Location: West Bank
Ein Fara Spring, also known as ‘Ayn Fara or En Prat (Hebrew), is a significant natural and historical site located at the head of Wadi Qelt, approximately 8 kilometers northeast of Jerusalem, between Jerusalem and Jericho in the West Bank. Situated 325 meters above sea level, it is the uppermost and most abundant of the three perennial springs in Wadi Qelt, with a daily output of around 1,500 cubic meters of water. This spring feeds a natural rock pool and creates a year-round brook, contributing to the lush greenery and diverse ecosystem of the surrounding canyon.
Ein Fara Spring emerges at the head of Wadi Qelt, a dramatic canyon
that connects the central West Bank with the Jordan Valley. The spring
is nestled within a unique landscape that bridges Mediterranean and
desert climates, resulting in a striking contrast of lush vegetation and
arid surroundings. The water flows into a natural rock pool, surrounded
by solid limestone cliffs that rise over 30 meters in some areas,
creating a spectacular setting. The brook formed by the spring, known as
Prat in Hebrew and Wadi Farah in Arabic (for the upper section), runs
year-round, supporting a rich ecosystem.
The surrounding area is
part of the En Prat Nature Reserve, established in the 1970s under
Israeli control (Area C of the West Bank). The reserve encompasses the
upper Wadi Qelt and is characterized by:
Flora and Fauna: The spring
and its brook sustain a variety of plant life, including mint, herbs,
and eucalyptus trees, which contribute to the area’s aromatic ambiance.
Wildlife is abundant, with opportunities to spot rock hyrax, gazelles,
birds, and fish in the shallow pools. The reserve’s biodiversity is a
draw for nature enthusiasts.
Geology: The canyon features
high-quality limestone cliffs, making it a prime location for rock
climbing. The rugged terrain, combined with the flowing water, creates a
visually stunning environment with small waterfalls, pools, and lush
greenery.
Climate: The region’s transitional climate supports both
Mediterranean flora and desert species, making it a unique ecological
zone.
Ein Fara Spring has been a vital water source for millennia, shaping
the region’s history and cultural landscape. Its historical importance
is tied to its role in water supply systems, religious sites, and
ancient infrastructure.
Ancient Water Supply and Aqueducts:
Since antiquity, Ein Fara’s abundant water has been harnessed through
aqueducts to supply settlements in the region, particularly Jericho. The
earliest known aqueduct, dating to the Hasmonean period (2nd century
BCE), transported water along Wadi Qelt to the winter palaces of the
Hasmonean kings and Herod the Great at Tulul Abu el-Alayiq, an
archaeological site in the Plain of Jericho. These palaces included a
vast Herodian pool and other water facilities.
Additional aqueducts
from the Byzantine period have been identified, along with the ruins of
a flour mill east of the spring. In the late Ottoman period, the ancient
aqueduct was renovated, and the spring continued to supply water to
Jericho and the Jordan Valley.
Between 1926 and 1970, Ein Fara’s
water was pumped to Jerusalem, 450 meters uphill, to meet the city’s
growing needs. The British Mandate authorities initiated the Ein Farah
Waterworks project in 1926, constructing three pumping stations, a
6-inch pipeline, and a reservoir at French Hill in Jerusalem. The
project was completed on July 15, 1926, with an opening ceremony
attended by Jerusalem’s mayor and British officials.
Monastic and
Religious History:
Ein Fara is closely associated with the Monastery
of Pharan, founded around 330 CE by Chariton, a hermit-monk known for
spreading Christian teachings in the Judean Desert during the Byzantine
era. The site, identified as Pharan by scholars since 1880, was a laura
(a type of monastic settlement with a central core and scattered hermit
cells). The monastery included two churches: a cave church and an
ashlar-constructed church. Paths connected various parts of the laura,
and a funerary chapel near a cemetery has been identified at the nearby
site of Qal’at Musa.
The monastery was active into the Early Islamic
period (8th century CE), with pottery finds dating from the 6th to 8th
centuries. However, the core of the laura was damaged in the early 20th
century by the construction of a Russian Orthodox monastery, now
deserted.
In the 19th century, the Firan Monastery (an alternate name
for Pharan) was restored by the White Russian Church. The site also
contains remnants from the Bronze and Iron Ages, indicating its long
history of human activity.
Ottoman and British Periods:
In the
late 19th century, Ottoman authorities explored Ein Fara as a potential
water source for Jerusalem. Engineer George Franghia proposed using the
Al-Arroub springs instead, citing the high cost of pumping water from
Ein Fara due to its lower elevation (500 meters below Jerusalem). A 1909
report by German engineer Max Magnus supported using Ein Fara but
highlighted the need for costly electric pumps.
During the British
Mandate, the Ein Farah Waterworks project was prioritized to address
Jerusalem’s water shortages, marking a significant modern use of the
spring.
Ein Fara Spring is a vital ecological and cultural asset:
Ecological Role: The spring’s consistent water flow supports a fragile
ecosystem in an otherwise arid region. The pools and brook provide
habitat for fish and other aquatic life, while the surrounding
vegetation attracts birds and mammals. The reserve’s status protects
this biodiversity, though access restrictions and regional politics
impact conservation efforts.
Cultural Significance: The spring’s
association with the Monastery of Pharan and its role as a water source
for ancient and modern settlements highlight its cultural importance. It
has been a gathering place for Bedouin, Palestinian villagers, and
pilgrims, particularly before the 1967 Israeli occupation, which altered
land use and access.
Modern Context: Today, Ein Fara is part of an
Israeli-administered nature reserve, but its location in the West Bank
makes it a point of contention. Palestinian access is restricted,
particularly for those with green-plated vehicles or West Bank IDs, who
cannot enter through the nearby Anatot settlement. This has limited
traditional uses of the spring for grazing and water collection by local
communities.
Ein Fara Spring is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts,
offering a range of activities within the En Prat Nature Reserve:
Hiking:
The reserve features well-marked trails that lead to the
spring and through Wadi Qelt. A notable hike stretches from Ein Fara to
Ein Mabua, passing along the fish-filled Kelt River and through lush
canyons. The trail offers scenic views, small waterfalls, and
opportunities to wade through refreshing water.
A challenging hike
connects Ein Fara to the Fawwar and Qelt springs, requiring minor
climbing and navigation through streams. Reviews describe the hike as
moderately intense (6/10) and highlight the beauty of the flora,
including mint and herbs, and the serene silence of the canyon.
Rock Climbing:
Ein Fara is considered one of the best sport climbing
sites in the Middle East, with over 130 routes across the Northern and
Southern Cliffs. The high-quality limestone faces and slabs, some with
overhangs, attract climbers from Israel, Palestine, and beyond. The site
was first developed in the 1980s by Israeli climbers, with significant
sport climbing growth in the 1990s and 2000s.
However, the Israeli
National Parks Authority has closed some climbing sectors, and climbing
in restricted areas can result in fines (300 NIS or more). The Southern
Cliff is accessible without an entrance fee via a hiking trail, while
the Northern Cliff lies within the patrolled park area.
The climbing
community has contributed to route development, with notable
contributors including Andrea Anati, Gili Tenne, and others. The site’s
potential for further rope climbing and bouldering remains significant.
Swimming and Picnicking:
The natural rock pool and shallow pools
are ideal for swimming, especially for families with children. The water
is refreshing year-round, making it a popular spot in summer. Picnic
areas shaded by eucalyptus trees provide a relaxing environment for
visitors.
The reserve’s entrance fee varies by age, and facilities
like picnic areas enhance its appeal for group outings.
Wildlife
and Nature Observation:
Quiet days offer chances to observe wildlife,
including rock hyrax, gazelles, and various birds. The combination of
water, greenery, and cliffs creates a rich environment for photography
and nature study.
Accessing Ein Fara Spring depends on the visitor’s status and mode of
transportation:
From Jerusalem: A 15-minute drive via the Hizma
checkpoint, followed by a right turn toward Jericho and a left at the
“Ein Prat” signpost, leads to the Anatot settlement gate. Yellow-plated
(Israeli-registered) vehicles can drive through the settlement to the
nature reserve’s entrance, where a fee is charged.
From Ramallah: A
20-minute drive south past Qalandia and Jaba checkpoints leads to the
same Jericho-bound route. Palestinian vehicles (green-plated) or those
with West Bank IDs cannot enter Anatot and must take a rough dirt road
to the reserve’s entrance.
Walking Option: To avoid the entrance fee,
visitors can hike 30–45 minutes from a trail near Anatot, following
green and white markers to the Southern Cliff. This route avoids park
rangers but limits climbing to the Southern Wall.
Navigation Tips:
Visitors are advised to use Google Maps or Waze for accurate directions,
as the area can be confusing. Armed guards at the Anatot settlement may
monitor hikers, but walking along the trail is permitted.
Ein Fara Spring lies within a politically complex region:
Israeli Control: Since the 1967 occupation, the spring and surrounding
area have been designated an Israeli nature reserve, restricting
Palestinian access to traditional grazing and water resources. The
nearby Anatot settlement, considered illegal under international law,
further complicates access for West Bank Palestinians.
Conservation
vs. Access: The reserve’s status protects the ecosystem but limits local
use. Climbing restrictions and fines reflect efforts to balance
recreation with conservation, though some climbers report tensions with
park rangers.
Tourism Potential: The spring’s natural beauty,
historical significance, and recreational offerings make it a draw for
tourists, but political restrictions and checkpoint navigation can deter
visitors. Guided tours, such as those offered by Israel Extreme Private
Tours, cater to diverse groups, emphasizing the site’s accessibility for
all ages and skill levels.