7 Days Dana to Petra Hike

From the irrigated gardens around Dana to the scorching sand dunes of the Great Rift Valley, today’s walk takes you through one of most dramatic and diverse landscapes in the whole region. You’ll begin at Dana, 1200m above sea level, and head west into Dana valley with your trekking guides. The trail drops steeply at first and then levels into a more gradual descent through the Dana Biosphere Reserve towards the eco-lodge at Feynan. The reserve, Jordan’s largest, includes four distinct bio-geographical zones, which means that Dana supports an astonishing diversity of birds, plants, and animals. On your way down the valley you’re likely to see Griffin Vultures overhead as well as hyrax and copper-blue lizards on the rocks; if you’re lucky you might even catch a glimpse of an ibex or a desert fox, or see the footprint of a wolf in the dust. Overnight, camping at Wadi Ghuwair (Feynan area).

From Wadi Feynan through the historic landscape around Feynan, where copper has been mined for some 3000 years. Mining reached it peak under the Romans, when thousands of slaves died here working the mines and furnaces, and millions of tonnes of ore were smelted into a metal that was exported all over the empire. As you walk out of Feynan you will see the mountains of slag that are the waste product of this ancient industry, as well as ruined buildings from the Nabataean and Roman periods. Beyond Feynan you cross a flat and stony desert, with the red ranges Jebel Sharah to your east and broad expanse of the Wadi Araba to your west. The terrain is essential flat, but you’ll need to cross several dry wadis or river beds as you make your way south. In the afternoon you’ll reach the camp set up by our crew at Ras Al- Feid.
Overnight, Camping at Ras Al-Feid

With an early rise and breakfast, we continue our trek by retracing our path along the riverbed gradually climbing up the hills following ancient migration paths to uncover some of the most spectacular sceneries in Jordan!   This part of the route is quite challenging and includes some scrambling to overcome some of the larger obstacles. The route becomes less well-defined and we depend on our Bedouin guide for the best route skirting the Sharah Mountains. The trail continues along the Wadi floor and gently climbs up into the pale colored sandstone distinctive hill that offers incredible views across the surrounding landscapes of mountains and canyons.   We find shade here and rest for lunch before continuing our trek again with a descent, followed by a gentle uphill climb to reach a bare rock slab perfectly located to spend another magical night in the wild where we set up camp and enjoy the peaceful haven of the mountains scenery around us.
Dinner and camping in Shkaret Msei’d

With an early rise and breakfast, we continue our trek with some dramatic changes of scenery, from the deep Wadis to the wonderful wide-open sandstone hills. While enjoying the beautiful nature-crafted white dome of Beida, we descend into Little Petra and visit this fabulous site for a little taste of the magnificence of Petra which we will encounter tomorrow. With just a short walk then our route takes us to our campsite uniquely located and surrounded by amazing sandstone mountains.
Dinner and overnight in Little Petra.

Today, enter Petra in a way in which very few visitors have – through the secret entrance to the Monastery. Start the trek on a trail which initially winds across open farmland. For the first two hours of the trek the path contours around the mountain ridge with fantastic views to Wadi Araba desert.  Then the climb starts as the narrow route, open to sheer drop-offs, leads to perhaps Petra’s most awe-inspiring monument, the Monastery. We will then walk down the well-worn Nabataean steps into the heart of Petra, where we will visit Facades Street, Urn Tomb, the Theatre, Colonnaded Street, Royal Tombs and Qasr al Bent before having lunch near the amphitheatre. We then exit Petra via the Dark Siq (a secondary Siq) to visit the High Place of Sacrifice before re-entering the site through the main Siq so you get to experience the most famous view of Petra, ‘Al Khaznah’ or ‘The Treasury’ as though you are entering for the first time. After enjoying the unparalleled beauty of Al Khaznah we then exit Petra and head to Seven Wonders campsite in Little Petra for a second night.
In the evening, we visit ‘Petra by night’ walking to Al Khaznah by the light of thousands of candles, listening to traditional Bedouin music, singing and stories under the starlit night skies. This truly is a magical end to our trek.
Dinner and overnight at your hotel in Petra.

After breakfast, free time in Petra till you transferred to Queen Alia Airport for departure.