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How hard is the Monastery of Petra?

No, it wasn't easy but it wasn't as hard and terrifying as I expected it to be either. So if you are worried about it, just remember to take your time, take breaks as required, and bring water. Hiking to the Petra Monastery is not a race- so do it at your own pace.



The hike to the Monastery (Ad-Deir) in Petra, Jordan, is considered moderately to highly challenging for the average traveler. The primary difficulty lies in the 800 to 900 uneven stone steps carved directly into the mountainside. The climb typically takes between 45 and 60 minutes of continuous uphill walking from the base of the trail near the Basin Restaurant. Beyond the physical exertion, the intense desert heat (often exceeding 35°C in summer) and the high altitude can lead to rapid fatigue and dehydration. While the path is wide enough for most people, it is shared with donkeys, and the ancient stones can be slippery when covered in sand. For those who want to avoid the main climb, the "Back Door" trail from Little Petra is an alternative, though it involves a longer 6-kilometer trek across rugged terrain. Despite the effort, the Monastery is often rated as more impressive than the Treasury, and most travelers find the reward well worth the "grueling" ascent.

People Also Ask

Petra is a lot of work: walking, walking, more walking, and climbing stairs. Unless you ride donkeys and camels, in which case it's still a lot of work, only the kind that earns you the money to pay for all of it. Petra: worth it. C'mon, it's one of the wonders of the world, at least by popular vote.

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Petra is well-equipped with toilets, with toilet blocks at the visitor's centre, near the Theatre and museum. There are also portaloos at the start of the Siq and at a couple of cafés.

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Hidden high in the hills, the Monastery is one of the legendary monuments of Petra. Similar in design to the Treasury but far bigger (50m wide and 45m high), it was built in the 3rd century BCE as a Nabataean tomb.

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Camel Ride in Wadi Rum & Petra is optional for 15 JD / $ 21 USD per camel per hour. You don't need to book it in advance and can be arranged upon arrival to Petra or Wadi Rum.

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While there is certainly enough to occupy yourself for five or more days, two to three days is sufficient to visit all of the highlights in and around the park. One day--or worse yet a morning or afternoon--is likely to bring some disappointment to those who have traveled a great distance.

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Do I Need A Guide Or A Tour? You can totally visit Petra by yourself—we did! If you're visiting several areas in Jordan, a tour guide and driver may simplify things, but it's certainly not a requirement. You can consider hiring a guide at the entrance to Petra, which I would have considered if we'd had more time.

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Petra is home to over 1000 tombs Source The Nabateans believed in the afterlife and taking extra care of their dead. They built over 1000 tombs in Petra. This makes the site 'one of the largest royal tomb complexes in the world'.

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It takes about four hours by car to travel the 201 miles (324 km)...

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If you plan on coming to Petra for only a day, you're missing out on most of the experience. One day in Petra is not enough. In fact, you could spend a whole week in Petra and still find new things to do! Petra is a relic of the past, a living city that transports you hundreds of years back in time.

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While you are not allowed to stay overnight unaccompanied in Petra, you can book a traditional Bedouin cave stay. Most hosts offer the full traditional experience, including dinner cooked over an open fire, the option of sleeping under the stars, as well as transportation back to the park entrance in the morning.

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