Jordan Trekking Holiday - Wadi Rum and Petra

Trip Duration: 8 Days / 7 Nights

Group Size : 16

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.

Quick Facts

Trekking duration: 6 days trekking (some scrambling invloved on day 3)
Max altitude: 1832 m
Group size: 6 -16
Accommodation: 2 nights hotels, 5 nights camping
Meal plan: all breakfasts, 6 lunches and 6 dinners
Physical rating: moderate

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 : ARRIVE IN MADABA

Rendezvous at the group hotel in Madaba. Two group transfers will be arranged from Amman Airport to the hotel in Madaba. These transfers will meet the arrival of the Royal Jordanian and British Airways flights from the UK and will normally depart from the airport at around 2300 hours on Day 1 of the trip itinerary and 0100 hours of Day 2 of the trip itinerary. Our representative will accompany the group on the 30 minute journey to the hotel. As most people will have taken their evening meal during the flight, dinner is not provided on this day.

Day 2 : To Wadi Rum and first day's trek

on he gave. It is a delightful spot, perhaps 150 metres above the village, with a great view out over the valley. We will spend a little time in this peaceful place, before continuing our walk on a wide and rocky ledge across the face of Jebel Rum. The great expanse of desert on our left side is called Ghor al Ajram and was the place where all the tents were set up for Abu Tayi's 'party' in the film Lawrence of Arabia. As an introduction to Wadi Rum, this short walk cannot be bettered. After 2 hours or so, this route takes us down to the desert sand at Abu Aina. Spring water has been channelled into troughs here and the camels that roam around the desert during the day come to drink here before returning to the village or to the desert for the night. Here, we meet our transport for the half-hour drive to our camping place at the mouth of Wadi Um Ishrin. At the entrance of this valley a large dune has built up and our camp is hidden behind this. Tea and biscuits will be served and there will be chance to do some exploring before dinner. This is also a good opportunity to select the place where you would like to sleep, under the stars or in your tent as you prefer. You can find plenty of private spots if you wish, or you can remain near to the campfire. As it gets dark, around the campfire you will meet the team of helpers, learn their names and exchange banter with them. An important part of this trekking holiday is to get to know something about the extraordinary people who are the Bedouin of Wadi Rum. (B,L,D)

 

Day 3 : Visit the Burdah Bridge

on which shows a camel caravan. This morning's objective is the Burdah Bridge, a well-known landmark which is reached by way of relatively easy scrambling across open rock slabs. Our guide will show us the best route through a maze of blind alleys and dead ends. There are some steeper sections and you will need to use your hands at times. A jumble of rocks leads to a small plateau, through a valley and then over a steep slab. From here, we turn a corner into a hidden gulley that provides us with a wonderful view of the bridge above. Obligatory photo stop. We then climb a short, steeper wall and here the guide will use a climbing rope to safeguard our passage. Above, we will cross the dramatic Burdah Bridge - another fantastic photo opportunity. There are magnificent views from here, extending over the whole area of Wadi Rum. We have the option of descending by an alternative route, again crossing wonderful open slabs and culminating in a steep groove which is best descended on your backside, with the climbing rope at hand for reassurance. Back on the desert floor after a 3-hour round-trip, we meet our vehicles and have lunch in the shade. Fruit juice and tea/coffee will be waiting for us. Lunch is usually a lighter meal than supper, very often heavier on vegetables than meat. After a siesta, we set out to walk for a couple of hours through desert canyons to our next overnight camp. This takes us past some impressively eroded cliffs and by way of a second rock arch that forms a part of Jebel Um Frith. At camp, jugs of water will be available for those who want to find a quiet corner and wash off the desert dust. (B,L,D)

 

Day 4 : Climb Jebel Khasch

The day starts with a half-hour transfer southwards to Jebel Khasch. Here, we start out hiking through an interesting rocky valley with some sparse vegetation, before negotiating easy rocky slabs as our route twists and turns to the plateau area beneath the highest rocky piles of this massif. We will choose a prominent summit as our high point (1700m / 5575ft) and enjoy views which extend on all sides across the desert landscape. Descending towards the west through another rocky valley, we will effectively made a traverse of Jebel Khasch which takes around 4 hours. There are some great rock colours, blues and purples, as we finally reach a sandy wadi and meet up with our vehicles for lunch. After lunch, we descend an impressive wadi, where we may see Sinai or roseate finches (the national bird of Jordan). This walk also takes us through an ancient Bedouin cemetery and into an area of red rocks and red sand. There is a choice of camping places in this area which each afford good sunset views. (B,L,D)a

Day 5 : Ascend Jebel Um Adaami

There are even better views today, as we set off to tackle Jebel Um Adaami, the highest mountain in Jordan, which lies on the border with Saudi Arabia. This is quite a difficult drive for our 4-wheel-drive transport, but an enjoyable one for the passengers. Especially memorable is the wide and lonely Wadi Saabit, close to the mountain. Notice the deep stream bed in the centre of this valley - it shows just how much water used to fall in the Wadi Rum area. Arriving at the start of the day's walk, we can see a Nabatean dam on the left as we head up into a sandy valley. Still in use by the Bedouin, a long line of stones (now set in cement) directs as much water as possible into the shaded reservoir under the cliff. At the end of the valley we climb up a gulley onto the mountain and this is the only difficulty in the ascent. The rest of the path is a stoney one, leading to the cairn marking the summit. Here, we are right on the border and can see far into the Saudi mountains. Make sure you have plenty of film with you! The Bedouin guide might even brew a cup of herb tea on the summit, using materials gathered on the ascent. After this 3-hour round-trip, we will drive back to our camping place of the previous evening for lunch. The afternoon's programme is a 2-hour walk across the desert, through an area where we are likely to see Bedouin camps and grazing goats and camels. On this evening, we may choose to spend the night in a Bedouin tent, close to Um Sabata. Anybody who wishes can sleep outside on the soft sand, otherwise we spread our mattresses inside the tent which is twenty or thirty metres long. One option tonight is to have a traditional Bedouin dish of chicken or lamb, cooked in an underground oven. These ovens are often improvised in the desert, dug out and lined with a metal drum, before a fire is lit inside and the oven heated for a couple of hours. The meat and vegetables are placed on the embers and sand heaped high over the oven. A couple more hours and the dish is ready. The cooks will start this dish before we arrive, but you can see the finished product being brought out. (B,L,D)

Day 6 : Petra through the backdoor

After breakfast this morning we leave Wadi Rum and head to Beidha. The walk from here to Petra will take between 2 and 3 hours, with the initial walk across open farmland. The route then follows a well-defined mountain track with fantastic views across to the Araba Desert, some 100 km / 60 miles away. The views are impressive and with the exception of one short (2 metre) section a head for heights is not necessary. The walk into Petra is magnificent and the initial glimpse of the top of the Monastery, as it comes into view through the mountains, has a similar effect of the first glimpse of the Treasury from the Siq. We will then trek down from the Monastery and exit Petra by the secondary Siq before re-entering the site through the main Siq so you get to see the most famous view of Petra as though you are entering for the first time. After exploring several of the main sites of this huge city we follow a track past the Roman Theatre area and Pharaoh's Column, then descend into Wadi Ras Suleiman and on towards the Snake Monument, before curving back above it to a plateau near the Djinn Block where we'll find our camp already set up for us. It's a truly unique experience to spend a night camping within Petra. (B/L/D)

Day 7 : Climb Jebel Haroun

ons. We retrace our step down Petra and have another chance to do some exploration, before we walk out through the Siq and check into our hotel in Wadi Musa. (B/L/D)

 

Day 8 : DEPART FROM AMM AIRPORT

After an early breakfast we transfer by private vehicle (3hrs) to Amman International Airport. Our services end on arrival at the airport. However if you would like to extend your visit in Jordan to visit the Red Sea, the Dead Sea or Jerash, please contact our team of adventure travel consultants (B).

We wish you a safe homeward journey and hope to see you again in Jordan soon.

What's included

An experienced local Jordanian tour guide
Bedouin trekking guide
Timed Amman Airport transfers at the beginning and end of the trip
All accommodation as described in the trip details
Meals as detailed in the Meal Plan
Guided sightseeing tour of Petra including entrance fees
A full service on trek including food and all equipment (excluding personal equipment)

 

What's not included

Travel insurance
Visas
Tips for local staff including the local guide and drivers
Miscellaneous expenses - drinks and souvenirs etc.

Meal Plan

All meals from breakfast on day 2 to breakfast on day 8 are included in the holiday price. Dinner on the first evening in Madaba is not included. Most clients will arrive late in the evening having taken a meal on the plane. For those arriving earlier the hotel has a restaurant or there is a wide range of dining options nearby (allow $17 - $25 for a dinner).

 

Accommodation

During this holiday, the group will spend 1 night in Madaba at a tourist-class hotel and 1 nights in a similar standard of hotel in Wadi Musa (Petra). There are 4 nights camping at Wadi Rum and 1 night above Petra. All accommodation is allocated on a twin sharing basis. If you are travelling by yourself you will be paired up with another single client of the same sex. For hotel prices and single supplement costs please refer to the 'dates and prices' tab. When camping in the desert, we provide simple 2-man tents, but it is quite usual for group members to find a secluded spot in the dunes (or by the campfire if preferred) and to sleep out under the stars.

Equipment

The following is a basic checklist to help you with your packing. We recommend using the layering principle of clothing for varying climatic conditions. As a general rule, you should always try to keep the weight of your equipment to a minimum.

You must bring the following items:

2/3 season sleeping bag *
Hiking boots/Approach shoes
Water bottles - 1 litre/1 quart x 2 (2 litres total)
Training shoes or sandals for sightseeing and camp use
Socks
Trekking trousers / pants
Lightweight waterproof overtrousers / rainpants
Underwear
Travel pants
At least 1 long sleeve shirt with collar (for sun protection)
T-shirts
Warm jacket (eg. Fleece)*
Lightweight windproof / waterproof jacket
Sunhat
Warm hat (for chilly evenings in the desert)
Sunglasses
Daypack of approx. 30 litres / 1800 cubic inches capacity
Headtorch / headlamp with spare bulb and batteries
Sun protection (including total bloc for lips, nose etc.)
Lighter/matches - for burning toilet paper
Washbag and toiletries
Insect repellant
Antibacterial handwash (note that washing water can be limited in the desert)
Basic First Aid Kit including: A broad spectrum antibiotic, antiseptic cream, throat lozenges, diarrhoea treatment (Imodium), painkillers, plasters and blister treatment, Insect repellent, and re-hydration salts (Dioralite).

The following items are optional

Shorts**
Small towel
Sleeping bag liner
Thermarest (a foam mattress is provided)
Trekking poles
Pocket-knife (note: always pack sharp objects in hold baggage)
Repair kit - (eg. needle, thread, duct tape)
Small padlock (to lock your KE trek bag)
Camera, film / memory cards, batteries
Swimming shorts/costume (if extending at the Red or Dead Sea)
Spare laces

Notes

*For the November - February trips when night-time temperatures can fall below freezing in the desert, we recommend a 4 season sleeping bag, a warmer jacket such as a down-filled jacket, and thermal baselayers.
**As Jordan is an Islamic country, modest dress is preferable in the towns and cities. Shoulders should be kept covered, and full-length trousers/skirts are recommended. Knee-length shorts are OK once on trek.

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

 

Is this holiday for you?

This is not a long or sustained trekking holiday. It is a series of day-hikes in an unusual mountain area. We will walk for around 4 to 5 hours on each of the 4 days that we spend at Wadi Rum. This will involve walking on desert trails and soft sand, as well as scrambling on the jebels themselves. When climbing on the jebels we will usually be following routes which have been used for generations by Bedouin hunters and shepherds. The Bedouin guide will carry a climbing rope, which may be used on exposed sections to reassure group members who are not confident scramblers. The altitudes attained during this holiday will not cause problems. At the time of year that we will be visiting Jordan (winter) it will not be extremely hot during the day. However, we will encounter day-time temperatures as high as 30 degrees centigrade and sun protection and adequate hydration are important considerations.

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.