Ad Deir Trail Guide: Hiking to the Monastery, Petra

A visit to Petra would not be complete without hiking to the famous Ad Deir temple (The Monastery). The Ad Deir trail begins at the end of the main trail in the ancient city of Petra and climbs over 800 steps to reach. The trail can be challenging and requires some physical fitness, but the views from the top are worth it. Prepare for a full day adventure as you explore this breathtaking area and take in all its beauty.

This trail guide will provide information on how to reach Petra, entry fees, route guides, and some tips along the way.

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Ad Deir Trail Information

• Distance: 11.1km
• Time: ~3.5hrs with breaks
• Route: Out and Back
• Elevation Gain: ~500m
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Washrooms: several restrooms along the route

Best Time to Hike to Ad Deir (Monastery)

The most ideal times to hike to Ad Deir are during the spring and autumn. Temperatures are warm, but not yet stifling like in the summer months. Petra has very minimal shade coverage throughout the city, so hiking during the afternoon on a summer’s day is not advised (unless you enjoy the heat). Despite the heat, summer is still the most popular time for tourists to visit.

While it may be chilly during the winter (December to February), with rain and potentially snow, it’s also a great time to visit without all the crowds. Flooding can occur in the Siq, so watch out for torrential rain in the forecast.

Regardless of what season you choose, plan your visit to Petra early in the morning. This will allow you to move freely throughout the city and experience the sites without too many guests.

I visited during the middle of September, which is the end of the summer season. I planned my trip early in the morning and managed to have the entire Monastery to myself.

Where to Stay Near Petra

Petra is located in the town Wadi Musa. There are no shortages of accommodations in Wadi Musa, allowing for visitors to choose from a variety of eclectic hotels, homestays or budget friendly stays.

Grandpa House

Infinity Lodge

The Old Village Hotel & Resort

Entrance Fees to Petra

A single entrance ticket to Petra is 50 JD. Children under 12 are free. Tickets can be purchased at the Visitor Center and can be paid in either cash or credit.

For multiple visits to Petra, the following tickets are available:

• 2 day entry: 55 JD
• 3 day entry: 60 JD

Precautions in Petra

Hiking in Petra can be an amazing experience; however, it is important to take certain precautions. The terrain is mostly sandy and rocky, and there are lots of stairs, so you should wear comfortable shoes with good grip.

 You should also keep in mind that there is minimal shade coverage, so make sure to bring a hat and sunscreen. Moreover, you may find a lot of hecklers and pushy shop keepers during your hike, so be prepared for it.

How to Get to The Trailhead

Petra is a 3-hour drive from the capital city of Amman. There are multiple ways of visiting Petra including driving your own vehicle (or transfer), public bus, or joining an organized tour.

By Car: Route here

Find your vehicle rental here

By Bus: JETT Bus offers a coach service to Petra from the district of Abdali in Amman. The bus departs for Petra daily from 6:30am and returns for Amman at 5:00pm. The price for 1 adult ticket is 10JD per way.

More bus info here.

The trailhead to Petra begins from the Petra Visitor Center in Wadi Musa.

The Route: Entrance to the Al Siq

Leaving the Petra Visitor Center, head south towards the park entrance. Passing by the bazars and Petra Guest House, the asphalt trail will end, turning into a gravel pedestrian walkway. This walkway runs parallel with another road designated for horses and their owners for the until you reach Al Siq.

While a ride on a horse is technically free and included with your entrance ticket, a tip will be expected when you disembark. If you are here to walk, I would avoid this.

After 1km, the path will lead towards the canyon, Al Siq.

This 1km long canyon is a refreshing breath of air. It provides protection from the sun and is relatively cooler than the rest of Petra. Horse riders and carriages must disembark before entering the Siq, as only foot traffic is allowed through this canyon.

The Treasury to Ad Deir Trail

Upon leaving the canyon, the famous Treasury (Al-Khazneh) will come into view. This is by far the most recognizable and beautiful landmarks in all of Petra. The sandstone carved temple was believed to be built in the 1^st century and has been featured in many movies including Indiana Jones and The Last Crusade.

Over the next 1.8km, the path will follow the Main Trail in Petra, passing by many temples, ancient ruins, and alternate routes to explore.

From the Treasury, the road will curve to the right and proceed down the Street of Facades. Washrooms are located on the left-hand side, about 100m before The Theater.

Multiple cafes can be found around the paths, offering drinks, souvenirs, and some shade coverage throughout the journey. The terrain is a mix of sand and stone, making for a somewhat tiring walk.

Walking further, the Royal Tombs will be on the right-hand side, just off the main path. While this isn’t part of the main trail, it’s worth checking out the tombs if you have extra time and want to explore more areas in Petra. Palace Tomb, Tomb of Sextius Florentinus, and Silk Tombs are some of the more popular ruins.

Basin Restaurant to Ad Deir

Continue along the path, past the Winged Lion Temple to the Basin Restaurant. The last set of washrooms before the Monastery are located beside the restaurant. 

Here is the official start of the Ad Deir Trail. The distance is approximately 1.6km and climbs up over 800 steps. The terrain changes slightly, with more rocky terrain and stone steps built into the mountain. It’s a tough climb, even for fit individuals.

Travellers will often opt for a donkey ride up to the Monastery. Little shops and bazars scatter the trail, selling handmade trinkets, offering tea and other fruit drinks.

If you are the only individual along the path, don’t be surprised to be heckled while on route. They sometimes have a tendency of being overly aggressive with their sales pitches.

Unlike the Treasury, the Monastery is not facing the path as the path approaches (at least on this path). As the trail descends down a set of stairs, the Monastery will be revealed on the right hand side.

Pictures don’t do the Monastery justice, as the sheer size of the temple is massive.

The best way to experience the Monastery is to venture further to one of the many elevated viewpoints in the area. They can be accessed behind the restaurant. The steps are quite narrow, so take caution when navigating around these areas. You might encounter salespeople encouraging you to climb higher to their viewpoint.

Once you’ve had your fill, proceeded back the way you came and if you have time, explore some of the other ruins throughout Petra.

Further Exploring in Jordan

For those looking to get off the beaten path, there are plenty of opportunities for hikers and campers alike. The Jordan Trail is a great way to experience the country’s natural beauty, while camping in Wadi Rum will give you a chance to sleep under the stars.