petra & beida

Detailed Itinerary

Petra & Beida: hiking & Bedouin camp

Day 1
You will meet your guide at the Ammarin Bedouin camp at Beida then start your trail towards Farsh, Karun, Siq Al Bared (the cold gorge) and little Petra. On the way you will stop for lunch. (Lunch box will be provided at the camp at arrival). This trail starts with a little scrambling up the nearby mountains. It later flattens, where you will enjoy viewing the surrounding rock formations. Surprisingly, the area is somewhat rich in vegetation for the most part. Your hike west will lead you to the edge of the mountain where you will rest and enjoy a spectacular views of Wadi Araba.
You will later head back to little Petra gradually descending hiking and scrambling and going through unexpected little gorges. The trail ends back at the camp.
This trail will take 4-5 hours.
You arrive at the camp late afternoon allowing you time to get acquainted with the camp and the beautiful surroundings.
The camp is built in a quite secluded area (10km north of Petra) surrounded by sand and rocky little mountains. The camp is built of Bedouin goat hair tents and has all necessary facilities. It is run by the Ammarin local Bedouins natives of Petra. Dinner will be served at the camp consisting of home cooked local food prepared by the local community.
Overnight at the Ammarin Bedouin Camp. (L D)

Day 2
After breakfast you will start hiking the back trail to Petra passing by the Monastery and taking a stone carved stairway down into the heart of Petra. (the back trail will take you across a mountain ridge that provides spectacular views of Wadi Araba). After visiting Qaser Al Bent you will have a lunch break. (There are two restaurants that offer a decent buffet for JD14 US$19).
 
After lunch you will continue to the Theater and the Treasury. On the way back to the camp you will visit the Court then go through a long narrow gorge called the Dark Siq (Siq Al Mudlem). This is a narrow and windy gorge. In some parts it is so narrow that you can walk on the sides of the gorge.
This trail will take 8-9 hours.
You will have dinner at the camp and another splendid night at the Ammarin Bedouin Camp.You will have dinner at the camp and another splendid night at the Ammarin Bedouin Camp.You will have dinner at the camp and another splendid night at the Ammarin Bedouin Camp.You will have dinner at the camp and another splendid night at the Ammarin Bedouin Camp.
(B D)

Day 3
After breakfast you can have a free morning.
Adventure ends
(B)


Transport
Transportation is not included in this adventure.
If you require assistance with transportation please contact us at team@terhaal.com  

Physical Rating
This is a moderate trip. It can require sustained endurance level along steep trails and uneven paths. The fitter you are, the more you will enjoy your adventure.

Your guide
All our guides are talented, caring & fun. They are well-experienced with guiding, and have a great knowledge of Jordan and its deserts. They all speak Arabic and English.

Departure time and Meeting Point
Meeting location is Ammarin Bedouin Camp at Beida (Little Petra)
Meeting time is 10am. It is a three hour drive from Amman.

Meeting Point Instructions
We will gather at the in Ammarin Bedouin in Beida (little Petra) camp at 10am at we will get organized and start our hike at 10:30 sharp. Being there on time is essential, especially if you don't want to be left behind!

Directions & Map:
There are 2 ways to get to Beida:

1. Take the desert highway towards Petra / Aqaba.
   Turn right at Alhssayniyeh exit or Al Hashimiyeh / Eneiza.
   Go through Shobak Towards Petra
   Past Shobak take a right – Al Heisheh exit
   At beida look for Ammarin Bedouin Camp signs.

2. Take the desert highway towards Petra / Aqaba.
   Take Petra exit
   At Petra past the Moevenpick Hotel take a right.
   At beida look for Ammarin Bedouin Camp signs.
   
   

For assistance, please call our office at +962(0)53251005, +962(0)777784433, +962(0)777717909, or +962(0)795536351.

Finishing Point
After breakfast at Ammarin Bedouin Camp in Beida.

Group size
We welcome a maximum of 16 travelers per group.

Accommodation
Bedouin camp (goat hair tent) (2nts).

Meals
Since you will stay inside the desert the whole time, this trip is almost fully catered and your Bedouin host will take care of preparing most of your meals.

Meals Inclusions
2 Breakfasts, 1 Lunches, 2 Dinners according to the itinerary above (B: Breakfast, L: Lunch, D: Dinner).

Activities Included
This is a list of included activities on this trip. All other activities are optional and at your own expense. If you choose not to participate in the included activities on this itinerary, the cost will not be refunded.

• Siq al Bared, Al-Farsh and Karun Mountain Guided Hike
• Back trail to the Monastery, visit Qaser Al Bint, Theater, Treasury and Dark Siq Guided Hike. 
• Camping - two nights

Exclusions
Transportation
Petra one day pass (Day 2)

Checklist
> Backpack to carry your personal needs during the day
> Alarm clock and torch/flashlight (headlights are best)
> Insect repellent
> Tampons can be difficult to buy in rural areas or in the desert
> Small travel towel - for use in the desert
> Eye shades
> Good hiking shoes are the most important.
> Sandals are a No No for hiking trails.
> Torch, with extra batteries.
> Light clothes; long sleeves and light colors are advisable in summer time
> A hat or head dress that also covers the neck
> Warm clothes for cooler nights
> Sun protection lotion
> Dates, fruits, or candy bars (to provide instant calories during outdoor activities)
> Water flasks
>For Photographers, U.V. filter, Bag to protect camera from dust and heat AND Nylon bag to protect films from dust

For international tourist the below are important details
1. Jordan is a country which may be very different to anything you will have experienced before. Heat, poverty and the crowds can result in an initial culture shock but should be seen as an exciting new challenge. After many good experiences we have come to love this wonderfully unique country but we know that we should always expect to encounter some difficulties along the way. In Jordan there are very different attitudes to time keeping, public cleanliness, privacy and service. Buses will sometimes be late, plumbing can sometimes be temperamental and menus can turn out to have only one dish available. If you are able to travel with a lot of patience and a huge sense of humor, then we know that you - like all of us - will be captivated by Jordan.

2. The important month long Ramadan festival will be in progress from September 1st to September 30th 2008. This is a festival of sacrifice where the devout refrain from eating or drinking during daylight hours. During Ramadan business hours are shortened, including opening hours at all popular tourist attractions. Alcohol is not permitted during daylight hours [except in 5 Star Hotels] and many restaurants will be closed. While you definitely need to expect some delays and inconveniences during this period, the month of Ramadan is a fantastic month to travel in Muslim countries as it offers a chance to witness the nightly celebrations when the sun sets and the fast is broken.

3. Local Culture
Jordanians are typically very friendly and welcoming of foreign guests, especially in rural areas and villages, and it is not unknown for a Jordanian to invite a foreigner he has just met into his home.

4. Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is compulsory for all our trips. We require that, at a minimum, you are covered for medical expenses including emergency repatriation. We strongly recommend that the policy also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage and personal effects. When travelling on a group trip, you will not be permitted to join the group until evidence of travel insurance and the insurance company's 24 hour emergency contact number has been seen by your leader. If you have credit card insurance your tour leader will require proof of purchase of the trip (a receipt of credit card statement) with a credit card in your name. Contact your bank for details of their participating insurer, the level of coverage and emergency contact telephone number.

5. Visas
Please make sure to consult your nearest Jordanian embassy for any visa requirement that you may be subject to.

Most nationalities are able to obtain a single-entry visa at the airport, land borders, or port in Aqaba, valid for 14 days and costing JOD10.

7. Health
It is recommended that all travelers be in good physical health prior to embarking on a Terhaal adventure as all our packages are adventure holidays (with different levels). We also advise all our guests to consult their doctor beforehand. Group leaders reserve the right to exclude any guest from a trip whom they believe may be an unjustifiable risk to themselves or to the rest of the group without refund.

8. Safety
Jordan is generally considered to be a very safe country however we recommend that you bear the following in mind when visiting:

Be sensible how you store or carry around your passport, wallet and any valuables.
During some parts of the trip you will be given some free time to wander around on your own, relax or explore at your own leisure; at these times we recommend that you use your good judgment as to what activity(s) you choose to do. Our Group Leader will be ready at all times to help you decide how you spend your time.
Please make sure you have adequate footwear and clothing for the hiking trips you will be taking. Helmets will be provided during the trips.

9. What To Take
You will be on the move a good deal, so pack as lightly as possible (try to stay under 10 kg /22lb). It is in your own interest as you are expected to carry your own luggage, though distances are never great. Most travelers carry their luggage in a back pack, although an overnight bag with a shoulder strap would suffice. Suitcases are definitely not recommended for our trips! It is also important that your bags can be locked, as on some buses it may be necessary to store your luggage separately from the group. The smaller your bag is the better, for when it comes to travelling its usually only the smaller bags that will fit into the storage areas. If your bag does not fit in these areas then often the only place to put it is on your seat. So to get maximum comfort, pack small and light! You will also need a day pack/bag to carry water and a camera etc for day walks and day trips.

10. Weather
Temperatures in Jordan can be hot and with little rain. This can become extreme towards and during the summer months of May to August. In the months of November to March it can be very cool at night particularly in the desert where night temperatures can drop to 5C or less. Even in the hot months out in the desert it can get cold at night.

Emergency Contact
In case of an emergency Terhaal's office in Madaba can be reached on Tel +962 (0)5 3251005. Our tour leaders may be reached on their mobile phones: +962(0)795536351, +962(0)777784433, +962(0)799614937 or +962(0)777717909 (unless they are in a remote area with no signal coverage). Alternatively you may email emergency@terhaal.com.

Your Fellow Travellers
As you travel on a group trip you will be exposed to all the pleasures and maybe some of the frustrations of travelling in a group. Your fellow travellers will probably come from all corners of the world and likely a range of age groups too. We ask you to be understanding of the various needs and preferences of your group - patience with your fellow travellers is sometimes required for the benefit of everyone's travel experience. Remember too that you have responsibilities to the group. If you are requested to be at a place at a certain time, ensure that you don't keep the rest of the group waiting. We have found time and time again that the very best trips we operate are those where the dynamics within the group work well - this takes just a little effort on your part.

Responsible Travel
We believe strongly in low impact or rather positive impact tourism. Broadly speaking this means that we try to minimise the negative aspects of tourism on the local cultures and environments that we visit and highlight the positive aspects. Jordan is a small country with little natural resources. Water scarcity is a big issue in the region so make sure you adapt a conservative attitude towards water consumption. Along the trip your tour leader will highlight such issues.

Terhaal plans its operations in a way that maximises benefits for local communities; whenever we can, we hire staff locally in the areas where we operate, our guests stay in locally owned hotels and we attempt to organise our holidays around volunteering activities such helping farmers to harvest their apples, olives etc, and the like. Terhaal also contributes towards efforts that strengthen environmental advocacy and environmental education for children.

A Couple of Rules
Illegal drugs will not be tolerated on our trips. Possessing or using drugs not only contravenes the laws of the land but also puts the rest of the group at risk. Our philosophy of travel is one of respect towards everyone we encounter, and in particular the local people who make your destinations such special places. Our group leader has the right to expel any member of the group if drugs are found in their possession.

Participation form
All Terhaal travellers are required to sign a Participation Form on day 1 of the trip. Please note that signing the form is a prerequisite of travelling with Terhaal. To read the full document, please follow this link http://www.terhaal.com/OurAdventures/ParticipationForm.htm.

Feedback
After your trip we hope you will send us your photos and any stories or feedback you may have. We value your opinions and will use them to continue improving and updating the trips that we offer.

Our Blog, Treks & Trails of Jordan (www.terhaal.com/blog), is a collection of stories posted by a variety of people that reflect the natural, environmental and cultural aspects of Jordan vis-à-vis first hand experiences.
It is a great tool to communicate and share your Jordan experience with others and you can have your photos and/or stories published by emailing them to blog@terhaal.com.

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The information in these trip dossiers has been compiled with care and is provided in good faith. However it is subject to change, and does not form part of the contract between the client and Terhaal.