This year Toma Fund are Trekking to Jordan for Jordan, a unique experience for everyone whilst raising money for Toma Fund.

We travel out from Newcastle Airport on the 11th May and return on the 20th May, the most poignant part of the whole trip is that we finish our last day of Trekking on what would have been Jordan Thompson’s 21st Birthday, the 18th May.

We would love to have 21 Trekkers, so dust off those walking boots, get fit and join us, if you or your company would like to sponsor a colleague or make a donation using the links above or please call Andrea Thompson on 0191 495 6186 for more information.

We look forward to hearing from you.

Day 1: Newcastle to Amman

Depart from Newcastle International Airport to Paris, Charles de Gaul at 06:20

Arrive Paris 09:20. Depart Paris at 13:45 arrive Amman, Queen Alia International Airport.

Upon arrival, you will be met by an Aston Garcia Tours representative for assistance with customs, immigration procedures and then transferred to your hotel in Amman. Overnight. Standard room,Ibis Hotel***, Amman.

Day 2: Trek through Wadi Dana and camp at Feynan

After breakfast you will meet your trekking guide and the rest of his team for a detailed trip briefing. We then drive south through a varied desert landscape to the small village of Dana.

From here you set off on the first day’s walk through the reserve’s main wadi—Wadi Dana—to Feynan at 325 m (1066 ft). The walk from Dana to Feynan is essentially downhill with the initial 800 m (2650 ft) descent taking place in the first hour of the walk.

After this, the route levels out and we can enjoy a far more gentle walk—following a 4x4 track that has been abandoned since the reserve’s establishment in 1989—through a wide open valley flanked by the Dana Mountains.

Dana Biosphere Reserve is Jordan’s largest nature reserve, covering some 320 square km of spectacular mountains and wadis along the face of the Great Rift Valley. From scorching sand dunes in the west to cool mountain tops in the east, it is home to a great variety of wildlife typical of desert terrain.

At the end of this trail, we shall reach the ruins of Feynan where our crew has set up our first camp of the trip.

Overnight Location: Feynan (Bivouac camp) (B,L,D)

Trek details:

Day 3: Trek from Feynan to Wadi Barwas

After an early breakfast. We begin today’s trek in Wadi Feynan where we’ll be exploring some of the oldest archaeological ruins on earth related to the largest copper mines in the Ancient Near East dating back to the 9-5th centuries BC when mining and smelting techniques attained high professional level and probably influenced the economic and political power of the Edomites.

The hike will also take us past some Byzantine and Nabatean ruins before we continue southwards on today’s flat route across a stony desert with spectacular views of the high mountain ranges to the east and the and the expansive Wadi Araba Desert stretching out to the west.

Although the terrain is essentially flat, there are several small wadis (dry valleys), that must be crossed throughout the day. Reaching the outlet of Wadi Barwas we’ll settle in at our second camp.

Overnight Location: Wadi Barwas (Bivouac camp) (B,L,D)

Trek details:

Day 4: Trek to Ras el Feid

After breakfast we leave the stony “Hamada” desert behind and trek around the foot of the mountain to follow an ancient Bedouin migration trail that ascends steeply across rocks and small boulders through a winding track going high into the mountain.

This section is challenging and takes around 3 hours. On reaching the top there are impressive views of the fascinating Wadi Araba desert we make our descent to the river valley of Wadi Feid following a small goat track.

Here we reach the stream of Wadi el Feid for a well-deserved opportunity to cool down in its refreshing cool water—a perfect place for lunch and a little rest. We then walk upstream surrounded by the dense flora of oleander, willow, tamarisk and reed following a dry river bed surrounded with colourful sandstone outcrops to reach our camp.

Overnight Location: Ras el Feid (Bivouac camp) (B,L,D)

Trek details:

Day 5: Trek to Shkaret Msei’d

After breakfast we retrace our route along the riverbed and gradually climb following shepherd trails with some of the most spectacular scenery in Jordan.

This part of the trek is challenging and includes some easy climbing to overcome some large obstacles as we traverse around the Sharah Mountains and eventually descend to another riverbed. In this remote wilderness, we may be able to spot the shy and elusive ibex.

We follow the riverbed and then climb up the pale coloured sandstone landscape with incredible views across the surrounding landscapes of mountains and canyons! In the shade we’ll sit for lunch and rest before we hit the path again with a descent followed by a gentle uphill climb to reach a bare rock slab perfectly located to spend another magical night in the wild.

Overnight Location: Shkaret Msei’d (Bivouac camp) (B,L,D)

Trek details:

Day 6: Trek to Beida and Little Petra

After breakfast. We set off on the trail which passes through a different landscape from deep wadis of recent days to the wide-open sandstone hills.

The trail passes through agricultural fields and some Bedouin encampments as you are now walking through the suburb of Petra—the Nabatean capital. While enjoying the beautiful nature-crafted white dome of Beida, we descend into Little Petra and visit this ancient site for a little taste of the wonders we will encounter tomorrow.

A short walk then takes us to a comfortable fixed campsite uniquely located and surrounded by amazing sandstone mountains. The campsite has a generator periodically providing electricity and hot showers - a great opportunity to refresh and relax in preparation for what lies ahead tomorrow at Petra.

Overnight Location: Beida/ Little Petra (Fixed campsite) (B,L,D)

Trek details:

Day 7: Trek to Petra

After breakfast the trail takes us across open farmland for the first two hours of the hike then around the mountain ridge with fantastic views of the Wadi Araba desert which takes us to the rear entrance of Petra.

It is here after a magnificent trek and 5 days of hard work, that we get our first glimpse of the top of the huge tombs and buildings of Petra, carved out of the rock, which are testament to the one-time wealth of the ancient capital of the Nabateans.

The trek takes us initially to the Monastery, an impressive carved building standing an immense 43m high and 50m wide. We continue on our guided trek to the centre of Petra, before heading around Jebel al-Khubtha and the amazing red-striped sandstone rocks to Wadi Mataha.

We then walk through the As-Siq to see the Treasury, the most famous and impressive sight at Petra. Every step now uncovers more of the grandeur of Petra we proceed with our sightseeing tour including the Facades Street, Urn Tomb, the Theatre, Colonnaded Street, Royal Tombs and Qasr al Bint.

We then exit Petra and head to our hotel in Wadi Musa marking the end of our unique trek to Petra!

Overnight Location: Standard room, Petra Guest House***, Wadi Musa. (B,L)

Trek details:

Day 8: Petra - transfer to Dead Sea

After breakfast we board our coach for the transfer to your resort on the Dead Sea,(approx. 160miles) the lowest point on the surface of earth. After check-in there is free time. Overnight. Standard room, Winter Valley Warwick Resort & Spa****. (B).

Day 9: Dead Sea - transfer to Amman / Airport.

After breakfast there is free time until your early evening transfer to the airport for your return flight. (B).

Day 10: Flight to Newcastle.

Depart Amman, Queen Alia International Airport 01:35, arrive Paris, Charles de Gaul at 05:35.

Depart from Paris, Charles de Gaul at 10:10, arrive Newcastle International Airport 11:00.

 

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