Perched on a cliff about 600m above the Dead Sea – the views are truly spectacular – this no-frills, hippyish holiday village hosts festivals, cultural events and New Agey conferences. The 53 simple, clean rooms have been recently renovated, and there are hundreds of sleeping spots in large Bedouin-style tents.
Sleeping in a hut with shared bathroom facilities costs 100NIS per person (70NIS for a child). You can pitch your own tent for 60NIS per person (85NIS including an excellent Israeli breakfast); sleeping bags can be rented for 25NIS. If you want to cook, bring along your own food. Buffet dinners are available for 60/50NIS for an adult/child (80/50NIS on Friday). If you'll be arriving after 8pm, you have to coordinate – and pay – ahead.
Metzukei Dragot is 18km north of Ein Gedi. It's a steep 5.5km drive up the hill from the army roadblock on Rte 90.