Batha 1 Trail

The Al-Batha 1 Trail offers a unique opportunity to explore the stunning landscapes surrounding Petra. This 18 km trail leads through diverse terrains, featuring geological formations, petroglyphs, and natural cisterns. It’s perfect for nature lovers and adventure seekers looking to immerse themselves in the rich history and beauty of the area. During the hike, visitors can watch various species of flora and fauna, especially birds.

Getting There

To begin your journey, take a tourist bus or drive to the village of Taybeh, situated about 10 kilometers south of the Petra Visitor Center. On your way, you will pass through the village of Ain Amun and several four- and five-star hotels along the scenic road of Wadi Musa and Taybeh, surrounded by breathtaking views. Taybeh, located just 15 minutes from Petra, is a village where residents rely on tourism, agriculture, and trade.        

Trail Details

Starting Point: al Taybeh/Batha/Wadi Tibn

Endpoint: Petra/Jabal Harun

Category: Heritage/Environmental/Geological

Distance: 18.8 Km/24672 Steps

Calories Burn: 987 Calories

Duration: 7.45 - 8.00 Hours/Non-stop

Grade: Difficult

Tour: One-way

Preparation Tips:

This challenging trail spans approximately 18 km and will take a full day to complete. Plan your time carefully to avoid being caught out after dark. Wear appropriate clothing and sturdy shoes. The rocky terrain may have hidden cracks, so watch your step, especially on edges. Bring enough water and food for the journey, as well as safety equipment. The best times to visit are during spring or summer, but avoid low areas during rain due to the risk of flash floods. Always check weather conditions in advance. Inquire locally before planning your trek, especially if traveling with children or the elderly, as the terrain can be demanding.

Enjoy your adventure on the Al-Batha Trail!

Exploring the Trail

From Wadi Musa/Petra to the village of Taybeh takes about a 15-minute drive. Once you arrive in Taybeh, stop to purchase some food and cold drinks before starting the trail. The route takes you west, leading down to Al-Batha. Don’t miss the panoramic views of the valleys below, including Wadi Araba and the southern Petra Mountain.

At the end of the paved road, a dirt path begins at a designated starting point in Al-Batha, descending toward the bottom of the valley. The trail then splits south toward Wadi Tabin and north toward Al-Batha 3. As you proceed south, keep an eye out for "Mantar Al-Dhakheera," a stunning geological formation shaped by erosion, located about 1 km south.

Upon reaching Wadi Tabin, head south through the natural rift that extends approximately 4 km. Signal reception may be lost mid-valley. As the valley narrows, look for petroglyphs of ibex on both sides, stretching for about 50 meters. The end of Wadi Tabin leads to Wadi Al-Raqi, where signal reception returns.

From Wadi Al-Raqi, head north for about 200 meters, then turn northwest toward the Al-Mazir'ah area, which is an uphill path. In Al-Mazir'ah, you will see buildings known locally as "Al-Masān," built by Bedouins for storing goat products. The ascent here offers a beautiful view of Jabal Harun and northwest Petra.

After ascending through Al-Mazir'ah, the path leads north but becomes easier as it descends within Mount Al-Jathum. As you approach Wadi Sabra and the theater, you will find a large rock cistern at the end of Mount Al-Jathum, with a Nabataean water dam built at its northern end, feeding the upper cistern of the Nabataean theater in Sabra.

Continuing from the cistern, the path veers east to avoid rugged terrain and descends into Wadi Sabra. When you reach the valley, head west toward the Sabra theater and the surrounding residential and industrial area. After exploring this area, head east across Wadi Sabra, then north toward the Al-Batāhi area, continuing north for about 4 km until you reach the junction that connects Petra to Jabal Harun.

Upon reaching this junction, you can head west to continue the trail toward Jabal Harun, where it ends. Alternatively, you can head east to return to Petra. The path from the base of Jabal Harun to the summit is steep and challenging.

The Sabra Theatre

The Sabra Theatre exemplifies ancient Nabataean engineering prowess and cultural significance. Located in a natural gully, the Sabra Theatre ingeniously utilized the terrain to manage water, employing a sophisticated system of channels and basins to control runoff. This small, horseshoe-shaped theater measures 39 meters wide with an inner diameter of 22 meters, featuring tiered seating accessible via stairways. Its 11 rows of seats could accommodate between 500 and 800 spectators, indicating its use for celebrations, social gatherings, and theatrical performances. Constructed in the 1st century A.D. with additions like a large stairway in the 2nd century A.D., the theater remained active until the late Roman period. Its strategic placement within the suburban settlement of Sabra suggests it served as a central hub for community activities, reflecting the area's importance as a caravan city along a major trade route. The archaeological remains at Sabra underscore its role as a thriving urban center deeply interconnected with regional trade.

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 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.