The first time you see Petra's Treasury appear through the narrow slit of sandstone is a moment that stays with you. Maybe it's the early morning quiet, the soft rustle of feet on gravel, or that sudden flash of light on pink stone. Whatever it is—it grabs you. But what most people don't realize is this: the Treasury is just the beginning.

To truly experience Petra, you've got to walk. From the gate to the final climb to the Monastery, it's a full-day hike packed with color, history, and awe. And if you do it right, it doesn't feel exhausting—it feels like stepping through a door into another world.

Here's how to walk Petra in one unforgettable day.

Start Early: Beat the Sun and the Crowds

Petra opens at 6:00 a.m., and that's when you should start. Not 8, not 9—6 sharp.

By getting in early, you avoid both the heat and the tour groups. Temperatures can soar above 90°F (32°C) by noon, and the shade is sparse. Walking in the cool morning air, with just a few others around, changes the whole atmosphere. It feels quieter, more sacred—like Petra is showing you something personal.

Tip: Stay overnight in Wadi Musa, the town right outside the Petra gate. That way you can roll out of bed and be at the entrance in 10 minutes.

The Route: Petra Gate to the Monastery

Here's the full path you'll walk, from entrance to the farthest point:

1. Main Gate → The Siq (25 mins)

The trail starts wide and open, then narrows into the Siq, a 1.2-kilometer-long canyon carved by water and time. Look for Nabatean carvings along the walls and the ancient water channel on your left.

2. Siq → Treasury (Al-Khazneh) (5 mins)

At the end of the Siq, you'll see it: the Treasury, glowing in pink and orange. It's about 130 feet high and carved directly into the cliff. No entry inside, but you can walk right up to it.

3. Treasury → Street of Facades → Royal Tombs (30 mins)

This stretch is like walking through a city slowly being reclaimed by stone. You'll pass towering tombs, crumbling staircases, and a Roman-style theater carved from the rock.

4. Royal Tombs → Colonnaded Street → Qasr al-Bint (30 mins)

Descend to Petra's heart: the Colonnaded Street, once the city's main marketplace. There are temples, market ruins, and a public fountain here.

5. Qasr al-Bint → Monastery Trailhead (10 mins)

You'll see signs and small stalls before the climb. This is your last chance for snacks or cold drinks before the hike gets tough.

6. Monastery Trailhead → The Monastery (45–60 mins)

The trail is 850+ uneven stone steps winding uphill. It's steep, exposed, and tiring—but worth every drop of sweat. At the top, you'll be met with the Monastery (Ad Deir), even larger and more isolated than the Treasury.

Sit, sip something cool, and take in the silence. You earned this view.

Total hiking time: Around 5–6 hours round-trip, not including breaks or stops for photos.

Distance: About 10 miles (16 km) total

What to Bring & What to Wear

This isn't a “flip-flops and selfies” kind of walk. You'll need:

• Good walking shoes: Preferably trail runners or hiking sandals with grip

• Sun protection: Hat, sunscreen, sunglasses

• Water: At least 1.5–2 liters per person (there are refill stations and vendors)

• Snacks: Energy snack packs or dried fruit—especially for the Monastery trail

• Lightweight scarf: Doubles as sun cover and dust shield

• Layers: Mornings can be chilly; a light jacket you can tie around your waist works great

Avoid heavy bags—you'll feel every ounce by the time you start climbing.

How to Get In: Jordan Pass is a No-Brainer

Foreign visitors need both a visa and a Petra ticket. The Jordan Pass bundles both:

• Price: Starts at ~$99 USD for a 1-day Petra visit

• Includes: Entry to 40+ sites (Petra, Jerash, Wadi Rum), plus the visa fee

• Buy online before arriving—print or download a digital copy for entry

It's not just cheaper—it also saves time. And if Petra is your main reason for visiting Jordan (which it is for many), this is the smartest way to do it.

Food & Facilities

• Inside Petra: You'll find a few stalls selling juice, water, and snacks. Prices are higher than in town, but not outrageous.

• Bathrooms: Decent and spaced throughout (near the museum, Monastery trailhead, and Visitor Center). Bring tissues and hand sanitizer.

• Best lunch spot: There's a tented cafe near the Monastery. Sit on a rug, drink mint tea, and take a long, slow break before heading down.

Want to Skip the Climb? Options for All Levels

Not everyone is up for a 6-hour walk. Petra still has plenty to offer if you keep it short:

• Walk only to the Treasury and Royal Tombs and turn back (~2–3 hours)

• Ride a donkey or mule to the Monastery—but be cautious. Only do this if the animals look healthy and the handler treats them well.

• Hire a licensed guide at the gate (~$35–50 USD for a half-day tour)

When to Go: Best Time to Visit Petra

• Best months: March–May or September–November

• Avoid: Summer (June–August) due to extreme heat

• Time of day: Be inside by 6–7 a.m. if you want soft light and solitude. Petra closes at 6 p.m. in summer, 4 p.m. in winter.

Let It Be Slow—and Let It Be Yours

Petra is massive. You won't see every hidden temple or climb every trail in one day—and you don't need to. Instead of trying to conquer the site, let yourself wander. Sit on a ledge and watch the light change on the rocks. Talk to a local selling bracelets or mint tea. Step into silence and realize how loud the rest of the world is.

The real magic of Petra isn't in checking off the landmarks. It's in how it makes you feel: small, humbled, connected to something that's outlasted centuries. Let that be what you carry home.