6-Hour Petra Hiking Tour to the Monastery via Little Petra Backdoor

The journey

Trip highlights

• 01 Enter Petra through the secret backdoor trail from Little Petra
• 02 Hike to the Monastery (Al-Deir) while avoiding the main crowds
• 03 Explore Petra's landmarks, including the Treasury, Royal Tombs, and Colonnaded Street
• 04 Learn Nabataean history and legends from an expert local guide

Discover Petra through its secret backdoor trail from Little Petra on a scenic hike with breathtaking desert and mountain views. This unique route leads directly to the Monastery (Al-Deir) away from the main crowds, offering a peaceful and adventurous experience. Along the way, explore hidden carvings, sandstone valleys, and viewpoints while learning stories of the Nabataeans from your expert guide. Continue through Petra's highlights, including the Royal Tombs, Colonnaded Street, and Treasury, before exiting through the Siq.

09:00 AM - Begin the scenic backdoor hike, passing sandstone valleys and panoramic desert views while your guide shares Nabataean stories.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 6 Hours

Tour type Private

Activity level Easy

Accommodation Not included

Transport Not included

Wheelchair access No

City Petra

Languages Arabic, English

Day by day

The itinerary

1

Day 01

Petra Backdoor Hike from Little Petra to the Monastery

• 08:00 AM - Meet your guide at the Petra Visitor Center for a quick introduction and overview of the hidden backdoor hike.
• 08:15 AM - Transfer to Little Petra via free shuttle (near the museum) or taxi (approx. JOD 15).
• 08:45 AM - Arrive at Little Petra Visitor Center, purchase or validate tickets or your Jordan Pass, and buy a JOD 5 truck ticket to the trailhead.
• 09:00 AM - Begin the scenic backdoor hike, passing sandstone valleys and panoramic desert views while your guide shares Nabataean stories.
• 10:30 AM - Reach the Monastery (Al-Deir), marvel at its carved facade, take photos, and enjoy an optional short climb to a viewpoint.
• 11:00 AM - Take a snack and refreshment break at a shaded spot before descending into Petra's core via the ancient carved stairway.
• 11:30 AM - Explore Petra's heart, including caves, shrines, the Colonnaded Street, and Qasr al-Bint.
• 12:15 PM - Visit the Royal Tombs and Theater, where your guide explains rituals, symbols, and Nabataean engineering marvels.
• 12:45 PM - Continue through the Street of Facades and arrive at the Treasury (Al-Khazneh), taking in its dramatic view.
• 01:15 PM - Enjoy leisure time for photos, a short rest, or browsing local stalls.
• 01:30 PM - Conclude with a walk through the Siq, noting carvings and natural formations, before returning to the Petra Visitor Center.

The route

Where you'll travel

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

• Enjoy the expertise of your own private, licensed Petra tour guide for up to 6 hours.

What's Not Included

• Entry tickets to Petra
• Taxi transfers if required (approx. JOD 15 per car)
• Truck fees (JOD 5 per person)
• Golf cart service (JOD 15 per person)
• Donkey, camel, or mule rides
• Meals, snacks, and drinks
• Tips and gratuities (highly recommended)
• Any services not specifically mentioned under Inclusions

What to bring

• Comfortable walking shoes suitable for hiking
• Sun protection: hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen
• Light clothing and a jacket for cooler mornings or evenings
• Water bottle to stay hydrated
• Camera or smartphone for photos
• Snacks for energy along the trail
• Personal items (ID, Jordan Pass if applicable)
• Optional: trekking poles for easier hiking

Know before you go

• The tour involves hiking on uneven terrain; comfortable shoes are recommended.
• Entrance to Petra is not included; bring your Jordan Pass or purchase tickets on-site.
• Transfers to Little Petra trailhead can be by free shuttle or taxi (approx. JOD 15).
• Optional truck ride to the trailhead costs JOD 5 per person.
• Golf carts, donkeys, camels, and mules are available at an additional cost.
• Bring water, snacks, sun protection, and a camera for photos.
• Tips for the guide are highly recommended.
• Weather can be hot during the day and cool in the morning or evening; dress accordingly.
• This tour is suitable for travelers in good physical condition who can handle moderate hiking.

Logistics

Meeting & route

Meeting point

Petra Visitor Center, 28, Wadi Musa, Jordan

Tour start

Wadi Musa, Jordan

Tour ends at the same location as the start point.