Trekking information
WHEN TO
GO
Trekking and canyoning in
Jordan can be undertaken throughout the year although spring
and fall are considered by many as the best periods.
November to March is the rain season. It can get quite cold
in the highlands, with temperatures occasionally dropping
close to zero (32 F). However, along the Dead Sea and the 'Araba
Valley day temperatures are usually comfortable (around 15
C, 60 F). Unless you are allergic to rain, this is a good
period to explore the southern part of the Dead Sea Rift
(from Wadi Musa to the Gulf of 'Aqaba) as well as to visit
Jordan's better-known historical sites while they are free
of crowds. The season is unsuitable for trekking in most of
the northern canyons, whose waters are rather cold, and
there is always a risk of flash floods. However, if the sky
is clear and the forecast is unclouded, descending down
canyons with thermal springs can be a rare treat.
Mid-March is usually the beginning of spring in the lower
valleys, but there can still be some rainy days. It is
usually only in April that flowers begins to spread over the
higher places. Dana Nature Reserve is then in its best
attire and all the routes in this guidebook can be followed.
Canyon waters, however, may still be chilly. May is usually
comfortable, allowing enjoyable hiking along most of the
routes though you can expect some hot days.
June, July and August are the hottest months, with day
temperatures occasionally around 30-40 C (85-105 F) - an
ideal period to escape into the wet, tropical shelter of
several canyons north of Wadi Musa. Most of the routes in
the southern regions are not recommended. Visiting
historical sites when it is hot, may be a tiring experience.
September and October have beautiful days, but there is
always a slight risk of rain, which increases towards
November. Because of flash flood hazard the Mujib Gorge is
officially closed between November 1st and March 31st.
What to carry
Although daytime can be very hot, especially in the summer,
the nights are usually chilly, and in the elevated places it
can get very cold (in winter the temperature may drop below
zero). Long cotton trousers, a cotton shirt and a sun hat
are the best outfit for the day. Carry short trousers for
walking in flowing canyons. A warm jacket and a warm hat are
usually enough for the night. In the rainy season, take a
rainproof jacket and an extra layer of thermal underwear for
the night. Light walking boots are recommended footwear.
When canyoning, sandals allow sand grains to injure your
feet. Trainers are your best choice for walking in the
water, but unless you don't mind carrying an arsenal of
footwear with you, it is better to leave them behind.
Sandals are always good to have, for instance when your
boots are wet.
Bear in mind that the commercial water bottles are enough,
because we will take care of that, Plastic beverage
containers are excellent. Water purification tablets are
useful. Sunglasses, suntan lotion and a lip ointment are
mandatory.
Other necessary equipment includes a torch, a compass, a
pocket-knife and a first-aid kit. A waterproof bag sleeping
bag and a mat all will be provided by our company
THE LONG TREKS
Route |
Days |
Rating |
Season |
Descrition |
4. Across
northern Moab from Wadi Mukheiris to Wadi
Himara |
3
|
strenuous |
spring fall |
Wide
canyons, abundant waterfalls, superb views
towards the Dead Sea, the highest waterfalls
in Jordan, impressive stalactites. |
21. Wadi
Hasa, the full length |
2 |
moderate |
spring fall |
Boulder-studded white canyon, warm springs,
spectacular red sandstone canyon,
fast-flowing river, thousands of wild palms,
hanging gardens. |
28. Wadi
‘Aima to Wadi Khanzira |
2 |
moderate
incl. abseiling |
spring
summer fall |
Sandstone
gorges, hanging gardens, little pools,
high-lying campsite with fine views. |
37. Wadi
Hamra to Wadi Ghuweir |
2 |
moderate |
spring
summer fall |
Spectacular views, subtropical oasis, narrow
sandstone gorge, lush hanging gardens,
cascades. |
41. The
Black Mountains |
4 |
strenuous |
spring fall
winter |
Awe-inspiring black summits, spectacular
views, canyons in igneous rocks, potholes. |
42.
Canyons and ancient caravan routes |
5 |
strenuous
incl. abseiling |
spring
|
Steep and
demanding trek, black canyons carved in
igneous rocks, potholes, dry falls and
waterfalls, rewarding views, Nabataean
ruins. |
51. From
Petra to Taybeh |
2 |
moderate |
all-year |
Intriguing
archeological sites, rewarding views, narrow
siq, mazes of white sandstone domes. |
52. The
Rajef Inselbergs |
3 |
moderate |
all-year |
Mazes of
domes, rewarding views, narrow sandstone
canyons, springs. |
57. Across
southern Edom from Dilagha to Humeima |
4 |
strenuous
|
spring fall
winter |
Spectacular views, impressive dune field,
narrow sandstone and igneous canyons. |
61. From
Petra to Humeima |
6 |
strenuous
|
spring fall
winter |
Extremely
rich variety of landscapes, summits,
canyons, intriguing archeological sites,
sand dunes. |
64. Wadi
Khubat to Wadi Rahma |
3 |
strenuous
incl. abseiling |
spring
|
Rewarding
views, dry falls, water-filled potholes. |
ROUTES WITH ABSEILING
Route |
Days |
Rating |
Season |
Other
information |
6. Wadi
Zarqa Ma‘in, upper canyon |
1
|
moderate
|
spring
summer fall |
2
waterfalls, magnificent pools, limestone
canyon. Carry two 35 m ropes. |
10. Wadi
Mujib’s lower gorge |
1 |
strenuous |
1st
April to 31st October
|
Jordan’s
Grand Canyon. Spectacular 15 m waterfall,
200 m deep sandstone gorge, gushing water.
Carry two 20 m ropes. |
12. Wadi
el Hidan |
1 |
strenuous
|
1st
April to 31st October
|
Majestic
50 m waterfall, basalt canyon, spectacular
sandstone gorge, rich variety of colors,
warm and cold springs, pools. Carry two 50 m
ropes. |
14. Wadi
Karak |
1 |
moderate |
spring
summer fall |
2
waterfalls, narrow sandstone gorge, hanging
gardens, side streams, surprising dripping
waterfall. Carry two 50 m ropes. |
16. Wadi
‘Assal |
1 |
moderate
|
spring
summer fall |
6 falls (2
with water), sandstone gorge, hanging
gardens. Carry two 30 m ropes. |
24. Wadi
Feifa and Wadi ‘Aima |
1 |
moderate
|
spring
summer fall |
4 falls (1
with water), sandstone gorge dripping
springs, hanging gardens. Carry two 20 m
ropes. |
28. Wadi
‘Aima to Wadi Khanzira |
2 |
moderate
|
spring
summer fall |
As for
trek 24 plus elevated campsite, rewarding
views, pools and sandstone gorge in Wadi
Khanzira. |
40. Wadi
Feid |
1 |
strenuous
|
spring
summer fall |
12
waterfalls! Awe-inspiring black canyon
cutting through igneous rocks, pools,
junipers. Carry two 50 m ropes. |
42.
Canyons and ancient caravan routes |
5 |
strenuous
|
spring |
Demanding
trek,10 dry falls in Wadi Qunai, 13 dry
falls in Wadi Umm Hashba, 5 waterfalls in
Wadi Musa,, black rocks, potholes, pools,
rewarding views, Nabataean ruins. Carry two
40 m ropes. |
46. Wadi
Musa |
1 |
moderate
|
spring
summer fall |
5
waterfalls, pools, sheer black rock faces,
junipers. Carry two 30 m ropes. |
63. Wadi
Rahma |
1 |
moderate
|
spring |
3 dry
falls, huge water-filled potholes, dramatic
breach through a rock barrier. Carry two 50
m ropes. |
64. Wadi
Khubat to Wadi Rahma
|
3 |
strenuous
|
spring |
As for
trek 63 plus a string of potholes, rewarding
views. Carry two 50 m ropes. |
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