"For the Lord your God is bringing you to a good land, a land of streams of water, Einat and Temat, going out in the valley and the mountains".
Ein Laban is a stratum spring typical of the Judean Mountains that flows from a carved tunnel. The rainwater is absorbed by the hard limestone rock and emerges on the back of the soft and opaque layer of marl. The water flows in open channels into two pools that store the water to irrigate the agricultural terraces built downhill as the orchard.
Wildflowers bloom on the stairs and in the rock's cracks, including daffodils, anemones, and hollyhocks. Scattered around are the remains of buildings, cisterns, and burial caves from the Mishna and Talmudic periods to the time of the early Arab invasion. There are also remains that testify to an ancient Jewish settlement in this place during the First Temple period.
This day trip in the Judean Mountains south of the Jerusalem Mountains reveals hidden wonders surrounding Israel's capital. At the centre of things are Nahal Rafaim and its surroundings. We will start with a spectacular view over Nahal Refaim, go down to Ein Itamar, reach Ein Lavan, cross the stream, and visit Ein Haniya. Then, for dessert, we will go to the highest mountain in the area, Mount Gila, and learn the history and story of the place. The most recommended season is spring, the month of March, when the almond blossoms, primroses and lupines, lavender and Lof blossom, anemones and orchids hide between the rocks. Have a nice trip!
TIP: It is better to travel in two cars in a friendly company, leaving one car in the parking lot of Emek Refaim Park and getting to the start of the route in the other vehicle. Then, having completed the walking part in Ein Haniya, return to the car in the parking lot in Emek Refaim Park, rejoin the first car and climb Mount Gilo together and complete the route. Of course, travelling independently to any point on the road is possible.