Trekking in Jordan: from the Dana canyons to the secrets of Petra

Early in the morning, the group will be picked up from the hotel in Amman. The journey to the starting point of the hike takes approximately 2.5 hours, offering an opportunity to get to know your fellow hikers or enjoy a moment of rest.

The hike begins through the diverse landscapes of the Dana Biosphere Reserve, which encompasses four distinct ecozones and is home to a remarkable diversity of plants, birds, and animals. The trail initially follows the mountains overlooking the Dana Valley before descending into the Al-Khashasha Valley. A wilderness campsite awaits us on the outskirts of the valley for the night.

After a good night's rest, we will leave the camp early in the morning to head towards Furon.

Today's trek is challenging but incredibly rewarding. We begin with an approximately one-hour climb through the mountains, offering spectacular views of the Sharah Mountains and the vast Wadi Araba desert. This exceptional panorama will accompany you all the way to your campsite at Al Furon. Once there, enjoy a cup of tea while admiring the view before your well-deserved dinner.

Today, we will begin our trek from Furon, passing through Ras Al-Feid, to reach Ghbour Whedat. The day offers breathtaking views of some of Jordan's most remote and pristine landscapes.

Following mainly Bedouin shepherds' trails along the Sharah Mountains, the route reveals dramatic black peaks and sheer precipices, making for an absolutely spectacular day. As we gradually ascend the hills, we'll discover even more panoramic views of the desert before reaching our wilderness camp at Ghbour Whedat.

After yesterday's very isolated hike, we are approaching Little Petra today, where signs of human occupation are gradually becoming visible. Along the way, we will pass Bedouin camps, sheep pens, and small agricultural plots.

In the area between Ghbour Whedat and Little Petra, we will also discover Nabataean remains, which may include wine and olive presses, aqueducts and other ancient hydraulic infrastructure.

We will visit Little Petra, considered by archaeologists to be a "suburb" of Petra, built to accommodate traders traveling along the Silk Road connecting Africa, Asia, Europe, and Arabia. During the visit, we will admire facades, houses, and other ancient buildings carved into the sandstone canyon.

Overnight stay in a Bedouin camp in Little Petra.

After breakfast, we begin our hike to Petra via the "back gate," allowing us to avoid most of the tourist crowds. The trail descends pleasantly through Wadi Ghurab, surrounded by sandstone mountains that guard the approaches to Petra. This route follows an ancient Nabataean path along the valley, skirting the last mountain on a natural rock terrace, reinforced for hikers' safety. The path narrows slightly before reaching a hidden plateau overlooking the impressive chasm of Wadi Siyyagh.

From this vantage point, the magnificent facade of the Monastery is revealed, where a Bedouin café offers refreshments if you wish. Nabatean steps then descend into the heart of ancient Petra. The route continues through Petra before exiting via the famous Treasury and the Siq of Petra , leading to the shops, cafés, and hotels of Wadi Musa.

In the morning, depart from your hotel in Petra and head south towards Wadi Rum. Upon arrival, enjoy a 4-hour jeep tour through the valleys, canyons, dunes, and desert landscapes of Wadi Rum. Along the way, discover rock carvings, majestic mountain views, and narrow gorges. At each stop, you'll have the opportunity to hike, climb, and explore at your own pace.

After the tour, return to the desert camp to relax, enjoy a delicious Bedouin dinner and spend the night under the stars.

After breakfast, we'll drive to the Dead Sea (approximately 4 hours), the lowest point on Earth. Upon arrival, enjoy the unique experience of floating in the Dead Sea, a world-renowned natural wonder.

The high salt concentration makes swimming nearly impossible, allowing you to float easily on the surface. Afterward, you can cover yourself in the Dead Sea's "magical" mud and relax while soaking up the sun. After the tour, return to Amman for the night.

Approximate distances by car:

1. Wadi Rum → Dead Sea: ~4 hours
2. Dead Sea → Amman: ~1 hour

No activities are planned for today. Like all great adventures, this trip is coming to an end. For those flying, it is generally recommended to leave Amman at least 4 hours before your flight's departure. We wish you a wonderful trip and hope you leave with marvelous memories of your stay in Jordan.