Jordan’s Epic Dana to Petra Trek

At 7:30 am right after breakfast, the group will be picked up from the hotel in Amman. The drive from Amman to the starting point of the trek takes about 2.5 hours – time to get to know your fellow hikers or to take a nap. Our trekking journey starts with hiking through the diverse landscapes of the Dana Biosphere Reserve. The reserve includes four distinct ecozones thus accommodating an astonishing diversity of plants, birds, and other animals. First, we’ll follow a trail along the mountains overlooking Dana Valley, and then descend into al Khashasha Valley. A wilderness campsite awaits us on the outskirts of the valley.

Overnight: Wilderness Camping in Mansoura

Time: 5-7 hrs
Hiking Distance: 15 Km
Ascent: 260m
Descent: 690 m

Well rested, we will leave the campsite in the early morning, and head towards Furon. Today‘s hike is challenging but extremely rewarding. We will start ascending through the mountains for approximately an hour before getting a glimpse of the beautiful Sharah Mountains and the wide Wadi Araba Desert. That outstanding view will accompany you all the way to your campsite in Al Furon. Enjoy a cup of tea and the great view from the campsite while passing the time until your well-earned dinner.

Overnight: Wilderness Camping in Furon

Time: 5-7 hrs
Hiking Distance: 14 Km
Ascent: 563 m
Descent: 170 m

Today’s hike leads past Ras Al-Feid and towards Ghbour Whedat, through some of the country’s wildest corners.

Contouring the Sharah Mountains, we follow a trail comprised of smaller, connecting Bedouin shepherd paths. The bare peeks of black, rugged mountains overlooking the trail, and the precipitous drops of the canyons below make this part of the trek spectacular.

Gradually climbing up the hills, you will uncover more spectacular views over the barren desert below. Then, as you proceed towards the wilderness campsite, the landscape slowly becomes softer, with mushroom-like rock formations lining the way.

Overnight: Wilderness Camping in Ghbour Whedat

Hiking Distance: 17.1Km
Ascent: 750m
Descent: 920m

After yesterday’s very remote hike, we will see signs of increasing human habitation while approaching Little Petra today. Passing Bedouin camps, sheep pens, and small agricultural plots you can gain an impression of the living environment of part of Jordan’s population. We will also pass the first Nabataean ruins, including wine and olive presses, aqueducts, and other ancient water infrastructures.

Finally, we will climb up through a canyon walled with soft sandstone rocks, and then down a narrow, steep flight of stairs into Little Petra. The site, also known as Siq al-Barid (Engl. the Cold Canyon), is believed by archaeologists to be a ‘suburb’ of Petra and was probably meant to house traders traveling along the Silk Road. After some time to explore, we’ll head on to our home for the night – hot showers are waiting!

Overnight: Bedouin Camp near Little Petra

Hiking Distance: 14Km
Ascent: 610m
Descent: 560m

On our last trekking day, we will enter Petra ‘via the Back Door’, avoiding most other tourists.

Amidst high sandstone mountains, a good track leads down Wadi Ghurab. The way then follows a Nabataean route out of the valley, and skirts around the final mountain on a natural rock terrace which has been ‘improved’ for the safety of walkers. It narrows slightly before reaching a hidden plateau high above the impressive chasm of Wadi Siyyagh. Just beyond, ‘the Monastery’ suddenly comes into view.

After walking the last meters to the impressive structure, we can rest for a bit, taking in the view There also is a Bedouin café for refreshments. Then, more Nabataean steps will lead us down into the main site. We’ll make our way through a colonnaded street, past rock-cut tombs, temples, and a Roman-style theater, to finally arrive at Petra’s probably most famous building – the Treasury. Take your time to marvel at the façade’s detailed artworks. After a final look, we’ll leave the site through the Siq a narrow, high-walled canyon, and then head to our accommodation for the night.

Overnight: Hotel in Petra

Hiking Distance: 13.8Km
Ascent: 496m
Descent: 519m

After a relaxed breakfast, we leave the mountains of Petra behind and move on to Wadi Rum. Are you ready for a desert adventure?! We will meet our Bedouin hosts and set out on a 4×4 jeep safari to explore valleys and narrow gorges, discover ancient rock inscriptions, climb sand dunes and rock bridges, and generally enjoy the majestic desert landscape. At each step, you have the opportunity to hike, scramble and explore at your own pace. After viewing one of the most magical sunsets in the world, we’ll return to our camp for, dinner, an experience of the famous Bedouin hospitality, a night under the starlit sky, and – of course – countless cups of tea.

Overnight: Bedouin camp in Wadi Rum

Today, we will leave the desert and proceed to the Dead Sea, the lowest point on earth. You can spend some time floating in the salty waters, try out the ‘magical’ Dead Sea mud, relax by the pool, or pamper yourself with some spa treatments – the perfect cure if your legs are still tired and sore from all the hiking. In the late afternoon, we will hop on the bus for the last time, and follow the long, winding road up to Amman – to return to where the adventure began.

Overnight: Hotel in Amman

Sadly, all great things must come to an end. For those flying out already, it is generally recommended to leave Amman at least 4 hours prior to your departure. We wish you a safe flight, and hope you will return back home with many wonderful memories of your time in Jordan!

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