How long does it take to walk to the Monastery in Petra?

Following the main trail, the journey from the Basin to the Monastery takes around 40 minutes. There are about 800 steps to the top. This is one of the more challenging walks at Petra, but it's not a particularly difficult hike. There are just lots of steps and the path is uneven at times.



Reaching the Monastery (Ad Deir) in Petra is a significant undertaking that typically takes between 1.5 to 2.5 hours from the main Visitor Center. The journey is divided into two parts: a 45-minute walk through the Siq to the Treasury and central city, followed by the famous "Monastery Climb." This second leg consists of approximately 800 hand-carved stone steps winding up the mountain. For an average hiker, the ascent alone takes 45–60 minutes. In 2026, it remains one of Jordan's most physically demanding yet rewarding sites. To avoid the midday heat and the largest crowds, starting at 6:00 AM is highly recommended. Many travelers now also use the "Backdoor Trail" from Little Petra, which is a 5-mile trek that arrives at the Monastery first, allowing you to walk down the 800 steps instead of up, though this requires a 4WD transport to the trailhead and a local guide for safety.

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It is one of the largest monuments in Petra, measuring 47m wide by 48.3m high. It was built on the model of the Khazna but here the bas- reliefs are replaced by niches to house sculptures. A columned portico extends of the façade; the interior is occupied by two side benches and altar against the rear wall.

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The local people all agree--to properly and fully explore you need five days minimum. 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.

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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.

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The Monastery, for example, was a temple which also featured a great dining room. There is also the Theatre, which, as its name suggests, is a theatre built after the Hellenistic fashion. There are also spaces that have been identified as markets, and an audience hall found in the Great Temple.

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Distance and Difficulty: The Petra Main Trail is 8km / 5 miles return from the Visitors Centre. Easy walk, largely flat. Allow 3 ? 4 hours return, including time to see the sites along the way.

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The trail for the Little Petra to Petra Walk starts at the left of the car park, behind the souvenir shops (it really isn't obvious!). From here the track goes out into the desert following jeep tracks, and you pass by Bedouin tents, goats, camels and the occasional stray dog that loved menacingly barking at us.

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There isn't a strict Petra dress code as such. It's the biggest tourist attraction in Jordan, so people pretty much wear what they like when they visit Petra, However, bear in mind that the site of Petra is huge, so be prepared to do a lot of walking.

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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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The best time to see Petra is in the early morning or late afternoon, so plan for an early start, or arrive the evening before to stay in one of the comfortable hotels in Petra.

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Petra site is huge and the minimum recommended time to spend on the site is 4 hours (Some people spend full day in the site from sunrise to sunset ) , Driving time from Petra to Wadi Rum is 2 hours, The minimum tour time at Wadi Rum is around 2 hours ( Jeep Safari tour ).

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You will pay for your tour with a credit card when booking. Payment of visa fees, border fees, and tips must be in cash. You may bring cash and/or credit cards with you for personal needs on your trip.

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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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It is fine to travel in Jordan in jeans most of the time, and you can, of course, wear them in Petra as well, in case this is the piece you never leave your home without, but as the visit of Petra requires quite a lot of walking, we think hiking trousers are a much better choice.

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