Location and surroundings
Mount Hermon belongs to the Anti-Lebanon Mountains, which are part of the wider Levant Ranges in Western Asia. The mountain is located in Israel, specifically within the North District, the Golan Subdistrict, and the Golan Regional Council municipality. Within the Anti-Lebanon Mountains, it ranks as the 94th highest of 1,299 named peaks. The surrounding landscape features rugged terrain shared across Israel, Lebanon, and Syria.
Neighbouring peaks
The nearest peaks and passes surrounding Mount Hermon include several notable elevations. Mount Hermon compares closely with these nearby heights:
- Mitzpe Shelegim: peak, 2,224 m, 0.6 km SE
- Har Shaqed: peak, 2,012 m, 2.0 km W
- Mount Si'on: peak, 2,381 m, 2.7 km N
- Har H̱abushit: peak, 1,955 m, 2.8 km SW
- Daf esh Sheïkh: peak, 2,152 m, 3.0 km NW
- Har Shalhavit: peak, 1,983 m, 3.7 km NW
- Tallet el Qateaa: hill, 1,702 m, 4.3 km NW
- Har ‘Ar‘Ar: peak, 1,717 m, 4.5 km W
The view from the summit
From the heights of Mount Hermon, visitors can look out at several giants within a 25 km radius. The highest peaks within 25 km include Mount Hermon at 2,814 m, located 12.1 km NE, which serves as the highest point of the entire range. Other notable summits in sight are Chaghour ed Dahab at 2,578 m, 14.0 km NE; Safhet el Mozble at 2,246 m, 19.3 km NE; Chéaâb el Machnaqa at 2,128 m, 21.5 km NE; El Aaqabé at 2,067 m, 5.0 km N; and Shārat Jabal Barbar at 1,811 m, 17.1 km NE.
The range
The Anti-Lebanon Mountains span across Israel, Lebanon, and Syria, sitting within the broader Levant Ranges of Western Asia. The highest peak of the entire Anti-Lebanon Mountains is also named Mount Hermon, reaching 2,814 m and located 12 km NE of the summit described here. The range contains 1,299 named peaks, where this particular summit ranks as the 94th highest.
Climate and weather
Climate figures for Mount Hermon are estimates based on NASA POWER climate data from 2001 to 2020 monthly means, with temperatures adjusted to the summit elevation. At the summit, the mean temperature reaches its warmest in July at about 16 °C and its coldest in January at about 3 °C. Precipitation in the surrounding area totals about 400 mm a year, with January being the wettest month at about 100 mm and June the driest at about 0 mm.
Best time to visit
The summit experiences mean temperatures above freezing throughout the entire year, across January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November, and December. Precipitation drops significantly during the summer months, making periods around the driest month of June particularly dry in the surrounding area, though visitors should always account for high-altitude weather conditions.
Nature and wildlife
The landscape of Mount Hermon and the surrounding Anti-Lebanon Mountains features high-altitude mountain terrain across Israel, Lebanon, and Syria. Vegetation and wildlife are typical of high-elevation arid and semi-arid Mediterranean mountain ecosystems, adapting to cool summers, cold winters with snow, and very dry summer conditions in the surrounding valleys and lower slopes.
Guides and organised ascents
For mountaineering in Israel, visitors can look to the Israel Climbing Association (ILCA) as the national alpine club and mountaineering federation. When planning ascents involving technical terrain or severe weather, engaging a certified mountain guide is advisable. Local organisations and national bodies provide resources and safety information for visitors tackling the high-altitude routes of the region.
Safety and preparation
The elevation and rugged terrain of Mount Hermon demand careful physical preparation, proper navigation tools, and adequate clothing for changing mountain weather. In the event of an emergency, mountain rescue can be reached through national services. The emergency numbers to use are 101 for the Magen David Adom ambulance service, 100 for the police, and 102 for fire and rescue.
Interesting facts
Mount Hermon holds several notable geographic distinctions. It serves as the high point of Israel and ranks 94th out of 1,299 named peaks in the Anti-Lebanon Mountains. The nearest higher peak is Mount Si'on at 2,381 m, located just 2.7 km N. The main range high point of 2,814 m sits 12 km NE, and the mountain forms part of an international mountain system spanning Israel, Lebanon, and Syria.
FAQ
What is the elevation of Mount Hermon? The elevation of Mount Hermon is 2,236 m.
Where is Mount Hermon located? It is located in Israel, within the North District, Golan Subdistrict, and the Golan Regional Council municipality.
Which mountain range does it belong to? It belongs to the Anti-Lebanon Mountains within the Levant Ranges of Western Asia.
What are the nearest peaks to Mount Hermon? The nearest peaks include Mitzpe Shelegim at 0.6 km SE, Har Shaqed at 2.0 km W, and Mount Si'on at 2.7 km N.
Is there water on the way to Mount Hermon? Because natural water sources are not explicitly listed along specific walking tracks, visitors should carry sufficient water—typically 1.5 to 3 litres for a day trip—depending on heat and length of the route.
What mobile phone coverage is available? Coverage in the hills can be patchy and depends on the operator. It is recommended to download maps before setting out, keeping in mind that emergency calls can be made over any available network.