Back Route to Monastery via Little Petra
Experience Petra from its 'back door,' starting with the majestic Monastery and descending through the ancient city. A traveler-favorite for a compreh...
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Beat the heat and crowds
Back Route to Monastery via Little Petra
Best Time
Beat the heat and crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Experience Petra from its 'back door,' starting with the majestic Monastery and descending through the ancient city. A traveler-favorite for a comprehensive visit.
"The best way to explore Petra, allowing you to see the entire site without walking the same route twice.
"🎟️ Petra Tickets Essential
Ensure you have your valid Petra tickets before heading to Little Petra.
🚗 Jeep to Trailhead
A jeep from Little Petra to the trail start costs around 5 JOD per person.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Monastery (Ad-Deir)
Top of the back route
Marvel at this colossal facade, often less crowded than the Treasury when approached from the back. A truly breathtaking sight.

Scenic Descent Through Petra
From the Monastery to the main site
Enjoy a stunning walk downhill, passing tombs, temples, and dramatic rock formations. The journey is as rewarding as the destination.

Little Petra (Siq al-Barid)
Starting point of the back route
A smaller, charming archaeological site that serves as a perfect prelude to the grandeur of Petra.
Plans like a pro.
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Planning Your Visit
Start Your Petra Adventure from the Back
Logistics for the Back Route
Best Times
Insider Tips
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Petra backdoor route • November 22
🎟️ Petra Tickets Essential
Ensure you have your valid Petra tickets before heading to Little Petra.
🚗 Jeep to Trailhead
A jeep from Little Petra to the trail start costs around 5 JOD per person.
Al Dayr (The monastery in Petra) - rare moment with no other tourists in the pic
Petra Hikes
💧 Stay Hydrated
Carry plenty of water and snacks, especially in low season as amenities are scarce.
👟 Comfortable Footwear
The trail involves stone steps; comfortable hiking shoes are a must.
Question about hiking Petra
Tips
from all over the internet
🎟️ Petra Tickets Essential
Ensure you have your valid Petra tickets before heading to Little Petra.
🚗 Jeep to Trailhead
A jeep from Little Petra to the trail start costs around 5 JOD per person.
💧 Stay Hydrated
Carry plenty of water and snacks, especially in low season as amenities are scarce.
👟 Comfortable Footwear
The trail involves stone steps; comfortable hiking shoes are a must.
🚶♀️ Donkey Option
Donkeys are available for hire if you need assistance partway.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Travelers overwhelmingly praise the back route as the superior way to experience Petra, highlighting its scenic beauty and efficient exploration. While the journey requires some logistical planning and carrying essentials, the reward is a less crowded, more comprehensive visit, often culminating in the awe-inspiring Monastery.
"The best way to explore Petra. Starting your visit from this trail allows you to see the entire site without having to walk the same route twice. The trail mostly follows stone steps. To get there, take the free shuttle bus from the Petra Visitor Center to Little Petra and from there, take a jeep (costs 5 JOD per person) to the starting point of the trail."
Kamil S
"This is the perfect way to hike Petra from the back door all the way to the front entrance. This way you get to see everything, the treasury, the mountains and everything in between. For those that decided they couldn’t do the hike half way in have no fear, the here are many donkeys available for hire to take you all the way to the front.
To be honest the hike wasn’t that difficult."
Jesse Lee
"I came to the start of the hike with a jeep from little Petra. The hike is not too difficult and if you’re not that fit, just go as early as possible and take your time!
Don’t forget to take water and maybe also a fruit / snack, specially if you’re going in low season. There won’t be much on the way then."
laipieka
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
To access the back route, first get to Little Petra. You can take a free shuttle bus from the Petra Visitor Center (expect long waits) or a taxi for about 10 JOD. From Little Petra, you'll need to arrange a jeep to take you to the trailhead, which costs around 5 JOD per person.
The free shuttle bus to Little Petra is available but can involve significant waiting times. Many travelers opt for a taxi for a quicker and more direct journey.
The most common and recommended way is to take a jeep from Little Petra. This service costs about 5 JOD per person and can sometimes have wait times if overcrowded.
Yes, you can hike directly from Little Petra to the Monastery, which takes approximately 2 hours. However, many prefer to take a jeep part of the way to save time and energy for exploring Petra itself.
Yes, you can arrange a taxi from the main Petra entrance to Little Petra, which typically costs around 10 JOD. This offers more flexibility than the shuttle bus.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
You need a valid Petra entrance ticket to use the back route. This ticket covers your entry to the entire Petra archaeological park, including the Monastery and the main site.
Petra tickets are best purchased at the Petra Visitor Center. Ensure you have your ticket before you proceed to Little Petra and the back route.
No, the standard Petra entrance ticket is required for all routes, including the back route. There are no special tickets for this specific entry point.
The back route access generally follows the main Petra park hours. It's advisable to start early to maximize your time and experience the site with fewer people.
Absolutely! This is one of the main advantages of the back route. You can enter via the Monastery and then descend through the main Petra site, exiting at the Visitor Center.
🎫 🚶 Onsite Experience
The hike from the jeep drop-off point to the Monastery takes about 1 hour. The entire trek from Little Petra to the Monastery, including the jeep ride, can take around 2-2.5 hours.
The hike is generally not considered too difficult, mostly following stone steps. However, it's advisable to go as early as possible and take your time, especially if you're not very fit.
Many travelers highly recommend the back route (via Little Petra) as the best way to explore Petra. It allows you to see the entire site without repeating paths and often starts with the impressive Monastery.
Amenities are scarce along the back route, especially in the low season. It's crucial to carry sufficient water and snacks with you. There are some tea shops near the Monastery.
While guides are available, the back route is generally well-marked and manageable without one. However, hiring a local Bedouin guide can enhance your understanding of the history and culture.
📸 📸 Photography
The Monastery itself offers incredible photo opportunities. As you descend, keep an eye out for panoramic views of the Petra valley and unique rock formations. The approach to the Monastery also provides stunning perspectives.
You won't see the Treasury directly from the back route until you've descended into the main site. The primary photographic focus of the back route is the Monastery and the dramatic landscapes leading to it.
Early morning offers softer light and fewer crowds at the Monastery. Late afternoon provides a beautiful golden hour glow on the sandstone facades as you make your way down.
Drones are generally prohibited within Petra National Park for preservation and security reasons. Always check the latest regulations at the Visitor Center before your visit.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the grandeur of the Monastery and the vast landscapes. A telephoto lens can be useful for details on the facades. Comfortable shoes are more important than specialized gear!
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Starting with the Monastery means you can enjoy its grandeur before tackling the descent. Pack plenty of water and snacks, as facilities are limited. The journey down through Petra offers plenty of open spaces and fascinating sights to keep children engaged. Consider starting very early to avoid the heat and make the most of the cooler morning hours.
🚶 Budget Travelers
Crucially, carrying your own water and snacks will save money compared to purchasing them inside the park. The main cost is your Petra entrance ticket, which is essential regardless of your entry point. This route allows you to experience Petra thoroughly without needing additional paid tours within the site itself.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
The descent offers numerous vantage points for panoramic shots of the Petra valley and unique rock formations. The journey through the main site, including the approach to the Treasury, provides classic Petra photo opportunities. Remember to pack a wide-angle lens for those grand vistas and a telephoto for architectural details.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating to Little Petra and the Trailhead
Once you arrive at Little Petra, you'll need to arrange transport to the actual trailhead for the hike to the Monastery. This is usually done via a jeep, which costs approximately 5 JOD per person. While convenient, these jeeps can sometimes be overcrowded, leading to wait times. Some travelers opt to hike the entire distance from Little Petra, which takes about 2 hours to reach the Monastery.
It's crucial to have your valid Petra entrance tickets in hand before you embark on this journey, as they are required for entry into the archaeological park. Planning your transport in advance can save you time and ensure a smoother start to your Petra adventure.
The Back Route Hike Experience
As you ascend, the landscape offers increasingly dramatic views. Upon reaching the Monastery, you're greeted by its colossal facade, often a more serene introduction than the bustling Treasury. From here, the path leads you downhill through the heart of Petra. This descent allows you to explore the Street of Facades, the Royal Tombs, and the Great Temple at your own pace, without the need to retrace your steps.
While the hike itself isn't overly strenuous, carrying plenty of water and some snacks is essential, as amenities are sparse along the trail, particularly outside of peak season. For those who find the hike challenging, donkeys are available for hire to assist you along certain sections.
Why the Back Route is a Traveler Favorite
The journey down through Petra from the Monastery offers a different perspective. You encounter the main attractions in a logical sequence, culminating at the Treasury as you approach the main exit. This flow makes the exploration feel more comprehensive and less rushed.
Furthermore, starting from the back route can feel like a more authentic and adventurous introduction to the ancient city, bypassing the initial crowds that gather at the main entrance and the Siq. It's a strategy that maximizes your time and appreciation for the vastness of Petra.
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