Hikes, Climbs, & Treks: Finding Adventure in Jordan

Dana to Petra Trek is a part of the Jordan Trail and covers the ‘Rose Red’ city of Petra in all its beauty. The rigorous and moderate trek into the mystic temples and tombs located around the area is an immersive cultural experience. Apart from that, you can also explore the rich saline waters with their enriched wildlife of the Dead Sea.

- The trek begins at Dana Nature Reserve – which is a must-visit wilderness sight.
- En Route the trek is Little Petra, a haven for shopaholics!
- Camping is another most sought after activity during this trek.

Al Oyoun Trail follows the routes of the Jordan Trail, but only partly. The ancient ruins, proportionately green and sandy, are mostly explored either on foot or bikes. The rocky terrain makes for a venturesome biking sojourn.

- The trail is 60 km long and provides a reminiscent cultural and spiritual experience.
- Visit the rural areas for a comprehensive understanding of the Arabian lifestyle.
- You can talk to various villagers or shepherds on the way who would be happy to reveal ancient myths behind Al Oyoun.

Wadi Rum lies about half an hour away from Petra. Wadi Rum or the ‘Lawrence of Arabia’ is surrounded by colourful sandstones and dainty mountains that give it a surrealistic appeal. The wind-sculpted, black sandstone hills in contrast with the pale structure of sands are a popular trekking destination.

- En route lies the Khazali Canyon – a narrow gorge with many rock inscriptions.
- The Seven Pillars of Wisdom is a magnificent cultural site which is named after the book by T. E. Lawrence, Lawrence of Arabia.
- The Burrah Canyon and Burdah Bridge are also covered during this trail, capturing the grandeur and magnanimity of Jordan within their fore-structure.

Dana to Wadi Rum trek is taken by those mesmerised by the venturesome treks and ancient lifestyle of Jordan. This trekking trail covers the deemed sights of the Dana Nature Reserve, Wadi Feynan, Wadi Barwas, Little Petra and Wadi Rum.

- The trek is usually 9 – 11 days long.
- Camping at wadis is a culturally vibrant experience and costs a minimal fee thus making a budgeted trip easier.
- After visiting the enormous Burrah Canyon and Burdah Bridge, you can go for a floaty experience in the salt enriched the Dead Sea.

This trail got its name after the flocks and herds of sheep being directed by shepherds. The wilderness around Shepherd’s Trail must only be covered in groups due to the steep valleys, rocky ruins and climbs up and down the hill. Experience camping at one of the panoramic hotspots overlooking the Dead Sea.

- For a comprehensive understanding of its history, this remote area must be discovered with a guide.
- You can even have a friendly chat with the shepherds about their simple lifestyle.

Any trek or trip to the city of Jordan requires a visit to the pilgrimage and ancient town of Petra. The city was carved into Jordan’s red rock and was globalized after being the location for an Indiana Jones movie.

A short trail through the Siq is the front pathway to explore the ruins of Petra, and this can only be done on foot. The back trail begins at Little Petra and crosses gigantic plateaus and sandy hillocks before the main Monastery door awaits your arrival.

- Those travelling solo or without any guides must take the Siq route to prevent getting lost.
- To experience the cinematic grandeur of the place, take the back trail via Little Petra.

Mount Nebo, the sacred mountain from the Bible known as Pisgah is said to be the place where Moses spent his final days overlooking the Promised Land he would never set foot in. On a clear day, the view from Mount Nebo can reach as far as the cities of Bethlehem and Jerusalem. Other than that, the mountain offers an exceptional view of the West Bank, The Jordan River and the Dead Sea.

- The mountain can be accessed from Madaba.
- You can drive all the way to the top, however, trekking would give a better pictorial and religious representation of symbols attached to it.
- The panoramic view of the city of Jordan is accompanied by cafes and vistas built atop the mountain to immerse into the glimmering yellow sight around with cold drinks.

Wadi Mujib with its fast-flowing gush of the river and a narrow yet humongous gorge offers a spectacular view of the mountains. This trail makes for a great hiking tour after which the rapids en-route offer a natural cool off site via canyoning. For those who haven’t gone canyoning before, the Siq Trail offers a similar experience with stunning views of the gorge.

- Wadi Mujib is a river that flows 900 meters above sea level, descending 400 meters below into the Dead Sea.
- If you are carrying a bag with your valuables in it, then you can drop it in the locker room facility that every canyoning agent provides.

Goldfinger is a 300 feet tall mountain facing Jebel Rum. Many tourists prefer rock climbing as trekking through the steep slopes is highly dangerous and not permissible. The climb at Gold Finger begins with the crack system leading up to the white rock strip.

The next stage is the crux, a chimney which requires a push and pull technique taught by guides. This trek is mostly for the adrenaline junkies to get their adrenaline pumped up!

- There are many cracks, nooks and niches that provide an opportunity for exploration.
- There are plenty of knobs, crack systems and pockets that provide for natural 

Wadi Mukheiris is an impressive canyon situated by the Dead Sea and is the most spectacular spot for visits. It offers a great view of palms, sea, and lush vegetation. A better historical and cumulative understanding of the place can be done with the help of guides, but travelling here alone is not an uncommon sight.

- Various tours take you for a day-long hike to Wadi Mukheris.
- There is a 20 meters high waterfall here falling into a gorge that makes for a profound dipping sight.
- Abseiling, or the activity of descending onto a rock platform with the help of a rope tied onto a rock at a vertical height is prohibited.

Buried deep under the cradle of sophistication, Wadi Rum is an echoing labyrinth made up of red sandstone and cliffs in southern Jordan. An Arabian vibe swathes the entire climb, and Yosemite walls, Black Canyons and Canyonland cracks make it the epicentre of the spiritual realm. The rock quality of the climb varies, going from hard to soft in a few steps. All this makes the climb a venturesome experience.

- The traditional Bedouin routes make up for the low angle traditional summits as high as 1,800 meters.
- The routes may be tricky to remember, and descent even trickier.
- The corners, dihedrals, towering faces and arêtes make for popular exploration sites.

The Siq Canyoning Trail is the most placid trail that Wadi Mujib has to offer, yet being explicitly picturesque. Canyoning here is no spot-and-commit activity where you can just choose a mountain and hike up the trail. You have to go to the activity centre first, where you will be provided with the necessary equipment. You will have the option of selecting a dry bag too, as there are some spaces where you will have to swim. Gradually, the water level rises upon the trail and provides an astonishing view of red mountains surrounding you

- The first section of the train mostly consists of traversing through the water.
- The water flow may be rapid in certain areas.
- Then comes the rope section, which helps you canyon into the much crude and sharper turns of the trail.

Located in Mabada, Ma’in is a series of hot springs each more transcending than the last. You will be able to witness an occasional belt of green vegetation as well as small waterfalls across the sulphuric mountains. Wadi Zarqa can be easily entered without external guidance.

- Entry to the springs has a fee of JD 28 attached to them.
- Carry zip-lock bags to keep your belongings dry while canyoning through the Dead Sea trail at Wadi Zarqa Ma’in.

The warm and shallow waters at Wadi Ibn Muhammed make it easier to walk and explore. The Karak Castle here The ‘Visitor Center’ is situated after high cliffs and sand dunes surrounding the area.

- There is an entry fee of JD 5 and another JD 20 for the guide.
- Wear shoes that can be worn underwater, as at some places the water reaches up to your waist.
- Carry a protective cover for your backpacks and belongings to protect them from getting wet.