The Jordan Trail is one of the most spectacular hiking routes in the world – and for good reason. Named one of the “Must-Do” hikes by National Geographic in 2018, this historic caravan route takes you through some of the most stunning landscapes in the Middle East.
Originally used as a trade route, where goods were transported between Egypt, Syria, and Saudi Arabia in ancient times, the Jordan Trail now offers you the chance to immerse yourself in the rich nature and culture of Jordan.
During a six-day trek, you’ll discover a new breathtaking backdrop every day with your group: from rugged mountain ranges to peaceful deserts and oases, to awe-inspiring canyons. The stages range between 13 and 17 kilometers, guiding you from one Bedouin camp to the next – where cozy tents and delicious meals await you.
For transparency: In this post about the Jordan Trail I use advertising links, so-called “affiliate links”. These links redirect you to products or services that I recommend. If you make a booking via one of these links, I receive a small commission. This support helps me very much to continue providing the blog articles, photos, and videos free of charge. You will not incur any additional costs by doing so.
This group trip is a collaboration with Travelbase, a travel agency specializing in hiking and adventure tours. Currently, the Jordan Trail is available for German-speaking, Dutch, and French-speaking groups. You can find more information about the next Jordan Trail trip in April 2025 here. If you’re interested in an English-speaking tour next October, feel free to reach out to me on Instagram, and let me know so I can see if I can arrange a group trip next year 😊
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Jordan Trail
In today’s blog post, I’ll take you through the daily hikes of the Jordan Trail and highlight all the must-see moments along the way. If you’re considering joining the Jordan Trail as part of a group trip, this post will give you a detailed idea of what to expect.
Day 1: The Jordan Trail Begins – Arrival in Amman
Day 1 at a glance
- Starting & Ending Point: Germany, Netherlands or France – Amma
- Distance: /
- Elevation Gain: /
- Elevation Loss: /
The first day of the trip is all about arriving in Jordan. Upon landing at Amman’s airport, you’ll meet your travel group and both your Travelbase guide and local guides for the first time.
After a brief welcome, you’ll go on a 3-hour drive south in a private bus to the starting point of the Jordan Trail. Along the way, there’s a short stop for dinner at a typical Jordanian rest area.
The drive takes you along the historic Kings Highway, and you’ll reach the small village of Shobak late in the evening. Here, you’ll have a brief briefing about the first stage of the Jordan Trail, which starts the following day. Afterward, you’ll head to bed—your last night in a hotel bed for the next four nights.
Day 2: First hiking day of the Jordan Trail
Day 2 at a glance
- Starting & Ending Point: Shobak – Wadi Feynan
- Distance: 17 km
- Elevation Gain: /
- Elevation Loss: 800 m
Today is the day! The first hike of the Jordan Trail is about to start. You’ll start your day with a typical breakfast of hummus, cheese, eggs, flatbread, and vegetables before receiving your equipment for the coming days. Depending on what you specified when booking, you’ll get hiking poles, a tent, sleeping bag, and, of course, your daily water supply and lunch pack. But don’t worry, aside from your daypack with food and essentials for today’s hike, you can load the rest of your luggage onto a vehicle, which will transport it to the camp for you.
A bus will take you to the trailhead, marking the beginning of your first real hiking adventure through the stunning Wadi Gwher Valley. The first section of the trail is mostly downhill, allowing you to ease into the hike.
Soon, the landscape changes as you pass through a narrow, rocky gorge. After a while, it’s time to switch into lightweight, quick-drying sneakers, as you’ll be walking through water for over 6 km, and in some places, the water is pretty deep.
I was completely surprised by the first day of hiking. I had expected dryness and the typical desert scenery, but instead, the landscape was green, with olive trees, wild herbs, and palms lining the path.
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After about 16 km of walking, you’ll reach the edge of the desert, where you and your group will set up camp for the night. This first campsite is relatively developed, but the campsites in the following days will be a bit more rustic.
Next up is another highlight: the incredibly delicious Bedouin food. Every day, it’s prepared fresh and traditionally for you. You’ll enjoy a hearty selection of chicken, vegetables, potatoes, buttery rice with almonds, and various salads, so even vegetarians will be well-fed.
Day 3: Through the Black Desert
Day 3 at a glance
- Starting & Ending Point: Wadi Feynan – Teletat Al Sofor
- Distance: 17 km
- Elevation Gain: 1000 m
- Elevation Loss: /
Today starts early. You’ll be setting off by 7 am to avoid the heat of the day. But before that, you’ll enjoy a hearty breakfast, and of course, the tent needs to be packed up.
Today’s hike has the most elevation gain, but it’s also one of the most scenic. You’ll hike through the Black Desert, making your way to the Wadi Abu Sakakeen Canyon.
Especially in the final kilometers of the day, you’ll be rewarded with some truly breathtaking views that make the effort of the hike worth it. And along the way, there will be tea and snack breaks. From today onward, you’ll also be accompanied by a donkey. We all grew very fond of Shaggy, who bravely trudged through the desert with us, carrying our teapot.
Finally, you’ll reach the plateau of Telatat Al-Sofor, where you’ll set up camp for the night. Here, you can unwind, enjoy an unforgettable sunset over the desert, and of course, indulge in another delicious dinner.
Day 4: Through the Valley of Moses
Day 4 at a glance
- Starting & ending point: Teletat Al Sofor – Um Ratam
- Distance: 16 km
- Elevation Gain: 700 m
- Elevation Loss: 500 m
Today starts with a stunning view from a rock arch. Can you believe you’re in Jordan? The landscape today completely blew me away. I honestly couldn’t believe we were in Jordan and not the USA.
After that, you’ll hike through the lush Wadi Musa Valley, also known as the “Valley of Moses.” According to legend, Moses struck a rock here to bring water to his followers.
Along the way, your guide will point out ruins, some dating back to Roman times. The Romans greatly influenced the land with their advanced agricultural techniques and systems. They built irrigation channels and aqueducts to bring water to dry regions and boost agriculture.
Tonight’s campsite is near the remains of a Nabatean settlement.
Day 5: On the Caravan Route Naqeb Slasel
Day 5 at a glance
- Starting & ending point: Um Ratam – Al Baydha
- Distance: 16 km
- Elevation Gain: 400 m
- Elevation Loss: 300 m
Today, you leave the beautiful Um Ratam behind and hike uphill until you reach the old caravan route, Naqeb Slasel. The landscape changes once again, offering you new and impressive views along the way.
A highlight of today will be the visit to a Bedouin family. They live simply and traditionally in the heart of the desert and will invite you to enjoy tea and traditional bread with them.
You’ll also pass through a stunning canyon and, if you’re lucky, get the chance to sample some fresh fruits: pomegranates, mandarins, pomelos, and oranges. The Jordanian desert has more to offer than you might think.
Toward the end of today’s stage, the city of Wadi Musa will appear in the distance. You’ll finally see some other people besides your fellow hikers. With every step, you’re getting closer to your ultimate destination: Petra.
Day 6: The Impressive Monastery of Petra
Day 6 at a glance
- Starting & ending point: Al Baydha - Petra
- Distance: 16 km
- Elevation Gain: 400 m
- Elevation Loss: 400 m
Today is the day!
After a 16 km hike, you finally reach Petra, one of the seven modern wonders of the world. You enter the impressive ancient city via the “back entrance.” This has the advantage of allowing you to walk against the flow of tourists and be the first to admire the stunning Monastery. Afterward, you descend via stairs before tackling the final stretch through the Rainbow Canyon – the Rainbow Gorge.
You’ll stop for lunch today with a view of many of the ancient caves, some of which are still inhabited today. If you’re lucky, you may get the chance to peek inside one of these living caves. We left a small thank-you gift of fruit and bread for the kind woman who lives there.
Once you arrive at your hotel in Petra, the evening is free for you to enjoy. You can relax in a traditional hammam or simply take a long shower and catch up on some sleep. If you’d like to visit the Treasury in Petra today, you can do so as well – the ticket you receive from Travelbase is valid for both today and tomorrow.
Day 7: Highlight of the Jordan Trail – The Treasury in Petra
Day 7 at a glance
- Starting & ending point: Petra - Amman
- Distance: 13 km
- Elevation Gain: /
- Elevation Loss: /
Today starts with an early rise. If you want to experience the most atmospheric moment, it’s best to leave the hotel at sunrise. This way, you’ll see the impressive monuments in the most beautiful light of the day, and with fewer tourists around.
Your route first takes you through the large gorge, and soon the breathtaking view of the Treasury opens up, dramatically rising between the 80-meter-high rock walls. After passing the Treasury, there are still the Temple, the Amphitheater, and the Siq waiting to be explored. If you wish, you can even climb to certain spots to enjoy the panoramic view.
If you’ve already explored Petra yesterday or if you’d rather sleep in today, that’s perfectly fine. You can spend the day as you like.
In the afternoon, it’s time to say goodbye to Petra, as you’ll head back to Amman by bus.
Day 8: The Jordan Trail Adventure Comes to an End:
Day 8 at a glance
- Starting & ending point: Amman – Germany
- Distance: /
- Elevation Gain: /
- Elevation Loss: /
Today, it’s time to head back home. Your private bus will take you and the rest of the group to the airport, and in around five hours, you’ll be flying back to Germany, France or the Netherlands. Along with you, you’ll carry many new memories and a few tired legs.
Your Accommodations During the Jordan Trail
During the Jordan Trail, you will spend 4 nights camping in tents. I recommend renting a 3-season tent, sleeping mat, and sleeping bag directly from Travelbase when booking – this way, you’ll save the hassle of buying and transporting them by plane. The equipment will be ready for you on the first day, and it will be transported from camp to camp by jeep.
The camps are located in very remote areas and typically have no or only very basic sanitary facilities, such as a pit toilet and no running water. Most of the time, you’ll be sleeping in nature and will have limited access to washing facilities. However, there are good wet wipes provided, as well as an excellent packing list from Travelbase. For freshening up and washing your face and hands, water is available, which is brought along by the jeep and the guides.
On the first night, as well as on the last two nights, you’ll be staying in simple hotels. You’ll share a hotel room with another traveler of the same gender. Each hotel room has a private bathroom with a shower and hot water.
Organisation of the Jordan Trail
Before your trip, Travelbase will provide you with regular updates about the necessary preparations. This includes making sure your passport is valid, confirming your travel insurance (unless you choose to purchase one through Travelbase), and ensuring you have all the required gear. Travelbase will give you a detailed packing list and even a training plan if you’d like to physically prepare for the trail.
In Jordan, you’ll be accompanied by an experienced, Travelbase guide who speaks German, French or Dutch as well as local guides, starting right at the airport in Amman. At the beginning of your trip, you will also get access to the Travelbase app, which provides useful tips, advice, and information on the sights along the route. A police officer will accompany you for most of the trail.
Since the trail isn’t marked, it’s highly recommended not to attempt this journey on your own.
Costs of the Jordan Trail
Travelbase offers the Jordan Trail at a base price of 570 Euros per person. However, I highly recommend booking the full package through Travelbase:
Cost:
1700 Euros per person (shared double room)
Included:
• Direct flights from Düsseldorf or Frankfurt
• Checked luggage
• Airport transfer
• 4 camping nights
• 1 hotel stay (Shobak)
• 1 hotel stay (Petra)
• All internal transfers via shuttle
• Luggage transport between campsites
• Food and water supply at each campsite (breakfast, packed lunch, and dinner)
• Guidance by German-speaking and local guides
• Camping gear and trekking poles
• The Jordan Trail app
• Entrance fee for Petra
• Travel cancellation insurance
Not included:
• Souvenirs
• Tips for the bus driver and your guides
• Money for extra snacks and lunch on the last day
I managed to get by with about 50-60 Euros for the 8 days.
How to Sign Up for the Jordan Trail
The next Jordan Trail will take place next year in April. You can find more information and sign up for the French group here and for the Dutch group here. Alternatively, send me a message on Instagram if you’re interested in joining me on the Jordan Trail. There may also be an international English-speaking group option in October when you come with me 😊
I hope you’ll enjoy the Jordan Trail adventure as much as I did! Feel free to reach out if you have any further questions.
And if you’d like to read more of my blog posts, check out the post on a beautiful hike in the Bavarian Forest or discover what the Spreewald has to offer with the 6 best experiences for your short getaway to the Spreewald.
