Jabel Umm Al Biyara Hiking Trail in Petra (PT-JHT-007)

Petra has many things to offer visitors who come to explore its dramatic tomb facades and the many ancient temples and buildings situated along the city’s main colonnaded thoroughfare. Petra’s beauty and grandeur, however, can only be fully appreciated from above, especially when seen from one of the scenic trails that ascend to the summits of the surrounding mountains. The most well-known hikes are those to Ed-Deir (the Monastery) and the High Place of Sacrifice. But if you’re looking for a less frequented and secluded hike, the one to the top of Umm Al-Biyara is for you.

Tour/Trail Details:

Trail Name:       Jabel Umm Al Biyara Hiking Trail in Petra

Trail Duration:   08 -09 hours

Grade/Level:      Difficult

Start location:   Petra visitor’s centre

End Location:    Petra visitor’s centre

Jabel Umm Al Biyara overlooking Petra ancient city, the mother of the cisterns. The trail starts from Petra city centre, Qasr EL Bint, climb to reach the peak, visit an Edomite stronghold with cisterns and storage and houses bell shaped cisterns, view Petra from the top of the Summit, back same way.

Umm Al-Biyara (“Mother of Cisterns”) is Petra’s highest and most prominent mountain and looks directly over the ancient city centre. It is topped by a flat plateau that slopes slightly downward toward the city. On top are the remains of Edomite buildings from the seventh–sixth centuries B.C., and more recent excavations have revealed a splendid Nabataean/Roman bath complex that overlooks the entire city.

The hike to the top of Umm Al-Biyara is a minimum 07 hours, but takes 08 hrs with the distance from the visitor’s centre and back. Good walking shoes, sun screen, a hat, and plenty of water are essential, as the ascent is quite steep and challenging, especially during the heat of the day. Since Umm Al-Biyara is at the heart of Petra, hikers should account for the walk in and out of the park as well.