Monastery Lake · Amhara
Hayk & Istifanos
At 2,030 metres, just north of Dessie, Lake Hayk is six kilometres across and eighty-eight metres deep. On its peninsula stands Istifanos, a monastery founded in the mid-thirteenth century by Iyasus Mo'a, teacher of Saint Tekle Haymanot.
Why We Go
A highland lake on the road to Lalibela, and the monastery where one of Ethiopia's great saints was taught.
Between the thirteenth and fifteenth centuries Istifanos was one of the most influential monasteries in the country. Its most famous pupil, Tekle Haymanot, went on to found Debre Libanos and carry the Church south into Shewa. In 1531 the church was burned during the wars of Imam Ahmad ibn Ibrahim, and ruins from that period still stand beside the later buildings.
Please note that the monastery itself admits men only. Women are welcome at the nearby nunnery of Margebeta Giorgis, and the lakeshore and its views are open to everyone — we explain this before any itinerary includes Hayk, so no one is caught out on the day.
Hayk lies directly on the road between Addis Ababa and Lalibela via Dessie, so it slots into an overland northern route as a lunch stop or a quiet night by the water rather than a detour.
Highlights
- 01The monastery museum's gospel book, made for Istifanos in 1280–81 — among the oldest Ethiopian manuscripts to record its own date
- 02Iyasus Mo'a's stone cross, and manuscripts and treasures donated by successive emperors
- 03A walk along the lakeshore, where Europe's first recorded visitor noted hippos in 1520
- 04The nunnery of Margebeta Giorgis nearby, open to women visitors
Best combined with a stay of Half a day – 1 day, travelling October – May.
Journeys Including Hayk & Istifanos
Routes that pass through here
Plan This Destination
Build Hayk & Istifanos into your journey
Nothing here is fixed. Tell us how long you have and what else you want to see, and a designer will draw the route — including the flights, the guides and the hours that matter.
Speak With a Designer
Speak to someone who has been there this season
Our designers travel these routes themselves. Ask about road conditions, festival dates or which lodge has the better view — you will get a straight answer.
Or call us directly on +1909-450-7246