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Trek Through Biblical Lands & Nabatean History
Embark on an epic journey through Wadi Al-Hasa, one of Jordan’s longest and most historically significant canyons. More than just a natural wonder, this vast valley has been a crucial travel corridor for millennia, used by Edomites, Nabateans, Romans, and Crusaders. Today, it offers adventurous travelers a spectacular multi-day trek through stunning landscapes, past hidden archaeological sites, and towards the rejuvenating hot springs that feed the southern Dead Sea.
– Biblical Crossroads: Identified as the “Valley of Zered” (Num. 21:12), this natural boundary marked the edge of the lands of the Moabites and Edomites. It is a landscape deeply woven into the stories of the Old Testament.
– Ancient Trade Route: This was a vital alternative to the King’s Highway for Nabatean caravans carrying incense from Arabia to Gaza, leaving behind ruins of temples and waystations.
– Geological & Ecological Marvel: Stretching from the Jafr desert to the Dead Sea, its massive watershed supports year-round water flow, unique ecosystems, and lush farmland in an otherwise arid region.
– Adventure Challenge: The full traverse of Wadi Al-Hasa is considered one of Jordan’s premier multi-day hiking expeditions, combining rugged terrain with profound historical atmosphere.
– The Long Trek: Challenge yourself to the multi-day hike that follows the ancient Nabatean incense route from the highlands down to the Dead Sea.
– Nabatean Ruins: Discover the remote archaeological sites of Khirbet edh-Dharih and Khirbet et-Tannur. These were Nabatean religious and commercial complexes, with et-Tannur featuring a famous temple dedicated to the fertility goddess Atargatis.
– Tannour Dam: See the modern engineering of Jordan’s largest dam, which harnesses the wadi’s waters for irrigation, creating a striking contrast against the ancient landscape.
– Hot Springs: Soak your tired muscles in the natural hot mineral springs near the Dead Sea, renowned for their therapeutic properties.
– Farms & Flora: Witness the lush, green farms that thrive along the wadi’s banks, growing olives, vegetables, and alfalfa thanks to the abundant water.
– Biblical Era (Iron Age): Known as the Valley of Zered, a natural border and landmark for the Israelites’ journey.
– Nabatean Era (1st Century BC – 2nd Century AD): Peak importance as a trade route. Construction of the religious complexes at Dharih and Tannur.
– Roman & Byzantine Eras: Continued use as a secondary route. The Nabatean sites were adapted and expanded.
– 1999 AD: Completion of the Tannour Dam, a major modern water management project.
– Present Day: A destination for adventure tourism and archaeological study.
– Location: Runs between the Karak and Tafila governorates, eventually draining into the Dead Sea near Al-Safi.
– Recommended Duration: A full trek can take 2-3 days. A visit to specific sites like the Tannour Dam or the Nabatean ruins can be a 2-3 hour side trip from the King’s Highway.
– Best Time to Visit: The ideal trekking season is during the spring (March-May) and autumn (October-November) when temperatures are moderate. Avoid winter due to flood risk and summer due to extreme heat.
– Critical Safety Note: FLASH FLOODS ARE A SEVERE DANGER. Never enter the wadi without checking weather forecasts for the entire watershed. A professional guide is essential.
– Site Size: The wadi is enormous. Its watershed drains an area of about 2,500 sq km. The hiking trail through the canyon itself is approximately 30-40 km long.
– Go with Experts: This is not a DIY adventure. The risks of flash floods, getting lost, and limited water sources are high. A licensed guide is non-negotiable for the trek.
– Be Prepared: For a multi-day trek, you need full camping gear, extensive water supplies, and provisions. Our tours handle all of this.
– Visit the Museum First: The artifacts from Khirbet et-Tannur, including stunning religious statues, are displayed in The Jordan Museum in Amman. Seeing them first adds context to the remote ruins.
– Combine with the South: Perfectly pairs with a trip to Petra, Wadi Rum, or the Dead Sea.
– Karak Castle: Explore the immense Crusader castle perched high above the King’s Highway.
– The Dead Sea: Conclude your trek with a relaxing, buoyant float in the saline waters and a soak in the hot springs.
– Little Petra (Siq al-Barid): See a smaller version of Petra’s siq and tombs, which was likely a suburb of the great Nabatean capital.
Wadi Al-Hasa is the ultimate journey for the serious adventurer and history enthusiast. It’s a chance to walk an ancient road in the footsteps of Nabatean merchants and biblical figures, far from the crowds, surrounded by some of Jordan’s most powerful and untouched landscapes.
