Jabal Harun Trail

Trail overview

The Jabal Harun Trail is a challenging yet rewarding hike, offering a unique blend of physical challenge and stunning natural beauty. Beginning at Pharaoh's Column, the trail ascends to the summit of Jabal Harun, requiring a full day to complete. It’s advisable to start early in the morning to fully experience this long and demanding trek. Hikers will encounter notable landmarks along the way, including rock-cut tombs at the eastern base of Umm al-Biyara and snake monuments at Al Thugra. To ensure safety and protect the site, it's important to stay on the marked trail.The final segment of the trail is particularly strenuous, involving a steep climb from the base of Mount Harun. High physical fitness is required, though donkeys can assist with the ascent. The trail is adorned with juniper trees, adding to its scenic charm. Hikers should be well-prepared with plenty of water, snacks, comfortable hiking shoes, a hat, and sunscreen. The summit rewards with breathtaking views of the Wadi Araba area, Petra, and the Ashara mountains. This journey combines the thrill of a challenging hike with the exploration of Petra’s rich history and natural splendor, making it a memorable adventure.

Trail Details

Starting Point: Petra/ez Zantur/Pharaoh`s Column

Endpoint: Petra/Jabal Harun

Category: Heritage/Environmental/Geological

Distance: 7 Km/9186 Steps

Calories Burn: 367 Calories

Duration: 3.45 - 4.00 Hours/Non-stop

Grade: Moderate/Difficult

Tour: One-way

The Nabataean Mansion on ez-Zantur   

Excavations at the Nabataean mansion on Ez-Zantur commenced in the 1990s by the University of Basel and continued through the early 2000s. The site represents the remains of an opulent Nabataean private residence constructed in the early 1st century AD. Its layout is reminiscent of Hellenistic Greek architecture, featuring a central courtyard surrounded by reception rooms and servant quarters, as well as a section allocated for the homeowner's personal use. This private area, situated along the mansion's southern edge, comprises a central vestibule flanked by two grand chambers. These rooms, all boasting stone-paved floors, were adorned with ornate stucco and wall paintings imitating colorful paneled masonry. A notable architectural feature is a smaller, centrally located room adorned with elaborate wall paintings depicting imaginative, illusionistic interpretations of classical architecture. This artistic style, prevalent in Pompeii and Rome during the Augustan age (31 BC–14 AD), has been adapted locally at Ez-Zantur. In contrast to Roman examples, the paintings here are confined to a narrow section of the lower wall.

The Pharaoh's Column   

The Pharaoh's Column is situated behind the Great Temple, forming part of an unexcavated structure from a Nabataean sanctuary in ruins. Positioned along the ancient route to Egypt via Naqb al-Ruba'i, the column comprises 11 stone drums, with the lowermost one significantly eroded. Modern graffiti and scratches adorn its surface. Mentioned frequently in accounts of 19th and early 20th-century travelers to Petra, the column is flanked by fallen drums, suggesting its original towering height. Despite its current state of disrepair, the Pharaoh's Column remains a significant archaeological and historical landmark in Petra, bearing witness to the earthquakes of 363 and 551 that devastated the city.

The Snake Monument

The Snake Monument, a significant feature located in the southern part of Petra at Ath-Thugra, is a sculptural representation featuring a rock-carved snake coiled atop a block tomb, reminiscent of the Djinn blocks at Bab al Siq. Situated along the route to Jabal Harun, it provides insights into the role of serpents in Nabataean religious practices. The tomb itself is cube-shaped, representing one of Petra's earliest sculptures, likely dating to the early second century BC. According to legend, the snake was placed to protect the tomb from burglars. The monument lies on the path to Jabal Harun and is positioned along the ancient caravan route leading into Petra from southern Wadi Araba, Sinai, Egypt, and the Negev. In the 19th century, numerous travelers, including Leon de Laborde and Linant de Bellefonds, journeyed to Petra via this route. They arrived in Petra on March 28, 1828, during a period when a plague was rampant in the village of Wadi Musa.

The Byzantine Monastic Complex on Jabal Harun

Jabal Harun, or Mount Aaron in Arabic, is a site of profound historical and religious significance located in the Petra region. Believed to be the burial place of Aaron, the brother of Moses (peace be upon them), this sacred mountain stands at 1,353 meters above sea level, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding area. It served as a notable landmark along the ancient trade route to Sinai and Egypt via the Naqb al-Ruba’i pass, attracting pilgrims and travelers throughout history. In the 4th to 5th centuries AD, the Finnish Jabal Harun Project (FJHP) uncovered a Byzantine monastic complex on this mountain. The complex included a basilica, a later-added chapel, various associated rooms, a hostel for pilgrims, and courtyards. The site measures approximately 62 meters north-south and 48 meters east-west and remained in use until the 10th century AD. A mosque was constructed at the peak of the mountain in the 14th century, with its white dome visible nearly everywhere in Petra, often referred to as Aaron’s Tomb. The site is known for its stunning views and remains a popular destination for both locals and tourists.

The Arched Cistern of Jebel Harun

One of the most remarkable examples of Nabataean engineering in Petra is the Arched Cistern of Jebel Haroun. Located at the base of the mountain's summit, this cistern measures approximately 18.0 x 5.0 meters and remains functional today. Partially hewn into the bedrock, it features masonry walls and is supported by fifteen arches built in the distinctive Nabataean style. Originally constructed to serve the local residents, the cistern ingeniously incorporates channels that direct rainwater from the mountain summit into the reservoir. Over time, it has also played a crucial role in providing water to visitors to the shrine of Prophet Aaron. From 1997 to 2008, the Jordanian Department of Antiquities undertook significant restoration work on the cistern. This included restoring and reconstructing the external facade of the western wall, repairing and rebuilding the staircase leading to the cistern's roof, which serves visitors heading to the tomb of Prophet Aaron. Additionally, maintenance efforts addressed structural issues with the roof to prevent collapse and ensure visitor safety. The interior was cleaned of accumulated dirt and debris, and both the arches and inner walls were reinforced.

The Shrine of Prophet Aaron

The Shrine of Prophet Aaron is a significant historical and religious site dedicated to commemorating Prophet Aaron, the brother of Moses (peace be upon them). This shrine has been a place of reverence for centuries. The small stone building, measuring approximately 10×8 meters and topped with a dome, was constructed on the remains of a Byzantine structure. Inside, the shrine features a simple rectangular vaulted chamber with a notable small stone cenotaph and taller pillars at each corner, with at least three of them possibly being reused marble chancel posts from the earlier construction. An Arabic inscription above the shrine’s doorway indicates that Sultan al-Nasir Muhammad, son of Qalawun, restored the shrine in AD 1320. The dome crowns the shrine, and a crypt lies beneath the prayer hall. The white shrine, perched atop Jabal Harun, is visible from nearly everywhere in Petra. Historically, an annual autumn festival was held to honor Prophet Aaron. During this event, locals would dress in traditional attire, visit the shrine, spend the night, offer animal sacrifices, and feast. The celebration also featured horse racing on the return journey.

Jabal Harun Viewpoint

The Jabal Harun Summit offers a breathtaking viewpoint, rivaling the famous ad-Dayr and al-Barra spots in Petra. Reaching this peak requires a challenging trek, but the reward is a unique perspective of the expansive landscapes below. From the summit, visitors are treated to stunning vistas of the surrounding valleys, mountains, and desert. The tranquil atmosphere at the top provides a serene moment of reflection amidst nature's grandeur. The viewpoint is ideal for witnessing mesmerizing sunrises and sunsets, which bathe the sandstone mountains and desert in golden and crimson hues. Jabal Harun is historically significant, situated north of the ancient caravan route from Petra through Naqib al-Rubai, leading to Gaza via Wadi Araba. This route was crucial for trade and cultural exchange, linking Petra with distant regions and facilitating commerce across the desert. In summary, the Jabal Harun Summit is a remarkable destination that combines stunning natural beauty with rich historical significance, offering an unforgettable experience for those who make the journey.