WADI RUM

Journey through Mars

Well it really feels that you are on another planet, especially after watching so many Hollywood flicks. Also known as, “The valley of moons”, Wadi Rum is a beautiful red sand desert with valleys cut into the sandstone and granite rock. This area does not has many habitats still you will find some Bedouin nomads and villagers. There is no real infrastructure that leaves “Valley of Moons” unaltered. There are some tents and campsites in the valley whereas few concrete shops and houses that are found near the Visitor Center.

We did a quick breakfast and left early from the Petra as our tour was scheduled to start at 9.00 am. The drive was serene and it took approx. 2 hrs. to reach the Visitor Center of wadi Rum.  Our full one-day tour was already booked with overnight stay in desert so that we can sleep under the stars and explore the desert. After reaching at the tour agency, we were welcomed with a great warmth and a nice local tea. We parked our car, left our baggage, and got ready to explore the desert on the jeep. It was first of its kind of experience and we were quite excited to witness the dunes and rock formations. 

(View in the Rum)

As the jeep ride started and we entered the desert, the first view was just average maybe because our expectations were sky high. However, as we moved in further, landscape changed and everything turned to red as we were on a different planet.

The first stop was the Lawrence Spring. Truly speaking we could not see any spring and there was hardly any water. Our guide told us that if we want, we could hike but no fall to witness. We therefore decided to hike a bit to have some good photographs and experience hiking. This stop was below our expectation.

(Beautiful Sites in Rum)

As we got on the jeep and headed into the desert the desert started attracting us towards itself. It became more dramatic, and picturesque. We were enjoying the ride through the rocks. The next stop was Red sand dunes. It was huge dune of red sand, which looked amazing. We then went for hiking the dunes. We took off our shoes and started to walk on the sand. It was looking very easy to walk on it but actually, it’s difficult as the feet’s were sinking in sand. Though overall, it was fun hiking the dune. From the top of the dune, the view of the desert was breathtaking. We sat at the top relaxed and enjoyed the view. It was worth the hike.

(Relaxing After doing Sand dune Hike)

Then we headed to Khaz'ali Canyon (Siq al-Khazali). It was a narrow canyon and said that it contains numerous Nabataean rock carvings of people and animals. As we walked in the canyon, we could not witness much of the carvings though there was water flowing in between and both sides there were rocks. Not enough space to stand or walk though it was unique experience.

(Trying to go inside the canyon to have a look)

(Amazing Carvings on the rock)

The next stop was the Lawrence house where we saw the ruins of the house. We did not hiked on it, as it was not appealing us much. We were now hungry so we decided to break for lunch. Our driver selected a stop between the rocks where there was some shade and was surrounded by rocks. We sat down and saw the driver arranging some woods to light the fire and preparing food right in front of us. We are vegetarians and we informed that to agency earlier so he prepared some veg curry for us. It was altogether a different experience as we all sat together in a group and enjoyed mouthwatering lunch prepared by a Bedouin with some stories of the struggling life these Bedouins live but still they enjoy it. Mind it the curry was amazing, one of the best I have ever eaten and even tried to cook it back after going home. After lunch, it was again time to hit the desert and explore out some dramatic sights.

(Abu khasheba)

The last canyon walk was in Abu khasheba canyon where the driver dropped us at one side of the canyon and asked us to meet on the other side. Both the sides has rock formations and we walked and hiked through the path to reach the other side of it. It was a nice experience as we enjoyed the walk.

The next stop was Jebel Umm Fruth (Middle Rock Bridge/Arch): A lower rock bridge that is one of the major attraction of the rum. Here we climbed the rock to reach in the middle and get some photographs but we were disappointed, as due to heights we could not get amazing photographs. The climb on this rock was quite dangerous as there was no fixed path to take we have to climb on the rock by balancing yourself. There was no support but this hike was amazing.

(On the Top of Jebel Umm Fruth)

Amazing Sunset

(View of sunset))

After the off roading through the desert for whole day, it was the time to experience sunset. To have a nice view of the sunset our guide took us for a place of his choice and we hiked the rock to reach the cliff from where we enjoyed the breathtaking sunset. As the rays fall on the rocks, it looked amazing.

(Changing Colors of Rock with sunset)

(Amazing Sunset view from top of the rock)

Feasting With Bedouins

It was finally the time to head towards the campsite. After reaching there we freshen ourselves for the dinner. As we headed for the dinner, they welcomed us with some local tea and some traditional songs on which they danced and played some instruments.

(Camping in Bedouin Camps)

Later on, they served us the Bedouin dinner. It was bit different for them even to host vegetarians but they prepared some nice spreads with breads and great vegetable curries. As it was chilling cold, we had a campfire inside the tent where we all gathered near the fire with our food and enjoyed with some local songs.

(Moon light falling on the rocks)

Morning in the Rum

After having breakfast in the camp we walked around the camp took some photographs and then driver drove us back to the place where our car was parked. As we headed to our journey ahead, we noticed that the petrol in our car was alarming. In the desert, we did not had any idea where to head and get the tank filled. We tried to ask from locals and police station but no help. We somehow managed to reach the main highway, luckily, we got the tank filled, and thus the journey through desert ended.

TRAVEL TIPS:

•  Spend at least one night in the camps to get a feel of the locals.
• In winters do carry enough winter wear nights are very cold.
• Carry your towel and shower kit.
• Spend at least one full day in the desert.

Also Checkout:
Itinerary,  Petra,  Dead Sea