Khazali Canyon (Wadi Rum) - Image 1
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Khazali Canyon Wadi Rum

4.6
·48 reviews·Wadi Rum Village, Jordan

Explore Khazali Canyon, a narrow fissure in Wadi Rum adorned with ancient petroglyphs and inscriptions, offering a glimpse into millennia of history.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Late Afternoon

Fewer crowds, softer light

CrowdLow
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Khazali Canyon (Wadi Rum) - Image 1

Khazali Canyon Wadi Rum

Best Time

Late Afternoon

Fewer crowds, softer light

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Explore Khazali Canyon, a narrow fissure in Wadi Rum adorned with ancient petroglyphs and inscriptions, offering a glimpse into millennia of history.

4.6
(48 reviews)

"A quiet, lonely canyon with carvings still visible – a highlight of Wadi Rum!"

Vertical photo
TIP

👟 Sturdy Footwear Essential

The rocky path is uneven, sloping, and dusty. Wear sturdy shoes for a safe and comfortable visit.

🚗 4WD is a Must

Access to Khazali Canyon requires a 4WD vehicle. Your tour guide will likely provide this.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Ancient Inscriptions

Ancient Inscriptions

Canyon Walls

Marvel at thousands of years of history etched into the canyon walls, featuring diverse petroglyphs of people and animals.

Instagram+1
Narrow Fissure

Narrow Fissure

Khazali Canyon

Experience the unique geology of this narrow fissure, a highlight for many visitors to Wadi Rum.

Reddit
Rock Art Depictions

Rock Art Depictions

Canyon Walls

See ancient rock art depicting people and animals, some of which represent extinct species.

Instagram
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Planning Your Visit

Accessing Khazali Canyon

Khazali Canyon requires a 4WD vehicle for access. Most visitors arrive with their Wadi Rum tour guide or, if their camp is nearby, they might walk. Be prepared for potential crowds, especially if arriving with tour coaches. Reddit

Navigating the Canyon

The canyon is narrow with an uneven, sloping, and dusty rocky path. Sturdy footwear is highly recommended. While the main path is generally safe for children, attempting to climb further requires experience and caution to avoid injury. Reddit

Best Times

When
Late Afternoon
Why
Fewer crowds, softer light
Crowd
Low
When
Mid-day
Why
Tour groups may be present
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

เหมือนไม่ได้อยู่บนโลกอะะ ให้มันแดงงงงง แดงจ่ายหว่ายยยย เต็นท์กลางทะเลทรายที่ประเทศจอร์แดน ตรงนี้ดังอยู่เน้อ เป็นสถานที่ถ่ายทำ star wars, transformers, dune, the martian, prometheus, John Wick 4 และอีกเยอะมากกกกกก 📍 Memories Aicha Luxury Camp, Wadi Rum, Jordan, ห้องแบบ Panoramic Tent คืนละ 17700 ได้ 2 คน รวมอาหารเช้าอาหารเย็นบุฟเฟต์เด้อ #เที่ยวจอร์แดน
@ihomesickalienn
238.3K likes • 2.2M views

👟 Sturdy Footwear Essential

The rocky path is uneven, sloping, and dusty. Wear sturdy shoes for a safe and comfortable visit. Reddit

🚗 4WD is a Must

Access to Khazali Canyon requires a 4WD vehicle. Your tour guide will likely provide this. Reddit

Would you stay here? #wadirum #jordan #asuniqueaccom #travel #camping #tiktoktravel #traveldiaries #fyp #foryou
@kimmconn
46.8K likes • 397.8K views
Take a trip back in time. Khazali Canyon, also known as Jebel Khazali, is one of the best-known features of Wadi Rum. Although it is only around 100 feet (35 meters) long, the petroglyphs are quite spectacular. The petroglyphs are rock drawings, dating back over 12,000 years. The petroglyphs are diverse, depicting both people and animals. Some show women giving birth; others show animals which ca...
wadirumdesertdunes
20 likes • 599 views

⏳ Beat the Crowds

Visit during off-peak hours or be prepared to yield to others on the narrow path. Reddit

🧗‍♀️ Experienced Climbers Only

The main path is safe, but advanced climbing further in carries risks. Reddit

Khazali Canyon is where ancient civilisations used to often come to, due to water abundance💦 Over thousands of years, the water flow that comes from the canyon created those different sand shades once the water carries some minerals. Nowadays we can see plenty ancient inscriptions and understand how was the lifestyle back in times. ⛰️The visit to this Canyon is included in our Jeep Tour program...
desertbirdcamp
32 likes • 875 views

Tips

from all over the internet

👟 Sturdy Footwear Essential

The rocky path is uneven, sloping, and dusty. Wear sturdy shoes for a safe and comfortable visit. Reddit

🚗 4WD is a Must

Access to Khazali Canyon requires a 4WD vehicle. Your tour guide will likely provide this. Reddit

⏳ Beat the Crowds

Visit during off-peak hours or be prepared to yield to others on the narrow path. Reddit

🧗‍♀️ Experienced Climbers Only

The main path is safe, but advanced climbing further in carries risks. Reddit

📸 Capture the History

The ancient inscriptions are a unique photo opportunity. Instagram

What Travellers Say

4.6
(48 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise Khazali Canyon as a highlight of their Wadi Rum experience, particularly for its ancient inscriptions and unique geological formation. While the narrow path can get crowded, most find it manageable and safe, especially with sturdy footwear. The historical significance and the 'step back in time' feel are major draws. InstagramReddit

"To get to this place you’ll need a 4WD. Most people get here with their tour/Wadi rum tour guide or sometimes walk from their camp if it’s within walking distance.

This is a very beautiful and narrow canyon within wadi rum, and there are some inscriptions carved on the walls. A lot of the animals that are carved on the walls are already extinct. You can climb up and go further in but you need to have a certain level of experience to do that. (You can be badly injured if not done carefully)

One of the highlights of wadi rum 😍"

Xiao Xiao Chen

"My highlight of Wadi Rum; a narrow fissure with many ancient inscriptions and rock art.

It’s one of the most popular desert tourist destinations, so you need to be one step ahead of coaches as the tricky high path is only just wide enough for two people to pass.

I would definitely recommend sturdy footwear as the rocky path is uneven, sloping and dusty!"

David Simkins

"The canyon gets really crowded but is a nice stop to see different languages captured on the rock. The way up and down is easy and just takes time due to constant yielding of priority to people coming up or down. We could easily go through the Canyon with 11, 13 and 15 years old. The path is very safe. The Bedouin camp at the entrance of the canyon was the place we had lunch (cooked by our guide) and the start of our camel ride."

malik baudry

What People Like

Ancient inscriptions and rock art
Unique narrow canyon
Historical significance

What People Dislike

Can get crowded

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Khazali Canyon is accessible by 4WD vehicle. Most visitors arrive with their Wadi Rum tour guide, who will drive them to the site. If your camp is within walking distance, you might be able to walk, but a 4WD is generally recommended for the terrain. Reddit

The drive from Petra to Wadi Rum typically takes about 2.5 hours by car. Khazali Canyon is located within the Wadi Rum Protected Area, so once you are in Wadi Rum, it's a relatively short drive to the canyon itself. TikTok

It depends on the location of your camp. Some camps are within walking distance, while others are not. It's best to check with your accommodation or tour operator. Reddit

A 4WD vehicle is essential for navigating the desert terrain of Wadi Rum and reaching attractions like Khazali Canyon. Reddit

Yes, most Wadi Rum tours include a visit to Khazali Canyon as part of their itinerary. These tours typically provide transportation and a guide. TikTok

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Entry to Khazali Canyon is typically included as part of a Wadi Rum tour package. If you are visiting independently, there might be an entrance fee for the Wadi Rum Protected Area, which covers access to various sites including the canyon. Reddit

Khazali Canyon is generally accessible during daylight hours as part of Wadi Rum tours. It's advisable to visit during the day to see the inscriptions clearly. Reddit

While there isn't a separate fee specifically for Khazali Canyon, you will likely pay an entrance fee for the Wadi Rum Protected Area. This fee usually covers access to multiple sites within the desert. Reddit

While it's possible to drive to the vicinity, having a guide is highly recommended for navigating the desert and understanding the historical significance of the inscriptions. Most tours include a guide. Reddit

The main path is generally safe, but attempting to climb further into the canyon requires experience and caution. Respect the ancient inscriptions and do not touch or damage them. Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

Khazali Canyon is famous for its ancient petroglyphs and inscriptions carved into the canyon walls, some dating back over 12,000 years. You'll see depictions of people and animals, offering a glimpse into ancient life. Instagram+2

Yes, the main path through the canyon is considered safe for children aged 11-15, according to some visitors. However, any advanced climbing beyond the main path should only be attempted by experienced individuals. Reddit

A visit to Khazali Canyon typically takes about 30 minutes to an hour, depending on how much time you spend admiring the inscriptions and navigating the path. Reddit

Sturdy, closed-toe footwear is essential due to the uneven, sloping, and dusty rocky path. Comfortable clothing suitable for desert exploration is also recommended. Reddit

While there are opportunities to climb further into the canyon, this is only recommended for experienced individuals due to the potential for injury. The main path is safe for most visitors. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The ancient inscriptions and rock art on the canyon walls are the primary photo subjects. The narrowness of the canyon and the textures of the rock also make for dramatic shots. Instagram+1

Late afternoon often provides softer light, which can enhance the textures of the rock and inscriptions. However, the canyon is visually interesting throughout the day. Reddit

Drone usage regulations can vary. It's advisable to check with local authorities or your tour operator before flying a drone in Wadi Rum to ensure compliance with any restrictions. TikTok

A wide-angle lens can be useful for capturing the narrowness of the canyon. A camera with good low-light performance might be beneficial if visiting during dawn or dusk. Instagram

Many photographers capture the inscriptions from a slightly lower angle to emphasize their placement on the canyon walls. Experimenting with different perspectives within the narrow space is key. Instagram

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Khazali Canyon is a great stop for families visiting Wadi Rum. The main path is generally considered safe and easy to navigate, even for children aged 11-15, though it can get crowded. Reddit The ancient inscriptions and rock art are fascinating for kids, offering a tangible connection to history and sparking their imagination about ancient life. Instagram+1 Remember to pack sturdy shoes for everyone, as the path is rocky and uneven. Reddit While advanced climbing is not recommended for children, the accessible parts of the canyon provide plenty of wonder and discovery. Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Adventure Seekers

For those looking for a bit more thrill, Khazali Canyon offers opportunities for climbing beyond the main tourist path. However, this is strictly for experienced individuals due to the inherent risks involved. Reddit The unique geology of the narrow fissure itself is an adventure to explore. Reddit Combine your visit with a 4WD tour of Wadi Rum to experience the vast desert landscapes and other geological wonders. TikTok+1

📸 Photographers

Khazali Canyon presents unique photographic challenges and rewards. The narrowness of the canyon and the ancient inscriptions on its walls offer dramatic compositions. Instagram+1 Consider using a wide-angle lens to capture the scale of the fissure. Instagram The late afternoon light can create beautiful textures on the rock, making it an ideal time for photography. Reddit Be mindful of other visitors, as the path can get crowded, and plan your shots accordingly. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Ancient History of Khazali Canyon

Khazali Canyon is a treasure trove of ancient history, most notably for its petroglyphs and inscriptions. These rock carvings date back thousands of years, with some estimates suggesting they are over 12,000 years old. Instagram The inscriptions depict a variety of subjects, including people and animals, offering a unique window into the lives and beliefs of ancient civilizations that inhabited this region. Instagram+1 Some of these depictions feature animals that are now extinct, adding another layer of historical intrigue. Reddit

These ancient markings were created by various cultures over millennia, including the Nabataeans, who left behind inscriptions in different languages. Instagram The canyon's natural water source likely made it a significant gathering place for these ancient peoples. Instagram Visiting Khazali Canyon is like stepping back in time, allowing you to connect with the deep history etched into the very rocks of Wadi Rum. Instagram+1

It's important to remember that these are historical artifacts. Visitors are urged to observe them respectfully and avoid touching or damaging the inscriptions to preserve them for future generations. Reddit

Navigating the Terrain and Safety

The physical experience of visiting Khazali Canyon involves navigating a narrow, rocky fissure. The path is described as uneven, sloping, and dusty, making sturdy footwear a non-negotiable item for visitors. Reddit This terrain is manageable for most, including children, with many visitors reporting that the path is safe and easy to traverse, though it can get crowded, requiring patience. Reddit

While the main path is generally safe, there are opportunities to climb higher into the canyon. However, this is where safety becomes a more significant concern. Attempting to ascend further requires a certain level of experience and caution, as there's a risk of serious injury if not done carefully. Reddit Most tour guides will advise on the safety of any advanced climbing sections. Reddit

For those with mobility concerns or who prefer a less strenuous experience, focusing on the accessible parts of the canyon where the most prominent inscriptions are located is perfectly fulfilling. The experience is still rich with historical discovery and geological wonder. Instagram

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