduces the route to the Lasta Mountains and gives you an early sense of the climb ahead.

The monastery entrance fee is not included in the tour price. Ask your guide about the current amount before setting off, since the advertised package specifically excludes it. The stop is also a good reason to confirm how much church sightseeing you want to do before the trek begins.

The route is not only about arriving at a church, though. As you move higher, the surroundings become more open and rugged. The vegetation becomes sparser, and the path leads farther into the highlands. That change is part of the appeal, but it also signals that the day will demand effort.

You should wear sturdy walking shoes and bring clothing that can handle changing conditions. The provided details do not specify the exact trail surface or weather protection, so pack for a mountain outing rather than a town walk. Bottled water, snacks, coffee, and tea are included, but carrying a personal refillable bottle is still sensible.

Lunch on the Atabkit plateau at 3,600 meters

After Asheton Maryam, the route continues deeper into the highlands. Lunch is prepared and brought by the company cook, so you do not need to leave the trail to find food.

The day’s major viewpoint is the Atabkit plateau, also called Ad Medhane Alem. At roughly 3,600 meters, it overlooks Lalibela and the Wollo area. On a clear day, you may see toward the Gondar region and Tigray. The plateau also offers a good place to watch birds using the rising air currents.

This is the point where the trek’s rewards and demands meet. The views are broad, and the setting feels far removed from town. But altitude can slow you down even if you are normally a strong walker. Take the long lunch break seriously. Eat, drink, and allow your breathing to settle before continuing.

The schedule allows about three hours for the Medhane Alem section, though the full day includes walking, stops, lunch, and the move toward the village. The exact pace will depend on your group, the guide, and how you respond to the climb.

A village night near Astabir

After lunch, you continue toward Ad Medhane Alem village near Astabir. This is where the tour becomes more personal. Rather than returning to Lalibela, you spend the night in a highland community and see a side of Ethiopia that is easy to miss on a church-focused visit.

Accommodation is included, along with dinner and breakfast. The material provided does not describe the room setup or bathroom facilities, so ask the operator before booking if those details matter to you. Treat this as a simple village stay, not a hotel night.

The value is the contact with the host family. You can see how farming families organize their day and take part in suitable daily activities. A guide helps explain what is happening and translates when needed. Luel has received particular praise for his English and for helping visitors communicate with the host family. Mareg has also been praised for guiding, local explanations, and making the experience feel special.

Keep your expectations respectful. You are entering a working community, not visiting a staged attraction. Follow the guide’s advice about photographs, household customs, and participation. The best moments may be ordinary ones, such as sharing food, watching farm work, or learning how the household runs.

The included dinner is another chance to experience local cooking. One piece of feedback specifically suggested adding more Ethiopian dishes to the menu, and the company acknowledged that point. That tells you the meal program may be practical rather than an elaborate food showcase.

The walk back to Lalibela on day two

After breakfast, you gather your belongings and begin the return walk toward Lalibela. This section is described as about five hours, with stops for views and animals along the way. Town is expected around the late afternoon, roughly 4:00 pm.

The second day is shorter in spirit than the first, but it is not a quick stroll. Your legs will already have done the major climb and village approach. Build in patience for the return. The private format helps here because your guide can respond to the group’s pace rather than pushing everyone to a fixed bus departure.

You may want to avoid scheduling a flight or an important appointment immediately after the walk. The stated arrival time is approximate, and mountain walking can take longer because of weather, trail conditions, rest stops, or a slower pace at altitude.

The route back gives you another chance to stop for views and observe animals. I like that the return is not described simply as transport from the village to town. You finish on foot and keep the connection with the highlands until the end.

What the $213.77 price includes

At $213.77 per person, the tour is not just a guided walk. The price includes:

• English-speaking guide
• Breakfast
• Dinner
• Two lunches
• Accommodation
• Snacks
• Bottled water
• Coffee and tea
• Mule support
• Activities with local farmers
• Luggage storage in Lalibela
• Private participation for your group

That makes the cost easier to judge. You are paying for two days of guiding, food, overnight arrangements, local coordination, and support in a remote setting. If you arranged each part separately, you would also have to organize the village stay, meals, mule, and transport of supplies.

The value is strongest for someone who wants the rural experience without managing every detail alone. It is less compelling if you only want a fast mountain walk and already have a place to stay. Remember to budget for the Asheton Maryam admission fee, which is excluded.

The price also includes activities with farmers, not just a walk past fields. That is important. The tour’s purpose is contact with local life, and the package supports that rather than treating the village as a backdrop.

Guides, group size, and the physical effort

The guides are a major part of this experience. Mareg and Ababa have been praised for guiding around the Lalibela churches and local areas, while Luel has been singled out for clear English, cultural explanations, and careful translation with the host family.

You can request a guide by name, but availability is not guaranteed. If you have a strong preference, ask before booking. A good guide matters here because the experience depends on introductions, explanations, and respectful communication as much as on navigation.

The tour is private, so only your group participates. That is helpful for families, couples, and friends who want to stop often or ask many questions. Children must be accompanied by an adult, and the operator asks for moderate physical fitness.

The altitude is the biggest physical issue. You reach around 3,600 meters on day one, and the route continues on foot for several hours on both days. This is not suitable for anyone looking for a low-effort excursion. If you are unsure about your fitness or how you handle altitude, ask the operator for current trail details before paying.

Practical planning before you book

Arrange the start point in advance. The walk can begin at your hotel, the trekking office, or the airport after arrival, but airport starts and breakfast details should not be left vague.

Pack lightly because the office can store luggage. Bring walking shoes, sun protection, a warm layer, personal toiletries, and any medication you need. The included bottled water and snacks help, but you should still prepare for a full day outdoors.

The experience is available with mobile ticketing, and confirmation is provided when you book. Service animals are allowed, and the meeting area is near public transportation. These points are useful, but they do not remove the need to prepare for a high-altitude hike.

Cancellation is free if you cancel at least 24 hours before the start time. Changes or cancellations inside that window are not accepted for a refund, and the cut-off follows local time.

Who should book this Lalibela trek?

I would choose this trek if you have already seen, or plan to see, Lalibela’s main churches and want a stronger connection with the surrounding highlands. It suits hikers who enjoy village contact, long views, simple accommodation, and a guide-led cultural experience.

It is also a good match for private groups that want flexibility. Families with older children may enjoy it, provided everyone can handle the climb and children remain with an adult.

I would think twice if you dislike basic accommodation, have trouble walking for several hours, or want a tightly timed sightseeing tour. The altitude and the rural overnight stay are not minor details. They are the center of the experience.

Should you book it?

Book it if the idea of reaching the Atabkit plateau, sharing time with a farming family, and walking back through the Lasta Mountains sounds more appealing than another day in town. The included meals, guide, mule support, accommodation, and luggage storage give the $213.77 price solid value.

Skip it if you want only the rock-hewn churches or if 3,600 meters and two days of hiking feel like too much. For the right visitor, this is a thoughtful way to see Lalibela beyond its famous stone churches, with enough practical support to make a demanding route manageable.

FAQ

Where does the Lalibela 2-Day Eco Trekking Tour take place?

The tour begins in Lalibela and continues into the Lasta Mountains above town. It includes Asheton Maryam, the Atabkit plateau, Ad Medhane Alem village near Astabir, and the walking route back to Lalibela.

What time does the trek start?

The stated start time is 7:00 am. You meet at your hotel or at the Highland Eco Trekking office, with an airport start possible if arranged in advance.

Can the trek start at Lalibela Airport?

Yes. The hike can begin at the airport after your arrival, but you should agree on the details with the company beforehand.

Is breakfast included?

Yes. Breakfast is included. If your hotel has not provided a proper meal, the company normally starts with breakfast at a local cafe.

Is accommodation included?

Yes. One night of accommodation in the village is included, along with dinner and breakfast. The supplied details do not specify the room or bathroom arrangements.

How high does the trek go?

The route reaches approximately 3,600 meters at the Atabkit plateau.

Is the Asheton Maryam entrance fee included?

No. The entrance fee for Asheton Maryam Monastery is not included in the tour price.

What meals and drinks are included?

The package includes breakfast, dinner, two lunches, snacks, bottled water, coffee, and tea.

Is this a private tour?

Yes. Only your group participates in the activity.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes, if you cancel at least 24 hours before the experience start time. Cancellations or changes made less than 24 hours before the start are not accepted for a refund.