20 greatest issues to do in Petra Jordan

Visiting the traditional metropolis of Petra is a magical spotlight of any journey to Jordan. Observe within the footsteps of retailers on the Silk Highway, because the slender gorge of the Siq opens as much as reveal a mysterious glimpse of the Treasury. However there’s far more to see at this large archaeological web site, with a whole bunch of tombs, temples and mountain climbing trails. We’ll cowl the highest issues to do in Petra, some hidden gems and our 1 and a couple of day itineraries for how you can take advantage of out of your go to.

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A brief historical past of Petra

Many of the notable monuments and tombs 0f Petra had been constructed by the Nabataean folks, who dominated the area within the 1st and 2nd century AD. Initially pastoral nomads, the Nabataeans constructed up a commerce community to regulate the profitable overland spice commerce from Asia to the Mediterranean. Their capital, Petra was constructed from the first century BC and in its heyday housed 30,000 folks.

Petra was a serious metropolis on the Silk Highway, the place retailers may relaxation safely in a protected valley, earlier than persevering with throughout the desert. The Nabataeans had been expert engineers, creating dams and water channels, that supplied town with recent water and irrigation, to develop crops within the surrounding space.

Because the spice commerce shifted westwards to simpler routes alongside the Pink Sea and Lifeless Sea, the Nabataean Empire declined and the Romans finally annexed their territory. Petra continued as a thriving Roman settlement, till an earthquake within the 4th century AD destroyed a lot of town.

Petra is ‘rediscovered’ by European travellers

In later centuries Petra was deserted and brought over by native Bedouin who used among the tombs and buildings as homes. However a go to in 1812 by the Swiss Explorer Jean Louis Burckhardt, who entered town disguised as an Arab pilgrim, woke up the curiosity of nineteenth century European travellers in Petra.

Artists corresponding to David Roberts who visited Petra in 1839, created lithographs which might be nonetheless offered in Petra at the moment and put the ‘Rose-Pink Metropolis’ on the want listing for a lot of Victorian travellers. In 1985 Petra was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Website, and in 2007 was voted one of many 7 Wonders of the World.

On this article we’ll be masking the important thing issues to do in Petra, however we even have one other article about Petra, that gives suggestions and recommendation that can assist you plan your go to, corresponding to when to go, costs, climate, avoiding scams, what to put on. Examine Visiting Petra in Jordan – the last word journey information

Prime issues to do in Petra

Since Petra is a big open air archaeological web site, in case your time is restricted to at some point or much less, you’re unlikely to see all the things. With this in thoughts listed below are the should see points of interest in Petra.

The unmissable highlights of Petra

• Al Siq – the slender gorge that leads you into Petra, ending on the Treasury
• Treasury (Al Khazna) – Petra’s most well-known view of the large carved facade of this rock tomb
• Excessive Place of Sacrifice – an attractive and simple to comply with hike path resulting in fantastic views over Petra’s historic “metropolis centre”
• Royal Tombs – a collection of gorgeous tombs carved into the aspect of a cliff
• The Monastery (Advert Deir) – A tomb with a carved facade that rivals the Treasury, reached by an arduous hike of over 800 steps
• Petra by Evening – Lanterns mild the perimeters of the Siq and Treasury for a cultural and lightweight present
• Little Petra (Siq Al-Barid) – a brief drive from the principle Petra web site, this gorge accommodates superbly carved tombs

Extra issues to do in Petra you probably have time

When you have further time after masking the important thing highlights above, right here’s what it’s best to see.

• The Theatre – constructed within the 1st century AD by the Nabataeans and later expanded by the Romans
• Nice Temple – stays of the traditional temple advanced with columns and stone partitions
• Colonnaded Road – columns from the principle buying road within the historic metropolis of Petra
• The Church – stays of a fifth century church with mosaic flooring
• Treasury Viewpoint – View the Treasury, for pictures from the cliffs above, in two totally different areas
• The Petra Museum – a superb fashionable museum with all of the artefacts from Petra
• The hike from Little Petra as much as the Monastery – a surprising hike that brings you to the Monastery by Petra’s ‘Again Door’

You’ll discover extra details about the highest issues to see in Petra, later on this article. However first let’s contemplate how greatest to spend your time at Petra.

A 1 day itinerary for Petra

In case you solely have a day in Petra, we suggest beginning as early as attainable, ideally when the positioning opens at 6am. Anticipate an extended day, with a number of strolling, so take breaks whenever you want them.

Day 1 – Morning

• Stroll from the Customer Centre alongside the path, by the Siq and arrive at The Treasury
• Pause on the Treasury to take pictures and benefit from the view
• Flip proper alongside the valley ground till you attain the turning for the Excessive Place of Sacrifice
• Climb the path to the Excessive Place of Sacrifice and take within the views, return by the identical route
• Stroll by the Petra’s historic “metropolis centre” space with out spending an excessive amount of time to take a look at the traditional ruins and take lunch across the Basin space

Day 1 – Afternoon

• After lunch and a relaxation, sort out the 800 steps as much as the Monastery, having fun with the views on the best way up
• Look across the Monastery and take pictures from among the viewpoints up the hill
• Return down the 800 steps to the Basin space and after a relaxation proceed again up the valley in direction of the Royal Tombs
• If time permits, check out the ruins of the Nice Temple, Qasr al-Bint and Colonnaded road, as you go by.
• End your day exploring the Royal Tombs.
• Permit not less than an hour to stroll again to the customer centre through the Treasury and Siq earlier than it closes (6pm in summer season, 4pm in winter).

A 2 day itinerary for Petra

On Day 1 you’ll see the principle websites within the conventional order, beginning with the Siq and Treasury. Day 2 will carry you into Petra by the “again door”, so that you’ll enter the positioning from the other finish and work your means again to the Treasury.

Day 1

Day 1 – Morning

• Stroll from the Customer Centre alongside the path, by the Siq and arrive at The Treasury. (1 hour)
• Pause on the Treasury to take pictures and benefit from the view. (1 hour) You may also stroll up from right here to a Treasury viewpoint on the cliff face reverse, however it’s possible you’ll must pay one of many native Bedouin to indicate you the best way. (1 hour)
• Flip proper alongside the valley ground till you attain the turning for the Excessive Place of Sacrifice. (quarter-hour)
• Climb the path to the Excessive Place of Sacrifice and take within the views, return by the identical route. (1.5 hours)
• Check out the Road of Facades and Theatre as you go by. (Half-hour)

Day 1 – Afternoon

• Discover the Royal Tombs. This might be a superb place to discover a shady spot for a picnic and relaxation. (1 hour)
• In case you nonetheless have time, you possibly can stroll by the Petra Outdated Metropolis space having a look on the ruins of the Nice Temple, Qasr al-Bint and Colonnaded road, as you go by. Alternatively, as you’ll go to these tomorrow, you possibly can return to the Treasury.
• In case you stroll all the way down to the Basin space, there are carriage rides, camels and horses out there for rent close to the Basin Restaurant. You possibly can rent certainly one of these, to offer you a experience again to the Treasury.
• From the Treasury, stroll by the Siq and again alongside the path to the customer centre. There are horse rides out there on the finish of the Siq to take you again to the Customer Centre if you happen to’re too drained. (1 hour)

Day 2

In your second day, you’ll go to Little Petra, then enter Petra by the “Again door”. Verify on the Customer Centre the day earlier than that this route is open and guarantee you might have a 2 day ticket for Petra, as tickets are usually not out there at Little Petra.

Day 2 – Morning

• Take the primary minibus shuttle at 7.30am (free) to Little Petra, from the again of the Petra Customer Centre. (20 minutes drive)
• Discover Little Petra (1 hour)
• Take the subsequent 4 wheel drive shuttle from Little Petra to the beginning of the Monastery hike (Prices 5JD money paid to driver). (20 minutes drive)
• From the place the 4 wheel drive automobile drops you, comply with the mountain climbing path as much as the Monastery ( 1 hour)
• Look across the Monastery and take pictures from among the viewpoints up the hill. It is a good place to cease for a picnic (1 hour)

Day 2 – Afternoon

• From the Monastery climb down the 800 steps to the Basin space and take some refreshments at one of many two eating places. (1 hour)
• Within the afternoon, make your means by the Petra Outdated Metropolis space having a look on the ruins of the Nice Temple, Qasr al-Bint and Colonnaded road. Proceed previous the Road of Facades and Theatre. (1.5 hours)
• From right here, permit not less than an hour to stroll again to the customer centre through the Treasury and Siq. (1 hour)

What to do on Day 3 in Petra

When you have a 3rd day to discover Petra, there are a number of fascinating hikes you can also make, to discover the much less visited elements of the positioning. For instance you might:

• Climb as much as the Excessive Place of Sacrifice, however as a substitute of returning by the identical route, proceed alongside the Wadi Al Farasa path carry you again to the Basin space.
• Climb up behind the Royal Tombs on the Al-Khubtha path to take you as much as the very best viewpoint for the Treasury.
• Have interaction a information to take you on the Jabal Haround Path or Wadi Sabra Path (see our later part on mountain climbing trails in Petra)

Prime issues to see in Petra – extra element

Right here’s a bit extra details about all of the issues to do in Petra, listed within the order that you simply’ll sometimes encounter them.

1. The Petra Customer Centre

The Petra Customer Centre is the purpose of entry to the Petra archaeological web site, positioned within the city of Wadi Musa that serves Petra. Round its courtyard are a number of memento outlets and cafes, with bathrooms, an ATM exterior and the bus station and free automotive parks close by.

That is the place you’ll discover the Petra ticket workplace, to purchase your ticket or alternate your Jordan Move for a ticket. In the identical corridor because the ticket counters is a sales space, the place you possibly can have interaction one of many official guides at set charges which might be posted on the wall.

Additionally inside the Customer Centre is a counter on the market of Petra by Evening ticket, however these solely go on sale a couple of hours earlier than the occasion itself.

Behind the customer centre is an info counter and exhibition corridor which supplies background concerning the historical past of Petra. It is a helpful place to cease on the best way out, if you happen to don’t have time to go to the Petra Museum, which is true by the Customer Centre and likewise free.

For extra suggestions and recommendation that can assist you plan your go to, corresponding to when to go, ticket costs, climate, avoiding scams, what to put on, learn our different article about Visiting Petra in Jordan – the last word journey information

After leaving the customer centre, your ticket shall be checked as you enter the Petra archaeological web site, then you might have a 20 minute barely downhill stroll to the beginning of Al-Siq, the well-known gorge that leads you into Petra.

2. The Siq

After strolling quarter-hour from the customer centre, you’ll enter the Siq, a slender gorge leads the traveller into Petra. The 1.2 km gorge was created by a pure break up within the rocks and you may observe the layers of colored stone on either side of the 200 metre excessive partitions.

The gorge remains to be partly paved with stones laid down by the Romans, so you possibly can actually really feel the layers of historical past right here. In your stroll by, look out for carved niches and the water channels that the Nabataeans used to carry water into the traditional metropolis.

3. The Treasury (Al Khazna)

On the finish of the Siq, arrive on the Treasury, simply the most effective identified view of Petra. This 20 metre excessive monument, carved into the face of the cliff, reveals itself as you emerge from the Siq into an open space the place camels await for a photograph alternative.

The tomb’s carvings embody Corinthian columns influenced by these of Historic Greece, with friezes and a central urn on the prime. The small rooms behind the facade had been made because the tomb for one of many Nabataean kings within the 1st century, though you possibly can’t go inside. The identify derives from the legend that treasure was as soon as hid in some a part of the constructing, maybe the urn on the prime.

One of the best time to {photograph} the Treasury is between 9am and 11am when the solar lights up the facade. In entrance of the monument it’s possible you’ll be approached by native Bedouin who will supply to take you as much as a a lot photographed viewpoint that may be accessed from this space.

Camels are additionally out there, both for a brief experience or a photograph in entrance of the Treasury. After all fee is predicted for these providers, so ensure the quantity is agreed earlier than you settle for.

4. The Treasury Viewpoint

I’ve already talked about which you can entry the decrease of the 2 viewpoints, from paths that begin in entrance of the Treasury. If you’re dealing with the Treasury, you’ll see steep steps main as much as the left and these will carry you round to a viewpoint.

Due to the clambering concerned and a few steep drops, you do want a Bedouin information to take you, however be sure you agree the value earlier than you begin. We didn’t go to this viewpoint ourselves however learn it takes round Half-hour to get there.

There’s a second longer and extra arduous path, that brings you from the Royal Tombs to the next viewpoint (which is the one we tried). That is the Al-Khubtha Path and also you don’t want a information to get there.

To the left of the Royals Tombs as you face them is the beginning of a path which takes you on stone steps as much as a viewpoint trying down on the Theatre. After an additional scramble downhill to a Bedouin tent on the cliff edge, you get a view over the Treasury. Be warned it’s an arduous path that takes 2-3 hours spherical journey.

You possibly can learn extra concerning the Al Khubtha Path later within the article in my part on mountain climbing trails.

5. Excessive Place of Sacrifice

After the Treasury, the gorge widens out and the trail lakes you gently downhill to the turning for the Excessive Place of Sacrifice. Stone steps take you up alongside the aspect of a smaller gorge, initially providing some beautiful views of the Road of Facades.

After round 40 minutes you’ll attain a cluster of Bedouin stalls. In case you fork proper right here, the trail brings you to a plateau with wonderful views of the traditional metropolis beneath.

On the highest level, marked by a flag, is a rock altar that was used for spiritual ceremonies and sacrifice. To be sincere we utterly missed strolling as much as this highest level, however it was nonetheless a beautiful stroll with wonderful views from the highest.

Learn extra about this stroll later within the article, in my part about mountain climbing trails at Petra.

6. Road of Facades

Simply previous the turning for the Excessive Place of Sacrifice, are the row of round 40 Nabataean tombs, referred to as the Road of Facades. Though you might most likely discover inside these tombs, they’re all empty and a few appeared for use by the native Bedouin, who preserve their animals close by.

7. The Theatre

Because the valley opens up, your stroll alongside the principle path brings you to the Theatre, which was carved instantly into the rock by the Nabataeans and repurposed by the Romans.

At its peak, the theatre may maintain as much as 4000 spectators. You possibly can observe how the Romans added further rows of seats on the prime, reducing into the unique Nabataean Tombs. The Romans additionally added the again wall of the stage, the place you possibly can stand and look into the Theatre, though you can’t climb on the rows of seats.

8. Royal Tombs

Carved into the cliff face are 4 main tombs, with giant chambers which you can enter, though they’re now empty. You’ll admire the intricate rock carving from the first and 2nd century AD and the swirling colored layers of stone.

The massive however now empty rooms behind the facade of the tombs, had been utilized by the Nabataeans for funeral celebrations and memorial banquets to recollect the lifeless.

To discover the Royal Tombs shut up, take the plain path from the principle path and climb up the steps, with additional steps within the rock on the entrance of every tomb. The Royal Tombs are greatest photographed within the late afternoon when the solar lights up the west dealing with facades. The primary tombs are referred to as:

Urn Tomb – named for the urn on the prime of the pediment, this tomb has a formidable facade. You possibly can stroll contained in the tomb and there’s a big courtyard in entrance with a colonnade to the aspect. Above the doorway you’ll spot three smaller openings to further burial chambers.

Silk Tomb – the face of this tomb is marked by stunning swirls of colored rock.

Corinthian tomb – One of many largest and most spectacular tombs with a facade that’s much like the Treasury, however far more eroded.

Palace Tomb – constructed within the 2nd century AD, the tomb has a grand 5 story facade.

9. The Colonnaded Road

That is the stays of a colonnade that was constructed by the Nabataeans as town’s fundamental buying road and continued in use beneath Roman occupation. What stays at the moment is only a row of columns, however if you happen to look again up the valley, they make a pleasant photograph with the view of the Royal Tombs within the distance.

10. The Nymphaeum

It is a little bit of a “blink and also you’ll miss it” spot, just some stone steps by a 450 yr previous pistachio tree, that gives about the one shade on this part of the positioning. You could end up resting beneath the tree, with out even realising that that is all that continues to be of a semi-circular public fountain, that was fed from a water tank within the mountains.

11. Nice Temple

The stays of the traditional temple advanced with columns and stays of the stone partitions, constructed within the 1st century BC by the Nabataeans. The temple was as soon as 18 metres excessive, however was severely broken in an earthquake though it continued in use by the Romans as a public house. You possibly can stroll up the steps of the temple ruins, for a greater take a look at the doorway gateway and colonnades.

12. The Church

The stays of a Byzantine church from the fifth century AD, are set somewhat up the hillside from the valley ground, reverse the Nice Temple. The stays are lined by a canvas roof, designed to guard the effectively preserved mosaic ground.

13. Qasr al-Bint

The remaining partitions and columns of an vital temple, with 23 metre excessive partitions that trace of the spectacular dimension of the buildings of the Nabataean 1st century metropolis. A number of the stone reliefs from the temple at the moment are preserved within the Petra Museum. Like different constructions, you aren’t allowed to stroll inside the temple, however have to watch it from the valley degree.

14. The Basin Space

On the finish of the cluster of monuments within the “Petra Metropolis Centre” (The Nice Temple, Colonnaded Road, Qasr al-Bint) you’ll arrive on the Basin space. This isn’t a part of the archaeological stays, however a service space with two eating places, The Nabataean Restaurant and Basin Restaurant. Whereas you should purchase drinks all through Petra, these are the one two correct eating places within the web site that serve meals.

Right here you’ll additionally discover public bathrooms and a cluster of animals which might be for rent, both to take the weary traveller again to the Treasury, or to ascend the steep steps to the Monastery. In case you plan to proceed your go to with a climb as much as the Monastery, this can be a good place to cease, relaxation and refresh earlier than you sort out the 800 steps and arduous hour’s climb forward.

15. The Monastery (Advert Deir)

When you arrive within the Basin space, you’re on the furthest finish of the principle Petra web site from the Treasury. From right here, over 800 steps lead up a gorge on an arduous hike to the Monastery. This carved facade of a tomb is 48 metres excessive and rivals the Treasury in its dimension and magnificence. Courting again to the 2nd century AD, it’s an actual spotlight of Petra, so regardless of the arduous climb, is price attempting to suit into your go to.

It’s so referred to as as a result of in later centuries, the tomb was used as a Christian church, with crosses carved into its rear wall. Just like the Treasury you possibly can’t enter the tombs themselves, however they’re in any case empty and you will get shut sufficient to look inside.

One of the best views of the Monastery are from the slopes of the small hill reverse, the place there are indicators directing you to numerous viewpoints. There’s additionally a restaurant proper reverse, to relaxation with a beautiful view of the Monastery. One of the best time to take pictures of the Monastery is within the afternoon when the facade catches the solar.

16. The Petra Museum

This wonderful fashionable museum is true by the customer centre and is free to go to. It tells the story of the Nabataeans and historical past of Petra, with all the principle artefacts that had been discovered on the web site. We loved the exhibitions and audio-visual shows that actually helped to place the historical past of Petra in context.

The Museum stays open fairly late, permitting you to go to after your day at Petra. Outdoors are shallow swimming pools, a plaza and effectively tended grass that appeared a favorite place for locals to assemble within the night or to have a picnic.

Petra Museum Opening Hours: The museum is open each day 8.30am – 8.30pm and is free

17. Little Petra (Siq Al-Barid)

This smaller gorge space with carved tombs and facades is an 8km drive from the principle Petra web site and is way quieter. It’s effectively price a go to and there’s a free automotive park, or a free minibus shuttle that can take you there from the again of the Petra Customer Centre (first shuttle 7.30am).

On coming into the gorge space, tombs might be seen on either side of the cliffs. Most notable is the massive chamber with columns, referred to as the Painted Biclinium (eating room). On climbing the stone steps, the stays of an intricate portray of vines, flowers and nymphs might be seen on the ceiling.

On the finish of the valley space, steps lower into the rock lead as much as a viewpoint over one other Wadi, with a pleasing Bedouin cafe, the place you possibly can relaxation and take a mint tea earlier than returning again the identical means.

For extra suggestions and recommendation that can assist you plan your go to, corresponding to when to go, ticket costs, climate, avoiding scams, what to put on, learn our different article about Visiting Petra in Jordan – the last word journey information

18. Extra issues to do in Petra – Petra by Evening

Petra by Evening tickets

Petra by Evening is an opportunity to expertise the world in entrance of the Treasury after darkish, lit up by a whole bunch of flickering lanterns. The occasion occurs each Monday, Wednesday and Thursday, so it’s price timing your go to for certainly one of as of late.

The expertise begins on the customer centre at 8.30 pm when you’re allowed to stroll down the monitor, into the Siq and on in direction of the Treasury. The occasion is completed by 10.30pm, whenever you depart the Treasury space to stroll again to the customer centre.

You could have a basic ticket for Petra to attend, and you could purchase an extra Petra by evening ticket. The price of the Petra by evening ticket is 17 JD with youngsters beneath 10 going free.

Our Petra by Evening expertise

We had a enjoyable expertise and had been glad that we had achieved Petra by evening, however it’s not fairly the magical, mystical expertise that you simply would possibly count on from the pictures posted on social media.

For a begin, there appears to be no restrict on numbers, so that you’ll most likely end up jostling with a number of hundred others, all attempting to get the proper photograph. We’d suggest that you simply arrive 20-Half-hour early on the customer centre, after which stroll pretty briskly by the Siq and on to the Treasury.

By arriving early, you’ll be capable of take pictures of the treasury, lit by flickering lamps, earlier than too many individuals arrive to crowd the house. Subsequent, attempt to bag seats within the entrance row of the stools which might be laid out, so that you’ll have a greater view throughout the efficiency. As soon as these seats are taken, you’ll be sitting on mats in the principle space of the Treasury.

The efficiency concerned an introduction to the historical past of Petra, adopted by a efficiency of some conventional music. We had been additionally served a complimentary cup of mint tea. All through, the Treasury was lit up with a succession of various colors.

Throughout the entire efficiency, folks had been chatting and taking pictures, so it wasn’t fairly a silent and reflective as you would possibly count on. Latecomers had been continuously being ushered in to discover a seat in entrance of us, which we discovered fairly distracting. Nonetheless, Petra by Evening is an pleasant and extremely advisable expertise as a part of your go to to Petra.

19. Climbing Trails in Petra

Many of the mountain climbing trails in Petra are straightforward to comply with and might be walked with no information. There are a pair longer or extra distant trails that do require a information, which might be organized on the Petra Customer Centre, ideally with a day’s discover.

Primary Path

The Primary Path is the one that the majority guests will stroll. From the Petra Customer Centre there’s a 20 minute stroll alongside an open monitor to the beginning of the Siq. The path then enters the slender gorge of the Siq, bringing you after 20 minutes to the gorgeous Treasury view.

From right here you comply with the valley ground because it opens out, previous the Theatre and Royal Tombs. The path leads into the world referred to as Petra Metropolis Centre (the center of the traditional metropolis). Listed below are positioned the Nice Temple and Colonnaded road.

On the finish of the valley is the “Basin space” the place two eating places are positioned on the foot of the path main up 800 steps to the Monastery. The Primary Path is 8km, flat and simple, working gently downhill from the Treasury to Basin space.

Excessive Place of Sacrifice Path

The beginning of the Excessive Place of Sacrifice Path is a brief stroll from the Treasury and earlier than the road of the Facades, the place you’ll see a cluster of cafes and the general public bathrooms. This path takes you up a gorge on a stepped path, with beautiful views again over the Royal Tombs.

On the prime close to a cluster of Bedouin stalls, the path bears proper onto a small plateau with gorgeous views over the valley beneath. Up some additional steps from right here, marked by a flag are some carved rocks, the positioning of spiritual ceremonies and sacrifices.

The quickest path to return is by the identical means you got here up. This 3km path is stepped and requires average health. It took us round 2 hours to go up and again.

From the Excessive Place of Sacrifice through Wadi al Farasa

After you have visited the Excessive Place of Sacrifice, you even have the choice to proceed on a path by Wadi al Farasa. A aspect path branches off, bringing you all the way down to the valley ground, behind the Theatre.

Alternatively you possibly can proceed all the best way alongside Wadi Farasa by the ‘Backyard Valley’ to the Basin space. We didn’t take this path, however heard that it is rather stunning with the pink oleander blooming in spring and a few putting tombs to see on the best way. It ought to take 2.5 – 3 hours to stroll as much as the Excessive Place of Sacrifice and proceed by Wadi al Farasa to the Basin space.

Advert Deir (Monastery) Path

This effectively travelled path is the one which takes you up from the Basin space to the Monastery. It begins behind the Basin Restaurant and you’ll simply spot the quite a few folks coming down the path. Working up a gorge, over 800 irregular steps twist and switch in a relentless uphill climb. In just below an hour you’ll arrive on the Monastery, a 47 metre excessive carved tomb to rival the Treasury.

The higher a part of the path is lined with memento stalls, the place you possibly can simply purchase drinks. In case you really feel it’s an excessive amount of to stroll, you might rent a donkey to take you on the best way up. Nevertheless I might personally suggest strolling quite than driving a donkey for the best way down because the path is so steep.

The two.5 km path takes round 45 – 60 minutes to climb as much as the Monastery, plus time to go searching. I’d charge this as a average path, since though it’s steep, the steps are effectively maintained and simple to comply with all the best way.

Al-Khubtha Path to Treasury viewpoint

In case you stand dealing with the Royal Tombs, the beginning of the Al-Kubtha Path is to the left of the final tomb. The primary a part of the path climbs on effectively maintained steps, though with little shade. The trail twists and turns as you steadily climb to the highest of the cliff, till you attain a viewpoint the place you possibly can look down on the Theatre within the valley beneath.

A brief distance additional is a tea tent, with a couple of viewpoints that appeared to have been deserted. Then take some steps lower into the rock subsequent to the tea tent to descend down a faint path of rock and gravel, which brings you to the point of view overlooking the Treasury.

You really want to enter the Bedouin tea tent that’s pitched in entrance of the point of view and purchase an compulsory drink, as a way to see the view. There are rugs laid out so that you can sit and take a photograph, however take care because it actually is on the sting of the cliff, with nothing between you and a sheer drop.

This path took round 2.5 hours spherical journey from the Royal Tombs. I’d charge it as arduous, as a result of the steps are steep and there’s a component of scrambling on slippery rocks to search out the point of view on the finish.

Umm al-Biyara Path / Jabal Harounn Path / Wadi Sabra Path

From the Basin space the Wadi Sabra path runs up behind the Qasr-al-Bint and the Nice Temple. After a couple of kilometres it branches up a valley because the Umm al-Biyara Path, with steep steps taking you as much as a mountain peak overlooking the Petra Metropolis Centre. In case you proceed on the Wadi Sabra Path, it additionally branches off to Jabal-Haroun, which is one other excessive mountain peak.

We didn’t take both path, however learn that the Sabra Path runs for round 10km. On account of its size, the Sabra path is commonly taken on horseback, though it’s possible you’ll want to dismount on steeper sections. In case you get pleasure from horse-riding, this may very well be a enjoyable expertise.

You do want a information for the Wadi Sabra path, as a result of danger of dropping your means, though most likely not for the shorter Umm al-Biyara path. Guides might be booked on the Petra Customer Centre with not less than 24 hours discover, since not all guides will do that path. Anticipate to pay round 150-200 JD for the information however verify if horses are included. The path will take you a lot of the day, so that is one for the extra adventurous hiker.

Wadi Muthlim to Royal Tombs Path

As a result of typically slender paths and danger of flash floods, a information is obligatory for this hike, which offers another route into Petra, you probably have already walked by the Siq. Strolling down from the Petra Customer Centre, you’ll department off proper earlier than the doorway to the Siq.

There’s an 88 metre lengthy tunnel, carved by the Nabataeans, after which you comply with the route alongside the river mattress of Wadi Muthlim. Giant boulders block the best way in locations, another excuse you want a information that can assist you climb over them.

As the trail joins Wadi Mataha it narrows and relying on the season, it’s possible you’ll must splash by swimming pools of water within the river mattress. The hike to the Royal Tombs ought to take 1.5 – 2 hours. Verify on the Customer Centre whether or not this hike is open and e-book a information on the official information’s kiosk.

For extra suggestions and recommendation that can assist you plan your go to, corresponding to when to go, ticket costs, climate, avoiding scams, what to put on, learn our different article about Visiting Petra in Jordan – the last word journey information

20. Little Petra to Monastery path (Petra Again Door)

We took the free minibus to from the again of Petra Customer Centre to Little Petra, which runs all through the day (first bus at 7.30am). After trying round Little Petra, we boarded a 4 wheel drive automobile with round 20 seats, which took us alongside a mud monitor for 15-20 minutes to some extent the place the path begins to wind uphill. You might additionally stroll alongside this monitor from Little Petra, however there’s a slight hazard of getting misplaced because the path splits in a number of locations.

From the drop off level, we adopted a effectively maintained path, winding alongside the aspect of the cliff, climbing steadily with steps in locations. The views over the desert panorama had been gorgeous.

Though there was a gradual stream of walkers, there are not any memento stalls or crowds on this route. We actually loved the path, which I’d charge as average issue, and it took us round an hour to succeed in the Monastery.

In case you stroll the entire path from Little Petra to the Monastery it ought to take round 2.5 hours. It’s additionally attainable to stroll in reverse from the Monastery to Little Petra. Nevertheless you’d must plan to stroll the entire path, because the 4 wheel drive automobile shouldn’t be assured to be out there to take you a part of the best way. You’d additionally must pre-plan a pickup from Little Petra again to the Customer Centre, or verify whether or not the free mini bus switch shall be working.

Guided excursions of Petra

There are numerous organised group excursions inside Jordan that take you to Petra and different key vacationer points of interest, corresponding to Wadi Rum and the Lifeless Sea. Nevertheless, many of those solely permit you half a day at Petra, so except you’re very pressed for time, it’s possible you’ll choose to go to independently and permit a few days on your go to.

When you arrive on the Petra Customer Centre, there’s an official information kiosk reverse the ticket counters, with one of many guides out there to reply questions. Costs are clearly posted on the wall of the kiosk and begin at 50 JD, for a 3 hour tour with an official information to clarify the historical past the principle websites of Petra.

The worth is per information, quite than per particular person. So whereas not the most affordable, hiring a information is an efficient possibility if there’s a small group of you, or you might have very restricted time to see the positioning.

As a result of there have been simply two of us, and we had loads of time, we determined to depend on the reasons in our guidebook. Many of the trails round Petra might be walked independently with none guides and the paths are straightforward to comply with. Nevertheless, we noticed restricted info boards providing any clarification of the principle websites, so we’d suggest taking a information e-book or choosing up a customer map on the Customer Centre.

There are a couple of longer or extra distant trails the place it’s both obligatory or advisable to rent a information. The worth of a information for the totally different trails varies however for example a 5 hr path prices 120 JD or a 6-8 hr path prices 150 JD, based mostly on the costs posted on the Customer Centre.

Map of Petra Archeological web site

Paper maps of Petra can be found in a number of languages together with English from the Petra Customer Centre. We couldn’t discover any copy of this map on-line, so we’ve taken a photograph of it beneath.

Beneath is our personal map displaying areas of the important thing issues to see in Petra,in addition to eating places and bathroom areas. There are additionally quite a few stalls promoting souvenirs, drinks and snacks, that are too many to mark on the map. For extra element, click on on this hyperlink or on the map beneath.

FAQ for Petra

As a result of there’s a lot to think about when planning to go to Petra, we’ve written a separate article with useful recommendation: Visiting Petra in Jordan – the last word journey information. This covers in additional element all our suggestions, corresponding to how you can get there, when to go, ticket costs, climate, avoiding scams, animals rides and what to put on.

Nevertheless, we’ve additionally given a shortened model of a few of these suggestions within the Incessantly Requested Questions for Petra beneath.

The place to remain in Petra

We suggest staying within the decrease city of Wadi Musa, to be near the doorway to Petra. You’ll additionally discover a vary of cheaper motels and many eating places within the higher city which is quarter-hour stroll up the hill. Taxis can be found exterior the Customer Centre, to run you between the decrease city and higher city, if you happen to don’t wish to stroll.

Beneath are some advisable resort choices within the decrease a part of Wadi Musa.

How do I purchase tickets for Petra?

Tickets for Petra are offered on the Petra Customer Centre, the value is 50JD for 1 day, 55 JD for two days and 60 JD for 3 days. Ensure you take your passport with you as you want it to buy tickets.

Earlier than you arrive in Jordan, you also needs to examine the Jordan Move. The Jordan Move consists of the price of your vacationer entry visa and ticket to Petra, in addition to free entry to another points of interest in Jordan.

You should purchase the Jordan Move on-line earlier than you journey and the associated fee varies relying on how lengthy you wish to keep at Petra. A Jordan Move for 1 day in Petra is 70JD, for two consecutive days at Petra is 75 JD and for 3 consecutive days at Petra is 80 JD.

Since the price of the vacationer entry visa is 40 JD, it’s best to save not less than 20JD if you happen to purchase the Jordan Move and probably extra if you happen to use it to go to a number of points of interest.

How lengthy do I want to go to Petra?

We suggest 2 days because the optimum time to see Petra. This can can help you go to the principle highlights in addition to some much less visited gems, and hike among the simpler trails. In case you solely have 1 day at Petra, it’s best to begin early and count on an extended day, if you wish to get the most effective from this large and spectacular web site.

We’ve provided solutions for detailed 1 and a couple of day itineraries earlier on this article.

What to put on for Petra?

• Select garments that respect the native Muslim tradition, with lined knees and shoulders for each women and men
• A head masking shouldn’t be required for vacationers, even when the native Bedouin sometimes put on them. Nevertheless there’s loads of alternative to purchase a standard checked purple and white keffiyeh scarf and be proven how you can tie it.
• In spring and autumn, temperatures can differ extensively throughout the day, so costume in layers
• The solar might be robust at any time of yr, so use a hat and sunscreen
• You’ll want appropriate footwear for the rocky and uneven terrain, so trainers or mountain climbing footwear are preferrred

What amenities are there in Petra?

• Free public bathrooms can be found in a number of locations all through the Petra web site
• There are two fundamental eating places within the Basin space serving meals, however quite a few stalls that can promote you tea, water or different gentle drinks. A minimum of it’s best to pack water and snacks to maintain with you. Most motels can even present a picnic.
• There are wifi sizzling spots in a couple of locations, primarily the identical areas as bathrooms
• If you’re taken in poor health, help is obtainable from the Customer centre and the police checkpoint by the Basin restaurant

Is Petra protected?

Typically we felt very protected at Petra and in Jordan usually, because the nation has a really low crime charge. Petra is the nation’s flagship vacationer web site, which is effectively managed and has vacationer police inside the web site.

Jordan, whereas a secure nation, is sadly surrounded by neighbours the place conflicts and wars could flare up, so it’s best to all the time verify your Authorities’s recommendation on journey within the area.

The primary issues you could be careful for are over-pushy animal handlers and Bedouin eager to promote you souvenirs or drinks. Everybody has to make a dwelling, so simply be well mannered and be sure you agree a worth you’re feeling is honest earlier than accepting a service. Ladies also needs to concentrate on consideration from younger native males, and respect native norms of modest costume and behavior.

You also needs to take heed to pure hazards, such because the energy of the solar, sudden rain that creates flash floods, rocky paths which might be unfenced and clifftop viewpoints with a sheer drop beneath.

Getting round Petra

• Most individuals get across the web site on foot, though there’s a whole lot of strolling in Petra and the Primary Path is 8km lengthy
• Animal rides, by camel, horse, horse-drawn carriage or donkey can be found in each instructions between the Treasury and the Basin Restaurant. You may also rent a donkey to take you up among the steeper trails.
• Golf buggy type Membership Automobiles can be found on the Customer Centre to take you to and from the Treasury
• Horse rides can be found from the tip of the Siq, to take you again to the Customer Centre. That is included in your ticket however a tip is predicted.
• When you have restricted mobility, we suggest participating a information and looking for their recommendation on the totally different transport you might use to see the principle websites inside Petra.

For extra recommendation on animal rides, and our ideas on this contentious matter, learn our article: Visiting Petra in Jordan – the last word journey information

Attending to Petra

Petra is positioned within the south west of Jordan, 230 km (3 hrs drive) from the capital of Amman within the north or 130 km (2 hrs drive) from the Pink Sea resort of Aqaba to the south.

Most worldwide travellers fly into both Amman or Aqaba, then go to the Petra archaeological web site as a part of a round tour of Jordan, visiting vacationer websites corresponding to Amman, Petra, Wadi Rum, Aqaba and the Lifeless Sea.

In case you go to Petra independently, you possibly can simply attain Wadi Musa, the city that serves Petra, in a variety of methods

• Rent a automotive and drive your self from Queen Alia Worldwide Airport near Amman, from Aqaba or from different vacationer areas
• Take the bus with JETT. There’s one bus a day in every course between Amman and Petra or Aqaba and Petra
• Take a taxi switch, which might be organized by your resort from any of the principle cities or vacationer areas.

For extra element on transport choices, learn our article: Visiting Petra in Jordan – the last word journey information

Extra info to plan your journey

You’ll discover extra info to plan your journey on the next official tourism web sites

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This text is initially revealed at Heatheronhertravels.com