Lalibela churches , church museum & Yemrehan kirstose ( cave church)

Lalibela , Ethiopia

Lalibela churches , church museum & Yemrehan kirstose ( cave church)

Active

(20 reviews)

12h - 1d

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Instant confirmation

Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

lalibela is famous for it's intricately carved rock hewn churches, built by the king lalibela.

The churches are here for at list 900 years,an active christen shrine, spiritual center of the country religious life.

Yemrehane kristos 45km north of lalibela, which is a church built within a natural cave under water ,almost 100years before the churches of lalibela.

On the way yemrehane kristos you Will explore the way of life Ethiopian high land people.

Attending a tradition Ethiopian coffee ceremony since Ethiopia is the origin of coffee.

Attending a church services in one of the churches of lalibela.

Available options

Lalibela churches , church museum & Yemrehan kirstose ( cave church)

What's included

Traditional Ethiopian coffee ceremony in my home

All Fees and Taxes

Early morning attending church service in the biggest church of Lalibela Bet Medhane Alem

Air-conditioned vehicle

Private English speaking guide to all churches and atteractions

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1

We will meet at the airport of lalibela, drive 25km( 30 minutes) within spectacular view.
After lunch we will drive to sites where we find a concentration of some of Ethiopia most famous Rock hewn churches, mostly referred by many as " the living wonders of the world " this churches are they have been here for at list 900 years , an active christen shrine, spiritual center of the country religious life. Then we will visit the 1st clusters of churches and this contains :-Bet- Medhalealem , Bet- maryam ,Bet- Meskel , Bet- Denagle , Bet- Mikael & Golgotha.

After breakfast, we will drive to Yemerhane Kirstos Cave Church.
Yemrehan kistos ( cave church) built inside Natural cave under water at 11th century almost 100 years before the churches of Lalibela
In the inside part of this cave church we will visit very old paintings.
After Lunch, We will visit the second group of churches contains, Bete gebriel, rafael, bete emanuel, & bete Aba Libanos finally we will visit st George , the one in a shape of cross and most probably the highlight of you visit to Lalibela.

we will attend a church service in one of the churches of Lalibela just to assure you this churches are active for 900 years and drive back to lalibela airport with air conditioned vehicle.

What's not included

Lunch

Dinner

Accommodation including breakfast

Tips

Domestic flight Tickets

Expense not related in this package

Available languages

Guide guide

DE EN IT FR ES

Reviews breakdown

Tripadvisor 5.0

20 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Wheelchair accessible

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Service animals allowed

Public transportation options are available nearby

Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap

Specialized infant seats are available

Transportation options are wheelchair accessible

All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Dress code is formal

May be operated by a multi-lingual guide

Dress code is formal

Please advise any specific dietary requirements at time of booking

Vegetarian option is available, please advise at time of booking if required

Passport name, number, expiry and country is required at time of booking for all participants

Meeting point

Lalibela airport

Important notes

• Dress code is formal

About Lalibela

Lalibela is a small town in northern Ethiopia renowned for its rock-hewn churches, which are part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site. These churches, carved from living rock in the 12th and 13th centuries, are a testament to the town's rich history and religious significance. Lalibela is a pilgrimage site for Ethiopian Orthodox Christians and a fascinating destination for travelers interested in history, architecture, and spirituality.

Top Attractions

Rock-Hewn Churches of Lalibela

The Rock-Hewn Churches of Lalibela are a UNESCO World Heritage Site consisting of 11 medieval churches carved from living rock. These churches are a testament to the skill and dedication of the artisans who built them and are a significant pilgrimage site for Ethiopian Orthodox Christians.

Historical/Religious/Architecture Half day to full day ETB 200 (USD 7) for foreigners, ETB 50 (USD 2) for locals

Yemrehana Kristos

Yemrehana Kristos is a 12th-century church located about 40 km (25 miles) from Lalibela. Unlike the rock-hewn churches, this church is built in a traditional Ethiopian style and is known for its beautiful wooden ceiling and ancient manuscripts.

Historical/Religious/Architecture Half day ETB 50 (USD 2) for foreigners, ETB 10 (USD 0.50) for locals

Nakuto La'ab Monastery

Nakuto La'ab Monastery is a 13th-century monastery located on an island in Lake Ashenge, about 35 km (22 miles) from Lalibela. The monastery is known for its ancient manuscripts, religious artifacts, and beautiful views of the surrounding landscape.

Historical/Religious Half day ETB 50 (USD 2) for foreigners, ETB 10 (USD 0.50) for locals

Lalibela Museum

The Lalibela Museum is a small museum located near the rock-hewn churches, showcasing the history and culture of the town and its people. The museum houses a collection of artifacts, photographs, and exhibits that provide insight into the rich heritage of Lalibela.

Museum 1-2 hours ETB 20 (USD 1) for foreigners, ETB 5 (USD 0.25) for locals

Must-Try Local Dishes

Doro Wat

A spicy chicken stew made with berbere spice, onions, and garlic, served with injera.

Main dish Contains meat and gluten (injera).

Injera

A sourdough flatbread made from teff flour, used as both a plate and utensil in Ethiopian cuisine.

Staple food Gluten-free if made from pure teff flour, but may contain traces of gluten if made with other flours.

Tibs

Sautéed meat, usually beef or lamb, cooked with onions, peppers, and spices.

Main dish Contains meat and gluten (if served with injera).

Shiro Wat

A spicy stew made from chickpea flour, berbere spice, and garlic, served with injera.

Vegetarian dish Vegetarian and gluten-free (if made with pure teff injera).

Popular Activities

Hiking Exploring the countryside Visiting remote monasteries Enjoying the scenic views Relaxing in local cafes Participating in traditional coffee ceremonies Visiting the rock-hewn churches Exploring local markets

Best Time to Visit

September to May

This period offers the best weather for visiting Lalibela, with warm days and cool nights. The rainy season has passed, making it ideal for exploring the rock-hewn churches and enjoying outdoor activities.

15°C to 25°C (59°F to 77°F) 59°F to 77°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Amharic
Widely spoken: English (in tourist areas)
English: Moderately spoken in tourist areas, limited elsewhere

Currency

Ethiopian Birr (ETB)

Time Zone

GMT+3

Electricity

220VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Lalibela is generally a safe destination for travelers, with low levels of violent crime. However, petty crime, such as pickpocketing and bag snatching, can occur, especially in crowded areas and tourist sites. It's important to take precautions to protect your belongings and be aware of your surroundings.

Important Precautions:

• Be cautious when using taxis, and always negotiate the fare in advance.
• Avoid carrying large amounts of cash, and keep your valuables secure.
• Be wary of strangers offering help or services, as they may be trying to scam you.

Getting there

By air

Lalibela Airport • 5 km (3 miles) from the city center

By bus

Addis Ababa, Gondar, Mekele

Getting around

Public transport

Taxis are available in Lalibela but are not as common as in larger cities. They can be hired for short trips around the town.

Taxis

Available • Apps:

Rentals

Car

Neighborhoods

Central Lalibela Asheten Maryam

Day trips

Yemrehana Kristos

40 km (25 miles) • Half day

Nakuto La'ab Monastery

35 km (22 miles) • Half day

Asheten Maryam

30 km (19 miles) • Full day

Asheten Maryam is a rural area located about 30 km (19 miles) from Lalibela, known for its beautiful landscapes and hiking trails. It's a great destination for those looking to explore the countryside and experience the local way of life.

Festivals

Timket (Epiphany) • January 19 Meskel (Finding of the True Cross) • September 27 Genna (Ethiopian Christmas) • January 7

Pro tips

Hire a local guide to learn more about the history and significance of the rock-hewn churches and other attractions.
Bring comfortable walking shoes, as you'll be exploring the town on foot and visiting sites with uneven terrain.
Carry enough cash, as ATMs and card acceptance are limited in Lalibela.
Be prepared for cool temperatures, especially at night, as Lalibela is located at a high altitude.
Respect local customs and traditions, especially when visiting religious sites, and always ask for permission before taking photographs of people or religious ceremonies.