Lalibela Ethiopia 7 Day Itinerary
Travel advisory, as of October 2026. Lalibela is in Ethiopia’s Amhara region, where the UK FCDO advises against all travel and the US government tells its citizens not to travel. Fighting has resumed across northern Ethiopia, flights to Lalibela have been suspended since 24 September 2026 with no restart date announced, and there is no safe overland route. Nothing described here can be booked now; this page describes the town for a future visit once advisories change. Read the FCDO advice and the US State Department before making any plans.
Read this outline as a plan for a future trip only.
7-Day Plan for Lalibela, for a Future Trip
Day 1. Rest, drink water and adjust to the altitude. Walk through the town.
Day 2. The northern church group on foot, with a guide.
Day 3. The southern group, the dark tunnel with a torch, then Biete Giyorgis.
Day 4. A walk out to Na’akuto La’ab, which lies about 7 km from the town.
Day 5. A walk or mule ride to Asheton Maryam, about 2.5 hours each way.
Day 6. A drive by 4WD to Yemrehanna Kristos, about 42 km on a rough road.
Day 7. A quiet day in town, before the journey home.
Before any trip
- Lalibela has an airport (LLI), but flights have been suspended since 24 September 2026.
- By road, Addis Ababa is about 680 to 700 km away, which in peacetime meant 14 to 18 hours or more over two days. Overland travel is against current advice.
- Take shoes off at every church, cover shoulders and knees, and keep voices low. Women cover their heads. Ask before taking any photo, use no flash during prayer, and do not touch the carvings.
- The foreigner ticket for the churches is reported at US$50 to US$100; confirm on arrival.