JORDAN TRAIL : DE AS-SALT À MA'IN

The Jordan Trail is a hiking trail that runs from north to south in Jordan, from Umm-Qais to Aqaba. The 672 kilometer trail is divided into 9 sections. It follows roads, marked paths, old caravan routes or Bedouin paths used for transhumance. The Jordan Trail is not marked and the presence of a guide is essential, especially for the desert sections. Appropriate equipment and a good physical condition are necessary.

The Jordan Trail starts in the center of As-Salt and leads to the Dead Sea and the Wadi Zarqa Valley. The 94.4 kilometer hike is divided into 4 stages. From the Ottoman city, listed as a World Heritage Site, the route follows the green valley of Iraq al-Amir and then descends into the Jordan Valley. You will leave behind the fertile lands to reach the arid and stony mountains that border the Dead Sea. Overnight stays with local people or camping in the wilderness.

Day 1: As-Salt to Iraq al-Amir. 22.3 km. Difficult. Allow 7 hours of walking. From the center of the city, you follow the direction of the south and the valley. You follow country roads along agricultural properties and the rolling topography that characterizes this area. Upon reaching Iraq al-Amir, be sure to visit the 2nd century Ptolemaic castle.

Day 2. Iraq al-Amir to Husban. 19.5 km. Easy. Allow 5 to 6 hours of walking. As you leave the Wadi Al-Kafrein valley, you get beautiful views of the Jordan Valley and Palestine on your right. You cross the highway that leads from Amman to the Dead Sea and continue to the Husban camp.

Day 3. Husban to Oyoon al-Theeb. 19.8 km. Difficult. Allow 7 to 8 hours of walking. You take dirt roads to walk in the footsteps of Moses. The first part to the springs of Moses is easy, then you start the climb to Mount Nebo. You pass a group of ruined Byzantine churches. From km 10 on, the climb becomes difficult. You are rewarded with beautiful views of the Dead Sea.

Day 4. From Oyoon al-Thee to Wadi Zarqa Ma'in. 21.1 km. Difficult. Allow 7 hours of walking. You cross the Dead Sea plateau over rough terrain for two thirds of the way, then begin a strenuous climb to the road to Ma'in, before descending along the ancient Roman road into the canyon of Wadi Zarqa Ma'in.