Dead Sea (Israel and the West Bank)

[[file:Dead Sea Banner.jpg|1280px|Halal Explorer to Dead Sea}} Judean Desert outline en.svg|Settlements and primary streets in the area.

For the other part of the sea, see Dead Sea (Jordan).

The Dead Sea (Hebrew: ים המלח, Hebrew transliteration:Yam HaMelach; Arabic: البحر الميت, Arabic transliteration: al-Bahir al-Mayyit) has its western coast in Palestine and the West Bank. It is the lowest point in the world at 394.6 m (1269 ft) below sea level. 25 kilometers of Dead Sea coastline lie within Palestinian Authority territory, including Qumran and Ein Feshka.

Cities and villages

Ein Bokek – a "city" of hotels located on the shores of the artificial, southern Dead Sea

Ein Gedi – a Kibbutz and Nature Reserve, great for hiking and exploring the green oasis

Ein Tamar / Neot Hakikar – a village at the very south of the Dead Sea with camping options
Kalya – an Israeli settler settlement that manages the nearby beach at the Dead Sea
Mitzpe Shalem
Neve Zohar – a town next to Ein Bokek with some hotels
Ovnat

Dead Sea (Israel and the West Bank) Halal Travel Guide

PikiWiki Palestine 14749 dead sea - Dead Sea salt buildup The water in the Dead Sea is extremely salty, and has been estimated to be the second saltiest major body of water in the world. Its name is derived from the fact that it is far too saline for marine life to exist in its waters. The Dead Sea is naturally endorheic (no outlet streams) with the Jordan River being its only major source. The northern part of the Dead Sea receives scarcely 100 mm (4 inches) of rain a year; the southern section receives barely 50 mm (2 inches). Due to the man-made reduction of the Jordan River (the river waters are 70-90% used for human purposes) and the high evaporation rate of the Dead Sea and the sea is shrinking. Although the Dead Sea will never entirely disappear (because evaporation slows down as surface area decreases and saltiness increases), measures are being proposed to siphon water from the Red Sea through a series of tunnels or canals in order to replenish the rapidly shrinking waters and provide water and electrical solutions to the surrounding countries.

North and South Sea

All the shallow waters of the southern end of the sea have been drained and are now salt flats. Which means that the southern part is actually just artificial and not the real Dead Sea. A couple of years ago there was a real lake here. Thus, Ein Bokek and Neve Zohar are not really places where you want to go for a swim in the real Dead Sea. By the way, water from the northern part is drained through a channel south. This channel allows for a swim and the same experience, if you have waterproof sandals and water to wash the salt off. For example, from the highway right next to Masada it is just 100-200 m to this channel. The water in the channel is not moving, but it might if they decide to open the block at the south end.

Facts

Due to the hypersalination of the water, you can float with ease in the Dead Sea; in fact, it's nearly imfeasible to sink! It is popular for visitors to have their picture taken while reading a newspaper and floating on the surface of the water.
The mud along the shore of the Dead Sea contains many minerals and is believe to have medicinal and therapeutic benefits. It is not uncommon for visitors to cover their bodies with the dark mud.
There are many salt deposits and crystals scattered along the shoreline. Many visitors walk the beach in search of large pieces as souvenirs.
The water of the Dead Sea has a greasy feel to it.
Tip if in a resort: wash the salt off in the beach showers before you use your towel. Otherwise the towel will get salty and leave salt on your skin when you use it after your shower (the salt can cause an itch).

GPS 31.0830,35.3969 Lot's wife(Eshet Lot), turned into a pillar of salt.
The Colonel Cave GPS 31.07183,35.39372 is only accessible with ropes (for a 70-m climb/rappel down) from the top and a knowledgeable guide. Be careful when walking around the opening, so you don't slip into it. There is actually a low and shallow entrance GPS 31.0714843,35.3967641 at the bottom of the mount near the road. If you are keen and cave-experienced, you can enter crawling in here (without any bag). After 10 m you will be able to stand up and walk further another 100-200 m – inside never climb up, only ever down due to the potential unstable layers. Due to recent rock slides, it is unclear whether the salt cave still exists, but if and then it is this one.
The Malham Cave GPS 31.07646,35.39707 is far more easy accessible, but not just more than a cave that gets lower and lower at the end – bring a flashlight.
For the GPS 31.0847,35.3569* Flour Cave as part of Wadi Perazim with its impressive canyon, either walk or by 4WD in GPS 31.0472,35.3761 north of Dead Sea Works from route 90 along a GPS 31.0665,35.3750 gravel road into the GPS 31.0704,35.3534Amiaz Plain. From the GPS 31.0800,35.3511 parking it takes 15 min to climb down the wadi into the cave. The drive from the north is only feasible with a 4WD. Round hike 3 h; drive 1 h.

Top Muslim Travel Tips for Dead Sea (Israel and the West Bank)

Dead Sea, man reading - It is nearly imfeasible to sink in the hypersalinated waters Dead Sea mud man by David Shankbone - Many visitors cover their bodies with therapeutic mud The following beaches are available:

Kalia beach and water park near Kalia 31.75818, 35.50348 ☎ +972-2-9942391 ₪50-80 Also has a water park with hot water pools and slides. There are three beaches near Kalia, all of which are closed off and charge a fee to get in.
Mineral Beach 31.54972, 35.4004 ☎ +972-2-9944888 Closed in December 2014 due to sinkholes.
Ein Gedi Spa Beach | 31.41777, 35.37888 ☎ +972-8-6594413 - The signature element of the Dead Sea - black mud - has both cosmetic and therapeutic benefits known to cleanse and stimulate the skin, relieve muscle and emotional tension, improve blood circulation and ease rheumatic pain.
Ein Bokek Public Beach | 31.19593, 35.36313 ☎ +972-8-6594433
Hamei Zohar Public Beach 31.169444, 35.367222 ☎ +972-8-6594433 - A6132882 Alternative to Ein Bokek and Ein Gedi beaches with separate bathing for men and women.

Muslim Friendly Shopping in Dead Sea (Israel and the West Bank)

Ahava visitors center 31.56223, 35.40095 In Kibbutz Mitzpeh Shalem, directly across Route 90 from Mineral Beach Home to the world famous Ahava Dead Sea Products. There are windows into the factory area so you can see the products being produced, and a gift shop where you can purchase a wide variety of cosmetic products.

Eat & drink

The restaurant options near the Dead Sea are sparse. The town of Ein Bokek has two small shopping malls with a McDonald's (Please do not support McDonald's as McDonald's supports Israel. Shun this restaurant group and go for altertative brands and if possible for a Muslim owned restaurant), falafal bars, a stores, and a few other stores selling everyday items and souvenirs. The shopping center has a large McDonald's (Please do not support McDonald's as McDonald's supports Israel. Shun this restaurant group and go for altertative brands and if possible for a Muslim owned restaurant) sign on the roof. From the outside, it looks very out of place (and funny in a way) against the majestic background of desert mountains. Many people working there and in nearby hotels can speak Russian. There are also restaurants in each of the resort hotels on the Israeli settler side.

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Muslim Friendly Hotels

Camping Places

Camping is allowed for free on the Ein Gedi coast (approx. 500 m south of the kibbutz), toilets and showers are on site for a small fee. The ground is a bit stony so any kind of mattress is useful.

Camping Neot Neot Hakikar 30.935110, 35.379709 next to Ein Tamar ☎ +972 52-8991147, +972 52-2456651 ₪70/50 adult/child + mattress ₪5 They do not rent tents, but have three large “desert igloos” available, with mattresses if required. Otherwise you can just set up your private tent.
Metzoke Dragot - open camping area | 31.5921, 35.3895 drive up from the 90 (just before the checkpoint), pass the hostel on top and keep going on the dirt road for a few minutes free Open camping area with parking and fireplaces among the desert hills. No facilities or shade, come prepared.

Also Arad (Israel) | Arad, about 25 km to the West, has a few budget options worth the short trip there, e.g. Arad Tandem (₪95).

Shkedi's Camplodge South of the Dead Sea in Neot Hakikar, Sodom area, 20 minutes from the Dead Sea shoreline 30.93546, 35.37826 Bus 444 from Jerusalem to "Neot HaKikar - Branching Neot HaKikar Road 90". Call to arrange a pick-up from the bus stop (10 kilometers) ☎ +972 52-2317371 Dorms from ₪95, private from ₪250 A beautiful hostel with uniquely built large bungalows and wooden cabins, all shaded by acacia trees, a bonfire inside a geodesic dome and a desert café. Member of ILH.
The Ein Gedi Beit Sarah Guest House Near the Dead Sea road (# 90) at the entrance to the Nahal David reservation 31.46723, 35.39528 ☎ +972 8-6584165 +972-08-6584445 Dorm bed from ₪145 A guest house in the oasis of Ein Gedi with 51 rooms, some of which have balconies.
Massada Guest House South of the Massada site 31.31027, 35.36385 ☎ +972 8-9953222 +972-08-6584650 Dorm bed from ₪145 A guest house on the slopes of Massada with 88 rooms and a private swimming pool.

Northern Dead Sea

Almog Hotel - ☎ +972 2-9945201

Ein Gedi

Ein Gedi Country Hotel @i.org.il - ☎ +972 8-6594222 +972 8-6584328 Kibbutz hotel.

Ein Bokek

Le Meridien Dead Sea - ☎ +972 8-6591234 +972 8-659-1235 Check-in: 15:00 / Check-out: noon
Royal Hotel | Ein Bokek-Dead Sea ☎ +972 8-6688555 +972-8-658-4503 Check-in: 14:00 / Check-out: 11:00 At the lowest spot on earth on the shores of the Dead Sea located the Royal Hotel Dead Sea. The hotel offers 400 guest rooms and exclusive suites which all offer an enchanting view of the Dead Sea and the Judaean Desert and the Moab Mountains. Additional hotel facilities: a fenced beach for hotel's guests, Solarium, outdoor fresh water pool, children's swimmingpool and private parking.
Prima Oasis | Ein Bokek-Dead Sea ☎ +972 8-6688666 +972-8-658-4503 Check-in: 14:00 / Check-out: 11:00 Our Oasis Dead Sea Resort – nestled between the Judaean hills and the shore of the Dead Sea – offers a new grand entrance pavilion and reception, contemporary lodgings and beautiful spacious grounds.
Leonardo Club Hotel - Magic Nirvana Club - ☎ +972 8-6689444 +972-8-6689400
Crowne Plaza Dead Sea - ☎ +972 8-6591919 +972-8-6591911 Check-in: 15:00 / Check-out: 11:00
Daniel Dead Sea - ☎ +972 8-6684666 +972-8-6684668
Caesar Premier - ☎ +972 8-6689666 +972-8-6520301
Novotel Thalassa - ☎ +972-8-9553333 +972-8-9553344
Sheraton Moriah Dead Sea | ☎ +972 3-6213333 +972-8-6584238 Check-in: 15:00 / Check-out: noon
Hod Hamidbar Resort and Spa | - ☎ +972 8-6688222 +972-8-6584606
Dead Sea Gardens | ☎ +972 8-6689090 +972-8-6584383
Lot Spa Dead Sea Hotel | Dead Sea Road #90, Ein Bokek ☎ +972 8-6689200 Check-in: 15:00 / Check-out: 11:00 One of the oldest hotels in the area, with 199 rooms. Freshwater pool, heated Dead Sea swimming swimmingpool (36°), 2 sulfur pools, Jacuzzi, private secluded sauna, large fitness room and treatment rooms.
Tsell Harim Hotel - ☎ +972 8-6688111 3 stars
Prima Spa Club | Ein Bokek-Dead sea ☎ +972 8-6688000 +972-8-658-4503 Check-in: 15:00 / Check-out: 11:00 The Spa Club hotel is the first spa hotel of its kind in the entire Dead Sea region. On the shores of the Dead Sea and the hotel is the first choice for business guests wishing to relax and unwind in an unbelievably calm and soothing atmosphere
Daniel Dead Sea Hotel | Ein Bokek, Dead Sea Mobile Post ☎ +972 8-6689999 +972-8-6689900 Check-in: checkin=15:00 / Check-out: 11:00 The hotel has swimming pools, a conference center and a health club where a gym, private secluded sauna, whirlpool and steam room all await you. And all of this with a stunning desert view across the waters of the Dead Sea.

Stay Safe

The Dead Sea area is unique and magnificent, but it can also be dangerous. Follow these rules when visiting:

In the Dead Sea

Wear waterproof sandals. The salt is very jagged and can easily cut your feet.
Beware and the salty water can be extremely painful in open wounds or scratches. Women using tampons should be careful as the water absorbed by them can cause irritation and severe discomfort.
Beware! Several people drown every year in the Dead Sea because they do not obey the rule: Only float on your back. Accidents happen when someone tries to swim normally (stomach first) in the water - the legs will float better than usual and the head will be submerged. Note that this applies to weaker swimmers, and specifically to attempts to swim breaststroke. Breaststroke is also made difficult by the fact that the legs are raised too high in the water to provide normal forward motion when kicking. Moreover and the salt in the water stings cuts and causes great pain if it comes in contact with the eyes, adding to the panic if one's head is under water. A strong swimmer can easily swim freestyle; if you plan to try this, goggles are crucial and should be tightly fitted. Although safe for a strong swimmer, and an unusual sensation because of the buoyancy of the water, it is not an undertaking most people are likely to sustain for long. Even with the eyes protected by goggles, water will get into the nose and sting, and onto the lips and inevitably into the mouth. It tastes disgusting.
Short of actual drowning, inhalation of the water can cause specific, sometimes life-threatening medical problems not seen with other bodies of water, because of the water's very high electrolyte content, so be sure of your swimming abilities and confidence in the water before deciding to swim on your front.

Heat

Due to the Dead Sea's desert location and sub-zero elevation, temperatures are high here. In summer it is extremely hot, and even in winter, you will be surprised how hot it can get in direct sun at midday. Always bring an appropriate amount of water when hiking (one liter per hour hiking is recommended), and on very hot days, avoid hiking altogether.

Flash floods

During winter and spring there is a danger of floods on rainy days. The Dead Sea basin receives rainwater from relatively far-off, wetter areas like the Jerusalem Mountains. This means that sometimes during a sunny day a flood will suddenly and unexpectedly occur. Therefore, be careful when hiking to distant narrow places during these seasons and stay tuned to the weather news. The weather forecast always gives warnings if there is a possibility of flooding. Always do as national reserves staff order - they know the terrain very well. In 2007, several Israeli settler settlers who had been "snappling" (rappelling) were killed by a flood because they did not obey national reserve staff orders.

Terrain

The Dead Sea is bordered by a massive (400m-high) cliff, with the Judaean Desert atop the cliff. There are numerous hiking trails winding up the cliff or through the canyons that penetrate it. These trails provide magnificent views, but give the terrain the respect it deserves. Never hike off-trail if you are anywhere near cliffs. It is unfortunately common for people to fall to their deaths in this area, sometimes even if they were on a marked trail.

News & References Dead Sea (Israel and the West Bank)

More Muslim friendly Destinations from Dead Sea (Israel and the West Bank)

Negev & Judaean Desert|Judaean – Deserts close to the Dead Sea, featuring amazing sites and desert landscapes, including the Ramon Crater near Mitzpe Ramon, and two other craters.
Hiking in the Judaean Desert|Hiking in the Judaean Desert – Go out to other nearby hiking trails; particularly the Mishmar and Ze'elim streams are very close by.
West Bank – most parts of the Judaean Desert lie within the Gulf countries Bank, most of which, in turn, is part of the Palestinian territories including destinations like Bethlehem, Nablus, and:

Jericho – Close to the northern edge of the Dead Sea and the oldest town in the middle east.
Occupied Jerusalem – Besides the Dead Sea, a central focus for most people coming to Israel.

Eilat – Holiday town in the far south with border crossings to Jordan and Egypt.

Commons:Category:Dead Sea