Top 14 Things to Do in the Dead Sea Region, Israel
Ishaan Govardhan
The lowest point in the world packs some very high levels of fun for millions of tourists. Your trip to this unique salty lake will be a well-rounded experience, because there's a lot more to do here than just floating around.
There are other fascinating sights to see in the Dead Sea region. But the Dead Sea itself is the main attraction of the Jordan Rift Valley - it lies 430m below the sea level and it's too salty to support life.
Of course, floating is the first thing you'll wanna do. Don't worry if you can't swim: everything floats in this incredibly dense water. It's 9.6 times as salty as the ocean!
The Dead Sea's beaches are natural spas. Grab a handful of that sought-after salt and scrub it onto your skin. The coarse crystals in this naturally mineral-rich salt make for deep exfoliation.
Harness another aspect of the Dead Sea's well-known restorative properties: its blackish mud. It purifies skin and has been known to treat psoriasis and relieve inflammation. Slather it on as a mud mask for your face.
Just before sunset, the gorgeous Dead Sea beach at Ein Bokek is the place to be.
The perfect souvenirs are the authentic Dead Sea salt soap bars that you can buy at markets in Neve Zohar. So stock up!
You simply must try a delicious plate of Israeli hummus and (more than) a few falafels, while you're there.
Immerse yourself among the local Bedouin tribespeople to understand their culture. You can even go for a ride on one of their camels.
Explore the rest of the terrain, by hiking the scenic trails that cover the arid Dead Sea region - Einot Tzukim, Nahal Salvadora, Nahal Arugot, or the tiring Runner's Route.
You'll find that the arid terrain of the Dead Sea region is best explored on an ATV or a quad bike. So gear up for a bumpy ride!
This region has deep roots in religion and Biblical legends. Check out Qumran Caves, where the 981 Dead Sea Scrolls were found.
West of the Dead Sea, the Ein Gedi oasis is definitely worth a visit. It has a wealth of fresh springs, archaeological sites and desert wildlife to check out.
If you're up for a hike, the Masada Fort has the best vantage point on the Dead Sea and its surrounding desert vista. This ancient palace was built by Herod the Great in 37 - 31 BC.
Under Mt. Sodom, you can beat the heat by exploring the cool darkness of over 180 salt caves, including the longest one on Earth - Malham Cave.
If you can handle the greatest thrill of your life, go skydiving over the Dead Sea. Or you can strap yourself to a Powered Parachute!