Petra Adventures: Top Outdoor Activities & Tours
Okay, so, you likely think of that incredible Siq and the Treasury, like Al-Khazneh, when you consider Petra. This rock-cut city, just a place etched into Jordanian cliffs, is obviously a remarkable sight, a true wonder. Still, very Petra is far more than just one impressive facade. Did you have any idea that many outdoor things wait if you’re eager to, maybe, stretch your legs and uncover even more of what Petra provides?
1. Hiking to the Monastery (Ad Deir)
Alright, the Monastery, which they also call Ad Deir, just might be a sibling to the Treasury, at least that’s how most see it. A whole lot like its famed counterpart, it’s almost this absolutely massive structure hewn from sandstone. Instead of that immediate wow of the Treasury when exiting the Siq, to get to the Monastery, what you will need to do, is go for a hike, more or less.
The trek, give or take, starts from the Basin Restaurant, and get this, it’s like, a climb of around 800 steps. You really need to remember that, at some point, those steps can be uneven, and in fact, the path really winds upwards. Still, that walk, that climb is worth it. The views as you go up the trail get incredibly good, just perfect panoramas of valleys all around. You may get a glimpse of some Bedouin stalls offering tea or refreshments along your path, so in a way you might catch a breather. You need to brace, it can get very hot during midday.
At the summit, basically the Monastery looms. It gives you such an immense scale, that really dwarfs every person nearby. You might get the option of maybe catching your breath at a little café right across from the Monastery, and it really offers the spot to just drink some of the vista and this architectural feat that, I mean, the Nabataeans left us.
2. High Place of Sacrifice Trail
Okay, so that High Place of Sacrifice Trail, that’s almost this journey that, I mean, mixes awesome sights together and loads of history. Arguably this hike lets you see further what Nabataean spiritual acts included. The start of this trail starts near that Main Trail in Petra and then rises, just giving views which get more sweeping as you rise in height.
The highlight, clearly, really will be the High Place of Sacrifice itself. At some point it is believed to be an altar for ritual offerings. Imagine these rituals that happened centuries ago. From such high spots, basically, it is possible for you to gaze all across the rockscapes of Petra in a breathtaking style. So, at that top, basically snap a picture!
That route that passes spots such as the Lion Monument along with Garden Tomb en route makes what they call this circular route down from high spot truly special. These things add unique views and perspectives re historic architecture and nature as being a little additional something on such a high climb! Make very sure, naturally, to factor at least 3-4 hours because of its duration even though medium-level walking paths can pose troubles. Still I figure it will be rewarding in case time has room!
3. Little Petra (Siq al-Barid)
Okay, think that Siq al-Barid, or commonly called Little Petra is almost similar in a way to its, I want to say larger and fancier sibling but on something scaled down for simpler stuff to be done by the Nabataeans with simpler means; at least this appears. You have probably not yet considered what is outside it given focus which lands around central attractions found along what main areas show, right? Well, Little Petra lets such chances unfold!
You should come very and soon get lost winding along inside small canyons since a short hike reveals beautifully-carved temples combined including homes with those interiors reflecting ways Nabataean humans enjoyed themselves far away too much noise that usually covers much greater populated sites. These buildings even exhibit ancient drawings somewhere inside, allowing unique understandings surrounding what previous inhabitants performed here! Even visiting makes things much less hard rather it is near its giant siblings though they give quiet contemplation opportunities from quieter surrounding aspects versus major sites offering serene, less overcrowded environment which usually prove difficult nowadays considering how numerous visits take happens around locations near each! I mean, what do we tell!
4. Horseback Riding in Petra
So you fancy seeing Petra at a bit faster tempo versus all day slow paced tours done upon ft! Horse riding opportunities provides the alternative which allow riding some areas with the location on majestic Arabian steeds- almost allowing getting somewhere swiftly while taking something different that offers something that could be considered, perhaps, rather old fashioned.
While all walks commonly begin along your Siq usually, understand you might anticipate more than just seeing central monuments during that tour- this option comes together alongside opportunities to view surroundings as something other since things viewed vary vastly based route along the riders might consider. A fact visitors love generally has that animals receive the most appropriate levels of care coupled via trained staff keeping welfare for riders together secured during this rides here which they go during trips! You may also seek info and check because it can be quite an experience to visit even as such journey can get expensive and takes around two to three hours total! Yet something unforgettable usually appears through moments with your view alongside gentle steeds over legendary sandstone terrains.
5. Petra by Night
And finally think seeing that Petra at sunset means simply a taste because Petra just like really starts casting some magic spell under moon filled horizons. At some stage every Monday, Wednesdays coupled with Thursdays at 20:30 evenings exactly (generally however verify before considering trip planning trips) those occasions when things can go along called Petra via evening come right along as such an event which throws things at something very like 1800 lit up candles thrown within some place, right, like from your entrance directly around into which very very treasured spot: “Your treasury!
Imagine doing strolls along darkened canyons lit barely via tiny fires giving reflections to everything found atop while soft tunes coming through traditional Bedouin flutists are usually going. These quiet atmosphere truly amplify emotions relating its atmosphere offering times you consider yourself fully immersed amongst something quite deep culturally in one moment or anothter though some can see what some flaws may bring- yet it’s that overall experience rather and no particular minor part makes stuff amazing from experiences just told alone: really!