Wadi Rum

as a result, the desert is the largest wadi (valley) in Jordan. The valley is enclosed on all sides by red and yellow sandstone and granite mountains. Over time the wind carved out the weaker parts. Leaving the harder rock behind in all different shapes and sizes. moreover The most striking of these formations are the rock bridges. you can see Several of these bridges around the area.

The three most famous rock bridge in the Wadi Rum desert is :

• Little bridge
• Umm Fruth rock bridge
• Burdah rock bridge

Because This lovely bridge in Khor al Ajram is named after its sizes. With its approximately 4 meter span, it is one of the smaller rock bridges. Standing on its base you can easily touch the bridge. Great place to take some pictures. above all Reaching the top of this rock bridge is a piece of cake. And the reward is amazing. Gorgeous views over the red sand valley. Among others, you can see well-known mountains like Jabal Rum, Jabal Um Ishrin, and Jabal Khazali.

The Um Fruth rock bridge is one of the most photographed places in the desert. additionally, The bridge is about 15 meters up from the desert floor. With directions and maybe some assistance from your tour guide the steep climb is easy. Still, for people with some degree of vertigo or minor limitations, the climb can be quite a challenge. The narrow bridge can be challenging too. But the beautiful views over the yellow mountains of Um Fruth make up this big time. And if you decide not to climb the bridge it is still well worth to visit it.

Jabal Burdah is located in the southeast of the protected area. On the north, the ridge stands the 35-meter high Burdah rock bridge. they consider the bridge one of the highest natural arches in the world. And one of the most spectacular sites. The National Arch and Bridge Society devoted a whole page to the Wadi Rum desert arches.

Jabal Burdah, in fact, its rock bridge are located in the southeast of the protected area. On the north, the ridge stands the 35-meter high rock bridge. It is definitely one of the most spectacular places in the wadi rum desert. If you have (a sense of) vertigo the best option is to marvel at this rock bridge from the valley floor. If you are reasonably fit this hike is for you. additionally, It is one of the most rewarding hikes in our desert. A spectacular Bedouin road takes you to the rock bridge in about 1,5 hours. On the way, you pass by a couple of great viewpoints. Jabal Burdah is home to several species of plants for medicinal purposes. From the rock bridge itself, you can enjoy fabulous views on the Wadi Rum desert.

Jebel Khazali, a peak situated in the center  Protected Area opens up in a narrow fissure of about 100 m lengths. Its inner walls are covered with Thamudic, Nabatean, and Islamic inscriptions, as well as petroglyphs depicting humans and animals. Remarkable are the soles of feet petroglyphs, which probably had religious significance. In 1932 the French epigraphist Savignac noted the engravings in the cleft and published some of them in 1934.

additionally, The petroglyphs and inscriptions of Khazali Siq form an impressive collection being one of the major tourist attractions in Wadi Rum. At the end of the canyon, there are several man-made rock-cut basins for water collection.

of course, The Seven Pillars of Wisdom Mountain is Take The name after a book by T. E. Lawrence (Lawrence of Arabia). Bedouin in the area refers to this mountain as Jabbal Al Mazmar. The stunning, weatherworn mountain is located in directly opposite of  Visitor Centre. It is a piece of art that rises out from the red picturesque sand.

The peak makes visible the two geological formations that prevail in Wadi Rum: a granitic basement of Precambrian age (4.6 billion years), with a thick Early Paleozoic quartz sandstone formation (500 million years) on top. finally, Seven Pillars of Wisdom mountain is a favorite hiking location and probably one of the most photographed mountains in the area.

Al Hasany Dunes :

The surrounding area of this dune is beautiful. If you want, you can climb this one to enjoy the view from the top.

Ain Abu Aineh :

Ain Abu Aineh is a spring three-kilometer south of Rum village. At the mountain base, you can see the big rock with ancient inscriptions. These inscriptions were made to let others know water can be found up here on this mountain slope. For visitors, the spring itself is not very interesting.

specifically, It is very small as most of the water is to raise with a pump down to fill the cisterns from which camels and goats can drink. not to mention Enjoying the spectacular view on Wadi Rum and its impressive Khazali Canyon is thé main reason for visitors to hike up the rocky slope. The view is well worth the scrambling up. And the fig tree’s shade on the edge of the spring is very pleasant in summer. The official map marks this well as Lawrence spring. And we also refer to it as Lawrence spring. But in fact, this is not Lawrence spring. It is just a nice spring with a stunning view.

Jebel Rum :

Jabal Ram is a mountain in Jordan. Most authorities give its elevation as 1,734 m (5,689 ft) above sea level. It was once thought to be the highest point in Jordan, but SRTM data shows that Jabal Umm al Dami is 1,854 m (6,083 ft) above sea level and therefore higher.

Traditional climbing routes over its eastern face make it one of the main attractions for climbers.

There are about ten scrambling routes across the mountain.

Tony Howard wrote a valuable book about Jordan, including Wadi Rum and Jabal Rum: Treks and Climbs in Wadi Rum, Jordan.

Finally, The most popular scrambling routes are the Thamudic and Sheikh Hamdan’s.

Jebel Umm Al Ishrin :

Looking east from the summit of Jebel Rum, towards Jebel Umm Ishrin. The stratigraphy of the Paleozoic beds, the Disi, and Umm Ishrin sandstones is visible here, sitting atop the Precambrian granites. Most of the stone inscriptions and petroglyphs across Wadi Rum have been carved into the more resistant Umm Ishrin sandstone, rather than the softer Disi sandstones.

Alameleh Inscriptions :

Thamudic and Nabataean inscriptions, depicting camel caravans, hunting warriors and various animals, are common throughout the Wadi Rum area. not to mention The Alameleh inscriptions near the Seven Pillars of Wisdom and on the edge of the Diseh district, are some of the most comprehensive and best-preserved.

Barrah Canyon :

Barrah canyon is a 5-kilometer long corridor of rock that splits the Barrah massif into two parts. of course, there are excellent opportunities for hiking, climbing and camel trekking. Hiking the canyon takes about 1,5 to 2 hours. Get mesmerized by the impressive vast multi-colored cliffs and towers flank flat sandy sections, greener plant-rich areas, and dunes.

Lawrence’s Spring :

Ain Ash – Shallaleh, also known as Lawrence’s spring is just a short walk up the hillside from the Nabatean temple is an absolutely beautiful and tranquil place. Cool water runs from the mountains into a pool shaded with Ferns and small trees. It is so lustful and so green, a real oasis.

The spring was named after T.E.Lawrence better known as ‘Lawrence of Arabia’ due to the dashing role in the Arab Revolt during World War I.During World War I.

This spring on the edge of the open sands is a regular stop for  4WD tours.  the walk takes about 1½ hours return. There are amazing views visitors can witness from this spot across the red rose dunes.

Kharazeh Canyon :

not to mention Kharazeh Canyon, one of the mighty incisions in Jebel Umm Al Ishrin, is a popular hiking destination. Guides and agencies offer a day hike (around seven hours) from the Rest House in Rum village combining Rakhabat Canyon with Kharazeh Canyon. Ahead for heights and ability (or at least willingness!) to abseil for 40m is necessary to complete the route through Kharazeh Canyon.

Lawrence’s House :

There is little left of this building, erected on the Nabataean ruins of a water cistern. Nonetheless, legend has it that Lawrence stayed here during the Arab Revolt and that makes it a must on the regular 4WD circuits of the area. Near the building is a Nabataean inscription that mentions the area’s ancient name of Iram. The remote location and uninterrupted view of the red dunes are the main attractions.

Visitor Centre Museum :

While you are buying your ticket to enter Wadi Rum, spare half an hour to visit the informative museum (next to the restaurant), which helps to give a human context to the desert. The displays also explain environmental issues through information panels in English and natural history exhibits. Ask to see the 10-minute film on some of the highlights of Wadi Rum, shown in the purpose-built cinema.

Siq Umm Tawaqi :

Siq Um Tawaqi is a canyon that draws its way between the mountains, where you will witness the sun turns the color of the rocks into dark orange in the early morning and late evening. To pay ode to the Arab Revolt and Lawrence of Arabia, the locals have craved two

popular people know for their involvement in the Arab Revolt and the likeness of Lawrence into a stone base located in the center of the siq. The Siq also is a place to feel the cool of the area due to the mature trees sprouting apparently from the rock face.

Thamudic & Kufic Rock Art :

Adorning the west-facing vertical rock face of Jebel Umm Al Ishrin, this wonderful set of petroglyphs is worth the detour on a 4WD excursion. While the animal forms are easy to interpret, a guide is helpful to make sense of the ancient Kufic inscriptions.

Ever since prehistoric times, many humans of different cultures inhabited the Wadi Rum desert. Their petroglyphs and inscriptions can be found all around in our desert. Petroglyphs are images created by removing part of a rock surface by incising, pecking, carving and abrading with something like a stone chisel. Inscriptions are characters. 

The petroglyphs and inscriptions illustrate the 12.000 years of human occupation in the Wadi Rum desert. They tell us stories about the history and evolution of human activity in the Arabian Peninsula. With 25,000 petroglyphs and 20,000 inscriptions, mostly Thamudic, Wadi Rum desert is a truly unique place on earth. therefore This was one of the reasons for UNESCO to put our desert on the World Heritage List.

Makara’s Canyon :

his worthwhile canyon hike includes open vistas, canyon hiking, and grand dune views. It begins at the visitor center. 

Hike southeast across the plain towards the Seven Pillars of Wisdom and then head up Makharas Canyon (take the left-hand wadi at the branch). The wadi narrows after about an hour from the visitor center and then emerges onto a patch of gorgeous red sand with grand views of Jebel Barrah and Umm Nfoos to the east. From here, cut north over the dunes and plod around the northern tip of Jebel Umm Al Ishrin to return to the Seven Pillars of Wisdom.

Nabataean Temple :

Close to present Wadi Rum village you can find the ruins of what ones were a beautiful, colorful Nabatean temple. comparatively, It is just 500 meters outside the village at the foot of the impressive cliffs of Jabal Rum. And you can be reached easily by following the road next to the Resthouse. The ruins are not in great condition compared to the ones in Petra. But still, they are well worth a visit. Enjoy the tranquillity and peace at this ancient place and be surprised by the magnificent views on Wadi Rum village and the valley.

The ruins were first discovered in the thirties of the last century. Unfortunately, in 1995 an earthquake caused severe damage to the temple and other structures (villas and other buildings). The temple was built during the reign of Nabatean King Aretas IV in the early years of the first century. It was built to worship Allat, the Arabian goddess who was the wife of sun god Dushara. Its floorplan is similar to other Nabatean temples. A central square courtyard surrounded with rooms on the sides.not to mention  On the temple walls and columns you can find Nabatean and Thamudic inscriptions. The columns surrounding the cella were originally painted with colors like red, blue and yellow.

On a nearby rock, more Nabataean inscriptions were discovered. These inscriptions date back to the second century AD.

Rakhabat Canyon :

Rakhabat canyon links Jabal Um Ishrin to Jabal Ansranieh. The entrance is a few kilometers east of Rum village. another hike and scramble through this canyon that offers an abundance of shade, which protects you from the desert heat. It’s an excellent place to learn about the ecosystem inside a desert canyon.

Anfaishiyya Inscriptions :

The petroglyphs are drawings of humans and animals. They show human figures holding bows and arrows. Other figures are the ones of animals like camel, ibex, and horse. And alongside these figures are symbols like lines and circles. They are thought to be instructions and messages left by the people for one another. They are believed to be about showing hidden springs. And about updating each other on things like who visited the area last. All together these engravings give an insight into the development of human thought. They show a pattern of pastoral, agricultural and urban human activity. And they tell us more about the climatically change. From the mildly humid climate to the semi-arid climate we have today.

finally, The numerous inscriptions found in the Wadi Rum desert are made in four different North-Arabian scripts. Thamudic, Nabatean, Islamic Arabic. They show the very early development of alphabetical writing among the societies in the peninsula. According to UNESCO Wadi Rum desert is ‘a critical site for the study and understanding of the evolution of aesthetics, writing, and literacy’.