Jericho is more than ancient ruins and biblical stories — it is a living oasis of adventure, culture, and discovery. Surrounded by desert cliffs, fertile groves, and the shimmering Dead Sea, the city offers experiences that are as diverse as its history. Travelers can ride a cable car to the Mount of Temptation, hike through Wadi Qelt’s dramatic canyon, or cycle along palm-lined roads in the Jordan Valley. Others may choose to relax in the mineral waters of the Dead Sea, taste fresh dates in a family orchard, or watch flocks of migratory birds soar overhead.

For those seeking cultural encounters, Jericho also opens doors to Bedouin hospitality, where guests are welcomed into desert camps with traditional meals, music, and stories passed down through generations. Whether your interest is wellness, outdoor adventure, or cultural immersion, Jericho combines it all in one unique destination. This is where heritage meets experience, and where every visit offers a new way to connect with Palestine’s land and people.

Desert Experiences

Jericho lies on the edge of the Judean Desert, making it the perfect base for desert exploration. Visitors can embark on guided 4×4 jeep tours, camel rides, or hiking expeditions that reveal the stark beauty of this dramatic landscape. The desert is dotted with monasteries like St. George of Koziba, ancient caves, and Bedouin encampments, offering a mix of history and adventure.

Early morning and sunset are the best times for excursions, when the light paints the hills in shades of gold and red. Spending time in the desert connects travelers to the same landscapes where prophets, monks, and wanderers once sought solitude. Today, it’s a place to disconnect, reflect, and experience Palestine’s wilderness. Whether you’re trekking through Wadi Qelt or camping under the stars, Jericho’s desert adventures are unforgettable.

Cycling and Outdoor Sports

Thanks to its flat terrain and warm climate, Jericho is ideal for cycling and outdoor sports. Biking through Jericho’s palm groves or along the Jordan Valley roads is both scenic and culturally rich. Some local operators offer bike rentals and guided cycling tours that connect Jericho with nearby sites like the Dead Sea or Qasr al-Yahud, the traditional site of Jesus’ baptism.

For those seeking more intensity, the annual Palestine Marathon and Jericho-based cycling events highlight the region’s growing outdoor sports culture. Jogging or walking along shaded trails near Ein es-Sultan spring is another great way to enjoy the outdoors. With nearly 330 days of sunshine a year, Jericho is a year-round destination for outdoor activities. Cycling and sports here provide not just exercise, but also a chance to experience local life up close.

Dead Sea and Wellness

Jericho is the gateway to the northern Dead Sea, one of the world’s most unique natural wonders. Just a short drive from the city, the Dead Sea offers visitors the chance to float effortlessly in mineral-rich waters, known for their therapeutic properties. Mud from the Dead Sea is used in treatments that soothe the skin and relieve joint pain, making wellness tourism a growing attraction.

Many local facilities and resorts near Jericho offer day passes for swimming pools, spa treatments, and access to the Dead Sea’s shoreline. For travelers seeking relaxation, this is an ideal complement to sightseeing in Jericho. Combining a morning at Hisham’s Palace with an afternoon of floating in the Dead Sea creates a balanced experience of culture and wellness. Whether for health benefits or simple enjoyment, the Dead Sea makes Jericho a natural wellness hub.

Agro-Tourism

Jericho is famous as an oasis, with agriculture at the heart of its identity. The fertile soils and warm climate make it ideal for date palms, bananas, citrus fruits, and herbs. Agro-tourism in Jericho invites visitors to walk through lush palm groves, help with harvests, and taste seasonal produce directly from the source. Some family farms welcome guests for farm-to-table meals, offering traditional Palestinian dishes prepared with ingredients grown on-site. Dates from Jericho are particularly prized, and many shops sell Medjool dates for visitors to take home.

Agro-tourism also highlights Jericho’s role in sustainable farming and its centuries-old irrigation traditions, such as those linked to Ein es-Sultan spring. For travelers seeking authentic experiences, spending time on a farm or orchard reveals another side of Jericho — one rooted in the rhythms of the land and the hospitality of its people.

Bird Watching

The Jericho region, located along the Jordan Valley, is part of a major migratory route for birds traveling between Africa and Europe. Each spring and autumn, thousands of storks, raptors, and songbirds pass through the skies above Jericho. The wetlands and oases around the city provide resting spots that attract both common and rare species. Birdwatchers can explore areas near the Dead Sea, the Jordan River, or the desert edges, where the mix of habitats creates excellent opportunities for sightings.

Local eco-guides sometimes lead tours focused on bird migration and conservation. Even casual visitors can enjoy spotting flocks of storks circling overhead or listening to the calls of smaller birds in the palm groves. Bird watching in Jericho combines natural beauty with an awareness of Palestine’s unique ecological role. It’s a peaceful, contemplative activity that complements the city’s archaeological and cultural experiences.

Nature Trails

For those who enjoy walking, Jericho is surrounded by scenic trails that blend natural landscapes with cultural heritage. The Wadi Qelt trail, leading to St. George’s Monastery, is one of the most iconic, offering dramatic desert views and encounters with shepherds along the way. Trails near Ein es-Sultan spring and the surrounding palm groves provide easier options for casual walkers.

Jericho is also part of the Palestinian Heritage Trail, a long-distance route that connects villages and landscapes across the West Bank. These trails allow visitors to immerse themselves in Palestine’s natural environment while engaging with local communities. Hiking in Jericho is not just about exercise — it’s about experiencing the layers of history and life that shape the land. With its warm climate and varied terrain, Jericho offers trails for both serious hikers and casual strollers.

Cable Car Experience

One of Jericho’s most unique attractions is its cable car, which runs from the city center to the Mount of Temptation Monastery. The ride offers sweeping views of Jericho’s oasis, the Dead Sea, and the surrounding desert mountains. At the summit, visitors can explore the cliffside monastery traditionally associated with the site where Jesus fasted for 40 days. The cable car makes this dramatic site accessible to all, while also providing an unforgettable perspective of the city and valley below.

Many travelers combine the cable car ride with a visit to the monastery café or nearby hiking trails. As the only cable car of its kind in Palestine, it has become a symbol of Jericho’s tourism identity. Whether you ride for the view, the history, or the thrill, the cable car offers a must-do experience that perfectly blends heritage and adventure.

Bedouin Experiences

The desert around Jericho is home to Bedouin communities, whose traditions offer a unique cultural experience for visitors. Spending time with Bedouin families allows travelers to glimpse a lifestyle deeply tied to the desert — one shaped by herding, storytelling, and hospitality. Guests are often welcomed into goat-hair tents or simple homes to share meals of fresh bread, roasted meat, and sweet tea brewed over an open fire. Some experiences also include learning about Bedouin crafts, such as weaving, or hearing music passed down through generations. For adventurous visitors, overnight stays in desert camps near Jericho provide the chance to sleep under the stars and wake to the sound of herds moving across the hills. These encounters highlight the resilience and adaptability of Bedouin culture, while offering travelers an authentic way to connect with the human side of Jericho’s desert.