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Ad Deir (The Monastery) - Petra
Best time to visit
Early morning or late afternoon for soft light and far fewer people, especially at sunrise when the façade glows. Avoid midday heat in summer; November to March offers cooler temperatures for long hikes.
Budget tips
Official Petra entry requires a paid ticket; purchase at the visitor centre or online, and consider the Jordan Pass which includes Petra entry and the visa when staying three or more nights to save the visa fee.
Recommended for
History buffs, Hikers and trekkers, Photography enthusiasts, Cultural travelers
Plan your visit
2-3 hours
About
Hurtige fakta: You reach the grand carved façade by climbing roughly 800 weathered steps, a workout that rewards you with a vast open forecourt. Golden light at mid-afternoon washes over the sandstone, revealing subtle chisel marks and pockets where benches and altars once sat.
Højdepunkter: After the climb, the terrace delivers a roughly 20-minute spectacle as the stone shifts from ochre to deep rose under the sinking sun, perfect for quiet reflection. Local guides often demonstrate a four-second echo in the hollowed courtyard, clapping once so the reverberation seems to answer back, a playful tradition that once helped relay messages across the gorge.
Insider tips
- Wear broken-in hiking shoes; the ascent includes 800+ uneven steps and loose gravel.
- Carry at least 1.5 to 2 liters of water per person and a sun hat, shade is limited on the climb.
- Head up before 8:30am or after 4pm to avoid most tour groups and capture the best light on the façade.
- Skip paying for a donkey ride to the Monastery, walking gives better perspectives and control for photos and you can rest at shaded viewpoints.
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