Asheton Maryam Monastery Travel Guide: Top Sights in Ethiopia, Tours

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Asheton Maryam Monastery- Travel Tips What to See, How to Plan & Tours: Religious Beliefs; Ethiopia; 5 Reviews

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Suggested Duration: 5 hours

Asheton Maryam Monastery, located in the mountains above Lalibela, Ethiopia, is a rock-hewn church attributed to King Lalibela and later completed during the reign of King Ne'akuto Le'ab (1215–1255). Carved from a single rock, it shares architectural features with the famous Lalibela churches. The monastery remains active, housing sacred relics such as ancient crosses and an illustrated Bible. Reaching the site involves a steep ascent, with panoramic views of Lalibela and the surrounding highlands. Visitors can hike from Lalibela in about five hours, take a mule for part of the journey, or drive closer and complete the final stretch on foot.

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Reviews of Asheton Maryam Monastery

A 驁 K

3
Reviewed: 2025-03-07

It’s 20$ usd cash per person to enter, which is extortionate. Not included with your 100$ church ticket. Wait for the lady at the blue sign to pay. Do not give money to anyone else except at the monastery entrance sign. The monastery itself is mildly interesting. The views of canyons and farms along the way are beautiful. The hike + visit will take you about 5 hours round trip including breaks, starting from the town center. Expect the usual tip hassling along the way, though much less than Lalibela proper. A guide is not needed, you can follow the route on google maps though there is a minor shortcut along a sketchy cliff trail you might not find on your own
Petr Kokaisl

1
Reviewed: 2025-01-28

The journey to the monastery is much more enjoyable than the monastery itself. It’s another example of the Ethiopian Orthodox Church’s greed, asking for an entrance fee of 30 dollars. This is absolutely absurd, and I say this as someone who loves monasteries. But this fee is simply too much – it’s money wasted here. However, the surrounding area and the journey through the villages with stunning views of Lalibela and the surroundings are definitely worth it. If you take a tuk-tuk, you can have it stop at the best spots for photos.
እዝራ

5
Reviewed: 2023-06-01

Best place if you can I recommend hike to mountain it has best view
Tesfa Yohannes Merhatsidk

4
Reviewed: 2019-04-24

Though not intricately built as the churches in Lalibela, going to this place is worth it just for the experience of getting there and seeing the surrounding area. I would recommend going there in the early morning or late afternoon as the climb takes it toll. The road to the church is not yet built so beware. Take a three wheeled taxies to there from city center as it would be cheaper for there to wait for you when you get down or hike. enjoy.
Carlos Sarasola Orio

4
Reviewed: 2017-12-03

Amazing location for a little monastery, it’s worth the Climb here. The rocky mountaintop of this sacred mountain is beautiful and the 360° view of the surroundings spectacular.