The Petra Monastery hike was the highlight of my day in the rose-coloured city of Petra. The Monastery, called Ad Deir in Arabic, is half-carved, half-built out of rock.
It was completed sometime in the 1st century by the Nabateans, a group of nomadic Arab people. The impressive facade of the Petra Monastery measures approximately 45 metres high by 50 metres wide.
While it resembles the Treasury, the most famous of the many impressive sights in Petra, it’s not nearly so ornate.
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Petra is an ancient city made of red sandstone in southern Jordan not far from both the Red Sea and the Dead Sea. Its home to numerous elaborate temples and tombs – many of which you can visit as you walk through the city.
It’s also famous for its early water engineering. A sophisticated network of aqueducts, cisterns, water channels and a diversion dam were built over several hundred years with the project complete sometime around the first century AD.
There’s even a copper mine that is considered to be “an outstanding example of mining structures dating from the fourth millennium.” For these reasons Petra received UNESCO status in 1985 and in 2007 it was named one of the new Seven Wonders of the World.
The Petra Monastery hike
The monastery is likely going to be one of the last places you visit on a day trip to Petra on account of its location.
First you have to hike in 4 km from the main Visitor Centre. There’s nothing hard about the hike though it might be stinking hot (35°C plus), depending on the time of the year you visit.
Along the way you’ll want to stop at some of the many highlights including the Treasury and the Royal Tombs.
If it’s hot, get something cold to drink at the Basin Restaurant and Museum, located at the start of the trail to the Monastery.
A lot of people don’t do the hike to the Petra Monastery which is a real shame. Leave time and energy so you can do it. Allow at least an hour to do the hike up – less if you’re in great shape, more if you’re not. An afternoon hike is perfect for much of the trail is in shade – and the Monastery itself is in full sun.
Although it’s less than a mile to the Monastery from the restaurant you must climb approximately 850 oddly spaced steps.
The trail is in great shape but be prepared for a donkey- squeeze in a few tight spots. There are lots of places to rest and reportedly a tranquil holy spring two-thirds of the way up.
Even if you’re suffering from temple fatigue by the afternoon, do the hike for the fabulous views of the entire Petra basin and the Wadi Araba.
Can you ride a donkey to the Monastery?
Not interested in the Petra Monastery hike? It is possible to ride a donkey to the Petra Monastery but I have my doubts about how well they are treated.
Walking is the preferable way to go as the donkey’s hooves are damaging the sandstone steps. If you’re able-bodied, enjoy the hike and the views that go along with it.
What can you see near the Petra Monastery?
If you’re into monuments and carvings there is plenty to explore around the Petra Monastery. Nabatean caves, cistern and tombs can be found in a cliff to the north of the Monastery.
There’s a cave and stone circle behind the restaurant and there are superb views – both calling themselves the best view in the world, above the Monastery.
I recommend hiking to both as the views are quite different. The one on the right as you’re heading away from the Monastery offers a cup of tea along with a rugged mountain panorama.
The viewpoint on the left provides a great overview of the Monastery itself.
You sure lose the crowds when you hike to the viewpoint above the Petra Monastery
Return the same way you came; don’t forget that you have another 4 km to hike out when you get downWhere to stay in Petra, Jordan
Petra is a tourist hub and as such offers hotels across a full range of price points. You’ll find everything from hostels to luxury.
If you’re after luxury the Petra Moon Luxury Hotel should fit the bill. It’s rated as wonderful.
The Old Village Hotel and Resort offers an outdoor swimming pool. It’s in a beautiful setting.
The Petra Sky Hotel is a lot less expensive and it’s rated as excellent.
Final thoughts on my visit to Petra
On my bike trip to Jordan with Exodus Travels, a full day in the itinerary was allotted to Petra.
You need that amount to do the city justice so I’m glad it was included. Many people miss the Petra Monastery hike. Don’t – it’s one of the highlights of a visit.
The only other thing I would personally have liked to have done is The High Place of Sacrifice Trail. The views from the top look amazing in any photos I’ve seen.
Further reading on what to do in Jordan
- An Overnight Stay in a Wadi Rum Camp in Jordan
- The Highlights of a Week Long Trip Cycling Jordan
- Day Trip from Amman to the Azraq Wetland Preserve
- 50 Fun Facts About the Country Jordan
- A Tour of Amman to Discover Jordan’s Food and History
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