A descent through a Mount Sodom salt chimney into a salt cave, with a very long rappel and crawling in the dark.
- Challenging
- Dead Sea
- salt formations
- Underground
- unique
Information as of 21 Oct 2026
At a glance
- Duration
- 5 h
- Trail length
- 3 km
- Tallest waterfall
- 80 m
- Number of waterfalls
- 2
- Rope needed
- 170 m
- Water
- Dry
Field reports
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Meeting point (parking)
נווה זוהר, כביש 90 ליד ים המלח
The meeting point is the parking spot. You continue on foot from here.
Coordinates: 31.18130, 35.36350
About
The trip starts with a climb up Mount Sodom on a path with iron ladders to the mouth of a salt chimney. After a short rappel comes a very long one down the chimney into a salt cave with salt stalactites and crystals.
From the bottom you continue walking, crawling and squeezing through narrow passages to the exit. The cave temperature is steady all year, but the climb up the mountain is exposed to the heat. This may be the same cave that is listed as the southern channel of Malham Cave.
Access notes
The meeting point is Neve Zohar on Route 90. From there a 4x4 or organized transport takes you to the start on Mount Sodom, and a short climb with iron ladders leads to the entrance.
Parking
Free parking near Neve Zohar, at the meeting point.
Difficulty and suitability
- Difficulty
- Hard
- Good for beginners
- No
- Minimum age
- From age 12
- Recommended group size
- Up to 12 people
- Typical duration
- 5 h
- Hiking distance
- 3 km
- Elevation gain
- 220 m
- Water activity
- No
- Route type
- Dry
Waterfalls
| Measure | Value |
|---|---|
| Tallest waterfall | 80 m |
| Number of waterfalls | 2 |
Seasons
Points on the map
- Meeting pointPrimaryנווה זוהר, כביש 90 ליד ים המלח
31.18130, 35.36350
Safety
The chimney rappel is very long and needs full control. It is followed by crawling and tight passages in the dark, so it is not for anyone claustrophobic. In summer the climb up the mountain is very hot, and in winter do not enter during flood warnings. Salt caves change after rain.
Weather constraints
פתוח כל השנה. טמפרטורת המערה קבועה (25 מעלות). בקיץ יש להיזהר מחום קיצוני בטיפוס להר. בחורף יש להימנע בזמן התרעות שיטפון.
Recommendations
For teenagers and adults with experience, not beginners, in small groups. Possible all year; in summer start early.
Equipment
A harness, helmet and descender for each participant, ropes long enough for the long rappel, a headlamp, gloves and long clothes for crawling.
Photos
מערת המלח בהר סדום - תצורות מלח בתוך המערה Photo: Wilson44691, CC BY-SA 3.0
הר סדום מבט כללי Photo: אליבאבא, CC BY-SA 3.0
הר סדום - מבט מים המלח Photo: Hoshvilim, CC BY-SA 4.0
Data sources
The information on this page was collected from these sources.
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