Tumbling sand dunes, Byzantine ruins and the chance to explore ancient cities
Keen on pulling on your walking boots for a long-distance trek, but can’t face blustery autumn showers and the need to pack for all weathers? Then this seven-day hike, following in the trail of Bedouin nomads and finishing at the ancient city of Petra, is an excellent option.
Taking in wadis (dry valleys), tumbling sand dunes and Byzantine ruins, this is a step up from your average Sunday stroll.
Why go
Petra is well established as one of the Middle East’s most fascinating sights. Most visitors arrive by bus or four-wheel drive and spend a day exploring its famous Al Khazneh treasury before heading back to their five-star hotel for a few days of pampering.
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This week-long jaunt, however, offers a lot more than your average tourist experience, by giving people the chance to explore parts of Jordan that are easily overlooked, travelling on foot through some of the region’s most arresting scenery.
The trip starts with a relatively straightforward descent along the Wadi Dana Trail to Feinan. The gorge of Wadi Dana is a taste of things to come, with spectacular views that will have you reaching for your camera as the path twists and turns on its way down.
From there, the trip takes in the classic, rocky barren ‘hamada’ landscape of Wadi Araba, replete with the ruins of Byzantine buildings, with traditional Bedouin camps deep in dry canyons offering a chance to rest weary bones before forging on.
Those keener on ascending will find plenty to love on the hike north from the Wadi through mountain passes of black magma and sandstone, before the route continues through ruined villages that were once home to the Edomite people.
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After five days of hard trekking, the Tomb of Aaron and Petra come into view across the plateau. The trek ends at the famous ancient city, with the chance to spend a day exploring its famous Siq passage and treasury, as well its myriad tombs and monuments – after that you’re treated to a well-earned ride back to Amman.
Where to fly into
Queen Alia International Airport, 20 miles south of the capital Amman, is Jordan’s main international hub. British Airways and Royal Jordanian fly direct from the UK, while Turkish Airlines offers an affordable alternative flying via Istanbul. From there, you’ll need to arrange a transfer south to Madaba, where the trek’s four-wheel drive leaves for the Wadi Dana Trail.
How much
The seven day walk costs £1,399 as part of a small group (minimum four people, maximum 16) with Walks Worldwide, although that doesn’t include flights. The next trip available to book now takes place on 5 October 2019.
The price includes two nights in a hotel, four nights in Bedouin–style camps, one night in an eco–lodge, seven breakfasts, six picnic lunches and five dinners. English speaking guide included.
