Ras Slaysil Trail

Explore Ancient Landscapes and Scenic Vistas

The Ras Slaysel Trail begins at the main road in Bayda, east of Kharrubat al-Fajja, and concludes at Ras Slaysel. The trail heads west from Kharrubat al-Fajja and extends for 4 kilometers. Initially, you’ll traverse a vast agricultural area dotted with constructed retaining walls used for terracing and damming.

In the Shamsa region, the trail intersects with the al-Dayr back trail and continues westward to Wadi Slaysel. Here, you'll encounter many ancient Nabataean farming terraces and several ruined sites. As you progress through Wadi Slaysel, you’ll reach Ras Slaysel, where you can visit the Ras Slaysel High Place. This spot provides a spectacular viewpoint overlooking Wadi Araba, Wadi Marwan, Jabal Härun, and the Dayr plateau.

For a safe and enjoyable hike, please bring plenty of drinking water, wear comfortable shoes, and don a hat for sun protection. While enjoying the views from Ras Slaysel, exercise caution and be mindful of sharp, rocky areas.

Trail Details

Starting Point: Bayda/Kharubat al Fajjah

Endpoint: Bayda/Ras Slaysil

Category: Heritage/Environmental/Geological

Distance: 4.3 Km/5643 Steps

Calories Burn: 226 Calories

Duration: 1.30 - 1.45 Hours/Non-stop

Grade: Easy

Tour: One-way

The Cultural Heritage Village al-Bayda

The Cultural Heritage Village al-Bayda, a key part of Petra’s holistic conservation strategy, offers a forward-thinking approach to sustainable tourism and community development. Situated near Little Petra, this modern village, recently developed by the Petra Development and Tourism Region Authority (PDTRA), is designed to boost the local economy and preserve the area’s cultural significance.

The village features a main plaza and market, an open theatre, and an art center, along with a heritage center and a culture and education center. Visitors can enjoy traditional restaurants, outdoor cafes, and a variety of seasonal activities. Additional amenities include a dedicated administration annex and enhancements for waterway protection to ensure environmental sensitivity.

Crucially, the village serves as a tourism hub that enriches the visitor experience while easing pressure on Petra’s archaeological park. It provides valuable economic opportunities for locals and a platform for showcasing traditional crafts and cultural heritage. Overall, the village is a sustainable and culturally immersive destination, promoting responsible tourism practices and preserving the region’s natural and cultural resources for future generations.

Kharrubat al-Fajja

Also known as Sad al-Kharruba, meaning ‘carob dam’ in Arabic, Kharrubat al-Fajja is a fascinating example of a small Nabataean dam. Situated across a gorge on a high sandstone outcrop, the dam's original masonry wall featured three courses, now missing, with visible rock cuts indicating where the rows were anchored. The dam is named after a large carob tree ('kharruba' in Arabic) that once grew within it. The Nabataeans used the dam for agricultural purposes in the Bayda area, and it is possible that the Romans and Byzantines later utilized it similarly.

Petra’s unique location at the crossroads of three zoogeographic zones creates a diverse range of landscapes and climatic conditions, supporting a variety of flora and fauna. Historically, the area was home to four main indigenous tree species: Kermes oak, Phoenician juniper, Mt. Atlas pistachio, and carob. Sadly, three of these species are now listed as endangered. Petra also hosts rare species such as the Petra Iris, Romulea of Petra, and the blue lizard of Petra.

Ruined Structures at the Ras Slaysel Area

Journey Through the Remarkable History of Ras Slaysel

The Nabataeans, followed by the Romans, dedicated themselves to land reclamation and agriculture in the Bayda region, particularly in Wadi and Ras Slaysel. They built terraces for farming and cultivated the land with grains, vegetables, and fruit trees, notably grapes. To manage water resources, they constructed reservoirs and dams to collect rainwater. Rural houses were also established on this land, as evidenced by the numerous ruined structures, including remnants of terraced fields, water storage systems, and residential buildings, showcasing their significant commitment to agriculture and livestock husbandry.

These agricultural practices were essential for sustaining the local population and economy, allowing a thriving community to develop in an otherwise arid landscape. Today, the remains of their infrastructure—terraces, reservoirs, and rural dwellings—are studied by archaeologists to understand the ingenuity and resourcefulness of these ancient civilizations. Their legacy endures in the landscape, continuing to inform our understanding of the region's agricultural history.

The Pond Temple

An Ancient Nabataean Sanctuary

Nestled 450 meters below Räs Slaysil, the Pond Temple is a significant Nabataean site at a crucial crossroads of ancient caravan routes. Based on the masonry, architectural fragments, and pottery discovered outside the compound, it is clear that this site was once a prominent temple complex. The name "Pond Temple" is derived from the large pond at the foot of the precipice, which was integral to the temple's function and location.

The complex, located at Saheer al-Baqar, includes an array of structures such as peristyles, stairs, and a Roman-style house with hypocausts, all ingeniously adapted to the challenging terrain. A well-constructed road paved with durable igneous stone leads from near Räs Slaysil down to the temple, indicating its importance in connecting Petra with various regions, including the Mediterranean and Syria.

The Pond Temple was likely constructed due to its excellent water supply, with water sourced from a spring and seasonal runoff. This sacred site reflects the Nabataeans' reverence for water as a divine element. Despite its destruction, possibly by an earthquake in the 3rd or 4th century AD, the Pond Temple remains a testament to the Nabataeans' architectural and religious ingenuity.

The area around the Pond Temple is lush with diverse plant life. Common vegetation includes the willow (Salix acmophylla) and tamarisk (Tamarix species), thriving in the wet, rocky environment. In the shaded, moist rocks, you can find the maidenhair fern (Adiantum capillus-veneris), the sea dandelion (Sonchus maritimus), and the water pimpernel (Samolus valerandi). On sunny slopes, hardy shrubs and trees such as the fig (Ficus pseudosycomorus) and date palm (Phoenix dactylifera) add to the site's natural beauty.

(Access to the Pond Temple is prohibited from the upper point of Ras Slaysil due to safety regulations)

Bir Madhkur

A Key Site on the Ancient Incense Route

Located 12 km northwest of Petra in the Wadi Araba foothills, Bir Madhkur is a historically significant site on the Petra-Gaza trade route. Active during the Nabataean, Roman, Byzantine, and Early Islamic periods, the site features a prominent Late Roman/Early Byzantine fort, which may have been built over an earlier Nabataean structure. Key highlights include this fort, a bath complex, caravanserai, a civilian settlement, and surrounding cemeteries.

Bir Madhkur was a vital caravan station on the famed Incense Route, linking Petra with the Mediterranean port of Gaza. It served as a bustling hub where traders, soldiers, and local communities interacted. The site’s rich history and strategic location underscore its importance in ancient trade and cultural exchanges.

Visitors can arrange overnight stays in the area through licensed tour operators. Additionally, a road connects the site to the main route between Aqaba, the Dead Sea, and Amman, enhancing accessibility.