Mount of Temptation Monastery
Ancient Greek monastery on a cliff, famed as the site of Jesus' temptation, offering stunning desert views.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, cooler temperatures
Mount of Temptation Monastery
Best Time
Fewer crowds, cooler temperatures
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Ancient Greek monastery on a cliff, famed as the site of Jesus' temptation, offering stunning desert views.
"A once-in-a-lifetime experience with fantastic views and great vibes!"
🚠 Cable Car Convenience
Opt for the cable car for an easy and scenic journey up. It's often recommended over walking.
👗 Respectful Attire
Cover shoulders and knees to enter the monastery. No shorts allowed!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Mount of Temptation Monastery
Cliffside, Jericho
An ancient Greek Orthodox monastery clinging to a cliff, offering breathtaking views and deep spiritual significance.
Panoramic Jericho Views
From the monastery and cable car
Gaze over Jericho, the world's oldest city, and the vast Judean Desert stretching towards the Jordan.
The Ascent Experience
Cable car route
A scenic cable car ride up the mountain, providing a unique perspective and a memorable journey to the site.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Cable Car is Your Best Bet
Dress Code Matters
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚠 Cable Car Convenience
Opt for the cable car for an easy and scenic journey up. It's often recommended over walking.
👗 Respectful Attire
Cover shoulders and knees to enter the monastery. No shorts allowed!
🚶♀️ Hiking Option
You can walk up, but it's strenuous. Allow 20-30 minutes.
💰 Cable Car Cost
Around 80 NIS for the cable car, a good value for the experience.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚠 Cable Car Convenience
Opt for the cable car for an easy and scenic journey up. It's often recommended over walking.
👗 Respectful Attire
Cover shoulders and knees to enter the monastery. No shorts allowed!
🚶♀️ Hiking Option
You can walk up, but it's strenuous. Allow 20-30 minutes.
💰 Cable Car Cost
Around 80 NIS for the cable car, a good value for the experience.
🚗 Taxi Tips
Taxis can be an option, but the cable car is often more economical for individuals.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors are consistently impressed by the Mount of Temptation Monastery's dramatic cliffside location and the breathtaking panoramic views it offers over Jericho and the Judean Desert. The cable car is highly recommended for its convenience and scenic journey. However, adherence to the strict dress code is essential for entry, and some find the hike up to be quite challenging.
"First of all, based on its name, it's not exactly what you might first think. The Mount of Temptation is regarded as the mountain on which Christ was tempted by the devil during his 40-day fast. A Greek monastery built on the top looks like a huge floating structure from a distance.
If you have a car you'd drive real close but still the last 5-600 feet will be more than strenuous (and the drive itself is, say, interesting).
Your best bet is to take the cable car. The view is fantastic and once you get out a pleasant walk takes you to the Monastery. Once in a lifetime experience."
i pm
"Nice place, impressive view. Can get there by cabin car, 80 Nis. Our taxi driver took us there for 100 Nis(4 people, 25 Nis each), or you can walk up there. Guess it can take 20-30min.
Make shure yoh have apropriate dress. No shorts! We were not admited to enter...🤥"
Peter Bauer
"Just perfect! Great vibes, nice view. You can get there with the cable car. It is the best option. With the personal drivers it is so expensive. The cable car is a very nice experience, you have good views on the way, it does not take long time and it was not expensive."
Mari
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The most popular way to reach the Mount of Temptation Monastery is by taking the cable car from Jericho. You can also drive close to the base and hike up, which takes about 20-30 minutes but is quite strenuous. Taxis are available in Jericho and can take you to the cable car station or the base of the mountain.
Yes, it is possible to walk up Mount Temptation. However, it's a strenuous climb and can take around 20-30 minutes. Many visitors prefer the cable car for ease and the scenic views it offers.
The cable car is widely recommended as the best way to visit the monastery. It provides a pleasant and not-too-long journey with good views, and is generally more affordable than personal drivers.
You can drive a car close to the base of the Mount of Temptation, but the final 500-600 feet will still require a strenuous walk. For most visitors, the cable car is a more convenient option.
Yes, tours are available that include visits to Mount Temptation. Some local operators, like 'Palestine tours' on Facebook, can be contacted for arrangements.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The cable car typically costs around 80 NIS per person for a round trip. This is considered a good value for the experience and convenience it offers.
You must wear appropriate attire to enter the monastery. This means covering your shoulders and knees. Shorts are not permitted, and visitors have been denied entry for not adhering to the dress code.
While the cable car has a fee, there is generally no separate entrance fee for the monastery itself, provided you are dressed appropriately.
Opening hours can vary, and it's advisable to check locally or with tour operators. However, visiting during daylight hours is recommended for the best experience and views.
It is unlikely that pets, including dogs, are allowed inside the monastery or on the cable car. One TikTok video noted a dog was not allowed.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
According to Christian tradition, this is the mountain where Jesus fasted for 40 days and was tempted by Satan. In Islam, it's associated with Prophet Isa. The monastery itself is ancient, with foundations dating back to the 6th century. +4
You can explore the historic Greek Orthodox monastery, marvel at its cliffside architecture, and soak in the incredible panoramic views of Jericho and the surrounding desert landscape.
The cable car makes it accessible for most visitors. However, the terrain around the monastery can be uneven, and there are steps within the monastery itself.
The view is described as fantastic and amazing, offering a sweeping panorama of Jericho, the Dead Sea, and the Jordan Valley.
A visit typically takes a couple of hours, including the cable car ride and time to explore the monastery and enjoy the views.
📸 📸 Photography
The monastery perched on the cliff is incredibly photogenic from a distance. Once inside, capture the ancient architecture and the breathtaking panoramic views of Jericho and the Judean Desert. The cable car ride itself also offers great photo ops.
Photography rules can vary within religious sites. It's best to be discreet and respectful. Look for signs or ask if unsure.
Late afternoon, during the golden hour, offers beautiful lighting for both the monastery and the landscape. Morning light can also be lovely for capturing the vast desert views.
Drone usage is generally restricted in sensitive historical and religious sites, and often requires special permits. It's advisable to assume drones are not permitted.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive views and the monastery's scale. A zoom lens can be useful for details within the monastery or distant landscape shots.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While the monastery itself is a place of quiet reflection, the journey and the stunning vistas provide plenty of engagement for younger visitors. Pack water and snacks, as amenities might be limited. The historical and religious significance can be a great learning opportunity for older children.
🚶♀️ Solo Travelers & Pilgrims
Consider visiting during off-peak hours on weekdays to enjoy a more serene experience. The panoramic views also offer a moment of peace and contemplation. Be mindful of the dress code and the respectful nature of the site.
📸 Photographers & View Seekers
For the best shots, aim for late afternoon light (golden hour) to illuminate the monastery and the desert. Wide-angle lenses are ideal for capturing the sweeping panoramas of Jericho and the Dead Sea. Remember to be respectful of the religious nature of the site when taking photos inside.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Spiritual Significance of Mount Temptation
For Muslims, the mountain is also revered, often associated with Prophet Isa (Jesus). The name 'Quruntal' itself is derived from the Latin word for forty, referencing Jesus' 40-day fast. The ancient monastery, founded in the 6th century, stands as a testament to centuries of devotion and prayer on this sacred ground.
Navigating Your Visit: Cable Car vs. Hike
For the more adventurous or budget-conscious traveler, hiking up the mountain is an option. This trek typically takes between 20 to 30 minutes and offers a more direct, albeit strenuous, connection with the landscape. However, it's important to be prepared for a steep climb, especially in warmer weather. Many reviews highlight the strenuous nature of the hike, suggesting the cable car is the preferred method for most.
What to Expect Inside the Monastery
Visitors often remark on the impressive views from the monastery's vantage points, overlooking the ancient city of Jericho and the vast Judean Desert. It's a place where history, faith, and natural beauty converge. Remember to adhere to the dress code, ensuring your shoulders and knees are covered, as this is strictly enforced for entry.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit