Dana Trek to Petra

Transfer from Amman to your overnight hotel in the charming historic town of Madaba, renowned for its remarkable Byzantine mosaics and warm Jordanian hospitality.

Board your vehicle and journey south along the scenic King’s Highway toward the spectacular Dana Biosphere Reserve, a drive of approximately two hours. From here, continue a short distance to the trailhead in the historic village of Dana, where your trekking adventure begins. Throughout the trek, you will carry only a light daypack, while your main luggage is transferred ahead to the next overnight stop. Don’t forget your camera—today’s landscapes are unforgettable.

The trail begins with a gentle descent along a wide track before entering the dramatic bed of Wadi Dana, which narrows into a striking canyon flanked by towering rock walls. In spring, vibrant oleander bushes add bursts of colour to the valley, while natural springs at Qussaib and Atta sustain lush vegetation year-round, including bamboo groves and delicate autumn crocuses. During the first hours of the walk, you may encounter small herds of goats tended by their Bedouin shepherds—an authentic glimpse of life in Jordan’s wilderness. For much of the day, however, the trail feels wonderfully remote.

A shaded stop along the route provides the perfect setting for a relaxed lunch before continuing your descent toward the edge of Wadi Araba. Along the way, you may also pause for traditional “tea breaks,” where your guide or donkey handler boils water over an open fire to prepare fragrant herbal tea—a refreshing and memorable desert ritual. Your fully supported camp awaits just a short walk away. Today’s trek is largely downhill with no significant ascent.

Overnight: Fully supported trekking camp

Despite its seemingly remote setting, the region surrounding Feynan has been a centre of human activity for thousands of years. Archaeological discoveries reveal Iron Age settlements, and the area was once one of the most important copper mining centres in the ancient world. Within the first hour of today’s trek, you will encounter traces of these early industries, including the remains of ancient mines and the ruins of a Byzantine church, believed to commemorate early Christians who were forced to labour in the mines.

Today’s route follows the western edge of Wadi Araba, winding along the dry beds of seasonal rivers and streams. The terrain is rugged and stony, dotted with hardy desert vegetation such as acacia and juniper trees that provide welcome pockets of shade. While there are a few gentle uphill sections, much of the day’s trekking is across relatively level ground. As you continue south, it is common to encounter small herds of goats, the occasional camel caravan, and Bedouin encampments scattered across the desert landscape.

Many Jordanians trace their ancestry to the Bedouin—traditionally nomadic desert dwellers. While only a small number still live a fully nomadic lifestyle today, elements of their heritage remain strong. Bedouin families historically moved with their goats, sheep, or camels in search of seasonal grazing. Even today, their traditional tents—known as beit al-sha’ar, meaning “house of hair”—are woven from black goat hair and designed with three enclosed sides and one open side facing the breeze.

This evening, your camp is set on the edge of the dramatic Wadi Abu Sakakin. Towering cliffs rise behind the camp, glowing in deep shades of orange as the sun sets over the desert. From here, sweeping views extend across the vast wilderness of Wadi Araba. A short walk leads to a small rocky hill north of camp, offering panoramic views of the surrounding landscape, where ancient burial mounds can still be seen at its base.

Overnight: Fully supported trekking camp

After breakfast, depart camp and begin your ascent away from the Wadi floor and into the surrounding mountains. The Bedouin call this trail Naqb Shdeid—meaning “the hard way”—and after two days of largely level or downhill trekking, the reason quickly becomes clear. The path is well defined but rocky and uneven, making trekking poles particularly helpful.

After approximately 1.5 hours of steady climbing, you reach a small col at 630 metres (2,067 ft). From here, the trail descends briefly before entering a dramatic high mountain gorge on Sakakin Mountain, followed by a gradual ascent to a pass at 895 metres (2,936 ft). From this vantage point, breathtaking views open across Wadi Araba toward the Negev Desert in the distance, while below lies your next destination—a peaceful valley surprisingly rich in vegetation, with clusters of juniper and wild pistachio trees.

The descent from the pass can be steep in places but follows a well-established path. A short detour leads to the charming Faid Waterfall, after which you will likely pause for lunch on the shaded valley floor beside a gentle stream, surrounded by bamboo thickets. Continuing along the sandy valley bed for around half an hour, the trail narrows into a spectacular gorge where steep, beautifully sculpted rock walls rise dramatically on both sides.

This section reveals some of the most striking scenery of the trek—magnificent gorges and intricately eroded cliffs shaped over millennia by wind and water. A final 30 minutes of easy walking brings you to your overnight camp at Ras el Feid. Today’s trek includes a total ascent of approximately 850 metres (2,789 ft).

As on previous nights, camp will already be prepared upon your arrival, allowing time to relax and enjoy the tranquillity of the desert. Before sunset, you may wish to explore the curious “beehive” rock formations scattered near the camp—remarkable natural shapes carved by centuries of erosion.

Overnight: Fully supported trekking camp

Today begins with an easy descent into the upper section of yesterday’s gorge, followed by a steady ascent of around 1.5 hours. To avoid the midday heat, you will likely set off early in the morning. As you gain elevation, you may even glimpse Dana Village far behind on the distant horizon. After climbing approximately 300 metres (984 ft), the trail reaches a broad ridge offering magnificent views across the surrounding wadis and mountain ranges.

Far below lies the head of Wadi Abu Sakakin, while the dramatic peak of Abu Mahmoud rises prominently beyond the valleys of Kutleh and Hudus. Continuing along the wide ridge, the route traverses high above a maze of steep gullies and deep desert wadis, revealing sweeping panoramas of Jordan’s rugged wilderness.

After a couple of hours of walking, you arrive at the ruins of what is believed to be an ancient settlement, located beside a deep well from which water can still be drawn. This atmospheric site makes a natural stop for lunch. Alternatively, if time allows, the trail continues along the cliff tops to an extraordinary geological formation—an immense rock resembling a giant egg perched dramatically on the edge of the cliffs. It provides a truly memorable setting for a picnic.

In the early afternoon, the trail descends from the high plateau through a striking landscape of sandstone cliffs and sculpted rock outcrops, eventually reaching your overnight campsite at Shkaret Msei’d. Today’s trek includes a total ascent of approximately 420 metres (1,378 ft).

This campsite is perhaps the most spectacular yet, set amid vast desert scenery and dramatic rock formations. If conditions allow, your trekking team may even gather enough wood for a small campfire beneath the desert stars—a perfect end to another remarkable day on the trail.

Overnight: Fully supported trekking camp

After several days of remarkable mountain and desert trekking, today offers a journey filled with striking contrasts. Leaving camp, you begin with a gradual ascent toward a broad open valley where irrigated farmland appears unexpectedly amid the desert landscape. Water from a nearby treatment facility supports small agricultural plots tended by local Bedouin families, where crops such as olives, pomegranates, lemons, root vegetables, and animal fodder are carefully cultivated.

Following tracks through these cultivated fields, the trail leads into another wide valley where Bedouin families live alongside their herds of goats and camels. A steady climb along a rugged track eventually brings you to a col between Jebel Haroun (1,170 m / 3,839 ft)—traditionally associated with Aaron (Haroun), brother of Moses—and the neighbouring ridge. From this vantage point, sweeping views open across Wadi Araba, stretching north toward the high pass on Mount Sakakin, which you crossed earlier in your trek. To the south, the sacred peak of Jebel Haroun rises above the mountains that frame Petra.

Turning toward Petra, you descend from the pass along a beautiful trail across the valley floor until reaching a dramatic sandstone outcrop. Hidden among the cliffs lies Siq al-Barid, more commonly known as Little Petra. A short section of paved road marks the entrance area, but the sense of discovery quickly returns as you pass through the narrow rock corridor that leads into this remarkable Nabataean site.

Although only around 350 metres long, Little Petra is rich in archaeological detail. Within the canyon walls are carved chambers, tombs, water channels, and cisterns once used by the Nabataeans. Some of the chambers remain accessible today, including one that preserves delicate painted frescoes dating to the 1st century AD. At the height of the ancient caravan trade, Siq al-Barid served as a caravanserai, where traders could rest, store valuable goods, and prepare for the journey onward to Petra, while their camels grazed outside the canyon.

After exploring Little Petra, the trek continues for around one more hour to your final camp near the “back door” entrance to Petra. This evening marks the end of your trekking adventure, celebrated with a special end-of-trek gathering. Beneath the desert sky, you may enjoy music, traditional hospitality, and perhaps even a lively taste of Jordanian dance.

Overnight: Fully supported trekking camp

From Little Petra, it is a short walk to the important Neolithic site of Beidha. Alongside Jericho, this settlement is considered one of the earliest known farming communities in the Middle East. First excavated in 1958, archaeologists believe the remains date back to around 7000 BC, offering remarkable insight into some of the region’s earliest permanent human habitation. Your trail toward Petra passes close to Beidha, providing a fascinating prelude to the extraordinary archaeological wonders that lie ahead.

Being so close to Petra’s famous “back door” route, you reach the Monastery (Al-Deir) before the crowds arrive, allowing time to appreciate this magnificent monument in peaceful surroundings. From camp, the trail crosses quiet desert terrain that gives little hint of the ancient Nabataean city hidden among the mountains ahead. The path follows a series of rocky ledges climbing steadily through the hills, and as you approach Petra you may notice rock-cut tombs and dwellings carved high into the cliffs.

After two to three hours of walking from Beidha, the trail crests a small rise and suddenly reveals Al-Deir, Petra’s largest monument. This enormous rock-carved façade—over 45 metres high—is thought to have served as a temple or ceremonial monument during the later Nabataean period. Inside lies a vast, simple chamber, but standing at the threshold of this extraordinary structure is an unforgettable experience. Nearby caves provide shaded rest spots where Bedouin vendors often serve refreshing tea and drinks.

Fewer than half of Petra’s visitors reach the Monastery, and the reason soon becomes clear as you descend the famous rock-cut staircase of around 800 steps leading down into the heart of the ancient city. As you descend, Petra’s vast scale gradually unfolds. In the distance stand the majestic Royal Tombs, including the Urn Tomb, the Silk Tomb—named for the vibrant colours of its sandstone—and the grand Palace Tomb.

At the base of the steps, a short walk leads to Qasr al-Bint, one of Petra’s best-preserved temples dedicated to the Nabataean god Dushara. From here, you continue along the Colonnaded Street, a paved Roman road that once formed the centre of civic life in the city. Nearby stands the Byzantine Church, famous for its beautifully preserved mosaic floors, while a nearby viewpoint offers sweeping panoramas across Petra’s remarkable landscape.

No visit to Petra would be complete without seeing its most iconic monument, Al-Khazneh (The Treasury). Standing about 40 metres high, this spectacular façade was carved into the rose-red sandstone over 2,000 years ago, most likely as the tomb of a Nabataean king. Its elaborate carvings depict classical and Nabataean figures, including the mythological twins Castor and Pollux. The large urn crowning the façade—once believed by local Bedouin to contain hidden treasure—gave the monument its famous name.

Your visit concludes with a walk through the Siq, Petra’s dramatic natural entrance: a winding 1.2-kilometre gorge flanked by towering cliffs up to 200 metres high. Along the way, you may notice remnants of Roman paving and the ingenious water channels carved into the rock that once supplied the ancient city.

Overnight: Hotel in Petra

Enjoy a relaxed morning at leisure in Petra, giving you the opportunity to further explore this extraordinary ancient city at your own pace. You may wish to revisit some of its iconic monuments, wander through the quieter trails, or simply take in the atmosphere of this UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Later, transfer by road to the famous Dead Sea, bordered by Jordan to the east and Israel and the Palestinian territories to the west. Situated approximately 430 metres below sea level, it is the lowest point on Earth’s surface. Its mineral-rich waters are nearly ten times saltier than the ocean, allowing visitors to float effortlessly. You will have time to experience this unique sensation for yourself and enjoy the remarkable setting.

Afterwards, continue north to the historic town of Madaba, where you will gather for a special farewell dinner, celebrating the end of your remarkable Jordanian adventure.

After breakfast, transfer to Queen Alia International Airport in Amman in time for your onward flight home, bringing your unforgettable journey through Jordan to a close.