Batha 3 Trail

Embark on an unforgettable journey through breathtaking landscapes and ancient wonders along Al Batha Trail 3 – a perfect adventure for nature lovers and history enthusiasts alike!

Al Batha 3 Trail offers an unforgettable hiking experience through the stunning landscapes of southern Petra. This 15 km trail takes you through scenic views of Wadi Araba, the southern Petra mountains, and ancient Nabataean water systems. Along the way, you'll encounter diverse geological formations, meet local Bedouin communities, and visit archaeological sites dating back to the Neolithic and Nabataean periods. Whether you're a geology enthusiast, a history buff, or a nature lover, this trail offers a fascinating journey through both time and nature.

Getting There

To begin the trail, drive approximately 15 minutes from Wadi Musa/Petra to the small village of Taybeh, nestled in the southern Sharah Mountains. This village is a great place to grab snacks and cold drinks before starting your hike. From Taybeh, follow the road heading west, which descends towards Al Batha. Along the way, enjoy panoramic views of the valleys below, including Wadi Araba and the southern Petra Mountains. When you reach the end of the paved road, the dirt trail begins at the designated starting point in Al Batha.   

Trail Details

Starting Point: al Taybeh/Batha

Endpoint: Petra/High Place

Category: Heritage/Environmental/Geological

Distance: 15 Km/19685 Steps

Calories Burn: 787 Calories

Duration: 4.30 - 4.45 Hours/Non-stop

Grade: Moderate

Tour: One-way

Preparation Tips:

This challenging 15 km trail requires most of the day to complete, so be sure to plan your time carefully to avoid finishing after dark. The terrain is rocky and rugged, so wear sturdy hiking boots and weather-appropriate clothing. Bring plenty of water and snacks to stay hydrated and energized throughout the hike.

Since the trail includes cliffs and loose rocks, it's important to watch your step, especially along the edges. This trail is not recommended for young children or elderly hikers due to the challenging terrain.

Best Time to Visit:

The best times to hike this trail are in the winter months, but be cautious of hiking in the valleys during rain, as flash floods can occur. Spring is also a great time to visit, when the landscape is in full bloom and the beauty of the flora enhances the experience. Always check the weather conditions beforehand and make sure you're well-prepared for the hike.

Exploring the Trail

The trail starts by descending into the valley, where you’ll soon encounter a fork. To the south lies Wadi Tebin, but the main trail continues northwest towards Al Batha. As you descend, geology lovers will enjoy seeing “Mantār al-Dhakhīrah,” a striking rock pillar formed by natural erosion, about 1 km south of the main route.

Continuing along the trail, you'll pass through Wadi Al Batha and may encounter members of the local Saidiyyin Bedouin tribe, offering an opportunity to learn about their lifestyle and traditions.

As you head west through the valley, stop by one of the ancient Nabataean water reservoirs. These fascinating structures showcase the Nabataeans’ impressive water harvesting system, which helped sustain Petra.

Further along the trail, the path levels out, offering spectacular views of Petra’s diverse rock formations, including Disa sandstone and the red sandstones of Umm Ishrin. Along the way, you'll pass some ancient ruins and have the chance to enjoy birdwatching, with sightings of hoopoes, larks, owls, and kestrels. Heading east, you’ll reach an unfinished Nabataean tomb, where you can examine the unfinished carvings.

The trail concludes at the summit of Jebel al-Madhbah, Petra’s highest peak, where you'll be rewarded with panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.

The High Place of Sacrifice  

Like several other Semitic cultures, the Nabataeans also engaged in worshipping their deities at open-air high places, where sacrificial rituals were performed. This particular Nabataean high place consists of a rectangular courtyard featuring three carved benches known as a 'triclinium', along with a central low table believed to have been the ceremonial master's seat. An altar is positioned to the west, where baetyls, symbolic stone blocks representing gods, were likely placed. Adjacent to the altar lies a platform housing a carved circular basin, likely utilized for rainwater collection for purification purposes, alongside a cup-shaped recess with a drainage system to dispose of sacrificial animal blood. From the High Place of Sacrifice, visitors can enjoy sweeping panoramic views encompassing Petra, Wadi Musa, and Aaron’s tomb.