Begin at the Monastery and finish at the Treasury on a private, full-day Petra route that approaches the site from the back trail. This reverse itinerary delivers quieter viewpoints, deep sandstone colors, and a guided walk through Little Petra to the Siq.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
You step out of the vehicle before sunrise and the stone around Petra already wears the day's light like a challenge: sheer faces catch the color of the desert and a narrow trail climbs toward the Monastery. Walking from Little Petra (Beida) up Siq Al‑Barid, the trail reveals carved facades, cave houses and terraces that look decades old and millennia older all at once.
Difficulty
moderate
Duration
12–13 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for travelers in regular physical condition who can handle multiple hours of walking, stair sections and short steep climbs.
Wildlife
History
Petra was the Nabatean capital from roughly the 4th century BCE and flourished as a trade hub; its water-management systems are an ancient engineering feat.
Conservation
Petra’s sandstone facades are vulnerable to erosion and visitor impact; stay on marked paths, avoid touching monuments, and support local guides and conservation fees.
Reserve your spot on the Private Back Trail Tour of Petra starting from the Monastery today and enjoy a trusted, highly rated experience designed to help you make the most of your adventure.
Start early
Leave Amman at first light to avoid midday heat and to enjoy the Monastery with fewer crowds.
Hydration is non-negotiable
Bring at least 2 liters of water and refill when possible — vendors and taps are limited on back trails.
Footwear matters
Use sturdy, grippy hiking shoes; many surfaces are uneven sandstone and ancient steps can be worn and steep.
Respect fragile façades
Avoid touching or leaning on carved surfaces—sandstone is soft and erodes quickly from oils and pressure.
Sturdy hiking shoes
Provide traction on sandstone steps and uneven trails leading to the Monastery and Treasury.
2–3L hydration pack or bottles
Keeps you hydrated during long, dry sections between vendors and facilities.
summer
Sunhat and sunscreen
Protects skin and reduces heat exposure on exposed ridge sections and plateaus.
summer
Light windbreaker or layer
Useful for cooler mornings or windy ridge-top exposure, especially outside summer.
spring