Trekking the Jordan Trail from Dana to Petra – 9 Days

Day 2:  Hike through Dana Nature Reserve to Wadi Ghuweir

Today you will leave Amman early and drive about two and a half hours to Wadi Dana. The hike starts at Dana Village, 3,937 feet above sea level. As you head west into Dana Valley, the trail descends into the Dana Biosphere Reserve. The reserve has four distinct bio-zones and supports an astonishing diversity of flora and fauna. You may see griffin vultures,  hyrax, and copper-blue lizards; if you are lucky you might catch a glimpse of an ibex or a desert fox. Tonight you will camp under the stars at Wadi Ghuweir.

Hiking Distance: 10 miles (Ascent 920 feet | Descent 4,660 feet)

Day 3: Hike to Furon 

Today you will hike to Furon. This is a steep and challenging section of the route, but extremely rewarding. The track leads up into the mountains through a dramatic valley that offers stunning views towards the Wadi Araba Desert. In the afternoon you will reach the camp set up by the crew at Furon.

Hiking Distance: 10 miles (Ascent 4,330 feet | Descent 1,280 feet)

Day 4: Hike to Ghbour Whedat

Today you will hike from Furon past Ras Al-Feid to Ghbour Whedat. Witness astonishing views of some of the most remote and wild corners of Jordan. Follow the contours of the Sharah Mountains along Bedouin shepherd paths. The towering peaks of black mountains overlooking the trail and steep drops into the canyons below make this day absolutely unforgettable. You will gradually climb up the hills to reach magnificent views over the desert below. Camp overnight at Ghbour Whedat.

Hiking Distance: 10.6 miles (Ascent 2,460 feet | Descent 3,018 feet)

Day 5: Hike to Little Petra 

After yesterday's remote hike, today you will start to see signs of human habitation, such as Bedouin camps, sheep pens, and small agricultural plots. You'll pass by Nabatean ruins, some of which may include wine and olive presses, aqueducts and other ancient water infrastructure. Finally, you'll reach Little Petra, believed by archaeologists to be a suburb of Petra where traders traveling along the Silk Road would stay. Stay overnight at a Bedouin camp in Little Petra.

Hiking Distance: 8.7 miles (Ascent 2,000 | Descent 1,837 feet)

Day 6: Hike to the Ancient City of Petra

Today you'll enter Petra through the "back door," avoiding most of the crowds. Follow a Nabataean route through Wadi Ghurab out of the valley. The trail skirts around the final mountain on a natural rock terrace, which has been improved for the safety of walkers. Even so, it narrows slightly before coming to a hidden plateau high above the awe-inspiring chasm of Wadi Siyyagh. Just ahead is The Monastery, carved into the cliff face. Follow the Nabataean steps into ancient Petra. Your route then takes you through Wadi Muthlim (weather dependent) to Wadi Musa. Overnight in Petra.

Hiking Distance: 8.5 miles (Ascent 1,627 feet | Descent 1,703 feet)

Day 7: Explore Petra and Wadi Rum Jeep Tour

After breakfast, you'll again head to the Nabatean "Red Rose City" of Petra. Enter through Siq Canyon, a half-mile long, narrow gorge, flanked by 260-foot cliffs. Explore the hundreds of elaborate rock-cut tombs, the treasury, sacrificial altars, Roman-style theaters, temples, and colonnaded streets of this massive UNESCO World Heritage Site. Later you will be transferred to Wadi Rum for a 4x4 Jeep adventure, following in the footsteps of Lawrence of Arabia. Discover rock inscriptions, majestic views of mountains and landscapes, and narrow gorges. Overnight at a Bedouin camp in Wadi Rum.

Day 8: Bathe in the Dead Sea

After breakfast, you will proceed to the Dead Sea, the lowest point on Earth.  With its high salt content, it is virtually impossible to swim in the viscous waters of this sea, which is 1,461 feet below sea level.  After floating, pamper yourself with some Dead Sea mud and soak up some sun before heading back to Amman.

Day 9: Depart Amman 

Unfortunately, all great things must come to end. Make your way to the airport in Amman for your departing flight.