Trekking in Jordan: Following in the footsteps of the Nabataeans to the Dead Sea
In summary
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Sports
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Duration9 days
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LevelAdvance
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DestinationMiddle East / Jordan
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AgeFrom 18 - 90 years
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CO₂-Emissions123.73 kg CO2
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Type of stayIndependent traveler
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Languages
French
Arabic
English
In a few words
Embark on an immersive adventure through the heart of Jordan's iconic landscapes. From the rugged cliffs of the Dana Biosphere Reserve , you'll trek along trails steeped in history to the majestic secrets of Petra , a jewel carved into the rock. Each stop immerses you in a breathtaking setting, from spectacular cannons and traditional villages to Nabataean ruins. The journey continues into the vast, mineral landscape of Wadi Rum , where the ochre hues of the desert contrast with the azure sky, offering an ideal playground for contemplation and escape. As a highlight, a peaceful stop at the Dead Sea brings this journey to a close with a moment of pure relaxation. This trip perfectly balances challenging hikes , local encounters , and heritage discovery for a profoundly human and transformative experience.
The highlights
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Hiking from Dana to Petra – Follow the iconic trekking route through valleys
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Adventure in the Wadi Rum desert – Discover the majestic sandstone mountains and the
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Relaxation at the Dead Sea – Float effortlessly in the saltiest water in the world and enjoy
Photos
Sport
Level
Hiking / Trekking
In figures
Trekking
- Average duration/day: 7h
- Average distance/day: 15 km
- Average daily elevation gain: 597 m
- Average daily descent: 468 m
Management
Your adventure is led by highly qualified and experienced guides to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience. A licensed, French-speaking guide will accompany the group throughout the trek, providing insights into the landscapes, history, and culture of Jordan.
We also use local Bedouin guides , who know the terrain intimately and bring valuable knowledge of the flora, fauna and hidden trails of the region.
For added support, a donkey is provided to carry equipment and assist hikers if needed. All guides are trained in first aid and experienced in various terrains, ensuring safety even in wild and remote areas.
The combination of licensed and local guides allows travelers to benefit from both expert support in English and authentic knowledge of local trails and cultural sites .
Program
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Arrival in Jordan
- Transportation Bus - 14h - 20km
- Accommodation 3-star hotel
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
Welcome to Jordan! You will be met at Queen Alia International Airport. Transfer to Madaba (approximately 30 minutes). Overnight in Madaba.
Day 1 -
Hiking in the Dana Biosphere Reserve
- Transportation Bus - 07h - 190km
- Activity Trekking
- Duration of the activity 7h
- Distance 15 km
- Positive elevation gain 563 m
- Negative elevation 170 m
- Accommodation Bivouac / Tent
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Early morning transfer (2.5 hours) to Dana. Begin your trek through the magnificent Dana Biosphere Reserve, home to four ecozones rich in plants, birds, and wildlife. The trails overlook the Dana Valley before descending into the Al-Khashasha Valley. Overnight in a wild camp at Mansoura.
Day 2 -
Trek to Furon
- Activity Trekking
- Duration of the activity 7h
- Distance 15 km
- Positive elevation gain 563 m
- Negative elevation 170 m
- Accommodation Bivouac / Tent
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Early morning ascent into the mountains. Stunning views of the Sharah Mountains and the Wadi Araba desert. End of the day at the Furon campsite, tea and dinner around the campfire. Overnight camping in the wild at Furon.
Day 3 -
Trek from Furon to Ghbour Whedat
- Activity Trekking
- Duration of the activity 7h
- Distance 17 km
- Positive elevation gain 750 m
- Negative elevation 920 m
- Accommodation Bivouac / Tent
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Hike along the shepherds' trails of the Sharah Mountains. Spectacular desert landscapes, black peaks and deep canyons. Overnight in a wild bivouac at Ghbour Whedat.
Day 4 -
Trek from Ghbour Whedat to Little Petra
- Activity Trekking
- Duration of the activity 7h
- Distance 14 km
- Positive elevation gain 610 m
- Negative elevation 560 m
- Accommodation Camping
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Hike through Bedouin camps, farmland, and Nabataean ruins. Explore Little Petra, an ancient suburb of Petra on the Silk Road. Overnight in a Bedouin camp in Little Petra.
Day 5 -
Trek from Little Petra to Petra
- Activity Trekking
- Duration of the activity 7h
- Distance 14 km
- Positive elevation gain 496 m
- Negative elevation 519 m
- Accommodation 3-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner not included
Enter Petra through the "Back Gate," away from the crowds. Explore the Monastery, descend among temples and tombs, and finally visit the Treasury. Exit through the Siq to Wadi Musa. Overnight in Petra.
Day 6 -
From Petra to Wadi Rum
- Transportation Bus - 08h - 130km
- Accommodation Camping
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Early morning transfer (2 hours) to Wadi Rum. 4-hour jeep excursion through valleys, dunes, canyons, and ancient inscriptions. Bedouin dinner under the stars. Overnight in the Wadi Rum desert.
Day 7 -
From Wadi Rum to the Dead Sea and then Madaba
- Transportation Bus - 08h - 298km
- Accommodation 3-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner not included
Breakfast in the desert, then a 4-hour drive to the Dead Sea. Float bath and natural mud wrap. Evening transfer to Madaba (45 minutes). Overnight in Madaba.
Day 8 -
Departure
- Transportation Bus - 12h - 20km
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
Transfer to Queen Alia Airport for your return flight. End of services.
Day 9
Accommodation
- Individual tent
- Double tent
In the tents, we provide foam mattresses, sheets, and blankets. Therefore, there is no need to bring a sleeping bag unless you wish to use your own.
A shower tent and a toilet tent are also available.
- Individual tent
- Double tent
- Location : Near Little Petra, allowing easy access to the archaeological site.
- Accommodation : Offers private tents with carpeted floors and wrought iron beds. Sanitary facilities (showers and toilets) are shared, with hot water available.
Experience : An eco-camp run by a local Bedouin family, offering an authentic desert experience. Evenings can be spent around a campfire or in traditional tents.
- Single room
- Double room
- Twin room
- Location : Just a 3-minute walk from Petra Visitor Centre.
- Amenities : Features 76 modern rooms, including 12 king-size Club suites. Two restaurants, a billiards room, and a barbecue/picnic area are available.
- Atmosphere : A recently renovated hotel offering comfort and convenience for visitors exploring Petra.
- Individual tent
- Double tent
- Triple tent
- Location : Situated in the protected area of Wadi Rum, near the Khazali Canyon.
- Accommodation : Offers Bedouin-style tents for 2 to 3 people, with shared sanitary facilities outside the tents.
Experience : Guests can enjoy traditional Bedouin cuisine, sit around the fire with Bedouin music, and, for those seeking solitude, sleep under the stars to admire the majestic desert landscape.
Access
Arrival and departure transfers : Transfers are arranged to and from Queen Alia International Airport (QAIA) for your comfort.
Day 1 : There are no scheduled activities on arrival day. You are free to arrive at any time . Hotel check-in is from 2:00 PM , allowing you time to rest and prepare for your adventure.
Start of activities : The trek starts on Day 2 at 7:00 am from your hotel.
Departure : On the last day, you can leave at any time as no activity is planned.
Transfers to QAIA airport are already arranged.
Additional nights in Amman or Madaba , city tours or extra activities can be booked through us.
We advise travelers to purchase the Jordan Pass before their arrival. This pass waives visa fees and covers entry fees to many major sites , including Petra.
⚠️ Important: The price of the Jordan Pass depends on the number of days you visit Petra , so it is important to choose the option that corresponds to your itinerary when purchasing.
Go to the starting point
Price details
The price includes
Daily from Day 2 onwards: Lunch: Picnics during hikes, lunch at the Dead Sea complex, lunch in the Wadi Rum desert. Dinner: Dinners at campsites, Bedouin dinners, hotel dinners as per the program.
The price does not include
Mosaic City Hotel (or similar) Wild camping (3 nights) with tents, mattresses and blankets provided Little Petra Bedouin Camp – traditional Bedouin experience Petra: La Maison Petra Hotel (or similar) Wadi Rum: Rainbow Camp – desert experience.
Transportation according to the itinerary in a private air-conditioned vehicle.
English-speaking hiking guide during the trip.
Local guide / Bedouin escort during days 2, 3 and 4.
Donkey for security measures during days 2, 3 and 4.
All meals and water during the hike.
3 nights camping in the great outdoors on a full board basis (breakfast, packed lunch and cooked dinner) and water during the hike.
Mattresses and blankets are provided for the 3 nights of camping.
Individual round-trip transfers to and from the airport.
4-hour jeep excursion in Wadi Rum.
Options
- Flex fare and insurance
Practical information
Specific formalities
Specifics
Before your departure, check with the embassy or consulate regarding the entry and stay requirements for your destination country. You can also find this information on the France Diplomatie website ( https://www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/fr/dossiers-pays/ ).
In the case of flights with stopovers operated by different airlines, also check the entry requirements of the countries you are transiting through.
It is your responsibility to ensure you are in compliance, particularly regarding the validity of your identity documents (for example, some countries require your passport to be valid for at least six months after your return) , visa requirements, necessary vaccinations, and health recommendations. And don't forget to consider any customs restrictions and other potential requirements of your destination or transit country.
ℹ️ Information may change up to the departure date, remember to regularly check official websites.
Equipment
Equipment provided on site
- Accommodation in double dome tents: equipped with mattresses and blankets for optimal comfort in the great outdoors.
- Facilities at each bivouac: a "laundry" tent and a toilet tent are set up.
Equipment to bring
- 2/3 season sleeping bag recommended
- Between November and March: warm sleeping bag + thermal underwear for the evenings
- Comfortable and lightweight walking shoes (suitable for rough terrain and small inclines)
- Sunglasses
- Sunscreen
- Backpack with a capacity of 20 to 30 liters
- Flashlight + batteries (headlamp recommended)
- 2 bottles of water (recommended capacity: 4 liters/day)
- Insect repellent
- Balaclava / face mask
Clothing to bring
Jordan is a predominantly Muslim country and remains quite conservative in many areas. We therefore recommend adapting your clothing accordingly. Generally speaking, shoulders and knees should be covered, for both women and men. Fortunately, long, loose-fitting, and lightweight clothing is an excellent choice: while respecting local customs, you'll stay cool and protected from the sun.
In Petra, the Wadi Rum desert, and the resort towns of Aqaba and the Dead Sea, locals are used to seeing tourists. A more relaxed dress code, even beachwear, is therefore perfectly acceptable. Shorts are also acceptable for hiking, although we generally recommend lightweight hiking pants for better sun protection.
Jordan is a desert country. However, it can get extremely cold in winter. So be sure to pack warm clothing, especially for evenings and nights, and be prepared for rain!
- Lightweight, windproof and waterproof jacket
- Lightweight, loose-fitting clothing suitable for warm conditions
- Hat
- Fleece jacket or equivalent
- Long, loose-fitting, lightweight clothing
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