The Jordan Trail is a fascinating, extensive hiking route that stretches approximately 675 kilometers (420 miles) from the northern tip of Jordan at Umm Qais to the southern port of Aqaba. Named by National Geographic in 2018 as one of the world’s “must-do” hiking trails, the trail is more than just a pilgrimage –it’s a true hike through history.

Dating back to even neolithic times, the Jordan Trail follows a route once used by caravans transporting goods from Egypt and Syria to Saudi Arabia. Divided into eight sections, this historic trail offers hikers a journey through a variety of breathtaking landscapes – from rugged mountains and deep canyons to serene oases and vast deserts, from Nabatean palaces to Roman temples, from pre-historic caves to magnificent Umayyad mosques, each day of the hike offers new and awe-inspiring vistas.

On a 6-day segment of this journey, hikers can cover daily distances ranging from 14 km to 18 km, moving from one Nabataean, Roman, Byzantine, or Umayyad campsite to another. Each night can even be spent in a tent under the starry desert sky, providing a unique opportunity to connect with nature and history at the same time. After a long trek, the renowned Bedouin hospitality provides a warm and relaxing end to the day, as locals generously offer traditional meals and stories of the land.

(Hiking in the north of Jordan)

The trail is also lined with significant biblical sites such as Mount Nebo, Tel Mar Elias, and the baptismal site of Jesus Christ at Bethany Beyond the Jordan. These sites provide visitors with a deep spiritual and historical setting that provides the hiking experience with deeper layers of meaning. 

The Jordan Trail is a celebration for the body, the mind, the spirit, and the senses. The landscapes in Jordan vary dramatically, from the lush green hills of the north to the overwhelming deserts of the south. Hikers traverse the dramatic canyons of Wadi Mujib and the mesmerizing red sands of Wadi Rum.

But sight is not the only sense that feasts on the Jordan Trail. Gastronomic discoveries abound along the way. Traditional Jordanian cuisine, such as mansaf (a dish of lamb cooked in fermented dried yogurt) and zarb (a Bedouin specialty, slow cooked for hours in an underground pit) offers a delicious exploration of local flavors. The fresh, hearty meals, often shared in communal settings, provide sustenance and a taste of Jordanian culture.

As can be seen, the Jordan Trail is way more than a demanding hike; it is a journey through history, culture, and tradition, in a matchless scenery. Whether you are an experienced hiker or a history buff, this trail offers an unparalleled adventure that connects you deeply to the land and its people. The Jordan Trail invites you to walk through history, enjoy breathtaking natural beauty, and experience Jordan’s rich cultural heritage.