
Best Hiking Trails Around the World in Al Maḩallah al Kubrá, Al Gharbīyah, Egypt
1. Valley of the Whales (Gebel el-Arabat)
Hike through an otherworldly landscape featuring towering limestone formations resembling whale skeletons.
- Unique Geology: Explore one of the few places in the world with such distinctive erosional features.
- Remote Location: Experience solitude as this valley is less frequented by tourists.
- Stargazing Opportunities: Enjoy dark skies perfect for stargazing at night.
2. Siwa Oasis
A journey through a timeless oasis offering sand dunes, palm groves, and the famous Cleopatra's Bath.
- Historic Sites: Visit ancient temples dedicated to Amun Ra and explore Berber villages.
- Natural Hot Springs: Relax in the healing waters of Cleopatra's Bath, a natural hot spring.
- Desert Landscapes: Hike through vast sand dunes and rocky terrain for stunning views.
3. Bahariya Oasis
Discover the Golden Mummies and explore dramatic desert landscapes in Egypt's oldest oasis.
- Golden Mummies: Uncover the mysteries behind the well-preserved mummies dating back to the 1st century BC.
- Diverse Landscapes: Explore white desert, black desert, and crystalline mountains in one place.
- Bedouin Culture: Learn about the Bedouin culture and traditions during your stay.
4. Mount Sinai Trek
Climb Mount Sinai at sunrise to witness breathtaking views and visit the biblical site of Moses' Revelation.
- Religious Significance: Stand where Moses received the Ten Commandments according to Christian, Jewish, and Islamic traditions.
- Sunrise Experience: Experience a spiritual sunrise atop Mount Sinai.
- Strenuous Hike: Challenge yourself with the steep climb to reach the summit.
5. Colored Lakes of Wadi Al-Hitan
Explore four vibrantly colored lakes nestled amidst limestone cliffs and fossilized whale skeletons.
- Colorful Landscapes: Witness the striking contrast of blues, greens, and pinks in these lakes.
- Fossil Discoveries: Discover fossilized whale skeletons dating back millions of years.
- Remote Location: Experience a sense of solitude in this remote and beautiful location.
6. White Desert National Park
Journey through otherworldly landscapes featuring white chalk formations, black desert, and clear night skies.
- Unique Landscapes: Experience a moon-like landscape formed by wind erosion.
- Dark Sky Sanctuary: Enjoy stargazing in one of the world's darkest sky sanctuaries.
- Remote Location: Experience solitude and disconnect from everyday life.
7. Sakkara Pyramids Trail
Hike through ancient tombs, pyramids, and temples in the burial ground of many pharaohs.
- Historic Significance: Walk among some of the oldest structures in Egypt.
- Off-the-Beaten-Path: Discover less frequented sites away from the main tourist attractions.
- Archeological Wonders: Explore tombs and pyramids filled with ancient treasures and artifacts.
8. Wadi El-Hammeimim
Hike through a palm oasis, visit ancient tombs, and explore rocky desert landscapes.
- Historic Tombs: Discover the Tombs of the Nobles dating back to the Old Kingdom.
- Palm Oasis: Experience lush palm groves amidst desert landscapes.
- Off-the-Beaten-Path: Discover less frequented sites away from the main tourist attractions.
9. Sinai Trail (Jebel Shamsu Ulaya)
A multi-day hike traversing Mount Sinai, showcasing diverse landscapes and ancient sites.
- Diverse Landscapes: Experience a variety of terrains including deserts, mountains, and valleys.
- Ancient Sites: Visit ancient monasteries and biblical sites along the trail.
- Strenuous Hike: Challenge yourself with a multi-day hike requiring good physical fitness.
10. Abu Madi (Mountain of Gold)
Hike through rugged terrain to reach the ancient gold mines and enjoy breathtaking views.
- Historic Significance: Discover Phoenician gold mines dating back over 2500 years.
- Strenuous Hike: Challenge yourself with a steep climb to reach the summit.
- Scenic Views: Enjoy panoramic views of the desert below from the mountain's peak.
11. Dakhla Oasis
Hike through date palm oases and explore ancient tombs in one of Egypt's most remote oases.
- Historic Tombs: Discover the Tombs of the Nobles dating back to the Old Kingdom.
- Palm Oasis: Experience lush palm groves amidst desert landscapes.
- Remote Location: Experience solitude and disconnect from everyday life.
12. Farafra Oasis
Explore Crystal Mountain, clear springs, and ancient tombs in one of Egypt's most remote oases.
- Natural Springs: Relax in the healing waters of natural springs.
- Unique Landscapes: Experience a moon-like landscape formed by wind erosion.
- Remote Location: Experience solitude and disconnect from everyday life.
13. Debabish Oasis
Hike through a palm oasis to explore ancient tombs and desert landscapes in one of Egypt's most remote oases.
- Historic Tombs: Discover the Tombs of the Nobles dating back to the Old Kingdom.
- Palm Oasis: Experience lush palm groves amidst desert landscapes.
- Remote Location: Experience solitude and disconnect from everyday life.
14. Wadi El-Natrun
Hike through a wadi to explore ancient monasteries and monastic communities.
- Historic Significance: Visit ancient monasteries significant in Coptic Christianity.
- Off-the-Beaten-Path: Discover less frequented sites away from the main tourist attractions.
- Spiritual Journey: Experience a sense of peace and reflection in these ancient monastic communities.
15. Gebel Elba National Park
Hike through mountains, valleys, and canyons to explore unique geological formations and ancient sites.
- Unique Landscapes: Experience diverse landscapes including mountains, valleys, and canyons.
- Ancient Sites: Visit ancient tombs, monasteries, and churches dating back to the Roman period.
- Remote Location: Experience solitude and disconnect from everyday life.