If you don’t know what a yurt is, have no fear. Most people don’t (including yours truly). But yurts, with their portability, suitability for nature trips, and simple low-tech structures are highly suitable for eco-tourism – so they definitely deserve our attention. And it certainly is exciting that yurts are entering the Israeli tourism scene.
So what is a yurt? A yurt is a portable fabric covered dwelling with an underlying wooden structure that was first used by nomads in central Asia.
What do yurts have to do with Israeli eco tourism? Thanks to the Indian Village at Moshav Avnei Eitan in the Galilee, plenty.
Located at the end of the Nahal El Al trail (which is a flowery, rocky, watery feast for the eyes of an eco tourist), the yurt campsite – though environmentally friendly in that is does not leave a permanent effect on the site and offers low impact housing – is a pampering version of your normal camping experience. Meaning, for all those ladies out there who are a little squeamish about spending a romantic weekend in a tent, this is the perfect compromise.
Some of the yurts (like the one pictured above) even go so far as to include jacuzzis, and all of the couple yurts include small kitchenettes, air conditioning, and other little extras. Pair that up with the beautiful scenery, the fresh outdoor breakfast that is included with a stay in the yurt, and the optional personal masseurs, and you’ve got an eco tourism option that is close to nature, but a pampering treat as well.
The site includes three small, couple sized yurts and a few larger teepees that can house large groups. So whether you’re going away on a weekend vacation with your partner or having more of an experience with the family – the Indian Village is ready for you.
See a video of a yurt in Israel being built
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cVMf1SklyRk[/youtube]
The Indian Village, Moshav Avnei Eitan (Ramat Hagolan), tel. 04-6762151.
Read more about specific eco tourism spots in Israel: Green Prophet Visits Amirim, a Vegetarian Paradise in the Galilee
Adam and Eve: An Eco Farm Paradise in Modiin
Visit Yurts In The Desert
Author: Karen Chernick
Much to the disappointment of her Moroccan grandmother, Karen became a vegetarian at the age of seven because of a heartfelt respect for other forms of life. She also began her journey to understand her surroundings and her impact on the environment. She even starting an elementary school Ecology Club and an environmental newsletter in the 3rd grade. (The proceeds of the newsletter went to non-profit environmental organizations, of course.) She now studies in New York. Karen can be reached at karen (at) greenprophet (dot) com.
do you have any yurts in the desert nr Jerusalem please? if so exactly were and how far from Jerusalem ? and how much per night? Thank you
good looking home …..
Yurt is Russian word.This is Mongolian traditional dwelling GER. Mongolia is located in central Asia.Today Mongolian nomads live in the Ger for a year around.In winter and in summer it's so comfortable dwelling for them.
A nice yurt like this it helps our environment, great idea.
I love the idea of yurts, because they aren’t permanent dwellings. But air-con in a tent? That’s crazy. I think Israelis would be better off creating eco tourism solutions more adapted to the local environment. Doesn’t sound as sexy to them perhaps, but I think Beduin tents –– not yurts or Indian teepees –– are most suited to the Israeli/Middle East climate. I am sure the Beduins can also offer some cooling tips. See the film Air Conditioning:
http://www.sky-larking.com/film.html
I thought I remembered one in the Negev. The Zimmer (B&B) industry in the Negev is not as saturated and less expensive than in the north. And indeed:
“36 Figs (Moshav Dekel 36): Yurt accommodations. The yurts are Kazakh sleeping tents made of a wooden skeleton and covered in sheep or camel wool. The yurts have air conditioning, a television, and even a hot tub. Tel. 972-8-9982103. ”
from “A visit to Habesor region in the Negev”
http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-3367838,00.html
just to get technical, Yurt is the Russian name for this type of structure. Ger is the Mongolian word, and they are thought to have originated on the plains of the Gobi (in what is now modern Mongolia), way before Chinghis Khan’s time. I’m a bit of a ger-nut: I’ve made 3, and are scouring the Middle East for the perfect spot to build the next!