The Monastery Ad-Deir
A colossal Nabataean tomb carved into a cliff face, Ad-Deir is Petra's grandest monument, offering awe-inspiring views after a rewarding climb.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Cooler weather, fewer crowds
The Monastery Ad-Deir
Best Time
Cooler weather, fewer crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A colossal Nabataean tomb carved into a cliff face, Ad-Deir is Petra's grandest monument, offering awe-inspiring views after a rewarding climb.
"The detail of the monastery is sensational and unique; it's a memory I'll never forget."
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
Essential for the 800+ steps and uneven terrain. You'll be doing a lot of walking!
💧 Bring Plenty of Water
Stay hydrated during the strenuous climb. Vendors are available, but it's good to have your own supply.
Quick Facts
Hours
Rating
4.9 · 3,847 reviews
Type
Historical Landmark
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Monastery (Ad-Deir)
Petra, Jordan
A monumental Nabataean tomb carved into the rock face, larger than the Treasury and offering breathtaking views.
The Ascent Path
Trail leading to Ad-Deir
The journey itself is an adventure, with stunning mountain vistas and opportunities to interact with local Bedouins.
Panoramic Overlooks
Above Ad-Deir
Climb a bit higher from the Monastery for incredible, expansive views of the surrounding valleys and neighboring countries.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
The Climb to Ad-Deir
One Day is Enough
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
Essential for the 800+ steps and uneven terrain. You'll be doing a lot of walking!
💧 Bring Plenty of Water
Stay hydrated during the strenuous climb. Vendors are available, but it's good to have your own supply.
🐪 Consider a Donkey Ride
An option for those who find the climb challenging. Negotiate the price beforehand.
📸 Capture the Views
The journey and the destination offer incredible photo opportunities. Don't rush!
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
Essential for the 800+ steps and uneven terrain. You'll be doing a lot of walking!
💧 Bring Plenty of Water
Stay hydrated during the strenuous climb. Vendors are available, but it's good to have your own supply.
🐪 Consider a Donkey Ride
An option for those who find the climb challenging. Negotiate the price beforehand.
📸 Capture the Views
The journey and the destination offer incredible photo opportunities. Don't rush!
⏳ Allow Ample Time
Don't rush your visit. A full day is recommended to truly enjoy Petra's wonders.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Monastery (Ad-Deir) for its monumental scale and stunning beauty, often calling it a highlight of Petra. The challenging hike is frequently mentioned but deemed well worth the effort, with many appreciating the less crowded atmosphere compared to the Treasury. Some note the unique experience of hearing music played from the site.
"Amazing experience, from here you can see the surrounding lands and mountains that carry into neighbouring nations. The detail of the monastery is sensational and unique as upon arrival Celine Dion was playing out of the monastery from massive speakers. It’s a memory I’ll never forgot.
There’s also a shop when you arrive, be prepared for a hike however as it is steep at times and you can’t ride there on golf cart like other sites.
This is an amazing hike, it will take you around 30/45 minutes and it is steep along the way there’s plenty of vendors conveniently placed to offer you some water or other drinks.
It’s 100% worth the journey though!"
Alex Whittaker
"The Monastery (AKA AlDayr in Arabic) is one of the hidden gems and less visited places in Petra. It is somewhere in the middle between the start of the Little Petra hiking trail and the Qasr Albint in the ancient Petra City.
If you come to the Monastery from the Little Petra hiking trail, it is a 4 KM walk that is moderate in terms of difficulty. This is the easier of the 2 paths.
However, if you walk from the Qasr Albint, it is shorter (around 3 KMs), yet is an uphill of stairs.
Either path is served with direction signs, and with kiosks if you need to buy anything.
I would recommend that you start from the Little Petra hiking trail, walk to the Monastery, and then continue to Qasr Albint.
One other easier option is to take a donkey ride from Qasr Albint to the Monastery, and then return back to Qasr Albint walking (or another donkey ride).
The Monastery looks very similar to the Treasury. The area is served with cafeterias and plenty of photography spots.
This visit is a 1-day visit that you can combine with a Little Petra tour plus exploring Qasr Albint and some of the surrounding stops, and maybe have a lunch at one of the 2 restaurants close to Qasr Albint.
The Monastery is free to visit, but you’ll still have to buy a ticket if you are heading back to Qasr Albint and the Ancient Petra City."
Fahd Batayneh فهد بطاينة
"Visiting the Monastery (Ad-Deir) in Petra was an unforgettable experience. This iconic structure is one of Petra's most impressive sights, with its massive facade carved into the rock. The journey to get there is quite an adventure in itself, and I visited in January when the weather was cool and pleasant.
The hike to the Monastery involves a substantial climb, with around 800 steps to the top. For someone not particularly fit, it can be quite tiring, but the effort is well worth it. Along the way, there are breathtaking views and several spots to rest. There are also vendors offering refreshments, which is a welcome sight after the climb.
Upon reaching the Monastery, the sheer size and beauty of the structure are awe-inspiring. It's less crowded than the Treasury, allowing for a more peaceful experience. The surrounding area also offers stunning views over the valley, providing excellent photo opportunities.
Despite the challenging hike, visiting the Monastery is a must for anyone exploring Petra. The sense of accomplishment and the incredible views make it a highlight of the trip. Just be sure to wear comfortable shoes, bring plenty of water, and take your time. Highly recommended for those who can manage the climb!"
Ter Shen Ng
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Monastery is located within the ancient city of Petra. From the Visitor Center, you'll walk through the Siq and past the Treasury. The path to Ad-Deir is a significant uphill climb, involving over 800 steps. It's approximately 6 km from the visitor center and takes about 1-1.5 hours of walking without significant stops. You can also opt for a donkey ride part of the way.
While there are no golf carts or modern transport directly to the Monastery, you can hire donkeys from Bedouin guides. This is a popular option for those who find the strenuous climb difficult. Be sure to agree on the price before you start your journey.
Yes, you can hike from Little Petra to the Monastery. This trail is approximately 4 km and is considered a more moderate option compared to the main Petra trail. Many visitors combine this with a visit to the main Petra site.
If you have limited time, focus on the main Petra trail from the Visitor Center. The Monastery is a significant detour. However, if you're combining sites, starting from Little Petra and hiking to Ad-Deir is a good strategy.
The primary paths are well-marked. While there are various trails within Petra, the most direct and recommended routes to Ad-Deir are from the main Petra city or via the Little Petra trail.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The Monastery is part of the Petra archaeological park. Your main Petra entrance ticket covers access to Ad-Deir. If you are entering Petra from the Little Petra trail and only visiting Ad-Deir without going back to the main Petra city, it is generally considered free, but you still need a ticket for the main Petra site if you plan to explore further.
Petra typically opens early in the morning, around 6:00 AM, and closes in the late afternoon or early evening, depending on the season. The Monastery is accessible during these hours. It's best to check the official Petra tourism website for the most current hours.
Ticket prices for Petra vary depending on your length of stay and nationality. A one-day pass is common for visitors exploring the main sites, including the Monastery. Check the official Petra tourism website for the latest pricing information.
Yes, purchasing Petra tickets online in advance is often recommended, especially during peak season, to save time and potentially secure your entry. This is a common practice for major tourist attractions.
Due to the steep climb and numerous steps, the Monastery is not easily accessible for individuals with mobility issues. The main path to the Treasury is more manageable, but the journey to Ad-Deir is physically demanding.
📸 📸 Photography
Early morning or late afternoon light offers the most dramatic and flattering illumination for photographing the Monastery. The midday sun can be harsh. The surrounding viewpoints also provide excellent photographic opportunities.
Yes, beyond the main plaza in front of the Monastery, there are higher vantage points accessible by short climbs. These offer stunning panoramic shots of the structure and the surrounding landscape.
Drone usage is generally restricted in archaeological sites like Petra to preserve the heritage and for safety reasons. It's advisable to check local regulations before attempting to fly a drone.
A versatile lens (like a 24-70mm equivalent) is useful for capturing both the grand scale of the Monastery and details. A wide-angle lens can be great for the Siq and surrounding vistas. Don't forget extra batteries and memory cards!
Access inside the Monastery itself is not permitted. Photography is allowed on the exterior and in the surrounding areas. Be mindful of other visitors and respect any posted signage.
🎫 🚶 Onsite Experience
Allow at least 2-3 hours for the round trip hike to the Monastery and to fully appreciate its scale and the surrounding viewpoints. If you're combining it with other Petra sites, plan for a full day.
There are several vendors and small cafeterias near the Monastery where you can buy water, snacks, and souvenirs. Restrooms are also available.
No, climbing on the Monastery itself is not permitted to preserve the ancient structure. However, you can climb to higher viewpoints around it for different perspectives.
Both are monumental Nabataean structures carved into rock. The Treasury is more famous and located closer to the entrance, while the Monastery is larger, higher up, and generally less crowded, offering a more serene experience.
Lightweight, breathable clothing is recommended due to the desert climate. Comfortable walking shoes are essential for the hike. A hat and sunglasses are also advisable for sun protection.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit