Start: Old Campus

• Introduction to the campus and its educational and cultural history.
• Brief overview of ANNU and its role in higher education in Nablus.

Visit the Archaeological Museum and the Heritage Museum of An-Najah

• Archaeological Museum: Showcasing local and historical artifacts from different periods.
• Heritage Museum of An-Najah: Learning about Palestinian heritage and cultural and educational activities associated with the university.

Visit the Roman Theater in Ras Al-Ain, Nablus

• Explore the Roman Theater, one of Nablus’s historical landmarks.
• Learn about Roman architectural arts and the importance of theaters in social and entertainment life at that time.

Tel Balata Archaeological Park and Its Museum

• Visit Tel Balata, one of the most important archaeological sites in Nablus.
• Explore the museum to learn about archaeological discoveries and methods of preserving local heritage.

Visit the Iraqi Army Martyrs Cemetery in Old Askar Camp

• Learn about the historical site and the symbolic significance of the cemetery near the Industrial School in the camp.
• Stop at the cemetery to provide an overview of the Iraqi Army martyrs and their historical role in the area.

Visit Al-Badhan Waterfalls

• Take a nature break and enjoy the beauty of Al-Badhan Waterfalls and the surrounding natural environment.
• Opportunity for photography and contemplation of the scenery.

End: Sameet Plain and An-Najah National University Environmental Garden

• Sameet Plain: An open green area suitable for relaxation and walking.
• University Environmental Garden: Learn about sustainability and environmental projects within the university, including local plants and green space management.

Basic Information

• Trail Length: 3 km
• Estimated Duration: 1.5 to 2 hours
• Starting Point: From An-Najah National University, Old Campus. It starts from the entrance of Tammun town or a nearby natural access point.
• End Point: A circular route returning to the starting point or ending within the same area.

Environmental Features

The trail passes through diverse natural settings, including:

• Rocky hills and slopes
• Seasonal valleys
• Mediterranean vegetation (wild herbs and native trees)

The area also supports a variety of wildlife, especially birds, due to its proximity to the Jordan Valley, a major migration corridor.

Cultural and Heritage Value

The Tammun Trail reflects the traditional cultural landscape of the area:

• Agricultural terraces demonstrating historical farming practices
• Rural Palestinian lifestyle
• Nearby archaeological remains from different historical periods

 Activities

Visitors can enjoy a range of activities, such as:

• Hiking
• Nature photography
• Environmental exploration
• Interaction with local communities

Significance

This trail plays an important role in:

• Promoting sustainable ecotourism.
• Supporting the local economy.
• Raising environmental and cultural awareness.
• Connecting nature with Palestinian heritage.

Basic Information

• Trail Length: Approximately 3 km
• Elevation Gain: Around 350–450 m
• Difficulty Level: Easy to moderate
• Trail Shape: Horseshoe-shaped (loop with directional return)
• Starting Point: Near Aqabat Tayasir, about 1.5 km from the main Tubas–Tayasir road
• End Point: Returns close to Tayasir village or nearby main access road

Trail Description

The trail begins in an open landscape overlooking fertile plains westward. It gradually ascends toward Aqabat Tayasir, offering refreshing Mediterranean climate conditions and wide scenic views.

Along the route, visitors pass through diverse natural environments, including:

• Pine and cypress woodlands
• Carob, oak, sidr, and hawthorn trees
• Natural shrublands typical of the eastern Mediterranean ecosystem

Midway, hikers reach a forested area known as Tayasir Woodland, where shaded resting points allow visitors to enjoy panoramic natural views and observe the ecological system.

From higher points, the trail offers dramatic views toward:

• The Jordan Valley to the east
• The western plains of Palestine

Biodiversity

The Tayasir area is known for its rich ecological diversity, including:

• Wild birds such as migratory raptors and songbirds
• Mammals like the mountain gazelle, fox, and hyrax
• Seasonal wildflowers including orchids and Mediterranean herbs

The region is part of a larger ecological corridor connecting mountain and valley ecosystems.

Cultural and Historical Value

The trail also includes important cultural features:

• Ancient caves and natural rock shelters
• Traditional agricultural landscapes
• Historical water sources and rural heritage sites
• Nearby landmarks such as Cave of Tears (Magharat al-Dumou‘) and other natural formations

The village of Tayasir itself has Canaanite historical roots and contains archaeological remains from different periods, reflecting long-term human settlement in the area.

Activities

• Hiking and trekking
• Birdwatching
• Landscape and nature photography
• Cultural and ecological exploration

The Tayasir Trail offers a compact yet diverse ecotourism experience, combining mountain landscapes, woodland ecosystems, and cultural heritage. It is an ideal destination for nature lovers, students, and researchers exploring the ecological richness of northern Palestine.

The Al-Jabal Al-Kabir Reserve Trail is one of the key ecotourism routes in the Nablus Governorate. The trail is located in the village of Azmout, northeast of Nablus, extending toward the Al-Jabal Al-Kabir protected area and the Badhan region.

Basic Information

• Trail Length: Approximately 6 km
• Elevation Gain: Around 950 m
• Difficulty Level: Easy to moderate
• Activity Type: Hiking
• Starting Point: Outskirts of Azmut village
• End Point: Badhan Springs / Badhan recreational area

Trail Description

The trail begins in the northern plains of Azmut village and gradually ascends through the foothills toward Al-Jabal Al-Kabir, one of the highest elevations in the area. Along the route, hikers are rewarded with panoramic views in all directions:

• West: The city of Nablus and Balata Refugee Camp
• East: The Jordan Valley plains
• North: Wadi Al-Badhan and surrounding villages

The landscape is characterized by rich woodland ecosystems, including:

• Pine trees
• Cypress
• Oak
• Carob
• Hawthorn

The trail also passes near Maqam Sheikh Bal ibn Rabah, a historical and religious site surrounded by ancient olive trees and an old water well.

Biodiversity

The reserve features significant ecological diversity due to the transition between mountainous and valley environments. Wildlife includes:

• Mountain and migratory bird species
• Wild mammals such as hyenas and porcupines
• Native plant species including wild hawthorn, sumac, and thorny shrubs

Cultural and Historical Value

The Azmut area has a rich rural heritage reflected in:

• Natural caves and rock shelters
• Ancient agricultural systems
• Traditional terraced farming landscapes
• Religious and historical landmarks

Recommended Activities

• Hiking and nature trekking
• Birdwatching
• Landscape photography
• Learning about rural heritage and traditional land use

The Al-Jabal Al-Kabir Reserve Trail offers a unique ecotourism experience that combines mountain landscapes, biodiversity, and cultural heritage. It is one of the most distinctive trails in the Nablus region, providing visitors with a rich and immersive journey through Palestine’s natural environment.

The Trail is one of the most distinctive ecotourism routes in northern Palestine. The trail is located in the village of Faqqua, east of Jenin, an area internationally recognized as the natural habitat of the rare Faqqua Iris (Sawsan Faqqua).

Basic Information

• Trail Length: Approximately 4 km
• Difficulty Level: Easy
• Activity Type: Hiking
• Starting Point: South of Faqqua village at an elevation of about 400 m above sea level
• End Point: Around 4 km south of the village (linear trail)

Trail Description

The trail begins south of the village, extending through open natural landscapes with wide views in all directions. To the east, hikers can observe the Mount Gilboa range, while to the west lies the fertile Marj Ibn Amer plain (Jizrael or Esdraleon), one of the most historically significant agricultural regions in Palestine.

The route passes through rich biodiversity zones where visitors may encounter:

• The Palestinian Mountain gazelle (in early morning or sunset hours)
• A variety of migratory and resident bird species
• Native wild plants and seasonal flowers

Midway along the trail, a resting point is available before reaching the Sawsan Garden area, where the rare Faqqua Iris (Iris haynei) blooms during spring (March–April).

Environmental Significance

This trail is especially important because it is home to the Faqqua Iris, which is:

• Endemic to Palestine
• Considered an endangered plant species
• Officially recognized as the national flower of Palestine

The area is also part of an important bird migration corridor, enhancing its ecological value.

Cultural and Historical Importance

The Faqqua area has a long historical presence dating back to Canaanite times. It contains:

• Ancient caves and rock shelters
• Archaeological remains of past settlements
• Traditional agricultural features such as terraces and cactus plantations

These elements reflect the continuous human-nature relationship in the region.

Recommended Activities

• Ecological hiking
• Birdwatching and wildlife observation
• Nature photography
• Learning about native plants and heritage landscapes

The Sawsan Faqqua Trail offers a unique ecotourism experience that combines rare biodiversity, cultural heritage, and scenic landscapes. It is an ideal destination for researchers, students, and nature enthusiasts, especially in spring when the iconic Faqqua Iris blooms, transforming the landscape into a rare natural exhibition of beauty and ecological significance.