One-way walking distance
Duration
Level of Intensity
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.