[2025 Petra Attraction] Travel Guide for High Place of Sacrifice (Updated May)

#ancientcities Petra, one of the new 7 wonders of the world and UNESCO world heritage site, is truly amazing and beautiful. Petra is an ancient city in Hellenistic and Roman times. This means over 2000 years ago! While Petra is well known for the treasury, the other parts like the monastery, the tombs and the great temple are all pretty and impressive in their own ways! The hike to the monastery is definitely worth it. Also did the wadi al farasa trail to the high place of sacrifice which is moderately challenging especially going to the altar with crazy wind and steep slope. But you will get a panoramic view of petra and along the way see other interesting architectures. I spent 8 hours at Petra. Do note that the walk into Petra from the tourist information centre is about 30-40 mins walk.

🇯🇴-1.2Around 100 BC, the Nabataeans, who were good at business and had flexible minds, made #Petra the largest trade center at the time, controlling the trade route between #Arabia and Damascus. It was also a transit station on the Maritime Silk Road, where goods (spices, frankincense, myrrh...) were transported from here to India or China. In 106 AD, Nabataea was peacefully incorporated into the Roman Empire, and the ancient city was renamed #petra (from Greek, meaning stone). After being incorporated into Rome, parts of the city were rebuilt according to Roman design elements, the Roman theater was expanded, stone roads were paved in the city center, and many buildings and statues were added. Therefore, Roman architectural remains can be seen in Petra. After passing Al-Khazneh, I chose the High Place of Sacrifice Trail on the recommendation of the local Bedouins. The locals’ recommendation turned out to be correct. Along the way, I could see the Street of Facades, the Royal Tombs, etc. At the altar on the top of the mountain, I met enthusiastic Bedouins who invited me to join them for morning tea. I took the hot mint sweet tea he gave me and listened to him talk about the past of this land. As we chatted, I felt my heart floating in the air with the aroma of the Bedouin sweet tea. Maybe there is a Bedouin soul in some part of me. After saying goodbye to the Bedouins, I continued along the mountain road towards the monastery (Ad-deir / Monastery). The monastery is the largest and most legendary building in the ancient city of Petra. At first glance, it looks the same as the Khazneh Temple, but the monastery is larger, 47 meters wide and 48.4 meters high. The two-story building is carved into the mountain wall, with side platforms on both sides. It used to be a meeting place for religious groups. It was used as a Christian church during the Byzantine period. A cross is carved on the back wall, hence the name monastery. I also had a good rest here, sitting in the small tea stall facing the monastery and playing with Mimi, who was not afraid of strangers but wanted to conquer the earth. Then, on the way back, I first walked along the main road, Street of Facades, and then went around the Royal Tombs. Along the way, we discovered that Petra has many diverse architectural and decorative styles. It combines different elements such as Greek, Assyrian, Roman, Mesopotamian and Egyptian. These are all the knowledge the Nabataeans gained through trade and exchanges with the outside world. They extracted design elements and techniques from them, and then integrated them with their national style to create great buildings that still amaze the world thousands of years later. *The British archaeological team that arrived in 1929 is still carrying out excavation work. Currently, only 15% of the entire ancient city of Petra has been excavated, and the remaining 85% is still buried under sand, soil and rocks.

🇯🇴-1.1 Finally, we arrived at the highlight of #Petra in #Jordan. This was the place I was most looking forward to on the entire #trip (because after visiting the neighboring countries, I liked them all). Ever since I watched Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade released in 1989, my childhood dream has been to become an archaeologist (of course, I didn’t become one later 🤷🏽♂️), but the magnificent scenery has always been deeply imprinted in my heart. Little Kerry hoped that one day he would be able to see this historic site, which was designated as a World Heritage Site in 1985, with his own eyes. Finally, 34 years later, I fulfilled a distant wish. For me, Petra is divided into Petra with Al-Khazneh and Petra without Al-Khazneh. The reason is that most people only walk to the temple and then turn back, but in fact, the monastery (Ad-deir / Monastery) at the very end is actually much larger and more stunning. Khazneh is also known as the "Treasure" ( #Treasury ). Legend has it that the urn atop the building contains heirloom jewels, and still bears the marks of bullets fired by Nabataeans’ guns. Looking at those bullet marks not only reminded me of the plot of the Indiana Jones movie, but also immersed me in the memories of my youth. Passing through the winding #SnakePath (Al-Siq), which seems to be a road carved out of the towering rock wall, it coils like a snake on the way to the Khazneh Temple. Looking at the strange rocks on both sides, my heart is filled with admiration for the Bedouins. As we walked along the road, a ray of light shone on the ground in the distance ahead, and the magnificent building that came into view was the "Temple of Khazneh" that I had been dreaming of. That's exactly where they chose the Holy Grail in "Independence Day"🤩! The 39.5-meter-high Khazneh was built during the Nabataeans period between 60 BC and 50 AD. It is carved into the cliff, and many of the architectural details have been eroded over the past two thousand years. These sculptures are believed to be figures from various myths related to the afterlife. Walking along the ancient Bedouin roads under the scorching sun, I felt as if I had traveled back to Greece two thousand years ago, exploring this ancient rose city along the land trade route. The rest of Petra is... to be continued!

#ancienttownvibes Petra, the "Rose City," is a breathtaking ancient wonder filled with history, adventure, and stunning landscapes. Here are the top must-visit sites inside Petra: 1️⃣ The Siq – A dramatic, winding sandstone canyon leading into the city 🌄🚶♂️ 2️⃣ The Treasury (Al-Khazneh) – Petra’s most famous and awe-inspiring monument 🏺✨ 3️⃣ Street of Facades – A row of impressive Nabatean tombs carved into cliffs 🏰🏜️ 4️⃣ The Amphitheater – A grand Roman-style theater carved from solid rock 🎭 5️⃣ Royal Tombs – Massive and intricately designed burial chambers 🏛️⛰️ 6️⃣ The Monastery (Al-Deir) – A challenging but rewarding hike to a hidden gem 🏞️🌅 7️⃣ High Place of Sacrifice – Panoramic views & ancient sacrificial altars ⛰️🔺 8️⃣ Petra’s Colonnaded Street – The heart of the ancient city's trade & culture 🏛️🏺 #travel #naturalwonders #museums #couplestrip #thingstodo #localfood

Hidden in the rugged desert canyons of southern Jordan lies Petra, a magnificent ancient city carved into rose-red sandstone cliffs. Known as the “Rose City” for its pink-hued facades, Petra was the thriving capital of the Nabataean Kingdom over 2,000 years ago. This UNESCO World Heritage site is not only an archaeological wonder but also a testament to the ingenuity of an ancient civilization. Founded around the 4th century BCE, Petra became a vital trade hub, connecting the East and West through its extensive network of caravan routes. The Nabataeans mastered water management in the harsh desert environment, building intricate systems of aqueducts, cisterns, and dams that sustained the city’s population and attracted traders from across the ancient world. Entering Petra is an experience like no other. Visitors approach through the Siq, a narrow, winding gorge flanked by towering cliffs. At the end of this dramatic pathway, the iconic Treasury (Al-Khazneh) comes into view, its ornate façade standing as a symbol of Petra’s grandeur. Believed to have been a royal tomb, the Treasury is one of over 800 monuments carved into the city’s sandstone cliffs. Further exploration reveals an ancient amphitheater, tombs, temples, and the Monastery (Ad-Deir), a monumental structure perched high above the city. The Street of Facades, lined with carved tombs, and the High Place of Sacrifice, offering panoramic views, give visitors a glimpse into the spiritual and social life of this ancient town. Rediscovered in 1812 by Swiss explorer Johann Ludwig Burckhardt, Petra continues to captivate visitors with its blend of natural beauty and historical significance. As the sun sets, the city’s rose-colored stones take on a magical glow, evoking the timeless allure of this ancient wonder. #ancienttownvibes

Hey guys! A 7-day Jordan tour, and this article is all you need! Carefully selected routes and must-see attractions will help you explore Jordan with ease. Save this article now! -------------------- 🛣️Itinerary: Day 1: Arrive in Amman - Check in to the hotel. Private airport transfer service ensures a smooth start to your journey. Day 2: Amman Citadel - Jordan Museum - Jerash Roman Ruins - Hadrian's Arch - O Beach. A day trip through ancient and modern times, experiencing the fusion of history and natural beauty. Day 3: Dead Sea Museum - Madaba Archaeological Park - St. George's Church - Mount Nebo. After exploring the traces of history, enjoy the mystery and charm of Petra by Night. Day 4: Explore Petra, Treasury - Siq - Qasr al-Bint - Petra Altar. Every step is immersed in a thousand-year-old story. Day 5: Climb Mount Rum, overlooking the magnificent scenery and enjoying the peaceful time. Day 6: Free time in Aqaba in the morning, return to Amman by car in the afternoon, check in to the hotel. A Chinese-speaking driver and guide will provide attentive service throughout the day. Day 7: End of the journey in Amman. Private airport transfer service. Return home with fond memories. -------------------- Travel Essentials: 🧳 Going to Jordan? Bring these things! 📞SIM Card + Internet: Don't forget to buy a local SIM card. A smooth internet connection is essential for sharing beautiful scenery at any time. 🔌Plug Adapter: The plugs in Jordan may be different from ours. Bring an adapter to charge your devices without worry. 🪪Documents + Visa: Prepare your passport and visa. You will need them for entry and exit. Don't forget them! 👗Clothing + Comfortable Shoes: In November, the climate in Jordan is moderate, but the temperature difference between day and night is large. Bring some light clothing and a pair of comfortable shoes to walk around with ease. -------------------- Jordan Tour: More exciting experiences are waiting for you to explore! Follow me to unlock more private guides and explore Jordan together!

Petra is not only a great place for amazing photos but also for hiking. With more than ten trails, each offering unique views and historical insights, there are many corners waiting to be explored. One of the most rewarding hikes is the trail to the High Place of Sacrifice. This ancient site, perched atop Jebel Madbah Mountain, was used for the sacrifice of animals to the Nabatean God Dushara. The hike to the top takes about 45 minutes from the Theatre in Petra, and the views from the summit over the entire valley are truly breathtaking. The trail winds up around colorful rocks and the ravine of Wadi al-Mahfur via built-in steps. Along the way, you'll pass through ancient ruins and witness the stunning natural beauty of the Jordanian landscape. The hike is not difficult, wear comfortable shoes and bring plenty of water. The hike offers a perfect winter getaway. #christmastrip