Desert Journey: Dana to AlUla
Explore the ancient routes connecting Jordan and Saudi Arabia through stunning desert landscapes, rich heritage sites, and unforgettable experiences.
Desert Journey: Dana to AlUla
Explore the ancient routes connecting Jordan and Saudi Arabia through stunning desert landscapes, rich heritage sites, and unforgettable experiences.
Day 1: Dana to Feynan
14 km
-700m elevation change
5-6 hours
Heritage Notes
Day 2: Feynan to Wadi Rum
22 km
+200m elevation change
7-8 hours
Heritage Notes
Day 3: Wadi Rum Exploration
16 km
+300m/-300m elevation change
6-7 hours
Heritage Notes
Day 4: Wadi Rum to Hisma
18 km
+400m elevation change
6-7 hours
Heritage Notes
Key Information
- Best time to visit: March–May and September–November
- Total distance: 70 km
- Difficulty level: Moderate to challenging
- Permits required for Dana Biosphere Reserve and Wadi Rum Protected Area
- Water sources are limited — carry at least 3 liters per day
Navigation Tips
- GPS tracking recommended as trail markings can be faint in desert sections
- Local Bedouin guides available in Dana and Wadi Rum
- Major landmarks include Shaq Canyon, Um Fruth Rock Bridge, and Jebel Rum
- Mobile coverage is limited — download offline maps
Cultural Highlights
- Ottoman-era Dana Village with traditional stone architecture
- Bedouin camps offering traditional hospitality
- Ancient petroglyphs and inscriptions throughout Wadi Rum
- Lawrence of Arabia historical sites
- Traditional Zarb dinner (underground oven cooking)
Jordan Route Gallery
Dana Biosphere Reserve - Jordan's largest nature reserve with dramatic mountain terrain
Wadi Rum - The Valley of the Moon with its iconic red sand and massive sandstone mountains
Hisma Desert - The dramatic plateau with unique geological formations at the Jordan-Saudi border
Day 5: Hisma Border Crossing to Tabuk Region
20 km
+200m/-300m elevation change
7-8 hours
Heritage Notes
Day 6: Tabuk to Al-Disah Valley
16 km
-400m elevation change
6-7 hours
Heritage Notes
Day 7: Al-Disah to Hegra Region
24 km
+300m/-100m elevation change
8-9 hours
Heritage Notes
Day 8: Hegra to AlUla
15 km
+100m/-200m elevation change
5-6 hours
Heritage Notes
Key Information
- Best time to visit: October–April
- Total distance: 75 km
- Difficulty level: Moderate
- Saudi tourist visa required
- Advance permits needed for certain archaeological sites
- Water sources limited — carry minimum 4 liters per day
Navigation Tips
- Local guides recommended for desert sections
- Major landmarks include Elephant Rock, Al-Disah Valley, and Hegra tombs
- GPS essential as trail markings are minimal
- Mobile coverage improves near AlUla but is limited in remote areas
Cultural Highlights
- Hegra (Mada'in Saleh) - UNESCO World Heritage site with Nabataean tombs
- Ancient Dadanite and Lihyanite kingdoms archaeological sites
- Traditional oasis agriculture in AlUla
- Old Town of AlUla with traditional mud-brick architecture
- Rock art sites with thousands of petroglyphs and inscriptions
Saudi Arabia Route Gallery
Hisma Desert - The vast desert plateau extending into Saudi Arabia with dramatic sandstone formations
Hegra (Mada'in Saleh) - The impressive Nabataean tombs carved into sandstone cliffs in AlUla
AlUla - The ancient desert city with its remarkable archaeological heritage and natural beauty