PDTRA, the Petra Development and Tourism Authority of the Petra Region in Jordan has introduced new hiking trails, showcasing cultural preservation, Bedouin heritage and sustainable tourism, and also aimed to promote ecotourism and offering economic opportunities for the local community.
This expansion of the trail network reflects Petra Authority commitment to integrate into to tourism initiatives local communities, a project which ensures that economic benefits are shared while offering visitors an enriching authentic experience in Petra, also called the the “ Rose City” because of the colour of the sandstone from which is carved, one of the New 7 Wonders of the World and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and its surroundings.
The Chief Commissioner of the PDTRA, Fares Braizat informed that the initiative includes three trails within the Petra Archaeological Park, while another 24 extend beyond its boundaries and he told the Jordan Times that most of the rehabilitated trails and presented to visitors will be posted on the “Visit Petra “ website.
These hikes are suitable for children from 10 years old and families will be able to enjoy the unique scenery and geological formations and they will also be able to learn about Jordan’s topography and archaeology that extends beyond Petra.
Visitors will not only visit Petra’s breathtaking geological formations but also engage with Bedouin life, traditions, and hospitality. The iniatitive ensures that tourism directly benefits local communitis, aligning with broader sustainable tourism goals.
Chief Commissioner said that this project one of the major contributions is the representation of Bedouin culture. Bedouin heritage of Petra and Wadi Rum is recognized by UNESCO as Intangible Cultural Heritage since 2008, and the desire is to showcase it to the world as an immersive hospitality experience.
The so called Khurmah Trail inaugurated hike is part of an extensive network of 27 hiking trails recentrly developed, offering a journey through diverse landscapes and historical sites.
The trail spanning 14.0 kilometres starts form Al Rajef, a village situated in the Ma’ an Governorate, about 25 kilometres southwest of the Petra Visitor Centre and Daghlah, to Masoudah, a location where visitors can find Bedouin tents and enjoy traditional hospitality.
The itinerary is developed across a stunning valley taking hikers through diverse landscapes and historical sites, including Wadi Khurmah itself, a wadi known for its striking rock formation and Edomite - period artifacts, adding to the overall historical and natural significance of the trail.
This captivating adventure alls leads to Beit Al Sa\`idyyin, a cultural and hospitality hub opened by Chief Commissioner of the PDTRA, and aims to showcase Bedouin heritage and supporting the local economy through immersive hiking experience.
Hikers head west through the Samaan area area before reaching the trailhead at Arqoub - Al Ghanimat and along the way they can admire features renmants of Nabatean water system, archaeological ruins, and spectacular natural rock formation and the route concludes in Masoudah, where visitors can rest in a Bedouin tent and enjoy traditional Jordanian hospitality.
The trail is managed by the Jabal Masoudah Cooperative Association, a local organization dedicated to preserving Bedouin traditions and promoting sustainable tourism and fostering economic growth.
Other Highlights along the trails include :
Al – Munqata’a - An archaeological site located near Tafileh, known for being a late Neolithis settlement, considered the easternmost such settlement discovered to date. This site features ancient pottery fragments, flint tools and has been excavated to reveal insights into the Chalcolithic period.
Jabal Qala’a - . A site which is part of the hikings trail in the Petra Archaeological Park that leads to the summit of Qala’a Mountain offering stunning panoramic views of Mount Haroun, Wadi Araba and other surrounding territories.
Qulai' ah - This site is an Iron Age settlement form the seventh century BC exhibiting fortifications and ancient pottery.
Al - Sada - This is a historical site showcases well - preserved homes and agricultural renmants from the Nabatean period, as well as evidence of earlier Palaeolithic settlement.
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