At a glance
- Best for
- Archaeology, desert walks and winter sun
- Nearest crossing
- Allenby Bridge from Jordan
- Time needed
- One to two days
- Best season
- November to April
- Getting around
- Taxis and organised tours
- Elevation
- Well below sea level, hot in summer
Why visit Jericho
Jericho is relaxed, warm and easy to enjoy. It is the closest Palestinian town to the Allenby Bridge, so many visitors arriving from Jordan pass through first. In winter, when Ramallah and Bethlehem are cold and wet, Palestinian families come down to its resorts and gardens. The town is spread out, so you will need taxis between the sites, but distances are short.
Tell es-Sultan
The mound of ancient Jericho rises just north of the modern town. Archaeologists have found a stone tower and walls more than ten thousand years old, making it one of the earliest known towns anywhere. The ruins are modest to look at, so a guide or the on site panels help bring them to life. UNESCO listed the site in 2023. Across the road is Ein al-Sultan, the spring that has fed the oasis for millennia, known to Christians as Elisha's Spring.
The Mount of Temptation
From Tell es-Sultan, the Jericho cable car glides up the cliffs to the Greek Orthodox Monastery of the Temptation, built into the rock where tradition says Jesus fasted for forty days. Dress modestly to enter the monastery, and enjoy the views over the oasis and the Dead Sea from the terraces at the top. You can also walk up on a steep path in cooler weather.
Hisham's Palace
North of town, Hisham's Palace, or Khirbet al-Mafjar, is a winter palace from the Umayyad period. Its great bathhouse floor holds one of the largest mosaics in the world, now protected under a modern roof, and the small Tree of Life mosaic, with a lion attacking a gazelle beside a fruit tree, is one of the masterpieces of early Islamic art.
Wadi Qelt and the desert monasteries
West of Jericho, the canyon of Wadi Qelt cuts through the Judean Desert. A path follows an old aqueduct to St George's Monastery, which hangs on the canyon wall, and continues to springs higher up. The walk is beautiful but hot and exposed, so go in the cooler months, start early, carry plenty of water and walk with a guide or a group. Further south, Nabi Musa is a domed shrine and mosque honoured as the tomb of Moses, and towards the river lie the fortified Deir Hajla Monastery and Qasr al-Yahud, the western bank of the baptism site, which is managed by Israeli authorities and has its own opening hours.
Food and markets
Jericho is the West Bank's fruit basket. Roadside stalls sell bananas, citrus, vegetables and some of the finest Medjool dates in the region. Grill restaurants around the centre and the big restaurant at the foot of the cable car serve kebab, salads and fresh juice, and families picnic in public gardens on winter evenings.
Where to stay
Jericho has a few large resort hotels and chalet complexes with pools and gardens, which are busy at weekends and on holidays and quiet midweek. They suit families and anyone wanting a warm, slow night between more intense days elsewhere.
Getting there and around
Jericho is about forty minutes from Ramallah and a little more from Bethlehem, via roads that pass through checkpoints. Shared taxis run from Ramallah, and many travellers hire a local taxi driver for the day, agreeing a price for a circuit of the sites in advance. From Jordan, the Allenby Bridge is a short drive away.
Heat and safety
Summer temperatures are extreme, so plan outdoor visits for early morning or late afternoon, wear a hat and drink often. Jericho has often been one of the calmer parts of the West Bank, but nearby camps and roads can be affected by raids and closures. Check your government's travel advice before you go, and use the free trip planner to build Jericho into a wider route.
Questions about Jericho
How long do I need in Jericho?
One full day covers Tell es-Sultan, the cable car, the Monastery of the Temptation and Hisham's Palace. Add a second day for Wadi Qelt or the baptism site.
When is the best time to visit Jericho?
November to April. Winter days are warm and sunny, while summer is extremely hot and best avoided for walking.
Can I walk Wadi Qelt alone?
It is better not to. The path is remote, hot and has had security incidents, so go with a local guide or a group and check current conditions first.
Is Jericho near the Dead Sea?
Yes, the northern shore of the Dead Sea is a short drive south, but beaches there are reached through roads and checkpoints controlled by Israel, so check access before you go.
Facts checked . Fees, schedules and entry rules change, so always confirm the latest with the official source.
