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Petra, Jordan: Madras trail – Off the beaten track

Last updated on July 26, 2016 by Claire / this article contains affiliate links (Info)

Avoid the crowds, get off the beaten path! The site of Petra is huge. So if you have more than one day to discover this historical and visual gem, hire a guide and get off the beaten track! I personnaly discovered the Madras Trail.

Travel Guide Jordan - Plan your walk on the Madras trail, Petra off the beaten path

Navigate back to the complete Jordan Travel Guide


INFO & PLANNING TIPS - Petra off the beaten path

TIPS FOR TRAVEL PLANNING ADDICTS - Petra Off the Beaten Track

  • Half day to full days hikes possible in Petra - some will take you through beautiful rocks formations and views from above, others will take you to some valleys where more tombs can be discovered
  • The Madras Trail requires half a day
  • Although it is a marked trail, some consider the High place of Sacrifice and Wadi al-Farasa to be off the beaten track as just a small portion of visitors take the time to climb there
  • More info and planning tips on my detailed guide to help you plan your visit to Petra

Turning on the Madras Trail

On my second morning in Petra, I met with my tour guide and we headed towards the Siq. But we did not enter it this time, we turn left to take the Madras Trail. Time to get off the beaten track in Petra! This is really off the touristic path. Until we reach the normal path to the High place of sacrifice we only met one other couple! And this couple was lost… lucky we were here. Therefore I recommend using a guide if you want to be more adventurous!

After climbing a bit in the rocks you get to see interesting shapes of rock formations.

Madras Trail; off the beaten path in Petra
Madras Trail; off the beaten track in Petra

Getting to see the Treasury from above

After a while through those amazing surroundings, my guide suggested a detour to get a view over the Treasury. The path would have a steep part to climb (but not rock climbing) later in order to go back to the normal path. I decided that it was worth the effort.

There were a few tricky parts but nothing with too much drop. I have a little bit of vertigo but managed this walk. 

Canyon off the beaten path, Petra
Canyon off the beaten path, Petra 2

The platform to observe it large enough: you can lie down.

View of the Treasury from Above, Petra

The way back was difficult and I had a bit of asthma but this view was definitively worth it. For more pictures of the legendary tomb, see my post about the Treasury.


Reaching the High Place of Sacrifice from the Madras Trail

On the way back to the path leading to the high place of sacrifice, we admired some views over the valley in Petra including the amphitheater. I always love seeing things from different perspective!

View over Petra off the beaten path, Jordan
off the beaten path Petra Jordan

At that point we had a break and shared breakfast with a woman selling jewelry who was a friend of my guide. We sat in the shade and drank tea. Well they drank tea, I drank water, plenty of water. And from time to time we crossed path with goats. It was really funny because my guide was telling which were is favorites and why. I thougt this one was funny:

Goat on petra souvenir shop
break in Petra off the beaten track

Want to see MORE of JORDAN?

Discover more things to do with planning information and photos in my online Jordan Travel Guide.

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Nice to go off the beaten track sometimes, don’t you think?

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I am the Travel Planning Geek behind the ZigZag Travel Guides. My goal is to provide you with clear and practical information to help you plan unforgettable trips! Read more

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