The Jordan Trail: Dana to Petra itinerary

Day 1: Arrive into Amman. Airport transfers are provided

Arrive at any time and take your included private transfer into Amman. The historic centre of Amman is well worth exploring and we recommend stretching your legs with a stroll up to the amazing citadel, perched high on a hill, featuring incredible Roman temple ruins.

(No meals )

Day 2: Welcome meeting with our trip leader. Travel to Dana Biosphere Reserve. Trek to our wild camp location in Mansoura.

After an early breakfast, we will meet our trip leader at our hotel. After a welcome meeting and trip briefing, we will set off on the drive to the Dana Biosphere Reserve (approximately 3 hours). Our trekking journey starts with hiking through the diverse landscapes of Dana. Situated along the face of the Great Rift Valley, the reserve features four distinct biomes which accommodate an astonishing diversity of flora and fauna and there may be opportunities to glimpse increasingly rare animals such as the Syrian wolf, sand cat or spiny-tailed lizard. Archaeological evidence suggests humans have settled this valley for over 6000 years and we will pass through many ancient villages. The trail will take us along mountain paths overlooking Wadi Dana and eventually we descend into the ‘al Khashasha Valley to our first wilderness campsite.

5-6 hours, distance: 15km, total ascent: 260m total descent: 690m

(Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 3: Trek from Mansoura to wild camp location in Furon.

We leave the campsite in the early morning, and trek towards Furon; a challenging but extremely rewarding day. We start ascending through mountain scenery for approximately an hour on rugged terrain before getting a glimpse of the beautiful Sharah Mountains and far-reaching vistas of the Wadi Araba desert. These outstanding views will accompany us all the way to our campsite in ‘al Furon as we pass Byzantine and Nabataean ruins. With a refreshing Bedouin tea, we can soak up the wonderful views and pass the time until our well-earned dinner.

6-7 hours, distance: 14 km, total ascent: 565m total descent: 170m

(Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 4: Trek from Furon to wild camp location in Ghbour Whedat.

Today, our route leads past Ras Al-Feid and towards Ghbour Whedat, through some of the country’s wildest terrains. Contouring the Sharah Mountains, we follow a trail comprised of smaller, connecting Bedouin shepherd paths. The jagged sky-line of black peaks overlooking the trail and the precipitous drops of the canyons below make this part of the trek spectacular. Gradually climbing up through the hills, we will discover more spectacular views over the barren desert below. As we continue towards our wilderness campsite, the landscape slowly becomes softer with mushroom-like rock formations lining the way.

6-7 hours, distance: 17 km, total ascent: 750m total descent: 920m

(Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 5: Trek from Ghbour Whedat to Bedouin tented camp near Little Petra.

After yesterday’s remote hike, we will see signs of human habitation as we draw closer to Siq al-Barid; otherwise known as ‘Little Petra’. Passing Bedouin camps, sheep-folds and small agricultural plots we gain an impression of the rural life in Jordan. We will also pass an increasing number of Nabataean ruins; including wine and olive presses, aqueducts and other ancient water infrastructures. Finally, we will climb up through a canyon of soft sandstone walls and down a narrow, steep flight of stairs into Little Petra. The site is believed by archaeologists to be a outlier of Petra and is thought to have once housed traders traveling along the Silk Road. After some time to explore the fascinating rock-carved dwellings, we’ll head on to our Bedouin tented camp and a hot shower!

5-6 hours, distance: 14km, total ascent: 610m total descent: 560m

(Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 6: Trek along the balcony route to Petra. Guided tour or site and return to Bedouin tented camp.

Our last day of the trek will prove to be the most unforgettable for most. We leave our Bedouin hosts and follow a trail, hidden amongst high sandstone peaks, down into Wadi Ghurab. An ancient Nabataean trade route climbs gently out of the valley and gains a natural rock balcony path, clinging to the mountainside. The views are incredible as the path narrows before reaching a plateau above the impressive chasm of Wadi Siyyagh. It is here that we will be rewarded with our first glimpse of Petra as the stunning façade of the monastery suddenly appears. This marks the entrance to Petra known as the ‘back door’. Most other visitors will enter Petra via the busy main entrance on the far side of the site and to walk into Petra from the mountainous desert is a very special and unforgettable experience. There is a small cafe at the foot of the Monastery which makes a wonderful place to sit in the shade and sip an aromatic cardamom coffee. From there, it is a steep walk down a long set of Nabataean steps into the heart of Petra where we can walk along a colonnaded street; past rock cut tombs, temples and a Roman style theatre. Finally, we arrive at Petra’s probably most iconic building: the Treasury and its detailed artworks. After some time spent taking it all in, we leave the site through the Siq, a narrow, steep-walled canyon and head back to our Bedouin camp for the night.

5-6 hours (plus extra time exploring Petra), distance: 14km, total ascent 495m, total descent 520m

(Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 7: Take a 4x4 tour of Wadi Rum and stay at Bedouin tented camp.

After a relaxed breakfast, we leave the mountains of Petra behind to start our desert adventure and to explore Wadi Rum. We will meet our Bedouin hosts and set out on a 4x4 tour to explore valleys and narrow gorges, discover ancient rock inscriptions, climb sand dunes and rock bridges and generally enjoy the majestic desert landscape. This UNESCO World Heritage-listed location was once the clandestine home to Lawrence of Arabia who described the desert here as “Vast, echoing and God-like”. The other-worldly landscape has been used as the film location for films such as The Martian and Dune. Along the way, we will have the opportunity to wander, scramble and explore at our own pace. After viewing one of the most magical sunsets in the world, we’ll arrive to our Bedouin tented camp to experience the famous Bedouin hospitality with a traditional meal under the starlit sky.

(Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 8: Transfer to the Dead Sea for a swim and continue to Amman.

Today, we will leave the desert and transfer back to Amman, via a visit to the Dead Sea, the lowest point on Earth. We can spend some time floating in the salty, mineral-rich waters; try out the ‘magical’ Dead Sea mud; relax by the pool or pamper ourselves with a spa treatment. In the late afternoon, we will continue on the long, winding road to Amman where we can enjoy a celebratory last meal with new friends.

(Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 9: Depart from Amman. Private airport transfers are provided.

After an early breakfast we transfer by private vehicle to Amman International Airport. North Star Adventure services end on arrival at the airport.

(Breakfast)