After I had experienced the magic of the Treasury by the first light of day, it was time for me to keep moving and exploring, however, I just didn’t feel quite ‘done’ with the stunningly beautiful Treasury.
I wanted more.
So, I made the decision to embark on one of Petra’s most incredible trails, and one of the least trodden!
Basically, follow the main trail to to the Royal Tombs (see point #7 on the map below for reference) and then veer off to the right after you’ve passed them.
After veering off to the right and turning right off the main trail, you will come across some stairs – this is how you know you have successfully found the beginning of the trail head.
Be prepared, these steps are just the beginning.
This trail involves climbing some 600 stone steps, and not all of them are in such great condition. If you are accident prone or not wearing the best footwear (or all of the above like myself) do yourself a favour and stick to the sides of the pathway – this is where the steps in the best condition usually are.
I had read online people warning visitors against hiking this trail alone due to areas requiring ‘scrambling’ up rock faces, however I never needed to do any such scrambling, and overall, from a technical perspective, the trail was not all that difficult.
However, be aware, this trail would be tough for anyone who isn’t at least a little physically fit.
I consider myself an unfit person in the sense that I couldn’t win a running race to save my life, however, what I do have is stamina, and on this hike, I needed it!
I knew that there was roughly 600 stone steps between me and flattish ground, so to keep myself strong and to keep myself going, I counted every single step in my head, and allowed myself to rest every 100 steps… unless there was a truly magnificent photo opportunity that warranted an earlier respite.
After reading online reports of this hike, I had prepared myself for it to take over 2.5 hours, but I had conquered the steps after only 20 minutes and as a reward – was treated to this stunning view of the amphitheatre.
Now, at this point there is temptation to continue on the right hand side, keeping view of the valley below you, but instead, you need to veer off to the pathway on the left. This may seem counterproductive, but trust me, it is the right way!
After veering left you will find yourself heading down into a valley. Once again, it may seem completely counterproductive to start heading downwards, but it is definitely the right way!
I only say this because I didn’t see a single other soul when hiking to the viewpoint and I was second guessing myself the entire way. I had read online that this was the correct way and followed the advice, but it really didn’t feel right at the time.
After 10 minutes of downhill hiking, I came to this extremely helpful sign and was finally reassured that I had ventured in the right direction.
Another few minutes of hiking and this sign came into view. I was mildly suspicious that this would lead me in the wrong direction, but followed it anyway…
…and I was certainly not disappointed!
I mean honestly, how is that for a view?!
There is a bedouin style tent pitched at the point of the best view, meaning that you really do need to go inside. Now, this may be an obvious ploy to obtain business, but this was one of the few instances where I really didn’t mind.
The shade gave me a reprieve from the overcast skies, the tea was reasonably priced (1 JD) and the owner was one of the only ‘Bedouin’ man who didn’t actively push me to buy things from him. Instead, he simply greeted me, invited me into his tent and allowed me to decide if I actually wanted anything.
Oh, and he wasn’t the only occupant of the tent!
This gorgeous ginger kitty had also set up home high up on the rocks, and as soon as I sat down she wasted no time in saying hello. I guess the Jordanian hospitality doesn’t end with humans!
In this next picture I am laying down and she has made herself very comfortable on my tummy.
I don’t usually like my tummy (it is more squishy than I’d like) but it comes in handy when trying to befriend new animals – they always seem to enjoy making my squishy tummy into a comfy resting place!
Apparently pretty kitty didn’t have a name, but in my mind she was named ‘Indy’.
Indy also had a rather squishy tummy herself, and I was about 95% sure she was gestating some kittens.
Unlike many cats, Indy was not standoffish in the slightest. She hung out next to me (and on top of me) for the entire time I was there, and she even posed with me for a photo!
The result is one of my favourite travel pictures of all time.
The Treasury is stunning from any angle, however in my opinion, it looks most spectacular from above.
I could have sat on that ledge all day admiring the unbelievable facade in front of me.
However, I only had two days in Petra! So after finishing my tea and giving Indy a goodbye cuddle, it was time to head back to the beginning of the trail and continue my exploring.
Even though the route means you need to completely backtrack all the way to the Royal Tombs, the trail looked completely different on the way back. The sun had moved, the light changed, and it made a world of difference.
As always, stay tuned and happy solo travelling! xx
THE LOWDOWN
Getting to Petra: Flights arrive to Amman from many airport hubs, from Amman you can drive or bus to Petra
Petra Gate Hostel: A basic but comfortable hostel – dorm beds start at $16/night
The Lost City of Petra: More information about ticket prices can be found here
Threads: My white top is by Tigerlily Swimwear
Camera: Images captured with an Olympus OM-D E-M1 in conjunction with M.Zuiko 12-40mm f2/8 lens
Remember: Get an early night and prepare yourself for an early start!
Like this? Pin it!
All beautiful photos Ellen! I’d love to visit. And the Ginger kitty is so sweet to hang with you al that time. 💕❤️🌴
Thank you so much John! Isn’t she just gorgeous? I wanted to take her home with me!
Wow wow wow! This place is on our bucket list since forever.
Awesome to hear it! Any plans to cross it off in the near future?
Ah sadly, not as of now!
Nice find and great pics. It can be hard to capture the full facade from below. This kind of makes me wish I’d stopped to buy a drink from one of the Bedouin, he seems like a nice guy!
Thanks Martin! Did you do the hike to above the Treasury when you visited?
No sadly I didn’t. I only had about 4 hours there so basically ran to the Monastery and back! Looks amazing up there though. I met another traveller who did the Petra by Night experience, if I ever make it back I’ll try to stay over for that.
I love this story, and that photo of the cat in front of The Treasury is fabulous!
Thank you! That picture is one of my absolute favourites! The kitty just knew exactly how to pose ha
wow! I almost been here but i opted to visit the wadi rum instead…… now i am so jealous….
Just means you will have to go back one day 😉
Such a beautiful vantage point! You have shown two very different ways to appreciate The Treasury, and are a kindred spirit, in exploring a landscape by several different trails.
Thank you so much! Which vantage point do you think you prefer? From above or from below?
I am a direct contact person, so my first vantage point would be at the surface level.
What a wonderful vantage point, and with a kitty, all the better for you. I love the photo of you and Indy looking at the Treasury below. Great keepsake, something I would frame and hang up for all to see.
Thanks Terry, that is one of my favourite travel photos – EVER! Definitely something I will want to frame one day 🙂
Yes! I have photos from that exact viewpoint – I ate lunch there just loving the view. But no tent and no cat back then. I remember a bit of a scramble – I think we got off the main trail. Certainly didn’t take 2.5 hours.
No kidding right?! The suggested length of time for the hikes is way overestimated!
Amazing PICTURES!!!
Thank you! It certainly is a great vantage point of the Treasury!
That was bananas!!! I’m so jealous. I feel like I’ve always seen that place in movies and never knew where it was. Thanks for posting
Awesome to hear – thank you for reading! Now you just gotta get yourself to Jordan and see it for yourself!
As always, your photos are on point! Thanks for al the tips and sharing this marvelous adventure- I can not wait to get there myself someday!
Thank you so much! I always love to hear that people enjoy my photos 🙂 I hope you make it to Jordan one day soon!
In my 70s, I still have the endurance but not the knees to do 600 steps. Thanks for taking us along.
It is my pleasure – hopefully I can continue to take you along to many corners of the world (without putting any strain on your knees)
Love your blog. Jordan is on my list. Oh, and you’re right – you with kitty in that shot is a winner:)
Any plans to visit Jordan soon?
Your pixs from up above looking down are amazing. Captured it nicely. And yes, you and Indy together looking down at the Treasury make for a great pix.
Thank you so much – they are definitely some of my favourite travel pictures!
Amazing!!! I love the hand-painted signs showing you the way – so charming.
I agree – they were a lovely touch!
Following your great write-up my wife and did the Al Khubtha trail when we went to Petra a few weeks ago. We’d been there (at ground level) once before but you inspired me to get to that viewpoint. Because we were on a cruise ship we were somewhat time-pressed so hired a local guide at the Visitors Centre. It was every bit as spectacular as your photos showed so thanks for inspiring me to do it.
These are very nice pictures, thank you for sharing them.
Hello, So how long did the hike up and back take you alltogether? I have max 4 hrs in Petra and am tempted to try and do it. Worst case i’ll sacrifice the monastery! Many thanks
That’ a great view of the Treasury from the top. Stunning and spectacular. I’m going there 2nd week of January 2020. I’ll hit that spot first thing using your direction while I still have stored energy. Thanks for sharing. It’s inspiring.
Thank you for your instructions to the view above the treasury!!! My family went to Jordan a few months back, this post help us find the way! Lots of stairs, but it was a very fun hike with a once in a lifetime view! We also hike to the monastery the next morning, another amazing view and lots of stairs (800). Thank you so much!
Great pictures and a VERY cool adventure. Now, I really want to see for myself.
Thanks Elle for your clear and detailed instruction to the spot of the View of the Treasury. I made it there last Jan 18, 2020. Though it was raining then, it was such a great experience. Stunning is the view from the spot. Yes, I did a photo hanging my two feet to the cliff showing the Treasury.
How did u get to that vantage point?