Petra’s hidden treasures unfold on an epic hiking journey through time
Petra’s ancient ruins are best explored on foot, with trails revealing the city’s wonders in a dramatic sequence. Hikers start in quiet solitude, pass through forgotten ruins, and finally reach the iconic Treasury as a breathtaking climax. Beyond the famous landmarks, the journey also leads to hidden treasures like the Monastery, a towering masterpiece carved from rose-red sandstone.
The adventure begins along Petra’s back route, a ten-kilometre trek through a canyon as vast and striking as Arizona’s Grand Canyon. Jagged mountains rise sharply to one side, while steep drops and desert landscapes stretch into the distance, creating an otherworldly setting. The trail’s rugged beauty rivals Namibia’s Fish River Canyon, offering hikers a sense of isolation and awe.
After an hour of uphill and downhill trekking, the Monastery (Ad Deir) comes into view. Its Hellenistic and Roman-style façade, nearly as grand as the Treasury, tells the story of the Nabataeans who thrived here in the first century AD. Measuring 50 metres wide and 45 metres tall, the Monastery is larger than the Treasury but attracts far fewer crowds. From the Monastery, a descent of 950 steps leads to Petra’s outer edges, covering 264 square kilometres of ancient ruins. Here, hikers can explore lesser-known sites like the Palace of the Pharaoh’s Daughter and the royal tombs. The journey isn’t just about history—it’s also a chance to connect with Jordan’s nomadic culture, whether cooking with locals or staying in eco-lodges like the Feynan Eco Lodge. Hiking in Petra is more than a physical challenge. It fosters camaraderie among travellers and brings them closer to nature, turning each step into a shared experience.
The trek through Petra rewards visitors with a deeper understanding of the ancient city and its landscapes. From the Monastery’s towering façade to the hidden ruins beyond, the journey offers a mix of history, adventure, and cultural immersion. For those willing to explore on foot, the experience is as unforgettable as the landmarks themselves.
