Welcome to Terhaal adventures... we hope that you enjoy exploring Jordan's hidden treasures as much as we do.
Itinerary Disclaimer
The itinerary attached is correct at the time of printing. However please note that occasionally our itineraries are updated during the year to incorporate improvements stemming from past travelers' comments and our own research. It is VERY IMPORTANT that you print and review a final copy of your Trip Details a couple of days prior to your trip, in case there have been changes that affect your plans.
Meeting Point
Meeting location is entrance of (Little Petra)
Meeting time is 8:00am sharp. it is a 10 min drive fromPetra and a three hour drive from Amman. Hike starts at 8:30 sharp. Being there on time is essential, especially if you don't want to be left behind!
Finishing Point
At Petra Visitor Center in Wadi Musa around 5pm.
Arrival Complications
We don't expect any problems (and nor should you!) but if for any reason you are unable to begin your trip as scheduled, please contact us immediately at one of the following numbers:
+962 6 581 3061
+962 77 7784433
+962 77 777 9488
+962 79 553 6351
Detailed Itinerary
Petra Back Trail: Hike through Beida and Petra
Arrive to Little Petra at 8:00 am sharp. You will meet your guide and 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, the Treasury and 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 and ends at Petra Visitor Center at Wadi Musa declaring the end of our adventure.
In case you needed to go back to Little Petra, you can take a taxi for 7 JD's.
Inclusions
Transport
Transportation is not included in this adventure.
If you require assistance with transportation please contact us at team@terhaal.com
Meals
None
There are two restaurants that offer a decent buffet for JD14 US$19.
Activities
Back trail to the Monastery, visit Qaser Al Bint, Theater, Treasury and Dark Siq Guided Hike.
Guides
Local Bedouin trail guide
All our guides / tour leaders are Jordanian locals who have extensive knowledge of the local communities and terrain of the areas you will be visiting. We also make sure that they are properly trained in any specialized activities they may administer i.e. hiking, cycling etc. Your guide will also be in a position to provide information on the places you visit, recommend things to do and where to eat. At certain activities that require specialized expertise such as canyoneering or cycling, you will be joined by our canyoneering or cycling team.
Exclusions:
Transportation
Petra one day pass
Travel insurance
Personal expenses
Tips
Checklist
> Comfortable lightweight walking boots suitable for rough terrain and easy scrambling
> Lightweight waterproof Jacket
> Lightweight, loose-fitting clothing appropriate to warm conditions
> Fleece jacket or similar
> A daypack of around 20 - 30 liters
> Torch and batteries
> Water bottles
> Sunhat or head dress that also covers the neck
> Sunglasses
> 2/3 season sleeping bag. Sleeping mattresses are provided
> Travel documents: passport, visa, travel insurance, air tickets etc.
> Health requirements arranged
> First aid kit
> Insect repellent
> Tampons can be difficult to buy in rural areas or in the desert
> Lock for your bag
> Small quick drying travel towel
> Your personal hygiene kit
> Toilet paper
> Foot powder or Vaseline can be useful against blisters.
> Sandals come handy at camp after trekking
> Sun protection lotion
> Water flask
Laundry
Your tour leader can point out the best places to do your laundry along the trip, but typically you can expect it to be done by the next day.
Health
It is recommended that all travelers be in good physical health prior to embarking on a Terhaal trip as all our trips are active/adventurous. 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 of an unjustifiable risk to themselves or to the rest of the group without refund.
Physical Preparation
This is an active holiday. It involves cycling and hiking in hilly country. That will require a decent level of fitness to be enjoyable. We recommend you objectively assess your fitness level in conjunction with reading the itinerary to ensure this trip is right for you.
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 / guide 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 when required.
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.
During the month of Ramadan Moslems refrain from eating or drinking during daylight hours. 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 to Jordan as it offers a chance to witness an enticing culture experience before and after the fast is broken.
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.
Departure tax
You will be required to pay a JOD5 Departure Tax upon leaving Jordan (does not apply when exiting by through airports).
Money Exchange
The Jordanian Dinar is fixed at a rate of JOD 0.709 against USD 1.
Spending Money
Each traveler has his or her own spending habits and we recommend that you consider yours when allowing for all the daily expenses you will be incurring i.e. drinking, eating, shopping etc.
Emergency Funds
Please also make sure you have access to an additional USD400, to be used when unforeseen incidents or circumstances outside our control (eg. a natural disaster) necessitate a change to our planned route. This is a rare occurrence but it is well worth being prepared!
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.
Emergency Contact
In case of an emergency Terhaal's Amman Office can be reached on
+962 6 581 3061
+962 77 7784433
+962 77 777 9488
+962 79 553 6351
Alternatively you can email emergency@terhaal.com
Your Fellow travelers
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 travelers 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 travelers 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 minimize 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 maximizes 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 organize 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.
Consuming alcohol or being under its influence during our hiking activities will not be tolerated.
Participation form
All Terhaal travelers 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/travel-jordan/adventure/participation-form.
Feedback
After your trip we hope you will send us your photos and any stories or feedback you may have. We would appreciate it if you could take a couple of minutes to complete our feedback form, just follow this link: http://www.terhaal.com/travel-jordan/feedback-form. Your feedback will not only help us improve, but will also help other travelers make their decisions after reading your feedback/ testimonial.
Our blog
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 also a great tool for documenting your feedback to communicate and share your Jordan experience with others. All you need to do is write one or two paragraphs about your trip with Terhaal, attach some photos if available and send it to us at blog@terhaal.com to have it published on our blog under your name.
Terhaal Adventures Newsletter
This is how we keep you updated by our news, reviews and special deals of adventure trips in Jordan. You can subscribe at any page of our website from the left sidebar.
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The information in this document 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. |
