Sprawling over 1800 square kilometers, it was once under the rule of the Menasseh tribe during the Israelite takeover. It went through numerous invasions before finally being reclaimed by the Hasmoneans in 1st century BCE. The region’s Jewish inhabitants suffered huge losses for resisting against the Romans.

Jews continued their habitation on the Golan Heights, despite the destruction of the 2nd Temple in 70 CE, until the end of the Byzantine rule in 638 CE. The Jewish population was wiped out during the early Arab rule (638–1099 CE), leaving the area desolate except for a few Bedouins. Post-WW1, it was placed under the French mandate for Syria.

The location remained under Syrian control until it was regained during the six-day war in 1967. It witnessed fierce battles during the 1973 Yom Kippur War as Syria attempted to reclaim it.

Currently, it houses 40,000 inhabitants, half of them Jews, with the rest comprising Druze, and a small Alawite community.

• The driving time from start to finish is 4 to 4.5 hours.
• The tour duration is not carved in stone and varies from group to group.
• The guide cannot be held responsible for any mishaps, therefore insure that you are self insured.