A Visitors Guide to Mount Tabor in Israel
Read our travel guide on Mount Tabor in Israel. Includes tips on what to see and do, directions, what to wear, best trails, or where to stay.
Mount Tabor is a biblical mountain, a pilgrimage site, and a top tourist attraction in Israel's Jezreel Valley.
With 588 meters and its nearly perfect sphere shape that dominates the landscape in Lower Galilee, this site is hard to miss.
It's also often regarded as one of the must-visit places when visiting the Galilee area, so we didn't hesitate to include it in our Israel itinerary.
But why is Mount Tabor so famous? We'll get right to the point.
From the Christian point of view, Mount Tabor is the site of Jesus's transfiguration, while the Hebrew Bible says that this is the place where the Battle of Mount Tabor between the Canaanites and Israelites happened.
The history of Mount Tabor (also known as Mount Tavor, or Har Tavor) is quite interesting as it was shaped by the Biblical Era, Roman Era, Byzantine, Crusader, Mamluk, Ottoman periods, and finally, the modern-day State of Israel.
And it was during the Byzantine Era when the pilgrims started to travel here, and the tradition survived till today.
While most travelers go to Mount Tabor for religious reasons or because it's a popular tourist attraction in Israel that also offers perfect views from the top, we had one more reason.
Tabor is our hometown in the Czech Republic, and as you've already guessed, the town was named after this biblical site.
Therefore, we couldn't miss the chance to see the place that influenced the name and history of our town so much.
So here's everything you need to know about visiting Mount Tabor in Israel.
Why is Mount Tabor So Famous?
As mentioned above, Mount Tabor has Christian and Jewish significance, so it's important for both religions.
So it's imperative to put some perspective on the events that happened at Mount Tabor in the Bible to get the most out of your trip.
In the presence of his three apostles, Peter, James, and John, it's believed that Jesus transfigured or transformed into light at Mount Tabor and spoke to Moses and Elijah the Prophet.
What happened at Mount Tabor is that Jesus, who came to the mountain to pray, became radiant in glory as the bright rays of light started to shine within him.
So his robe literally turned white and gleaming, and he talked to Moses and Elijah, who also appeared there, and then Jesus was called the 'Son' by God the Father.
The transfiguration is one of the five milestones in the life of Jesus, and the uniqueness of this miracle lies in the detail that it happened to Jesus himself.
It's not entirely sure that the transfiguration happened on Mount Tabor, and you might also find other candidates such as Mount Hermon or even Mount Nebo in Jordan where this event could happen.
The questioning of the original location (or the event itself) is not something uncommon when it comes to Biblical events.
It's a similar situation to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre and Tomb Garden in Jerusalem.
However, today Mount Tabor is considered the Mount of Transfiguration, and it's the place that the majority of pilgrims visit.
Additionally, the famous biblical battle between the Israelites led by Barak and Deborah the Prophet against King Jabin's Canaanite forces led by Sisera took place here.
King Jabin oppressed Israelites for twenty years. Then Deborah summoned general Barak and told him to march on Mont Tabor.
When the Sisera learned about it, he gathered the forces in Wadi Kishon.
Meanwhile, God created a big storm that trapped the heavy chariots, and the Canaanites fled in panic while being pursued by Israelites who followed and killed many of them.
Mount Tabor is also mentioned several times in the Old Testament.
What to See and Do at Mount Tabor
Whether you come to Mount Tabor for religious reasons, history, hiking trails, or just because you saw it mentioned among the best places to see in the Lower Galilee, Mount Tabor is a great stop on your journey around Israel.
Here's what you can expect from the trip.
Driving to the Mount Tabor
We started our day by exploring Beit Shean National Park and then made a quick stop at Beit Alpha Synagogue.
Before we reached Nazareth, we made a short detour to Mount Tabor.
After tackling several hairpins and bends on the way up, we took the right fork at the top to get to the parking that's closer to the Church of the Transfiguration.
It was Saturday late morning, and people and cars were swarming the area.
We should have known that when people leave the cars at the empty spots along the way, the parking situation at the top will be a disaster.
Unsurprisingly, the upper parking lot was packed, and we couldn't even find an empty spot on the side road.
It reminded us a bit of notorious Moraine Lake but on a smaller scale.
So we decided to try the other parking lot in front of the Greek Orthodox Monastery, which is a bit farther from the Church of the Transfiguration (take the left fork back at the junction).
The other parking was almost empty, but the (small) downside is that you need to walk around the complex for about 500 meters to get to the main entrance as there isn't direct access.
We were glad that we found a good place to leave the car fairly quickly, so we didn't mind.
Plus we could enjoy some lovely views from Mount Tabors' northern side.
Church of the Transfiguration
It was another hot day, but the light autumn breeze made walking from one church to another much more comfortable.
When we got to the main entrance of the monastery complex, we passed a gate and walked along the narrow paved road lined with cypresses.
The Franciscan church sits at the end of the alley about three hundred meters from the gate.
Built on the remnants of the Byzantine and Crusader churches, the Church of the Transfiguration is the main reason why so many travelers and worshippers make it to the summit.
An impressive mosaic depicting the transfiguration of Jesus in front of his apostles, Peter, James, and John, dominates the ceiling.
It also quite vividly explains without words what happened in front of the eyes of the apostles.
Unless you're joining a mass or private prayer, there is not much else to do other than to soak in the spiritual atmosphere.
We also walked around the church a bit and enjoyed the Jezreel Valley scenery from the viewing platform.
By the way, if you're interested in seeing more Christian sites, then head out to the Sea of Galilee.
Views
Even if nothing that we've mentioned so far caught your interest, then the views might finally tip your decision in favor of Mount Tabor.
The (almost) 360 degrees views of the Lower Galilee from Mount Tabor are worth climbing to the top.
We would suggest it's better to get to Mount Tabor early in the morning when the chances for clear views are higher.
Due to the nature of our travel itinerary, we couldn't follow this advice, so we got there around noon.
The hazy skies were not as bad as when we were in Masada, but it was still irritating not to get uninterrupted views.
Greek Orthodox Monastery
It was time to return to the parking lot, so we enjoyed the last views over the southern half of the mountain and slowly made our way back.
We didn't pay too much attention that the church was closed when we arrived there, but as the main entrance remained locked when we got back, we did some quick googling to find out there was a reason behind it.
The Greek Orthodox Monastery is closed to the public, so while it's a lovely church from the outside, we couldn't see its interiors or walk in the garden surrounding it.
It seems that the church opens for a few days each year, but that's not very convenient for the majority of visitors.
It might seem a bit unfortunate that only one of the two churches is open to the public.
But believe us, you will see plenty of religious structures while touring Israel in places such as Jerusalem or Nazareth.
Church of the Holy Sepulchre and Church of the Annunciation are among the top attractions in both cities.
By the way, many churches were built on the mountains in the past, but only the two mentioned in this blog post remain standing.
Hiking Trails
Mount Tabor has plenty of hiking trails; therefore, it's a relatively popular place for the locals who want to spend some time outdoors.
Unfortunately, we didn't have enough time to hike from the valley to the top, but if you don't want to sit the whole day in your car, then here you'll find a perfect place to stay active while traveling.
There are several trails with different trailheads.
One of the popular paths, a green trail, climbs from the valley to the summit starts at the Shibli village in the north.
A mostly flat 2-kilometer black trail loop encircles the monastery complex and features superb views of the Galilee.
Um Al-Ghanam at the south is a starting point for the red trail, while the blue path trailhead can be found in the east near the Kfar Tabor settlement.
A 1000-kilometer Israel National Trail also traverses Mount Tabor, starts at the blue trail, then joins the black route, and descends via the green path.
Paragliding and Jeep Tours
Believe it or not, Mount Tabor is one of the best places for paragliding in Israel.
And while paragliding might not be an activity you want to do when visiting this country, it never hurts to know all your options.
Some travel agencies also offer 4x4 jeep tours on Mount Tabor if paragliding is not your thing.
Is Mount Tabor Safe to Visit?
Mount Tabor is safe to visit.
Keep in mind that the Galilee region receives extremely hot summers, so always stay hydrated throughout the entire day.
Here you will find more tips on staying safe in Israel.
Travel Insurance
We never leave home without travel insurance that was designed to cover our expenses if something goes wrong during the trip.
Travel insurance protects against theft, flight delays, injury, illness, cancellations, and much more.
World Nomads provides travel insurance for travelers to cover their trip essentials, including sports and adventure activities.
SafetyWing is affordable travel insurance for backpackers, long-term travelers, and digital nomads.
Travel smarter and safer!
How to Get There
The best way to get around Israel is by car, and Mount Tabor is no exception to this fact.
Whether you leave the car at the foothills of the mountain or drive to the top, it's the most efficient way to get there.
We'll also outline alternative ways to reach Mount Tabor for those who don't want to drive in a foreign country.
Mount Tabor is located between the main Highway 65 and Road 7266, and it's easily accessible from Tiberias, Nazareth, Haifa, or even Tel Aviv or Jerusalem.
Driving in Israel is easy, and we're glad that we rented a car while there to save a lot of time.
Car
The access road to Mount Tabor is in the northwest corner of the mountain between the small villages of Daburyya and Shibli.
Today, you can drive all the way up to Mount Tabor, which makes the site much more accessible
A fair word of warning. The access road is relatively narrow and winding, so make sure to drive slowly and carefully.
The road to Mount Tabor was probably one of the most challenging roads we've come across while driving in Israel, but it wasn't that bad in the end as it's only a few kilometers long drive.
Also, the road is paved with stone guard rail, so the chances that you will take a quick detour through the pines growing on the mountain's steep slopes are slim.
Here you can find the best deals on rental cars in Israel.
Bus
It's often mentioned that Galilee is not the best place in Israel for using public transportation.
It's not that the public transport is non-existent here, it's just not very convenient to get around this area this way.
Most importantly, getting to Mount Tabor by bus requires time, plus you will have trouble fitting some other attractions in your itinerary.
You can catch 350 Superbus from Afula to Shibli that also stops at Daburyya.
Another option is to take the 352 bus from Nazareth to Mount Tabor.
Here you will find more information on how to get around Israel.
Taxi
Another option you can consider is taking a bus to Mount Tabor, taking a local taxi to the top, and hiking back down to the bus stop.
Alternatively, you could also take a cab there from Nazareth and back, but that would be quite an expensive trip unless you split the cost of travel between members of your group.
Shuttle Bus
As large buses are not allowed to the mountain, there are shuttle buses that leave from the main entrance area at the foothills of the mountain, which you can also take.
Hike
As mentioned earlier, it's also possible to get to the top on foot, but unless you're hiking the Israel National Trail, you still need to get to the foot of the mountain first.
Tours
If you're short on time, taking a guided tour that will introduce you to the best places in the Galilee area might be an excellent idea.
Day trips with knowledgeable guides are one of the most time-efficient ways to see as many places as possible without worrying about transportation.
Here you can find well-rated day trips from Tel Aviv or Jerusalem.
From Tel Aviv: Nazareth, Tiberias, and the Sea of Galilee Tour
From Jerusalem: Nazareth, Tiberias, and the Sea of Galilee Tour
What to Pack
As mentioned several times throughout the article, Mount Tabor is a religious site, which means you should wear modest clothing to enter the area.
If you decide to get there by car, then you probably will have an extra t-shirt or pants in the trunk.
When hiking to the top, it will be a different story, so make sure you have no sleeveless t-shirts or revealing shorts or skirts.
Or put some extra pieces of clothing in your daypack and put them on later on.
As a rule of thumb, visitors should cover their shoulders and wear pants or long skirts.
Regardless of whether you hike or drive, don't forget to stay hydrated throughout the day.
It's obvious that you'll need much more water for your hiking activities, but don't underestimate the hydration even when you get around by car and walk short distances.
Bring your water bottle to lower your plastic footprint.
Entrance Fee
There is no entrance fee to Mount Tabor.
Despite the fact that Mount Tabor was declared a national park in 1991, you can leave your Israel Pass behind this time.
As there's no entry fee, Mount Tabor is a great place to visit for those visiting Israel on a budget.
Parking
There are two free parking lots at Mount Tabor. The Church of the Transfiguration parking was slightly larger, but it was completely full when we arrived there.
So we headed to Greek Orthodox Monastery parking, where we could find an empty spot.
The situation was quite hectic on Saturday at the site, and many people were parking on the side road as there wasn't enough designated parking for everyone.
Opening Hours
One of the biggest challenges when it comes to traveling in Israel is to time your arrival to top attractions right.
Mount Tabor is open daily from 9 AM to 12 PM and 2 PM to 5 PM, except for Sundays.
However, holidays or other events can affect the opening hours, so be prepared that the site can be closed in the worst-case scenario.
Several bigger events are held at Mount Tabor throughout the year, so it's better to avoid them.
When we were leaving, we could even see a police car on a crossroad, and officers were turning arriving cars back because the church on the mountain top was about to close.
When to Go
As mentioned earlier, it's better to get there early to avoid crowds and enjoy the peaceful views.
Mount Tabor is open year-round, so the only thing you need to take into account is the opening hours.
Of course, the Galilee area is known for hot summers, so make sure you have plenty of water with you when hiking and use enough sunscreen.
In our opinion, it doesn't matter what time of the year you arrive at Mount Tabor.
However, spring is often considered the best time to visit Mount Tabor due to the wildflowers blooming on the slopes.
Here you will find more information on the best time to visit Israel.
Where to Stay
Nazareth and Tiberias are the nearest cities with the best hotels you can find before or after going to Mount Tabor.
You can also find plenty of small family accommodations, usually in the kibbutzim scattered around the countryside of Galilee.
Recommending the best accommodation near Mount Tabor is not an easy task, as it all comes down to your travel itinerary.
Nevertheless, here we found a few places that are worth considering when staying overnight in the area.
Mount Tabor | Noach Batavor - Located in a small community in Kfar Kish, these lovely chalets feature superb views of Mount Tabor, kitchenette, and hot tubs.
Nazareth | Ramada Olivie Nazareth - You can expect clean rooms with AC, excellent breakfast, a wellness area, a heated indoor pool, or a rooftop bar with superb views in Ramada Olivie Nazareth.
Tiberias | The Scots Hotel - Set in a historic building, this luxurious hotel offers air-conditioned rooms with views of the Golan Heights and the Sea of Galilee, a swimming pool, an on-site art gallery, and a gourmet restaurant.
Travel Resources
Here you can find links to all the travel resources we use and which you might find helpful when planning your next holiday.
Accommodation: When looking for accommodation, we usually search hotels via Booking.com or Hostelworld.
Tours: Although we love to travel independently, some places are better to visit with a guided tour.
We prefer GetYourGuide for its easy-to-use interface and solid reputation. Another great alternative is Viator.
Rental Cars: When going on a road trip, we always use Rentalcars.com, a reliable site for booking a rental car in advance.
Flight Tickets: When looking for flight tickets, you can search Skyscanner to find the best price.
Travel Insurance: World Nomads and SafetyWing cover against risks of travel.
