- Petra (the Siq, Treasury and Monastery) — A jaw-dropping walk through a narrow sandstone gorge that opens onto giant facades carved into rock. It’s not just a ruin; hiking between cliffs, exploring side-trails and climbing up to the Monastery gives a scale and intimacy you don’t get at many “archaeological park” stops.
- Wadi Rum’s desert landscapes — Towering sandstone and granite outcrops, wide rocky plains and natural arches make this feel otherworldly. The light at sunrise/sunset and the insane night sky are part of the trail’s show — plus you can mix trekking with a Bedouin jeep for extra reach.
- Dana Biosphere Reserve — A chain of ecosystems from Mediterranean scrub to desert lowlands, with deep canyons (Wadi Dana) and dramatic viewpoints. The variety of terrain, endemic plants and
- Petra (the Siq, Treasury and Monastery) — A jaw-dropping walk through a narrow sandstone gorge that opens onto giant facades carved into rock. It’s not just a ruin; hiking between cliffs, exploring side-trails and climbing up to the Monastery gives a scale and intimacy you don’t get at many “archaeological park” stops.
- Wadi Rum’s desert landscapes — Towering sandstone and granite outcrops, wide rocky plains and natural arches make this feel otherworldly. The light at sunrise/sunset and the insane night sky are part of the trail’s show — plus you can mix trekking with a Bedouin jeep for extra reach.
- Dana Biosphere Reserve — A chain of ecosystems from Mediterranean scrub to desert lowlands, with deep canyons (Wadi Dana) and dramatic viewpoints. The variety of terrain, endemic plants and birdlife make the hiking both scenic and surprisingly wild compared with more homogeneous desert trails.
- Feynan Eco-lodge & Bedouin hospitality (personal favorite) — Simple, off-grid lodging in the canyon rim where nights are silent and the food and company are real. It’s a cultural highlight: communal meals, Bedouin stories, and a clear sky for stargazing — a low-key, sustainable way to experience local life after a day on the trail.
- Aqaba and the Red Sea finish — The trail ends at warm water and coral reefs, so you can swap dust for snorkeling gear. That sudden transition from canyons and desert to vibrant marine life is rare on long-distance hikes and a brilliant payoff after days on the trail.
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Hi, I’m Johan (Netherlands 🇳🇱), the creator of TakeYourBackpack. Over the past decade, I’ve backpacked through 80+ countries across six continents, gaining extensive experience with independent travel, long-term trips, and overland routes.