
Jabal Haroun Tomb of Aaron
Hike to the summit of Jabal Haroun, Petra's highest peak, to visit the Tomb of Aaron and witness unparalleled desert vistas.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Beat the intense heat

Jabal Haroun Tomb of Aaron
Best Time
Beat the intense heat

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Hike to the summit of Jabal Haroun, Petra's highest peak, to visit the Tomb of Aaron and witness unparalleled desert vistas.
"A worthy hike, challenging but the views are worth it!"

🥾 Sturdy Footwear is Key
The terrain is very rocky; thin-soled shoes won't cut it. Protect your feet!
💧 Hydration is Crucial
Carry at least 3 liters of water per person for this demanding hike.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Summit of Jabal Haroun
Mount Aaron
Reach the highest point in Petra for breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding desert landscape.

Tomb of Aaron (Prophet Haroon a.s)
Summit of Jabal Haroun
A significant religious site, offering a spiritual and historical experience atop the mountain.

Distant Monastery Vista
Jabal Haroun summit
From the peak, catch a distant, awe-inspiring glimpse of the iconic Monastery (Ad Deir).
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Prepare for a Challenging Hike
Tomb Access and Timing
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🥾 Sturdy Footwear is Key
The terrain is very rocky; thin-soled shoes won't cut it. Protect your feet!
💧 Hydration is Crucial
Carry at least 3 liters of water per person for this demanding hike.
☀️ Sun Protection Essential
A wide-brimmed hat is a must to shield yourself from the extreme heat in the valley.
🗺️ Consider a Local Guide
Trails aren't always marked; a guide ensures you don't get lost and can help with tomb access.
Tips
from all over the internet
🥾 Sturdy Footwear is Key
The terrain is very rocky; thin-soled shoes won't cut it. Protect your feet!
💧 Hydration is Crucial
Carry at least 3 liters of water per person for this demanding hike.
☀️ Sun Protection Essential
A wide-brimmed hat is a must to shield yourself from the extreme heat in the valley.
🗺️ Consider a Local Guide
Trails aren't always marked; a guide ensures you don't get lost and can help with tomb access.
🔑 Inquire About Tomb Access
The tomb door might be locked. Ask at the visitor center if a key is available.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
The hike to Jabal Haroun is a challenging but incredibly rewarding experience, offering stunning panoramic views and a significant spiritual site. Visitors praise the breathtaking scenery and the sense of accomplishment, though they consistently warn about the strenuous nature of the trek, the need for proper gear, and the importance of carrying ample water and sun protection. Some mention the tomb may be locked, suggesting pre-trip inquiries.
"A worthy hike. Have proper shoes as it is very rocky (you can feel everything with thin soles) and make sure to bring 3 liters of water per person (at least) if you do the whole hike from the visitor centre and return (about 27km). It gets extremely hot in the valley, a wide hat is necessary."
Davide Valitutti
"This is inside Petra, a full day hike to get there and back out in one day. The most beautiful day although challenging. Lots of food, water and sun protection is needed! I live in Wadi Musa and I love this hike."
Fiona Sheppard
"Tomb of Prophet Aaron (Haroon a.s) situated on Mount Aaron. Very difficult and steep hike to get up there. It will take around 4-5 hours round trip. Please take a guide with you because the track is not sign posted and you will be get lost quite easily. The guides normally ask for 100 JoD. However, he agreed with me in 40 JoD and I paid 10 JoD as tip. The door to the tomb was locked while I get up there🥹. Hence if you want to visit then please ask about key at visitor centre."
Javed Sikander
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Jabal Haroun is a challenging hike located within Petra. The most common way is to hike from the Petra visitor center, which is a full-day endeavor (approx. 27km round trip). Some reviews suggest a 4x4 drive is possible from Petra, taking about 45 minutes, but this might require specific tour arrangements.
While the location marked on Google Maps might be misleading, some sources indicate a 4x4 drive is possible for part of the way, taking around 45 minutes from Petra. However, the final ascent is typically done on foot.
It's highly recommended to hire a guide, especially if you're unfamiliar with the area. The trails can be unmarked, and a guide can help prevent you from getting lost and may assist with tomb access.
The full hike from the visitor center and back can be around 27km. The round trip to the tomb itself is estimated to take 4-5 hours, depending on your pace and stops.
Within Petra, the primary mode of transport to Jabal Haroun is hiking. While 4x4 access is mentioned for a portion, it's not a standard tourist option and might require pre-arrangement with a tour operator.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Jabal Haroun is located within the Petra Archaeological Park, so your standard Petra entrance ticket is required. No additional ticket is needed specifically for the hike or the tomb itself.
Petra generally opens early in the morning. While there are no specific hours for Jabal Haroun, it's best to start your hike early to avoid the midday heat and allow ample time for the trek.
The door to the Tomb of Aaron may be locked. It's advisable to inquire at the Petra visitor center beforehand about key availability or if there are specific times it's accessible.
Yes, many tour operators in Wadi Musa offer guided hikes to Jabal Haroun, especially for those spending multiple days in Petra. This can simplify logistics and navigation.
Guides typically charge around 100 Jordanian Dinars (JOD), but prices can be negotiated. One traveler reported agreeing on 40 JOD plus a tip.
🎫 ⛰️ Onsite Experience
The hike is considered very difficult and steep. It's a challenging, full-day trek that requires good physical fitness due to the rocky terrain and significant elevation gain.
Sturdy hiking boots with good grip are essential due to the very rocky and uneven terrain. Lightweight, breathable clothing is recommended, along with a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses for sun protection.
There are no readily available facilities or water sources along the trail to Jabal Haroun. It's crucial to carry all your food, water, and any other necessities with you for the entire hike.
The summit offers spectacular panoramic views of the vast Petra landscape and surrounding desert mountains. You might also catch a distant view of the Monastery (Ad Deir).
Yes, it's a popular day trip for those staying in Wadi Musa and spending more than one day exploring Petra. However, it's a demanding hike that will likely consume most of your day.
📸 📸 Photography
The summit provides incredible panoramic vistas of Petra and the desert. Capture the rugged trail, the tomb itself, and the distant views of other Petra landmarks like the Monastery.
Absolutely! The dramatic landscapes and the historical significance of the tomb make it a photographer's dream. Ensure your camera is protected from dust and heat.
Early morning or late afternoon offers the best light for photography, with softer shadows and a warmer glow. Midday sun can be harsh and create strong contrasts.
Yes, from the summit of Jabal Haroun, you can often see the Monastery (Ad Deir) in the distance. It's a unique perspective that captures the scale of Petra.
Focus on the tomb's architecture against the vast sky, or frame it with the surrounding mountain scenery. Capturing the journey up to the tomb also tells a compelling visual story.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
💰 Budget Travelers
🚶♀️ Solo Adventurers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Challenging Ascent: Hiking Jabal Haroun
This trek is often described as one of the most beautiful, albeit challenging, experiences within Petra. It's particularly recommended for those spending more than one day exploring the ancient city, as it offers a different perspective and a sense of accomplishment. The journey culminates at the summit, providing breathtaking panoramic views that are well worth the effort. Some visitors also note the possibility of seeing the Monastery from a distance, adding another layer to the visual reward.
Understanding the Tomb of Aaron
It's important for visitors to be aware that access to the tomb's interior may be restricted, as the door is often locked. Travelers are advised to inquire at the Petra visitor center about the possibility of obtaining a key or if there are specific times when the tomb is open for viewing. This proactive step can help manage expectations and ensure a more fulfilling visit. The journey to the tomb is as much a part of the experience as the destination itself, blending physical challenge with historical and spiritual exploration.


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