Back Door Trail to Petra

Posted by Kenny Tieberghien 28th March 2023
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Back Door Trail to Petra

One of the seven Wonders of the World, Petra, speaks to the imagination of everyone who has seen pictures, or perhaps even movies (iconic Indiana Jones right?), of the Treasury façade carved out of the rock. For good reason, this sight is on many bucket lists, but you may be surprised to find that the Treasury is only a small part of an ancient city covering a surface of approximately 5 square miles. There are dozens of other incredible constructions such as the Royal Tombs, the Theatre, the Temples and a Monastery to experience, as well.

The lion’s share of the visitors will only enter the ancient city from the main entrance, travel through the beautiful Siq (a narrow canyon) to the Treasury and then visit the remainder of the sites spread across the city. After passing through the city and its Roman paved road, those who are brave enough will take the steps up where they will be rewarded with a façade even bigger than the Treasury itself: the Monastery.

As most visitors follow this route, the sites can get a little congested and Petra’s popularity will become very apparent. There is however an alternative: a (sort of) secret trail called ‘The Back Door Trail to Petra’, which allows you to walk to Petra on an old Bedouin trail, without the crowds.

The trail starts at Little Petra, a site north of the actual site of Petra where you will also find some rock-carved facades and buildings. From there it’s a short 4x4 drive to the trailhead where you will start your hike. After a short uphill section, you will be spoiled with incredible views over a valley surrounded by rugged mountains. The trail continues to go gently up and down over a beautifully maintained mountain path accompanied by stunning views throughout your walk. Though not the easiest, the hike is accessible for people with varying levels of fitness.

Take your time along this Bedouin trail to appreciate the scenery and fear not, locals have put up stalls along the way, so you won’t go thirsty while you’re taking a break. Just over an hour into the hike you will be rewarded with the marvellous sight of the Monastery or Ad Deir in Arabic. Arguably one of the most iconic monuments in the Petra Archaeological Park.

As it takes longer to walk from the main entrance all the way to the end where the Monastery is located, you will have arrived before the crowds and can enjoy the grandeur of this site in peace before continuing onto the rest of the ancient city.

Kenny Tieberghien

Kenny Tieberghien

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