JORDAN TRAIL : DE DANA A PETRA
The Jordan Trail is a hiking trail that runs from north to south in Jordan, from Umm-Qais to Aqaba. The 672 kilometer trail is divided into 9 sections. It follows roads, marked paths, old caravan routes or Bedouin paths used for transhumance. The Jordan Trail is not marked and the presence of a guide is essential, especially for the desert sections. Appropriate equipment and a good physical condition are necessary.
The Jordan Trail, which leads from Dana Nature Reserve to the ancient Nabatean capital of Petra, is regularly included in the Top 10 most beautiful hikes in the world. Its 84.5 km cross splendid canyons, rub shoulders with majestic mountains and end up in the mysterious Petra, well hidden between the pink sandstone cliffs. Nights in bivouac or camp.
Day 1: From Dana to Wadi Malaga. 23,5 km. Medium difficulty. Count 6 to 8 hours of walking. On the way down to the Dana Valley, you will visit the oldest copper mines in the world. The Feynan Ecolodge is the last point where you can get drinking water. Remember to pay for your entrance to the Reserve before starting the day.
Day 2. Wadi Malaga to Ras al-Feid. 13.7 km. Difficult. Allow 5 to 7 hours of walking. You will walk along ancient donkey and camel trails and the old road from Bir al-Saba to Shobak used by pilgrims during the Crusades. The day ends at the edge of Wadi Feid, the last watering place before Little Petra.
Day 3. Ras al-Feid to Little Petra. 22.8 km. Difficult. Count 6 to 8 hours of walking. The progression on a stony and sandy ground is difficult, but you are rewarded with beautiful landscapes and a 360° view from Mount Safaha. Upon arrival in Beidha, you cross the narrow canyon of Little Petra with its Nabatean remains and can also visit the 10,000 year old Neolithic village of Beidha.
Day 4. Little Petra to Petra. 12.6 km. Medium difficulty. Count on 3 to 4 hours of walking. You will have taken care the evening before to go to the Petra Visitors' Center to get a ticket. You enter the ancient Nabatean capital through the Monastery, then descend into Wadi Musa to walk up the Main Trail and the Siq. The day may take longer if you wish to visit the Royal Tombs.