Mount Gamal, Mitzpe Ramon

Mount Gamal, located approximately one kilometer south of the well-known Mitzpe Ramon Visitors Center, offers a unique vantage point of the Ramon Crater. It’s actually more of a hill than a mountain, with a comfortable stepped path leading to the summit. The location provides a breathtaking panoramic view of the crater, from a slightly different angle than that of the  Visitors Center.

On the day I photographed the panorama, the weather was particularly wintry. The sky was covered with dramatic clouds in varying colors, some dark and stormy, others illuminated in golden hues by the sun struggling to penetrate through them. The interplay between light and shadow created a unique and impressive sight, adding depth and dimensionality to the vast desert landscape stretching from the summit.

Beyond the beauty of the landscape, the experience was exceptionally cold. Strong, sharp winds blew at the summit, and the cold penetrated to the bone, yet there was something deeply spiritual about the atmosphere. The combination of desert silence, the vast expanses of the crater, and the sense that nature is far greater and more powerful than humans created an uplifting and connecting experience.

From the viewpoint, one can see the immense crater unfold in all its glory, with the arid, brown landscapes characteristic of the region. Along the hillside, organized trails and railings help visitors approach the landscape safely and comfortably. The inhabited area of Mitzpe Ramon can also be seen in the background, with roads and paths leading to the site.

Mount Gamal is particularly suitable for those seeking a less touristic viewpoint while still wanting to experience the power, silence, and magic of the desert.