The Monastery of Petra (Ad-Deir): the climb, the duration and the best time
The Monastery (Ad-Deir) is Petra's second great monument: a facade cut into the cliff, wider than the Treasury's (about fifty metres), standing on an isolated plateau. You reach it by a staircase of about 800 steps cut into the sandstone, starting from the ancient centre. The climb takes 45 minutes to 1 hour 30 depending on your pace, and the way down a little less. The Monastery is included in the Petra ticket (prices on the Petra page): there is nothing more to pay at the foot of the stairs. It does need half a day, return included, which matters when choosing between one and two days.
Highlights
The staircase
The steps wind through gorges and along cliffs; donkeys are offered to walkers, at a price to agree before setting off.
The Monastery facade
A single doorway and a large urn at the top; the inside is a bare hall, probably used for gatherings.
The "End of the World" viewpoint
A short trail opposite the Monastery leads to a lookout over the Wadi Araba; tea tents stand there.
Small stops on the way
Bedouin cafes line the climb; they serve mostly as a break and a place to refill water.
Practical info
Tips
- Allow 3 to 4 hours return from the centre of Petra, plus a break at the top. Climb early in the morning for coolness and to avoid afternoon heat on the stairs, but note that the facade is best lit in mid-afternoon: many visitors therefore climb after lunch, as long as they leave a margin before closing. Bring at least 1.5 litres of water per person and good shoes. If you only have one day, choose between the Monastery and the rest of the site: see how to visit Petra. For the park entrance, see the Siq.
How to get there
The trail starts from the restaurant area near Qasr al-Bint, at the far end of the Petra valley, about 4 km from the entrance. See the Petra page.
Opening hours
Our guides that feature it
Nearby
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