Hike the Land of Israel  - the INT guide (2009) that has all the INT maps included (in English)  is available for sale in Israel at the following book stores: Steimatzky, and Tzomet Sfarim and at the following camping and sporting goods stores:  Rikoshet, and Lametayel .

The guide includes hike description from north to south and from south to north. 67 Topographical maps of the INT (1:50,000) and 13 road maps (1:250,000) are included in the guide.

The guide contains info. about: Preparation, list of recommended gear, foot care, first aid, weather, transportation, buses and train from the airport and within the country, places to visit along the trail, list of all free camping out places, water in the desert, list of water caching places in the desert, list of service providers for water caching trips in the desert, food stores along the trail, budget accommodation along the trail, a list of trail angels,  and much  more.

To download additional information about the guide, please Click here

For most recent updates and changes to trail please click    HERE

 Outside Israel the guide is available at the following locations and from the publisher.

London - Stanfords, 12/14 LONG ACRE, London WC2E

Amsterdam - Reisboekhandel Pied a Terre, Overtoom 135-137 Amsterdam tel: 020-627 44 55  and on line too

Wien - Freytag-Berndt & Artaria KG, Reisebuchhandlung,  Kohlmarkt 9,  A-1010 Wien

New York - Gefen Books, 600 Broadway, Lynbrook, NY 11563, tel: 516-593-1234 and on line too

Amazon - Click here

Buying from the publisher please Click here 

Yes: There are a Tzomet Sfarim book store, a Steimatzky  book store and also a Rikoshet (camping and sporting goods) store in Eilat.

If you spend the first night in Tel Aviv (30 minutes from the ariport) you can buy it in Tel Aviv

Thanks again for the info.  One last question.  If I don't find a hiking partner to do the trail with me is it possible to take it on alone, or should'nt I even attempt it?  I really want to do the hike from south to North.  Do you think if I don't find a partner on this website is there a good change of finding one in Eilat?

Thanks

Albert

If you are planing to hike the trail ,you must have this guide with you.

As an hebrew speeker that walked the trail, I only can say that the sort of information you would find in the "Hike the land of Israel" guide , you won't find even in hebrew.

There are no maps in english avalable , the only one in english arein this book. The day per day planning and other suggestions are very detailed and well described. Public transport connections and other attractions description are also make things more easy to plan , in case you don't want to walk the trail as he is. Trail angels , true Israely hospitality , the list is there.

The Israel national trail is an adventure , you have the northen green part , and the southern Negev desert. Sometimes its tough , to not be surprised you should prepare a proffesional guide to be in your backpack with you.

The guide is continuously updated and any new information about changes to the trail is posted here with a detailed map of each change.

The list of trail angles is  updated here

A new edition of the guide will be available in 2011 .

There are several Stiematzky and Tzomet Sfarim stores in Tel Aviv, all should have the guide. I've personally verified the store at  Azrieli center (both Stiematzky and Tzomet Sfarim). If they can't get the guide they can ask to back order at the store.

In Tel Aviv there are 19 Steimatzky book stores and 10 Tzomet Sfarim stores.

There are several reasons to carry a map not only in the desert. In spring time mainly in the north but not only, trail markers can hide behind freshly grown vegetation, which is sometimes 3-4 feet high. It is not too difficult to get lost for a while.  

Dany Gaspar, one of the most experienced hikers in Israel,  who has hiked the entire length of the trail more than 7 times, always has a map with him. For first time hikers on the trail it is always important to carry a map. 

For Hebrew speakers only: The most updated topo maps of the following trails: Israel trail, Golan Trail, Jesus trail, Jerusalem trail, Sea to Sea trail and the Be'er Sheva trail are available in a single new atlas: The maps of Long trails of Israel. In Hebrew: Shvilim Arukim BeIsrael - Hamapot  (Eshkol - 2011). It weighs only 250 grams.

The atlas is available at all book stores: Zomet Sfarim, Stiemtzky (August 5th, 10) and camping stores: Lametayel and Rikoshet. 

To buy it on the internet + 25% discount please Click here