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You are here: Home / middle east / Sunrise at Mount Masada: A Bright and Cheery Photo Essay

Sunrise at Mount Masada: A Bright and Cheery Photo Essay

last Updated: April 28, 2016
israel

FYI: Affiliate links may be sprinkled throughout the awesome, free content you see below. I’ll receive a small commission when you purchase from my links (at no extra cost to you), which I’ll totally blow on adult things like boba tea and avocado toast. As always, thanks for the support.

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It was 3am when we were awoken by our guides. Not having much sleep in our “sleeping bags” in our bedouin tent (1-2 hours at the most), we all rolled out of “bed”. It was our own fault for partying too hard the night before. Guess this was just part of the bedouin experience.

We were given crackers and tea for breakfast.  Anything more at that hour of the day, and I don’t think my stomach would have been able to take it.  I was actually still pretty full from our authentic bedouin dinner the night before, which was delicious to say the least.  We piled into the bus yet again, leaving Jerusalem, this time off to Mount Masada.

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Once we arrived at the foot of the mountain, it was still pitch black out.  The group was half asleep, but ready to make this treacherous ascent to the top of Masada in the abyss of the darkness.

Climbing up the mountain wasn’t as difficult as I envisioned, even after my tragic experience on the donkey the day prior.  888 steps later, we were greeted with the most beautiful sunrise overlooking the Dead Sea…

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The first glimpse of the bright shining sun was magical.  We stood there in awe.  Not looking at anything else in sight.  It was like the sun had never risen before.

Here comes the sun… (think the Beatles)

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I remember it like it was just yesterday.  The entire group stood at the edge of the mountain in awe.  The sun rises each and every day, but today was different.  We were in Israel.  On top of Mount Masada.  In each others’ company whom, just a few days prior, were complete strangers.  Things were just different.  Very different.  And I’m more than confident that all my new friends would agree. No one can take that day away from us.

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Little by little other groups started appearing in the sunlight, and it was evident we were not alone at the top of the mountain.

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So glad I got to experience this morning with this guy!
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It’s hard to say which sunrise was better, this one in Israel, or the bright yellow one I witnessed in the Dominican Republic.  The sunrise at Haleakala this summer may  beat them both! Although the sunset overlooking the Caldera in Santorini may beat them all!  We’ll see!  I’ll keep you posted!
Where have you seen the sun rise?
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Filed Under: middle east, photo essay, World Travel Tagged With: israel

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  1. Ashley says

    May 8, 2013 at 4:14 am

    This was a highlight on my birthright trip as well!!! Oh Etan!!! 🙂

    Reply
  2. Jessica says

    May 8, 2013 at 12:18 pm

    I agree! Eitan really was that amazing!

    Reply
  3. Jenna says

    May 9, 2013 at 10:09 pm

    That sunrise looks and sounds amazing! Really great photos too–I love the first one!! It's always rewarding to finish a hike with views like that 🙂
    My recent post A Photo Essay: Paris, France – Part 2

    Reply
  4. Jessica says

    May 10, 2013 at 1:23 am

    Thanks so much- and I agree, the first photo is one of my favorites! Ohhhh, the hike down was even worse! But that's a whole other post for a whole other day!
    My recent post Sunrise at Mount Masada: A Bright and Cheery Photo Essay

    Reply
  5. Suzy says

    May 13, 2013 at 2:39 am

    That is certainly an impressive sunrise! Just checked out your Santorini sunset photos as well. Where did you stay on the island? I'm going there for my honeymoon in September and can't wait for those visions.
    My recent post Suzy Stumbles Over Travel: Week of May 6, 2013

    Reply
  6. bebe10301 says

    May 30, 2013 at 1:49 am

    Hey Suzy, thanks for stopping by! Aren't Santorini sunsets just the best!?! We stayed at Astra Suites in Imerovigli- absolutely amazing! Are you going to any other islands?
    My recent post 10 Things to do in Belgium (After Eating A Ton of Chocolate)

    Reply
  7. Stephen says

    June 6, 2013 at 7:55 am

    The view from Masada is pretty amazing–the landscape of the desert and Dead Sea, one of my unforgettable moments from the Middle East. Thanks for sharing your sunrise photos.

    Reply
  8. Heather says

    December 12, 2013 at 12:41 am

    Beautiful! I don't drag myself out of bed for the sunrise very often, but when I do it's always amazing. Santorini and Luang Prabang are probably the most memorable experiences so far.

    Reply
  9. Rita Camden says

    April 8, 2014 at 3:40 am

    We rode the cable car up as a church group. Hours past the sunrise and what a wonderful yet strange sight…not prepared for the austere gray all around, one of which being the Dead Sea. The only way to understand this marvelous land of Israel is to be there..well worthwhile! Rita Camden

    Reply

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Hi, I’m Jess. Professional wanderluster and trip planning aficionado. I teach 9-5 professionals how to maximize their limited time off with carefully planned out itineraries, long weekend inspiration, and general travel planning tips.

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