The trail traverses the diverse landscapes of Jordan, from the green hills in Dana Reserve in the north, the Jordan Rift Valley with its unique desert, the rock city of Petra,
The Jordan Trail
Hike the newly famous Jordan Trail, explore Petra; the ancient carved city in the heart of the desert, and take a dip in the Dead Sea; the Earth’s lowest point.
to the highly saline crystal waters of the Dead Sea. An intermediate beginner’s hike that is suitable for most people who are fit.
Meet at Queen Alia International Airport and transfer to your hotel in Amman. Depending upon your flight arrival time, we can offer additional activities for the day. Later in the evening you will have a welcome dinner at a local restaurant in Amman.
At 7:00am we will pick up everyone from the hotel in Amman. The drive from Amman to Wadi Dana where we will begin the hike is about 2.5 hours. Once we arrive the hike will start from Dana Village, 1,200m above sea level, and head west into Dana valley with your trekking guides. The trail drops steeply at first and then levels into a more gradual descent through the Dana Biosphere Reserve towards the Wadi Ghuweir. The reserve, Jordan's largest, includes four distinct bio-geographical zones, which means that Dana supports an astonishing diversity of birds, plants, and animals. On your way down the valley you may see Griffon Vultures overhead as well as hyrax and copper-blue lizards on the rocks; if you're lucky you might even catch a glimpse of an ibex or a desert fox, or see the footprint of a wolf in the dust.
Overnight wilderness camping in Wadi Ghuweir.
After breakfast you will be transferred from Wadi Ghweir onto Ghbhour Wheidat. Between Gbour Whedat and Little Petra you will pass many sites such as Ba'ajah ruins, siq Ba'ajah, the Nabataeans wine and olive presses, water tanks, wells and the Nabataean rock carved facades and then on to Little Petra visiting the site (a mini version of Petra). Spend the night under the stars, enjoy the glow of lanterns on the rocks and the desert moonlight relax and enjoy the hospitality of the Bedouins.
Overnight in a bedouin camp in Little Petra.
Hiking Distance 14.1Km. Ascent 610m Descent 560m.
After breakfast it's time to start your hike. Enter Petra via ‘The Back Door’ avoiding most of the tourists. Good tracks go pleasantly down Wadi Ghurab amidst sandstone mountains guarding the approaches to Petra. This way follows a Nabataean route out of the valley and skirting round the final mountain on a natural rock terrace which has been ‘improved’ for the safety of walkers. Even so, it still narrows slightly before reaching a hidden plateau high above the impressive chasm of Wadi Siyyagh. Just beyond, carved into the cliff face, ‘The Monastery’ suddenly comes into view, where there is a Bedouin café for refreshments if you would like. Nabataean steps
then lead down into ancient Petra; your route then takes you through Wadi Muthlim (Hiking distance 18Km) (weather dependent) or Madras Trail (Hiking distance 22Km) to Wadi Musa and your Petra hotel accommodation. There is another exit where you will take the road that climbs a hill to the village of Umm Sayhoun.
Overnight in Petra Hotel
A Masterpiece half as old as time; The Red Rose city of Petra. Marvel at the beauty of the ‘Lost City’, exploring its many caves and tombs. Walk through the Siq and be astounded at the magnificent Treasury, the entrance guarding the ancient Nabatean city, now one of the Modern 7 Wonders of the World. Time to then explore the city further, such as Qasr Al-Bint or the Royal Tombs.
Overnight in Petra.
A transfer from Petra and drive to Shobak Castle, the first of the series of Crusader Castles built in Jordan; which was constructed by Baldwin I in 1115 and only surrendered in 1189 to the Great Saladin. From Shobak and then we cycle off- road from Shobak on a mixture of dirt tracks and roads to Little Petra. The route contours around the mountains of Dana and Petra with great views across the Jordan valley. Finish with a visit to Little Petra. At the end of the tour, we will
transfer you to the Dead Sea for the overnight.
Overnight at the Dead Sea
Enjoy breakfast at your hotel. Time to float in the salty waters of the Dead Sea, relax by the pool, and experience the various treatments in the spa. After this relaxing finish to your tour, you'll depart and proceed to the Queen Alia International Airport for your flight home.
Weather
Jordan generally has a hot, dry climate characterized by long, hot, dry summers and short, cool winters. January is the coldest month, with temperatures from 5°C to 10°C, and August is the hottest month at 20°C to 35°C. Daily temperatures can be very hot because of this, it is very important to stay always hydrated. July and August are off-season months, the rest of the year the weather is typical desert climate with very hot mornings and very cold evenings.
Accommodation
We spend our nights in Jordan in a variety of ways: we begin with hotels and end with a Bedouin camp, during the hike we set up tents and camp sites. You just need to bring your own sleeping bag, or sheets, and we can provide blankets and mattresses.
Food
Breakfast and dinner in hotels are buffet meals. Lunch will be packed for you during the hike and all the water you will require will also be provided. Expect some culinary delight with some delicious meals cooked by the bedouins in the desert.
Hiking
Although not technical in any way, this is a moderate difficulty hike where you hike an average of 15 km daily with an altitude gain/loss of about 1000m per day. The cycling part also requires a relatively high fitness level to able to cycle 48 km including many off-road patches.
Scenery
From the lush green hills of Dana reserve with its four distinct bio-geographical zones, to the craggy desert landscapes around Petra, to the salty water of the lowest point on earth; the scenery in this hike certainly will keep you mesmerized.
PRICE
$2,250
best time to travel:
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
PRICE INCLUDES
- Price based on 4 pax
- Meals as mentioned in the itinerary (Breakfast = B, Lunch = L, Dinner = D)
- All transport to and from destination (A/C Car)
- All accommodation based on double basis
- Entrance fee to all attractions in itinerary.
- Mattress and blankets provided for the 1 night in wilderness.
- Bike hire, cycling guide, mechanic and support vehicle on cycling days.
- Water and meals on hiking and cycling days.
- English speaking hiking guide during the trip.
PRICE EXCLUDES
- International flight
- Visa Fee
- Excess baggage & Airport Taxes
- Personal & Travel insurance
- Tips and Gratuity
- Extra meals or beverages