Among the different rock-hewn churches in Tigray this is probably the most popular one and it's for a reason. The state of conservation of the inner original paintings is surprising for being dated from the 5th century. If the inside is beautiful the views from outside, the landscape and the walk up is just as breathtaking. The Gheralta mountains are of a mesmerising beauty and it's a great place for hiking. To make it up to the church you need to climb up a vertical wall. You don't need to have climbing experience but some level of fitness is needed. The effort really pays off and you can always rely on the local guys that are around who will help you out to make it through safe and sound. I can't recommend enough the guys who arranged everything for my tour in Tigray (guides, driver...). The tour operator is Gofereviajes. They speak English and Spanish. They took care of everything. I'm used to travelling on my own arranging everything myself but I have to admit for Ethiopia having this help is an asset. You can reach them at +251 97 360 5238

The Tigray Rock Churches are absolutely amazing and Abuna Temata Guh is a must-see from all of them. My guide Aregawi (WhatsApp +251 942741810 or Email aregawihagos42@gmail.com) organised my pick-up from Axum and then 1 night in Hawzen and then onto Mekelle for my flight back to Addis. He speaks excellent English and knows the history of the churches and will make sure you get safely up and down the mountains. He can even organise to watch an orthodox mass in one of the rock churches because he knows the priests, and will also show you secret caves and entrances. I highly recommend Aregawi as he is from the Tigray region and treated me very well. He will also take you to try the best local food and coffee! Call or WhatsApp him when you visit Ethiopia.

A risky adventure. "There is no other place in the world to get closer to God.' These are the words of Ethiopians when they talk about climbing Abuna Yemata Guh, a rock-hewn Church in northern Ethiopia. This is the highest church in the world, and and not easily accessible, due to the vertical climb and slippery surface. My guide pointed to a funeral service approaching and mentioned that this was an excellent sign to climb the mountain!! Abuna Yemata is 2.5 kilometres from the entrance, with a cliff face 250 metres above the ground and halfway up a sheer rock pinnacle. When we reached the base, we were instructed to remove our footwear before the climb. I had no rock climbing experience, but climbing vertically in the hot, blazing sun would be a tremendous challenge. With basic instructions, place a left foot here and a right foot there, but I was praying that I would not lose my footing and fall 200 metres. My heart is racing; I am determined not to look down and keep my head focused on the next foot. My heart is racing twice as fast, but I listen to the instructions and place my feet and hands in the small holds to ensure I don't turn around. I reached the first 40-odd metres and then was instructed to listen carefully since I would climb the next 15 metres on a branch bridge connecting to more footholds. I complete that task, and there are a further 20 metres, and the helpers appear from nowhere to help me climb the final few metres. I am relieved, but it does not end there. I have to cross a rocky ledge just enough to place two feet. I need help, and he comes to my aid. He again instructs me to keep my eyes focused and not look down. The drop is 300 metres, and a sigh of relief when we enter the tiny chapel, and a priest appears from nowhere! At the guide's urging, I listen intently about the services conducted here on a Sunday, and he continues to show me ancient books stored in the chapel. I hand over a donation, and once more, my heart is pounding as I walk across the tiny ledge. I make it across the ridge, and the guide points out to a small cave which bears the remains that may have fallen off this ledge! How they attempted to climb up to the church in the past is a testament to their steadfast devotion. I pause for a few minutes and admire the sheer cliffs surrounding us; the panoramic view is surreal. It is now time to make the trek down, and the heart is again pounding. It looks treacherous and more frightening than the way up. There is help at all angles; I gradually make my way down, a bit more confident but still holding my breath with each step I take. I arrive in one piece and thank the helpers who made it possible.

Abuna Yemata Church in Tigray is a must-visit for its stunning location and historical significance. The climb is challenging but rewarding, offering incredible views and a glimpse into ancient art and architecture. I highly recommend a local guide, Arigawe, who made my visit safer, more informative, and much more fun (Email: aregawigebrehiwet6@gmail.com, WhatsApp: +251914795520).

I visited Tigray with a friend in January 2020. We were lucky enough to have Gabriel as a guide, a guy who accompanied us on the visit to the churches, a serious and professional guy, I recommend him for anyone who wants to do this trip. It was one of the best experiences I've had in my life.

this place is incredible and others churches also are worth visiting. I vistited this with Aregawi Aregawi is a true professional.He is very well connected in major destinations in Ethiopia and can help you extensively with booking,tours,and sight seeing. He is very dedicated to his clients snd goes above and beyond to ensure a positive,smooth experience for travelers. He is also extremly knowledgeable about his culture and history of Ethiopia. My girlfriend and I had an absolutely lovely time 3 days danakil depression and 3 days Tigray churches. I can recommend to go with Aregawi Gebrehiwet Contact him Email, aregawigebrehiwet6@gmail.com reach through whatsapp+251914795520

Great experience I had got in Tigray,Ethiopia. This Region is very rich in the treasure of endowed history, culture and scenic views. I had 3 day trips in gheralta with yemane .he was knowledgeable and very experienced guide .in addition to this I have got reasonable and affordable price with the excellent quality of service. I Highly recommend to any one of you ,if you want to come to visit Tigray church's. If you need Contact to yemane. Email:- yemane.yr@gmail.com WhatsApp +251914291317