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Jericho Governorate, Palestine
Jericho
One of the world's oldest cities, deep in the Jordan Valley
History & HeritageNature & Outdoors
Jericho lies approximately 400 metres below sea level in the Jordan Valley, making it one of the lowest inhabited places on earth and a UNESCO World Heritage city through its ancient archaeological mound, Tell es-Sultan. The warm winter climate, abundant citrus groves, and nearby biblical sites give this oasis city a distinct character unlike anywhere else in the West Bank.
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Best time to visit
October to April
Region
Jericho Governorate
Main airport
Tel Aviv TLV (TLV)
Discover
Top Things to Do in Jericho
UNESCO World HeritageHistory
Tell es-Sultan, Jericho
Tell es-Sultan is the archaeological mound that marks the site of ancient Jericho and is widely regarded as one of the oldest fortified settlements in the world, with evidence of continuous habitation stretching back to at least 10,500 BC. The site was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2023 and features remains of Neolithic towers, mud-brick houses, and the perennial spring of Ain es-Sultan that sustained the settlement. Walking the mound places visitors at the foundations of some of the earliest known monumental architecture anywhere on earth.
History
Mount of Temptation
The Mount of Temptation rises steeply above the Jordan Valley near Jericho and is traditionally identified as the site where Jesus fasted for 40 days. A Greek Orthodox monastery clings to the cliff face partway up the mountain, and a cable car departing from near Tell es-Sultan carries visitors to a station near the summit, offering panoramic views across the Jordan Valley, the Dead Sea, and the mountains of Moab. The setting combines natural drama with one of the region's most enduring biblical associations.
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Plan Your Trip
Getting Around Jericho
Tours, stays, transfers, and flights — curated partner options are on the way.
Tours & Activities
Skip-the-line tickets, guided tours, and day experiences — curated partner options are on the way.
Coming soonWhere to Stay
Hotels, apartments, and guesthouses across every neighbourhood — booking options are on the way.
Coming soonAirport Transfers
Private and shared rides between the airport and the city centre — partner options are on the way.
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Coming soonTravel Guide
Frequently Asked Questions About Visiting Palestine
Entry requirements vary by passport. Check the requirements for your specific passport on the Palestine page at Yoogo.
The Israeli new shekel (ILS) is the currency used throughout the West Bank for most everyday transactions, and the Jordanian dinar and US dollar are also accepted for larger purchases. Card payments are accepted at hotels and larger restaurants in cities such as Bethlehem and Ramallah, though smaller shops, markets, and shared taxis operate on cash only, so carrying sufficient shekels is advisable.
The West Bank has an active tourism trail and many thousands of travellers visit Bethlehem, Jericho, Ramallah, and Hebron each year without incident. The security situation can change, however, and conditions vary significantly between areas, so consulting your government's current travel advisory before and during your trip is strongly recommended.
Shared taxis, known locally as service taxis, are the main form of intercity transport and run fixed routes between Bethlehem, Ramallah, Jericho, Nablus, Hebron, and other towns, departing when full rather than to a timetable. Local minibuses and private taxis cover shorter journeys within cities, and fares are generally very affordable. Note that movement between some areas involves checkpoints, which can affect journey times.
Spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) are generally considered the most pleasant times to visit, with mild temperatures typically around 20 to 25 degrees Celsius that are well suited to exploring outdoor sites and walking city centres. Summer brings intense heat, particularly in low-lying Jericho, while winter can be cold and wet in the Judaean Hills, though religious holidays such as Christmas in Bethlehem draw visitors year-round.
Arabic is the official and primary language, and Palestinian Arabic is spoken across the West Bank. English is widely understood in tourist areas, hotels, and among younger generations in cities such as Ramallah and Bethlehem, and many restaurant menus and signage at major sites are available in English.
Travel health authorities commonly recommend ensuring routine vaccinations are up to date and considering hepatitis A and typhoid vaccines given the potential for foodborne or waterborne illness. It is advisable to drink bottled or purified water throughout the West Bank. Consulting a travel medicine clinic or your GP at least four to six weeks before departure allows time for any required courses to take effect.