Bike Madaba to Mukawir

1 Days / 0 Nights

From USD $90

Guided Group

Moderate

Biking on scenic back roads with views down to the Jordan Valley and the Dead Sea, you'll ride from the lively town of Madaba to the fortress at Mukawir, where John the Baptist was imprisoned and beheaded. Here you'll have dinner with a Jordanian family in the village.
Group size 6 to 16

RIDING: 56KM / 4 HOURS
MEALS INCLUDED: DINNER

We'll meet in the early afternoon at our bike store close to Madaba, where you'll be welcomed by your guide and pick up your bike and helmet. Followed by our support vehicles, we'll head out on a gentle ride south from Mount Nebo, on a minor road between isolated farms. At the village of Ma'in you'll join the Kings Highway - one of the most ancient trade routes in the world, now a little-used back road - before dropping off the asphalt and riding along a dirt road towards Libb. Here a narrow and hilly road takes us west towards King Herod's palace, where John the Baptist was imprisoned and eventually beheaded. There'll be time to take in the mosaics and the ruins, and the fine views west across the Dead Sea, before returning to the village of Mukawir where you'll be welcomed by a local family for dinner. After dinner you'll transfer back by road to Madaba.

Sorry, there are no departure dates set for this trip.

Including

Meals
We provide you with water along the way, and dinner with the local family. It is essential that you have a light dinner 1 to 2 hours before the trip. We also recommend you bring extra food of good and fast source of energy such as dried fruits and nuts.

Transport
Vehicle back to Madaba

Guides:
Cycling guide, Assistants Support vecile

Other Inclusions
Bikes, helemt
Support vehicle is available in case you got tired.

 

Bike Madaba to Mukawir

Trip Duration: 1 Days / 0 Nights

Group Size : 14

Physical Rating :

Moderate : A reasonable level of fitness is required, as these trips can require sustained endurance levels along steep trails and uneven paths. Canyoning trips may include few abseils (rappels), long hikes and occasional climbs. Biking trips include a series of up and downhills but nothing too strenuous. A support vehicle will be always available so weary travelers will be able to hitch a ride. A typical trekking day would be walking 4 to 5 hours a day including a 2 hour ascending a mountain.

Welcome to Terhaal Adventures. We've designed these journeys to help you explore the very best of Jordan. Don't hesitate to get in touch with us if you have any questions about the trip. We're here to help. Enjoy!


Itinerary Disclaimer

The holiday itinerary set out below offers a good overview of the trip, but should be taken as a general guide only. We're continually improving these tours, and it's possible we will adjust the itinerary to take advantage of new opportunities or to avoid adverse weather or difficulties with transportation. We recommend that you print out a copy of the trip details a couple of days prior to departure, in case there have been any changes that may affect your plans.

The information in this document does not form part of the contract between the client and Terhaal Adventures.


Meeting Point

Madaba at Terhaal operation base, drive west from Madaba towards Mount Nebo, the base is 5.5km from Madaba on the main road on the left side.


Finishing Point
Same as the meeting point above.


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(0)77 751 5919
+962(0)79 879 5680


Detailed Itinerary

Day 1 : BIKE MADABA TO MUKAWIR

RIDING: 56KM / 4 HOURS
MEALS INCLUDED: DINNER

We'll meet in the early afternoon at our bike store close to Madaba, where you'll be welcomed by your guide and pick up your bike and helmet. Followed by our support vehicles, we'll head out on a gentle ride south from Mount Nebo, on a minor road between isolated farms. At the village of Ma'in you'll join the Kings Highway - one of the most ancient trade routes in the world, now a little-used back road - before dropping off the asphalt and riding along a dirt road towards Libb. Here a narrow and hilly road takes us west towards King Herod's palace, where John the Baptist was imprisoned and eventually beheaded. There'll be time to take in the mosaics and the ruins, and the fine views west across the Dead Sea, before returning to the village of Mukawir where you'll be welcomed by a local family for dinner. After dinner you'll transfer back by road to Madaba.

Including

Meals
We provide you with water along the way, and dinner with the local family. It is essential that you have a light dinner 1 to 2 hours before the trip. We also recommend you bring extra food of good and fast source of energy such as dried fruits and nuts.

Transport
Vehicle back to Madaba

Guides:
Cycling guide, Assistants Support vecile

Other Inclusions
Bikes, helemt
Support vehicle is available in case you got tired.

 


What to Take

During the trip your baggage will be carried by bus and by 4WD vehicles. The only baggage weight limit is that imposed by the airline. However, we ask that you restrict your luggage to one main bag plus a small daypack. In general we recommend that you travel as light as possible as this will make transiting between airports and carrying your bag to hotel rooms a lot easier for you. You may find that wheeled luggage is more convenient on a trip of this nature.

Temperatures in Jordan can be hot, with little rain from late spring through until late autumn. The heat can become extreme during the summer months of July and August. In the months of November to March it can be cool at night, particularly in the desert where the temperatures can drop to 5C or even less. Even in the hot months out in the desert it can get cold at night.

Jordan is a predominantly Muslim country and tends to be quite conservative, so you should dress accordingly. As a general guideline, shoulders and knees should be covered at all times.

A light water and windproof jacket is useful and a hat is essential. From mid November to late February, a sleeping bag is essential for your nights in the desert. At other times a sleeping sheet will suffice. Loose, lightweight, long clothing is both respectful and cool in the heat.

Check List

> Travel documents: passport, visa, travel insurance, air tickets etc.
> Health requirements arranged
> Money: travelers cheques/cash/credit card
> Money pouch
> First aid kit
> Backpack to carry your personal needs during the day(the type with a lower-back pad support and waist strap are very much recommended)
> Alarm clock and torch/flashlight (headlights are best)
> Insect repellent
> Ear plugs can be useful
> Tampons can be difficult to buy in rural areas or in the desert
> Lock for your bag
> Bedding - a bed sheet to be used over the mattress provided in the desert- the travel bed sack is even better
> Sleeping bag if you wish - mattresses and blankets are available in the desert
> Small travel towel - for use in the desert
> Your personal hygiene kit
> Toilet paper
> Eye shades
> Hiking shoes
> Foot powder or Vaseline can be useful against blisters.
> Sandals
> 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 flask

> Insect repellent

 


Equipment

For this trip you will need to bring the following equipment: 

> A Helmet
> Eye-protection (shutter-proof sunglasses),
> Cycling gloves
> Camelbak or 2 waterbottles 
> Bike-specific clothing suitable for generally warm weather (Padded cycling shorts with loose 'over-shorts')
> Lightweight waterproof/windproof top
> Shoes suitable for biking
> Comfortable walking shoes for sightseeing and casual use
> Sleeping bag liner for the camping night (mattresses and blankets are provided but if you prefer you can bring a 3/4 season sleeping bag)
> A warm sweater for the nights for tours between November and March.
> If you wish to bring your own saddle, saddle pad, pedals and cycling shoes, we'll be more than happy to replace the pedals for you
> If you wish to bring your own bike, please see the 'Your Bike' section below  


Your Bike

We advise you to use your own bike for this holiday, after all it is the bike you know best and will provide you with the best riding experience. If you bring your own bike you will need to bring spares specific to your mountain bike. A biking helmet must be worn when riding. You should make sure your bike and equipment have been thoroughly cleaned prior to packing. Please note that we cannot guarantee against small scratches and paintwork damage involved in the loading and unloading from support vehicles, so please ensure that you have adequate cover for loss, damage or theft under an insurance policy.

We recommend SEMI SLICK tyres for this trip. Your Bike MUST BE at least a mid level Mountain Bike such as a Specialized Rockhopper or a Trek 6500. Please contact us if you are unsure about the suitability of your current bike. Rear suspension will make the journey more comfortable but is not essential. We cannot stress enough the importance of ensuring that your bike is in perfect working condition before you start this trip. It is VITAL to ensure it is THOROUGHLY SERVICED to guarantee it is in good mechanical order before departure. If you are not mechanically minded, get your local bike mechanic to service it for you. 

Whilst not essential, it is a good idea that you familiarise yourself with how to carry out at least some basic repairs to your bike e.g. fixing a puncture, changing an inner tube. Naturally our bike guides will always be happy to assist with any repairs, but due to the often remote nature of our trips, being able to carry out a simple repair can save time and the inconvenience of waiting for assistance


Our Bikes

We advise you to use your own bike for this holiday, after all it is the bike you know best and will provide you with the best riding experience. Otherwise, you are most welcome to use on of ours. We have a full range of well maintained 2010 Giant Yukon mountain bikes (sizes 15, 17, 19 and 22 inches), with front suspension, V-brakes and Shimano gearing are available. 

 


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.


Terhaal Cycling Guides

Terhaal's biking tours are fully guided by Anas — our full-time cycling guide. 

Born in Jordan in 1986, Mr. Beltawi is a Chechnyan-Jordanian cyclist. He graduated with a degree in Hotel & Tourism Management from Amman Ahliyyeh University in 2010.

He was member of the Jordanian cycling team, won several cycling races in Jordan between 1998 and 2007

Has been leading local cycling trips since 2004 and has been working full-time with Terhaal since January 2011.
Attended the Technical Course for Cycling Coaches provided by the IOC (International Olympic Committee) in 2007, and the Technical Course for Triathlon Coaches provided by the IOC in 2008.

Has professional road cycling skills, excellent MTB skills and excellent bike maintenance skills

He is a passionate outdoorsman and regularly indulges in hiking and camping trips.

 


Safety

Jordan is generally considered a safe country. There is very little petty crime here, especially in rural areas. However, we recommend you take normal precautions to ensure your safety and that of your belongings, as you would for any other destination. Take good care of your passport, wallet, and other valuables. In crowded streets, keep your bag closed and in front of you. There will be free time during this trip - you can always ask your local guides for their advice about where to go and what to avoid. Please make sure you have adequate footwear and clothing for the hiking trips you will be taking.


Hospitality 

Jordanians are famously friendly and welcoming towards guests, especially in rural areas. It is quite normal for Jordanians to invite foreigners in to drink tea or have a meal in the family home. Meeting the local people in spontaneous encounters of this sort is one of the great pleasures of travelling in Jordan.


Ramadan

During the month of Ramadan, Muslims refrain from eating or drinking during daylight hours. Business hours are shortened, including opening hours at all 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 time to travel to Jordan as you'll be able to participate in the feasting and holiday atmosphere that follows the breaking of the fast as sunset each day. You'll also get to taste special sweets that are only baked for Ramadan. You do not have to fast, and no-one will expect you to; however, you should try to eat and drink discreetly, if possible, rather than in crowded public places.


Visas

Most nationalities are able to obtain a single-entry visa at the airport, at the land borders, or at the port in Aqaba, valid for 14 days and costing JOD 40. However, you should consult the Jordanian embassy in your home country to make sure you are not subject to any special visa requirements.


Departure tax

You will be required to pay a JOD 5 Departure Tax upon leaving Jordan (does not generally apply when exiting through airports, but travellers on some budget airlines may be required to pay it).


Money Exchange

The Jordanian Dinar is fixed at a rate of JOD 0.709 against USD 1.


Spending Money

It is difficult to say how much spending money you should bring as each person is different! However, you'll need some cash for any meals not included in the itinerary, plus snacks, drinks, gifts etc.


Emergency Funds

It is a good idea to have access to extra funds in case of any emergency (urgent healthcare / travel costs etc.). This is highly unlikely, of course, but best to be 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 trip leader. If your insurance is provided through your credit card, your tour leader will require proof of purchase of the trip (a receipt or credit card statement) with the 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(0)77 751 5919
+962(0)79 879 5680

+962(0)79 778 4433
+962(0)79 5536351

Alternatively you can email [email protected]


Your Fellow Travelers

Group trips entail all the pleasures and occassionally 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 group's needs and preferences. Patience and flexibility really help to create a relaxed and happy atmosphere. Please remember that you have responsibilities to the group. If you are requested to be at a place at a certain time, please don't keep the rest of the group waiting. We have found time and again that the best trips are those where the dynamics within the group work well - this takes just a little effort on your part. Many thanks in advance!


Responsible Travel

We believe in low impact or ‘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, while maximising the positive aspects of the encounter. Jordan is a small country with few natural resources. Water scarcity is a big issue in the region, so please go easy on the water. Terhaal designs these tours in a way that maximizes benefits for local communities. Whenever possible we hire local staff in the areas where we operate, and our guests stay in locally owned hotels. We also include some volunteering activities where appropriate, such helping farmers to harvest their olives. Terhaal also contributes towards efforts that strengthen environmental advocacy and the environmental education of Jordan's 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. It is also unsafe to drink alcohol while out hiking / cycling, so please wait until you're back at the hotel to enjoy a drink.

 


Feedback

After your trip we hope you will send us your photos and any stories or feedback you may have. Your feedback not only helps us to improve the trips, but also helps other travelers to decide on the right tour for them. 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/feedback-form 


Our blog

Our blog - ‘Treks & Trails of Jordan' - is a collection of stories posted by a variety of people that reflect the natural, environmental and cultural aspects of Jordan. It is also a great way to give feedback and to 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 this email: team[at]terhaal.com
You can find the blog here -
blog.terhaal.com


Single Travelers

Our trips are designed with shared accommodation in mind whereby single travelers are paired with individuals of the same sex in twin shared accommodation. Forced singles are free of charge.
Single accommodation is available on request pending availability.