Wadi Rum Trail

Information

Distance

120.0 km

Duration

7–10 days

Max elevation

1,854 m

Country

Jordan (JO)

Difficulty

Strenuous — technical desert route with scrambling, rock climbing, and abseiling; must be accompanied by a local Bedouin guide

Best Season

March–April, October–November

Permits & Fees

An entry ticket to the Wadi Rum Protected Area (UNESCO World Heritage Site) must be purchased; a local Bedouin guide is required by the route management

Description

The Wadi Rum Trail is a 120 km wilderness circuit through the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Wadi Rum Protected Area in southern Jordan, completed in 7–10 days. Inaugurated in 2023, it stitches together ancient Bedouin trade, pilgrim, and shepherd paths into a modern long-distance route crossing six sections: from Jebel Um Ashreen and Jebel Birda through the Tablelands, Borderlands, and Hejaz Hills to Jebel Rum. The trail scales five mountains, culminating at Jebel Um Adami (1,854 m), Jordan's highest point. Unusually among Middle East long-distance trails, it integrates rock climbing and abseiling — all guided exclusively by Bedouin tribesmen who created and manage the route. Wild camping under desert stars in the company of local guides makes this a rare cultural and wilderness experience.

Trail Highlights

The dramatic red sand desert of Wadi Rum, giant sandstone formations, climbing 5 peaks including Jebel Um Adami (1,854 m — the highest in Jordan), overnight camps with Bedouin tribes, and centuries-old trade and pilgrimage routes