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Phone: +251 988 111 222
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Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
3 Days Lalibela Tour
Rock churches, a cave church and a mountain monastery
About The Tour
3 Days Lalibela Tour: Rock Churches, Yemrehanna Kristos and Asheten Maryam
Rock churches, a cave church and a mountain monastery
Overview
Three days in Lalibela gives you time to see the town properly. Beyond the eleven famous rock hewn churches, you visit Yemrehanna Kristos, a church built inside a cave that is older than the churches of Lalibela, and hike or ride a mule up to Asheten Maryam monastery at about 3,150 metres, with huge views over the Lasta mountains.
The tour starts and ends at Lalibela airport, with flights from Addis Ababa, Gondar, Bahir Dar or Axum, so it fits easily into a longer trip. Your local guide grew up around the churches and knows the stories behind them.
Duration
3 Days (2 Nights)
Suggested Accommodations
- Lalibela: Mountain View Hotel, Tukul Village Hotel or Maribela Hotel
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Lalibela, Northern Group of Churches
Pick up at Lalibela airport and drive about 30 minutes up to town. In the afternoon visit the northern group: Bete Medhane Alem, Bete Maryam, Bete Meskel, Bete Denagel and the twin churches of Bete Golgotha and Bete Mikael. Overnight in Lalibela.
Day 2: Yemrehanna Kristos and Asheten Maryam
Morning drive to Yemrehanna Kristos (about 1 hour each way), a beautifully preserved church of wood and stone built inside a cave around the 12th century. Back in Lalibela, hike or ride a mule up to Asheten Maryam monastery, about 2 to 3 hours up, for its old manuscripts and views. Overnight in Lalibela.
Day 3: Eastern Churches, Bete Giyorgis and Departure
Visit the eastern group of churches, linked by tunnels and trenches, then Bete Giyorgis, the cross shaped church that is the symbol of Lalibela. Time for a coffee ceremony or the local market (Saturdays) before your transfer to the airport.
Travel Advice
Current travel advice (October 2026): the UK and US governments currently advise against all travel to the Amhara region, which includes Lalibela, Gondar, Bahir Dar and the Simien Mountains. Check your own government’s latest advice and make sure your travel insurance covers you before you book. We follow the situation on the ground every day, run this route only when we judge it safe, and will talk to you about other dates or another itinerary if conditions change.
Price and Booking
Price: on request. This tour runs as a private trip on any date you choose. The price depends on group size, hotel level and season, so we quote each trip individually. Tell us your dates and number of travellers and we reply within 2 hours, with a full itinerary and quote within 24 hours.
Tip on domestic flights: if you fly into Ethiopia on Ethiopian Airlines, you can usually get large discounts on domestic flights. Book them on the same booking reference or send us your ticket and we book them for you.
Get a free quote or message us on WhatsApp +251 988 111 222.
What Is Included
- Private air conditioned vehicle (4×4 where needed) with fuel and an experienced driver
- English speaking tour guide throughout (other languages on request)
- Hotels as listed, twin or double room with breakfast
- All entrance fees and local guide fees at the sites in the itinerary
- Airport and hotel transfers
- Bottled water in the vehicle
- Licensed Lalibela church guide
- Lalibela churches, Yemrehanna Kristos and Asheten Maryam entrance fees
- Mule hire for Asheten Maryam if you want it
Not Included
- International flights and Ethiopian visa fees
- Travel insurance
- Flights to and from Lalibela
- Lunch and dinner
- Drinks, tips and personal expenses
Best Time to Go
October to March is dry and clear. Genna on 7 January is the most spectacular time of year, but hotels fill months ahead. The rainy season from June to September turns the hills green and has fewer visitors.
Frequently Asked Questions
How fit do I need to be for Asheten Maryam?
The hike is steep but not technical. If you prefer not to walk, a mule carries you most of the way, or you can skip it and visit Nakuto Lab cave monastery instead.
How many days do I need in Lalibela?
Two days is enough for the main churches. Three days adds the best sights outside town and a slower pace.
Can I combine Lalibela with other places?
Yes. See our 5 day northern Ethiopia tour or the 10 day historic route.
Tour Languages
Amharic, English, French, German, Italian, and Spanish. Please inform us of your preferred language when booking.
Note: The itinerary can be customized based on your preferences and time availability.
Booking Form
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