Jericho

Understand

A relatively tranquil town, Jericho's reputation for calm and lack of security incidents in the midst of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict has made it a natural destination for West Bank visitors. Because Jericho is a tourist-orientated town, the Palestinian Authority goes to great lengths to make sure Jericho remains safe to visit. There is a constant tourist-police presence in the city and English is spoken by many in the town.

The modern town of Jericho includes the ancient mound known as Tell es-Sultan, the accumulated remains of cities that have existed on the site for some 9,000 years – the Neolithic period. Archaeology reveals that Jericho is one of the oldest human settlements in the Middle East.

Jericho, of course, is probably best known for its Biblical associations: (song) "Joshua fought the battle of Jericho – and the walls came tumbling down!"

Due to its location nearly 400 meters below sea level, Jericho is extremely hot in the summer!

Get in

thumb|300px|Remnants of Hisham's Palace

From Jerusalem, start at the HaNeviim station outside the Old City, next to Damascus Gate. From there, one must take a bus/van to one of three Palestinian cities, and take a second bus/van to Jericho. The three cities are (in order of directness): (Al) Ezariya (Junction) – Bus 36 or 63 (₪6.80) reach this town/junction east of Jerusalem, identified with Bethany from the New Testament. Ask the bus driver where to get off for the sherut van (₪10-12 depending on the mood of the driver) to Jericho or take the GPS pointer as orientation. It's advisable that you have an Arabic translator with you or specifically inquire of the bus driver as to where the sherut may be found. Alternatively, take bus 263 (₪6.80) from the Sultan Suleiman station, also close to the Damascus gate, which will stop at the junction too. Bethlehem – The sherut from the bottom floor of the Bethlehem bus station takes around an hour to get to the central square of Jericho (₪20). Ramallah and Nablus – Authentic and well worth a visit Palestinian cities

You can also hitchhike from the south along the Dead Sea or from Tiberias in the north. However, the Egged bus coming from there will apparently not stop before Jerusalem to let passengers off – ask when entering.

From the King Hussein "Allenby" Bridge border crossing, there is a direct bus which will deliver you to the , where you will pass through Palestinian border control. From there, it is a 2 km taxi ride…

Get around

Taxi service in Jericho is easy to find. Make sure to agree on a price with the taxi driver before entering the taxi. Prices for taxi rides inside Jericho shouldn't be more than ₪10. For taxi rides to sites on the outskirts of Jericho, it's best to negotiate a fair price.

Shared taxis from/to the center are about ₪2.

See

thumb|300px|Excavations at Tell es-Sultan thumb|right|The Tree of Zacchaeus

Do

Participate with visiting archaeologists in the many archaeological digs taking place in the Jericho area. Also, Jericho is known to the local population as an area surrounded by beautiful surroundings. There are numerous hiking trails that have beautiful views of the oases surrounding Jericho. Make sure to bring lots of water, Jericho is also known to the locals for its hot weather. Go for a camel ride in the desert. Ask the Bedouins walking around with decorated camels. So much fun! Make sure to agree on a price before hand.

Buy

There are Bedouins selling a variety of goods in Jericho, but the prices for them aren't much cheaper than other places. Food, however, is significantly cheaper in Jericho.

Eat

Near the Central Square, there are many places for quick bites, especially in the direction of the Sycamore Tree or Hisham's Palace.

It worth a visit to Qurantal mountain where Jesus fasted 40 days and 40 nights before the devil's temptation to him, where you will find a very nice restaurant at the bottom of the mountain. The buffet is agreeable and costs around US$15 per head for lunch. Ask to sit outside for an incredible panoramic view. You will have your lunch in front of an amazing panoramic birds eye view of Jericho city, the mountains of Jordan and the Dead Sea. You can reach this restaurant by using the Cable Car of Jericho.

Drink

The town is pretty much alcohol-free except in the hotels and resorts.

thumb|300px|Greek Orthodox Monastery of the Temptation north of Jericho

Go next

All major Palestinian cities are served directly by shared taxis (sherut/serviis) from here, sometimes with an interchange necessary. Travel to Israeli towns can be tricky but is possible; ask the local tourist information on the central roundabout.

Tiberias – A large Israeli town in the north and great starting point for Galilee and Golan. Nablus – One of the oldest cities in the world and famous for its kunafa/kenafeh. If you are on a tight schedule and planning to go to Ramallah, you might want to skip the latter for this more exciting Palestinian city. Jerusalem – Besides the Dead Sea, a central focus for most people coming to this region. Dead Sea – One of the most famous things to see/do in Israel and Jordan. Check out Ein Gedi, a Nature Reserve and oasis along the Dead Sea. Negev & Judaean – Deserts close to the Dead Sea, featuring amazing sites and desert landscapes, including the Ramon Crater and two other craters. Hiking in the Judaean Desert – Go out to other nearby hiking trails; particularly the Mishmar and Ze'elim streams are very close by.

For the nearby King Hussein "Allenby" Bridge crossing into neighbouring Jordan, see Jordan#King Hussein "Allenby" Bridge.