Nahal Qumran

Nahal Qumran drops to the Dead Sea next to Qumran National Park, the site of the Dead Sea Scrolls. It is a dry canyon in a reserve where rappelling is permitted, with bolted drops of varying height and open views to the Dead Sea and the mountains of Jordan.

The canyon has two sections: Upper Qumran, which starts with a short, steep climb, and Lower Qumran, reached on mostly flat ground. You can do either one alone or both together, and every option is circular, starting and ending by the national park. The combination suits advanced rappellers, while a single section also works for beginners.

There are two ways in: through the national park, paid, with close parking and toilets, or from Kibbutz Kalia, free, with a little extra walking. There is cell coverage along the whole canyon.

Two options. Through Qumran National Park (Waze: 'גן לאומי קומראן'): paid, with parking close to the start and end of the route, but the park only opens in the morning. Through Kibbutz Kalia (Waze: 'בית עלמין אזורי מגילות'): park behind the cemetery and walk a short way to the start, free and not tied to opening hours.

The Qumran National Park parking, with toilets and picnic tables, or free parking behind the Megilot regional cemetery at Kalia.

High flash flood risk: in winter check for flood warnings, in summer for heat stress. Start in the early morning. The climb to Upper Qumran has a section so steep it is almost a scramble.

פתוח אוקטובר עד מאי. בקיץ (יולי-אוגוסט) חם מדי לפעילות. אסור להיכנס בזמן התרעות שיטפון. מומלץ להתחיל בשעות הבוקר המוקדמות.

A single section suits beginners and children with basic experience, and the combination suits advanced rappellers and fit groups. Autumn and spring are the best seasons. A tour of Qumran National Park is worth adding.

One long rope covers every drop. A harness and helmet for each rappeller, and plenty of water.