With the increasing popularity of hiking holidays, it’s hardly surprising that walkers of all ages and abilities are seeking new and exciting places to explore on foot. The recently launched Jordan Trail is able to provide exactly that with 650 km of epic hiking from the north to the south of Jordan.
The Jordan Trail: the ESSENTIAL way to experience the culture & diversity of Jordan
OK, so you don’t have to hike the entire 650 km of the Jordan Trail, we perhaps should make that perfectly clear (see below for details on joining different legs of the trail, or the annual hike in March)! And while there are other ways to see the country, such as coach tours and even off-road safari type excursions in the desert, nothing comes close to taking in the Jordanian culture, the people, and the sights & sounds at walking pace.
From the hidden and ruined city of Petra to the desert landscape of Wadi Rum, the Jordan Trail takes in thousands of years of history and culture. If you’re into your hiking, this could quite possibly be the hike to knock your hiking socks off!
The Jordan Trail: from north to south
Beginning at Umm Qais in the far north, hikers kick off the opening leg of the Jordan Trail with the opportunity to feast on a veritable panorama. The stunning views from this part of the world include the Golan Heights and northern Israel, the Palestinian territories, and even into Lebanon on clearer days.
As the route leaves the established roads and meanders through the fertile farmlands into the Ajloun forest region, the vista is dominated by the remains of the hilltop castle that once served to keep the Crusaders at bay. The trail takes a path through olive groves and mixed Christian-Muslim villages to the Serpentine Lake held by the King Talal Dam.
Travelling further south, you’ll pass the Dead Sea, including refreshing canyon pools that make the perfect stopping off point for the weary traveler, especially during the hotter times of the year, and the stunning tranquil waters of Wadi Mujib. The route also passes along portions of the ancient Kings Highway where hikers still tread the same ground that merchants and pilgrims have passed over for thousands of years.
The next slice of the Jordan Trail is a 4 day stretch considered the “Inca Trail” of the Middle East – the amazingly scenic section between the Dana Biosphere Reserve and the ancient city of Petra. It’s no real surprise that this hike has been ranked one of the best in the world by National Geographic! Truly a hike through some amazing natural wonders, with meetups with the local Bedouins along the way – at your pitstop in Feynan you might even be able to join the local shepherds in some sheep herding…
After continuing on to Little Petra, you’ll make your way through to Petra proper, and a mind-blowing chasm in the rocky landscape, where you’ll soon be greeted with the one and only The Monastery. This site is, along with The Treasury, the reason for many to visit Petra and Jordan, but to see them up close and personal is just beyond words…
The tranquility of the desert awaits once you exit Petra, and from there it’s down through Wadi Rum to the calming waves lapping the shore of the Red Sea at Aqaba.
How long does it take to hike the Jordan Trail?
While the hardcore hikers will claim that the Jordan Trail can be hiked in 36 continuous days of walking, the majority of those who have completed this epic journey have recommended taking around 7 weeks.
This not only allows for plenty of those all essential rest days, it gives you a chance to really take in and enjoy the country you have made the effort to visit.
How do I join the Jordan Trail – and can I choose to hike just a small section?
You can, of course, choose to walk any of the Jordan Trail sections that appeal to you – you really don’t have to take on the whole trail if you don’t have the time, money or perhaps even stamina.
What’s great about the Jordan Trail is that the whole journey splits quite nicely into 8 sections, each section consisting of around 80 km. These sections will typically take four to five days of hiking.
And if hiking the Jordan Trail is firmly entrenched at the top of your “places to hike” list, you should also be aware of the annual through hike every March (the coolest part of the year) organised by the Jordan Trail Associations voluntary group.
Prices to join one of the 8 sections (or regions) start from 210 JD (approx $295), but these fees include everything, from a guide and hike volunteer escorts, to 3 meals a day and accommodation. You can also choose to do a day or weekend hike if you’re really pushed for time; prices for a day hike are 30 JD and include lunch, while weekend prices vary according to the region.
For further details and to register a spot on the hike, see the official website.