Coloured Canyon, White Canyon and Ein Khudra Oasis
3 places in one trip. A full day leaving Alaska Camp & Hotel at 8am and arriving back around 6pm. This is the chance to experience the beautiful Coloured and White Canyons, and the Oasis of Ein Khudra.
|
Coloured Canyon
The road to the Coloured Canyon snakes through magnificent mountains and bold, rugged rock-formations of awe-inspiring beauty. Then, by a cluster of date palms, it turns onto a gravel road for about 15 minutes leading to the summit. |
|
As you descend into the canyon, you will notice a chalk-like powder covering many of the rocks, caused by them being worn down by tourists over the years. After about 20 minutes, it feels like walking through a dry riverbed. Don’t forget to look around and above you at the huge walls towering above you. It makes you realise what a geological wonderland you are walking through. In some places, the rocks radiate crystalline colours, in others they have a smooth velvety appearance.
The hike is fairly easy going except for one or two obstacles. At one point, you have to slide through a vent, where the two sides of the Canyon almost touch each other. On the other side of this obstacle, the Canyon floor gradually starts to rise again before another obstacle appears, where the best way to overcome it is to swing yourself around a huge rock and slide the two metres down, or simply jump over it.
An experience you will never forget.
The hike is fairly easy going except for one or two obstacles. At one point, you have to slide through a vent, where the two sides of the Canyon almost touch each other. On the other side of this obstacle, the Canyon floor gradually starts to rise again before another obstacle appears, where the best way to overcome it is to swing yourself around a huge rock and slide the two metres down, or simply jump over it.
An experience you will never forget.
|
White Canyon
Although smaller than the Coloured Canyon, the White Canyon is still a very impressive sight. Created through mountains of sandstone and limestone. As you exit the Canyon, the Ein Khudra oasis will appear in sight. If you enjoy observing dramatic geological landscape, this walk is definitely worth the effort. |
|
|
Ein Khudra Oasis
Tucked away between yellowish sandstone cliffs is one of Sinai's most scenic oases. Its Arabic name Ein Khudra meaning Green Oasis, perfectly describes this beautiful oasis, where gushing fresh water springs nourish date palm gardens in the seemingly barren desert. Historically, Ein Khudra was an important stopover for pilgrims travelling from St Catherine to Jerusalem. On the nearby Rock of Inscriptions, writings and drawings prove that Nabateans, Greeks, Romans, Byzantines and Christians passed through this way. When approaching from the south you'll be greeted by a splendid panoramic view of the small oasis glaring brilliantly in the distance below. |
|
