Walking into Petra – and standing in awe
2 July 2022
The Approach
What Makes Petra Extraordinary?
Petra is described as a wonder of the world.
But descriptions do not prepare you for the feeling of walking towards it — through a narrow gorge of towering rock — and catching that first glimpse of the Treasury emerging from rose-red stone.
I had seen photographs. I had read the history. Yet nothing quite prepared me for the stillness, the scale, and the quiet sense of awe that settled over me as I stood there.
Petra involves serious walking and climbing. Fitness helps, and it may not be suitable for those with restricted mobility, although transport options are available between the main gate and the Treasury.
I travelled as part of a small guided group and would wholeheartedly recommend using a local guide. Their knowledge transformed the experience from sightseeing into storytelling.
Petra was once the capital of the Nabataean kingdom, built more than 2,000 years ago in what is now Wadi Musa in southern Jordan.
Hidden for centuries and rediscovered in the 19th century, it sat along vital trading routes for frankincense and myrrh.
Today it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and remains Jordan’s most iconic landmark — a city carved directly into rose-red sandstone.
Three moments remain vivid in my memory — the Siq, the Treasury and the Monastery.
The Siq
The Siq is the main entrance to Petra — a narrow gorge that twists and narrows before revealing the Treasury.
This was the part I had dreaded most. I had imagined towering cliffs closing in, the path tight and overwhelming.
And yes — it was narrow. Yes — the walls rose dramatically above us.
But something shifted as I walked. What I had feared became fascinating. The unknown, once faced, lost its edge.
There were no shaded areas except in places where the cliffs provided them. The walk was long, though largely flat and even underfoot.
Step by step, awe replaced apprehension.
There was time to have a quick mollywozhere photo opportunity, naturally.
As we found our way through this mind-blowing gorge, you cannot help but stop to admire the rock formation. The reflection of the sun on the surface of these cliffs were stunning.
The hike continued through these naturally formed gorges which sometimes flooded. Walls were built to act as a barrier and stop the gorge from flooding.
The Reveal - The Treasury
Our guide asked us to pause and look at a tree growing improbably from the rock face. We admired it politely. Then he asked us to turn around.
And there it was.
The Treasury revealed itself slowly through the narrowing gorge — rose-red stone glowing in the sun.
For a moment, everything else fell away. The noise, the hawkers, the camels — all of it blurred. I felt very small. And very still.
Awe does that. It quietens you.
The Climb - The Monastery
I summed up the courage to do the hike to the Monastery. The paths through the gorge to the top were uneven.
Navigating the steps required effort and concentration because of the sheer drop into the gorge if you miss your step. My fellow travellers were kind and supported me along the way.
The entrance to the Monastery wasn’t as dramatic as that of the Treasury. But equally beautiful and magnificent in its stillness. Fewer people. More quiet.
After the steep steps and desert heat, standing before it felt less like triumph and more like gratitude. Some views are earned slowly.
Beyond the Icon — The Vast City
Petra is more than just The Treasury. What surprised me most was the scale. Only around 25% of Petra has been uncovered. The rest remains hidden beneath the desert and time. The intelligence of Nabataeans is applauded. This ancient city and its rich history is well hidden. It was so well hidden that it was “lost’ for thousands of years.
There are other antiquities in Petra that are worthy of mention like Petra Church with its beautiful mosaics or the tombs for the rich, royal and commoners.
The Human Moments
My fellow travellers were very kind, and assisted me in navigating the steep climb where necessary.
I found crossing the gorge on a steel bridge most frightening. One of my fellow tourists, Guya, was a hero. He held my hand and guided me over this bridge, urged on my the rest of the group. I had my eyes firmly shut until we reached the other side safely.
Closing Reflection
Petra reminded me that the fear of the unknown often dissolves once we begin walking towards it. Doing the hike required effort, and that deepened the experience.
It was an experience that has stayed with me — not because of what I saw, but because of what I felt.
If you are able to visit, I would encourage you to take your time.
Petra rewards patience.
Hey Molly, so glad to have met you and shared this amazing experience with you. Your pictures are fabulous and capture the memories perfectly. Mxx
Hi Morisha I am glad that you enjoyed reading my blog and that it captured the memories perfectly. I too am glad to have met you. You were great fun. Best wishes xx
Hi Molly, thank you for sharing your pictures and experience – wonderful. We were with you in China, John & Alison, and guess what? We’re booked to visit Jordan later this year. Very much looking forward to it after reading your blog.
Hi John oh yes, I remember you and Alison well. Thanks for reading my blog. I am very pleased to hear that you are looking forward to visiting Jordan later this year. You will have a great time in Jordan. Please share your experience with me after your visit. Enjoy your trip. Best wishes. Molly
Wow! What a wonderful and very explicit write up. Makes one think of visiting. Will put it on my bucket list.
That’s great Tolu, that you are inspired to add Jordan to your bucket list. I am glad you enjoyed reading my write up.
Wow what stunning photos and indept information. Molly you look beautiful and fantastic scenery, differently on my bucket list. I don’t know if you can share the travel details with us and package, which would be helpful
Hi Anita I am glad you enjoyed reading my post and that you are inspired to want to visit this amazing place. I am very happy to share the travel details with you. I will send the information to you in a private email. My next big thing is Brazil and Argentina in October to complete seeing the last of the seven wonders of the world on my list – Christ the Redeemer and the Uguazi falls on the Argentina side. So watch out for the post.
Seems interesting and exciting
COVID protocol? How did you get there? What airline? How long did you stay? Recommendations?
Hi Alero oh yes it was a very interesting and fantastic experience. Covid protocols are still in place though more emphasis is placed on the individual. The airline I flew with did not allow passengers to board unless fully vaccinated and if not, passengers were asked to take the test at the airport at their own expense and risk of missing their flight, and only checked in if their result was negative. I took plenty of masks with me and hand sanitisers though is used the later more.
I would recommend using a tour company as they have gotten the tour down to a T. Tour companies have tried and tested all the logistics – hotel accommodation, transfers, airlines, tour guide, itinerary, and so on, and they can be better value for money than going solo. I booked the 7nights 8 days tour, which is plenty of time to see all the major sights. It is active but doable. No day will be the same. I will add too that the trip enabled me to appreciate more the connections between religions and countries. It is indeed a small world even 3,000 years ago! I am now keener to visit Israel than ever before.
As I am not sponsored by anyone or receive any money from advertisers on my website, I will send you details of the airline and tour company that I used in a private email to you.
I am glad you enjoyed my post and that it has inspired you to want to visit Jordan.