Lalibela 2-Day Eco Trekking Tour

This eco trek is interesting because it links two sides of Lalibela, the famous rock hewn churches and the quieter highlands above town where local life happens up close. I especially love the mix of hiking with real cultural time, not just photos from a lookout. I also love that the guides, including Mareg and Ababa (and sometimes Luel, depending on the group), bring explanations along the way so the places make sense, fast.

The second thing I like a lot is the built-in rhythm of the day: early starts, a steady climb, and then breaks that feel like part of the experience. You’re headed toward a plateau around 3,600 meters, with views spreading toward Wollo and even the Gondar and Tigray regions on clear days, plus chances to spot birds above the town. You’ll also get lunch prepared by the company cook and served during your hike, which helps you keep going without constantly hunting for food.

The main drawback to consider is the pace, this is a moderate physical fitness hike with real uphill walking in higher altitude. If you hate heights or your legs need recovery time, plan to move slowly and take the provided breaks seriously.

Key things to know before you go

• Hike begins right from your area in Lalibela, either in front of your hotel or after arrival, so you lose less time
• Asheten Maryam monastery is on Day 1, with its entrance fee not included
• Atabkit escarpment and Ad Medhane Alem plateau bring big scenery and bird-spotting opportunities
• You stay in a local village near Astabir and join daily life with highlander farmers
• Meals are handled for you with breakfast, dinner, and two lunches plus snacks, bottled water, and coffee or tea

Rock churches first, then the highlands of Atabkit

Lalibela has a way of grabbing your attention right away. The rock hewn churches are the headline, and this tour uses them as a launch point. After you’ve seen the churches, you swap crowds and stone steps for trails above town, where the air feels different and your views open up.

What I like about this setup is that it gives you two kinds of time. You get the dense, history-packed first half of your visit, then you get the quieter side, where farming families, paths, and daily routines matter more than sightseers. The hike also helps you understand the geography behind Lalibela. You’re going to the Escarpment of Atabkit, which means you’re not just walking around town, you’re moving into the higher country above it.

Your day starts early, with the meeting usually at 7:00 a.m. either at your hotel or at the Highland Eco Trekking office. If you arrive by air and want to start right away, pickup can happen at the airport too. Either way, it cuts down the “what now?” time that can happen with independent trekking planning.

Day 1: Asheton Maryam monastery and the climb toward Ad Medhane Alem

Day 1 has two main stops, and each one has a different feel.

Stop 1, Asheton Maryam Monastery

In the morning you meet your guide, plus you’ll have a mule man for the trekking setup. That mule support matters more than you might think, because it helps keep your carrying load reasonable on an active day.

If you haven’t eaten properly at your hotel, the tour typically starts with a filling breakfast at a local cafe. Then you head to Asheton Maryam Monastery. This stop is scheduled for about 3 hours. Just plan for one cost detail: the entrance fee is not included.

Practical tip: because entry can involve extra time and a separate payment, it’s smart to carry a bit of cash just for that. Also, keep your camera ready but don’t sprint through this part. Monastery visits are better when you slow down and let your guide explain what you’re seeing.

Stop 2, Medhane Alem Church and the Atabkit plateau

After the monastery, the terrain shifts. The vegetation thins out, the walking feels rougher, and the whole area starts to feel more like the highlands you came for.

During the hike, your lunch is brought to you by the company cook. That’s a big advantage. You don’t have to break your flow to search for a shop. You get a proper lunch and time to reset, usually when you’re high enough to feel the altitude a bit more.

You’re heading to AD Medhane Alem (Atabkit), described as a big plateau overlooking Lalibela and stretching across Wollo and toward Gondar and Tigray. That makes this segment a great photo moment, but it’s also a great wildlife moment. You’re told it’s a good place to spot different kinds of birds in flight.

The lunch and break happen around 3,600 meters. From a comfort standpoint, that means you should treat the stop as a recovery window, not just a meal. Take your time, breathe, and let your body adjust before continuing.

Then the day continues toward Ad Medhane Alem Village near Astabir, which becomes your base for the night. This is where the trekking becomes truly “eco” and not just “exercise with scenery.”

Joining highlander farmers in the village near Astabir

The heart of this tour is the village stay, and it’s not presented as a staged cultural stop.

On Day 1, you end up in a highland village near Astabir, and you get to see the way of life up close. The tour description highlights meeting local highlander farmers, seeing daily routines, and even taking part in everyday activity. A guest experience also noted how welcoming the family felt and how meaningful it was to understand daily rhythms in the community.

What this adds to your trip is context. Once you’ve climbed above town and seen the plateau, the village stop explains what that scenery is connected to. It’s not just views for entertainment. People live there, work there, and build a life around the terrain.

One extra possibility: in one guest experience, there was a school visit as part of the experience while staying with the family. The tour data doesn’t guarantee it for every group, so don’t plan your entire day around it. But if it comes up when you’re in the village, it can be a powerful add-on.

Your night and what to expect

You’ll have accommodation included and a dinner included. The important thing to plan for is that village lodging is not the same as a city hotel. You should expect simple comfort and focus on the experience of being part of the day rather than expecting modern amenities.

If you’re the type who likes to ask questions, this is the time. Guides like Mareg and Ababa are mentioned as sharing lots of information and knowledge, and they help when translation is needed. In practical terms, having that translation matters because it turns random curiosity into real understanding.

Day 2: the return hike to Lalibela with views and animals

Day 2 starts after breakfast. Your plan is simple: gather your things, then begin walking back toward Lalibela.

The tour schedule suggests you’ll reach town around 4 p.m. That gives you a manageable end-of-trek finish without feeling like you’ll be hiking until sunset.

On the way back, you’ll have stops to enjoy views or animals. That’s a nice detail because it acknowledges something you’ll likely notice as you descend, the scenery keeps changing. Even if you’ve seen a ridge earlier, light, angle, and cloud cover can make the second half feel different.

There’s also a logical flow to the return. You’re moving from high plateau country back into town. That transition makes your body feel it too, altitude-wise and energy-wise. If you manage your pace early on Day 1, Day 2 often feels like a steady wind-down rather than a second suffering session.

What you actually get for the $213.77 price

Let’s talk value, because this price is only worth it if the support is real.

At $213.77 per person for about two days, you’re paying for more than a walking route. Your tour includes:

• An English-speaking guide
• Breakfast and dinner
• Lunches (2) during the trek
• Accommodation
• Snacks, bottled water, and coffee or tea
• Trek activities including time with farmers
• A way to safely store luggage in Lalibela in the office
• A private group setup, so it’s just your party

Then there are the “small but meaningful” advantages. Pickup is offered, so you can start right from your hotel or even from the airport. And the luggage storage option is useful if you’re staying somewhere that can be strict about check-in or bags.

The one cost gap to note is the Asheton Maryam monastery entrance fee. If you’re trying to budget tightly, plan for that extra payment. The tour data also says the Medhane Alem Church entrance is free, so you’re not paying multiple church fees.

Private tour value is underrated. When it’s only your group, you can set a more comfortable pace, ask more questions, and move with fewer interruptions. For many visitors, that alone is worth paying more than a big group tour.

Pacing and packing tips for a moderate hike at altitude

You’re told this is suitable for travelers with moderate physical fitness. That’s a helpful label because it means you don’t need to be an ultra hiker, but you also shouldn’t show up expecting a casual stroll.

Altitude note: you’ll be around 3,600 meters during Day 1. That doesn’t mean panic, but it does mean you should:

• Go slower than you think you should on uphill sections
• Use the breaks for real rest, not just standing and rushing to the next photo
• Stay hydrated, and take advantage of the bottled water provided

Packing advice based on typical highland treks, and kept practical:

• Wear shoes with solid grip. Stone and uneven trail can be slick.
• Bring layers. Higher elevations can feel cool even when Lalibela is warm.
• Carry a small rain layer or poncho. You might not need it, but it’s cheap insurance.
• Bring sun protection. Even on cloudy days, light at altitude can surprise you.
• Keep a bit of cash for the Asheton Maryam monastery entrance fee.

Also, don’t ignore the timing. Starting around 7:00 a.m. means you’ll want an early night and a straightforward breakfast.

Is this tour for you? Best-fit match

This eco trek works best if you want all of these at the same time:

• You’re curious about the highlands above Lalibela, not only the churches in town
• You like learning through people, not just passing by sights
• You enjoy active days with built-in breaks and planned meals
• You’re comfortable with a simple village stay and want to participate respectfully

You’ll also like it if you appreciate guides who explain. One guest specifically called out that the guide’s English was very good and that translation helped make the village experience feel special. Another praised the amount of knowledge shared and the way local connections were built through guides such as Mareg and Ababa.

Family note: children must be accompanied by an adult. Service animals are allowed, and the meeting point is near public transportation, which can help if you’re coordinating independently before pickup.

Finally, because it’s private, it suits couples and small groups who want a more personal rhythm.

Should you book the Lalibela 2-Day Eco Trekking Tour?

Book it if you want a two-day itinerary that connects Lalibela’s rock churches to the living highlands above town. The value is in the combination of a competent English-speaking guide, planned meals, and real time with highlander farmers in a village setting. The bird-spotting plateau views around Atabkit also make it more than a cultural visit, it’s a genuine outdoor experience.

Hold off if you know you struggle with uphill walking or altitude, or if you only want fully hotel-style comfort. The monastery entrance fee for Asheton Maryam is a small extra cost to plan for, but it’s not a dealbreaker.

One last practical confidence boost: the tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, so you can book without feeling locked in immediately.

FAQ

What time does the tour start?

The start time is listed as 7:00 a.m.

Can the tour pick me up from my hotel or the airport?

Yes. Pickup is offered, and the hike can start in front of your hotel in Lalibela or right on the airport after you arrive.

What meals are included?

Breakfast and dinner are included, and lunch is included as well, with two lunches during the trek. Snacks, bottled water, and coffee or tea are also included.

Is the entrance fee for Asheton Maryam Monastery included?

No. The entrance fee for Asheton Maryam monastery church is not included.

What fitness level do I need?

You should have moderate physical fitness since it includes trekking into the mountains and higher altitude areas.

Is this a private tour?

Yes. It is private, meaning only your group participates.