Trek to Petra and fundraise for refugees

During our 10 days in Jordan we will meet local experts in the humanitarian work being carried out, humanitarian workers working in makeshift schools on the outskirts of Amman and gain a true understanding of the scale of the problem.

This adventure is the first of several challenges created to support our The Syria Refugee Campaign 2017. We have partnered with a small selection of grass roots charities working tirelessly to help Syrian refugees driven from their homes and escaping their war torn country. We have chosen to run this event in collaboration with the Jordan tourist board to celebrate and show gratitude to a country that has welcomed hundreds of thousands of refugees since the war began and to spread the word that Jordan remains a safe and welcoming destination.

The Trek to Petra challenge will begin with exploring the rich history and culture of Amman in Jordan. We will then visit local refugee projects in the region and share human stroies with refugee families and aid workers alike.  We believe a deeper understanding of the situation makes fundraising more effective and meaningful. You will get to play a small but active role in the refugee crisis as well as enjoy the hospitality Jordan is world famous for. 

The challenge begins in Dana, from where we will cover 80km of dessert trail reaching the ancient Petra in 5 days. This trekking route is considered by National Geographic to be one of the world’s best hikes. Join us in October and see for yourself. If trekking isn't your thing then we have plans for several other challenges in Greece and Turkey over the coming months so check back soon. Thank you for your support.

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival

Upon arrival, you will be picked up from Queen Alia International Airport and transferred to your hotel in Amman.

Day 2: School Visits and Desert Castles

After breakfast at the hotel, we will head out to the eastern desert where we will visit a school created for refugee children. There are several schools that have been designed for the refugees some in buildings, some in tents. The school and art supplies that you provide for them will make a huge difference in their education as well as their ability to enjoy their childhood. At the school you will have an opportunity to meet the teachers and children as we play together. We will have lunch with them and a chance to hear their thoughts about the future. Once school has let out, we jump in our vehicle to see the desert castles. They are beautiful examples of early Islamic art and architecture, with fine mosaics and frescos. See the stunning artwork in the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Qasr Amra, Qasr Kharanh, the Roman fort turned Umayyad residential palace at Qasr El Hallabat and the black basalt Roman / Medieval Islamic fort at Azraq. Drive back to hotel in Amman. Dinner will be on your own, but we can make some suggestions as there are many great places near your hotel.

Day 3: Amman City Tour & Syrian Refugee Introduction 

After breakfast, we head out to do some urban refugee food distribution with the food care packages that your donations have provided for 20 refugee families. These are not all Syrians. We have refugees from several diffferent countries which will all benefit from your trip to Jordan. After the distribution is complete, we head to Downtown Amman for our tour of the old city as we explore the Citadel and the Roman Theatre, two of the most popular archaeological sites in the city. Of course before we get too far we will stop for lunch at a local restaurant to experience authentic Falafel and Hummus. From here we transfer to your accomodations and dinner in Wadi Dana. The hike starts tomorrow!

Day 4: Hike from Dana Village to Feynan Ecolodge

Your first day hiking will start from Dana Guest House, 1,200m above sea level, and head west into Dana valley with your trekking guides. The trail drops steeply at first and then levels into a more gradual descent through the Dana Biosphere Reserve towards the eco-lodge at Feynan. The reserve, Jordan's largest, includes four distinct bio-geographical zones, which means that Dana supports an astonishing diversity of birds, plants, and animals. On your way down the valley you may see Griffin Vultures overhead as well as hyrax and copper-blue lizards on the rocks; if you're lucky you might even catch a glimpse of an ibex or a desert fox, or see the footprint of a wolf in the dust. Finish at the highly acclaimed Feynan Eco-Lodge. Every day, a guided sunset walk (free) leads from the lodge on a short walk (around 20-30 min) up to a nearby hilltop, for freshly Bedouin tea and stunning views westwards as the sun sets over the vast Wadi Araba deserts. The sunset walk is well worth the visit! Hiking Distance: 14Km

Day 5: Transfer to Ghbour Whedat and Hike from Ghbour Whedat to Little Petra

Between Gbour Whedat and Little Petra you will pass many sites such as Ba'ajah ruins, siq Ba'ajah,the Nabataeans wine and olive presses, water tanks, wells and the Nabataean rock carved facades and then on to Little Petra visiting the site (a mini version of Petra). Then continue following the timeline markers through history to the remains of a Neolithic village. Hiking Distance: 14km

Day 6: Hike to Petra

After breakfast it's time to start your hike. Enter Petra via ‘The Back Door’ avoiding most of the tourists. Good tracks go pleasantly down Wadi Ghurab amidst sandstone mountains guarding the approaches to Petra. This way follows a Nabataean route out of the valley and skirting round the final mountain on a natural rock terrace which has been ‘improved’ for the safety of walkers. Even so, it still narrows slightly before reaching a hidden plateau high above the impressive chasm of Wadi Siyyagh. Just beyond, carved into the cliff face, ‘The Monastery’ suddenly comes into view, where there is a Bedouin café for refreshments if you would like. Nabataean steps then lead down into ancient Petra; your route then takes you through Wadi Muthlim (weather dependent) to Wadi Musa and your Petra hotel accommodation. If the weather is poor, there is an alternative route to our hotel is via Wadi Al- Khayl. We will arrange for your luggage transfer from Little Petra to your hotel in Petra. Also please note that local hiking guides are not allowed to enter Petra and walk with you till you reach the main entrance. They will hike with you from Little Petra to the Monastery. Hiking Distance: 14km

Day 7: Day in Petra

Today we will have more time to visit other trails and sites inside Petra. If you feel courageous, want to avoid the crowds and discover some less visited monuments in Petra you can visit sites such as the Monestary, the Khubtha Mountain or the High Place of sacrifice.You will enter the Siq, exploring the ancient rock carved ruins of Facades Street before following a steep climb up ancient Nabataean steps to near the summit of Al Khubtha to enjoy the magnificent panorama overlooking the Treasury, then descending to Petra main entrance. Alternatively, You can continue on and hike up to the High Place of Sacrifice, enjoy spectacular views over the rocky, desert terrain,where breathtaking panoramic views await, or mule up the 800+ steep steps which lead to the ‘The Monastery’ Ad Deir. It is one of the largest monuments in Petra, measuring 47m wide by 48.3m high. It was built on the model of the Khazna but here the bas- reliefs are replaced by niches to house sculptures there is also a Bedouin café for refreshments if you would like. Whichever route is taken, You will be well satisfied with your two day exploration of one of the Seven Wonders of the World. Transfer to Amman

Day 8: Departure

You will be collected from your hotel in Amman and transfer to Queen Alia International Airport for departure flight details TBC.