Set in the heart of the Negev, Mount Karkom is one of the most mysterious archaeological sites in Israel. Dating to proto-historical periods, the site is characterized mostly by hundreds of rock engravings. In the 1980s Italian archaeologist Emmanuel Anati documented over 40,00 petroglyphs, and anthropomorphic rock sculptures. He concluded that Mount Karkom could be the site of biblical Mount Sinai. Although other scholars do not follow this hypothesis, there is a consent that the mountain may have had a religious significance.

With a wildly unspoiled landscape of an 847-meter-high limestone plateau dramatically scored by ravines, some scholars believe Mount Karkom to be the biblical Mount Sinai.

Walking down the eight-kilometer-long loop-trail, on the banks of the Karkom dry riverbed are two rows of standing stones and a rounded wall, reminiscent of nomadic shrine of the type built by the Israelites of the time. Looking closely, one can even spot 12 standing stones, believed by some to represent the 12 tribes of Israel.

Mount Karkom experience

Due to its remote location, this great place is only accessible by jeep. Security restrictions prevent using the border road, so the current route involves driving south and then west from Mitzpe Ramon. Expect the trip to take between three and three and a half hours. Since our way to the mountain is through a military firing range, there is a need for permission from the army to enter the area and it is possible to visit there only on Fridays, Saturdays, or holidays.

source: https://israel.travel/mount-karkom/