Your fundraising and training are about to pay off, the big day has finally arrived! Wave goodbye to family and friends, before you board your flight to Jordan. On arrival you will experience the heat of the Middle East and transfer to your hotel in Amman. (D on Flight)
Overnight: Hotel
Today you will explore some of the sights of Amman before the start of your challenge. Take in the Roman theatre and citadel followed by a short journey to Mount Nebo, of Old Testament biblical fame, before your last activity of the day; a visit to the Dead Sea. After a spot of relaxation time, you will be transferred to your first camp to prepare for the start of your trek. (B, L, D)
Overnight: Camping
The first day of your trek beckons and starts by trekking across the dusty, gravel strewn desert (hamada) enjoying far-reaching views across the expansive Wadi Araba desert. There are dry river beds (Wadis) breaking up the relatively flat route to cross along the way. From the outset, keep your eyes peeled for interesting sites such as a Roman pool, watermill and aqueducts as well as an array of desert birds throughout the journey. (B,L,D)
Overnight: Camping
Leaving the flat terrain of the desert behind, your second day begins by heading to Abu Sakakin where the ground elevation increases, and the true ascent commences. From here the gentle incline becomes ever steeper as you traverse undulating sections before joining a twisting goat-herders track up a narrow scenic valley. Eventually you’ll emerge to find yourself on top of the mountains, your efforts rewarded by spectacular, wide open views of the Wadi Araba as you push up through a beautiful but challenging section to reach the summit! Take in the panoramic vista and rest before commencing the descent on a rocky track all the way to the river valley below, after which a final level walk through Skakakin Canyon brings you into camp to rest your weary legs for the night. (B,L,D)
Overnight: Camping
Returning through Skakakin Canyon to a different goat-herders track with several steady ascents and descents along the way, the route snakes gradually upwards into the sand-cloaked mountains. The path becomes more challenging and you’ll need to make use of helpful hand and footholds as you climb stopping occasionally to take in the terrific scenery. After a stop to admire the mountainous surroundings, below you’ll see the next weaving trail that leads to your destination. Finally, you follow the trail as it runs along the wadi floor before eventually climbing gently into the sand-stone mountains to your next campsite of Shkart Msei’d. (B,L,D)
Overnight: Camping
Leaving Shkart Msei’d camp, you’ll notice a distinct change in your surroundings, from wadis and mountains to an almost lunar-like landscape. This morning is easy walking on smooth rock underfoot, through wide walkways and passages wider than the previous days. Evidence of the mysterious Nabatean people will become apparent when dugout steps emerge as you move along the route. Later, passing through a series of disused Bedouin camps, the trail climbs up through the mountain range whose passages give it a labyrinthine feel and requires a little sure-footed scrambling. Once at the top, take a breath and drink in the sandstone landscape before descending into Beidha to camp for the evening. (B,L,D)
Overnight: Camping
Start your day exploring the historic ‘Little Petra’ just a short walk from the campsite. This offers an exciting taste of the wonders to come later in the day, finishing with the evocative Neolithic village of Beidha, an ancient settlement in Wadi. Setting off from ‘Little Petra’ you’ll cross timeless farmland that proffers breath-taking views across the mountains to the distant Araba desert before the track changes to a rockier terrain and begins to rise boasting stunning desert vistas. Your five days’ trekking are rewarded with the first glimpse of the Monastery, culminating in your arrival to the magnificent Treasury in the city of Petra! After the elation of completing the challenge sinks in, you will enjoy a full tour of Petra itself. (B, L, D)
Overnight: Hotel
Today you will be transferred from Petra to the airport (3 hrs approx.). Say goodbye to Jordan and reminisce about the adventures of your challenge on the return flight to the UK. (B)
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