Crag info
35
routes
350
ascents
CRAG DESCRIPTION
Nezer Cave is located within the Manara Orchid Reserve on Mount Nezer, near the Lebanese border. It is one of Israel's most unique climbing destinations, home to some of the hardest and most spectacular routes in the country, including over 20 routes graded 8a and above, featuring the only two 9a routes in Israel. While famous for its high-end projects, the crag also offers a selection of moderate routes ranging from 6b to 7c+. The cave features a circular, sunken karst sinkhole structure with steep, overhanging walls. The right side offers shorter, less steep routes with moderate grades, but as you move left, the walls become significantly steeper and longer, hosting the most challenging projects. The Toffee Sector is a key area within the cave, characterized by its specific exposure as it receives some sun during the afternoon, unlike the rest of the cave, which remains in deep shade. Climbing is permitted strictly between April and November. Access is prohibited outside of these months, as the cave is often wet and cold. Thanks to its depth and orientation, the cave remains shaded and comfortable even during the summer. The rock type is stable limestone, and route lengths vary from 4m to 30m+. For the Madness sector, a 70m rope is required, whereas for the Toffee sector, a 40m rope is sufficient. Ten quickdraws are enough for almost all routes in the cave. A first-aid kit is located in a wooden box on the left side of the cave entrance, and there is no mobile reception inside the cave or along the approach trail. Regarding logistics, Mitzpe Hussein is located above the approach trail; it offers a beautiful view and is very close, but it is less comfortable and prone to strong night winds. Alternatively, the Haโ€™ela Campground is located 10 minutes away by car, which features chemical toilets and trash bins with no camping fees. There is no running water at either campsite, but potable water can be found at the Metsudat Koach monument. Nezer Cave is named after Mount Nezer, which means Crown in Hebrew, referencing the shape of the cliffs surrounding it. The site is a 30m-wide karst sinkhole with a depth of approximately 10m. You can still see ancient soot on the ceiling from historical use by shepherds, and stone enclosures remain on the cave floor. The site was discovered for climbing in 2005 and officially approved by the Israel Nature and Parks Authority in the summer of 2014, following the completion of raptor nesting seasons. Routes were developed by Ofer Blutrich, Alon Malachi, and friends.

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Nezer Cave
4.0
350
ASCENTS
11 %
OS RATE
35
ROUTES IN DB
350
ASCENTS
11 %
OS RATE
35
ROUTES IN DB
Crag info
35
routes
350
ascents
About
Shacked Shacham โ€ข
Nezer Cave is located within the Manara Orchid Reserve on Mount Nezer, near the Lebanese border. It is one of Israel's most unique climbing destinations, home to some of the hardest and most spectacular routes in the country, including over 20 routes graded 8a and above, featuring the only two 9a routes in Israel. While famous for its high-end projects, the crag also offers a selection of moderate routes ranging from 6b to 7c+. The cave features a circular, sunken karst sinkhole structure with steep, overhanging walls. The right side offers shorter, less steep routes with moderate grades, but as you move left, the walls become significantly steeper and longer, hosting the most challenging projects. The Toffee Sector is a key area within the cave, characterized by its specific exposure as it receives some sun during the afternoon, unlike the rest of the cave, which remains in deep shade. Climbing is permitted strictly between April and November. Access is prohibited outside of these months, as the cave is often wet and cold. Thanks to its depth and orientation, the cave remains shaded and comfortable even during the summer. The rock type is stable limestone, and route lengths vary from 4m to 30m+. For the Madness sector, a 70m rope is required, whereas for the Toffee sector, a 40m rope is sufficient. Ten quickdraws are enough for almost all routes in the cave. A first-aid kit is located in a wooden box on the left side of the cave entrance, and there is no mobile reception inside the cave or along the approach trail. Regarding logistics, Mitzpe Hussein is located above the approach trail; it offers a beautiful view and is very close, but it is less comfortable and prone to strong night winds. Alternatively, the Haโ€™ela Campground is located 10 minutes away by car, which features chemical toilets and trash bins with no camping fees. There is no running water at either campsite, but potable water can be found at the Metsudat Koach monument. Nezer Cave is named after Mount Nezer, which means Crown in Hebrew, referencing the shape of the cliffs surrounding it. The site is a 30m-wide karst sinkhole with a depth of approximately 10m. You can still see ancient soot on the ceiling from historical use by shepherds, and stone enclosures remain on the cave floor. The site was discovered for climbing in 2005 and officially approved by the Israel Nature and Parks Authority in the summer of 2014, following the completion of raptor nesting seasons. Routes were developed by Ofer Blutrich, Alon Malachi, and friends.

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