#Pakal_Kafe: Ein Pashha

Here's an interesting fact about Israelis - They like to take a pakal kafe with them on hikes in nature, or when they visit their nearby ma'ayan (spring). (or sometimes use them at home!)

Why? Do you ask? Well, simply because there is nothing more Israeli than enjoying the outdoors with a nice steaming glass of fresh coffee (*Don't worry, there is always emergency tea for the non-coffee drinkers).

A pool at Ein Pashha with a rock in middle and shades picnic benches around the edge of the pool — One of the few pools of Ein Pashha / Shifra Gottleib

The story

Ein Pashha is a ma'ayan, situated in the Einot Tzukim Nature Reserve, in the northern part of the Dead Sea. This place is considered the lowest land nature reserve in the world and is truly one of the most amazing places you can visit here in Israel.

The water in the ma'ayan comes naturally from rainwater, that flows down from the Judean Hills, sometimes over hundreds of years. In this nature reserve, you will find the lowest oasis in the world, filled with unique wildlife.

A large square pool at Ein Pashha — Doesn't that water look refreshing!? / Shifra Gottleib

What to expect?

Despite the close proximity to the salty water of the Dead Sea, Ein Pashha and the other ponds are filled with sweet water. You can find hiking trails, picnic areas, good BBQ spots, and of course great spots for your pakal kafe.

Is there an entrance fee?

There is an entrance fee to enter Einot Tzukim. Prices range from around 20₪ for a child and 35₪ for an adult. You must sign up in advance as part of the Coronavirus limitations. Head over here for more information on prices and opening hours, and for signing up. *Tip: Bring your student ID, senior citizen ID, or IDF ID for a discount!

A pakal kafe kit set up at the edge of one of the Ein Pashha pools — Double check that you have your pakal kafe before you leave! / Shifra Gottleib

What you need to know

It can get chilly in the area, even in the summer, so make sure to bring something warm.
This is one of the warmest places in Israel, especially during the daytime. Make sure to wear a hat and drink plenty of water.
Distance from the parking lot: Right nearby
Best season to visit: All year long
Family-friendly? Yes

A pan of shakshuka being cooked over a portable burner at the edge of an Ein Pashha pool — Use the burner from your pakal kafe and make some shakshuka! / Shifra Gottleib

Directions

By car 🚗:

Coming from Jerusalem, head east on Road 1 until you reach the Lido Interchange at the northern tip of the Dead Sea.

➡️Turn right onto Road 90 towards Kalya. ⬅️You will have a left turn to enter the Einot Tzukim Nature Reserve. 💳You need to pay at the entrance (If you have a membership it's free) 🅿️After that, you have another 2 min drive until you can park at Ein Pasha. 📲 Put into WAZE: עין פשחה