Petra: The High Place of Sacrifice via Wadi al Farasa

It is impossible to really see the scope of Petra unless you get off the beaten path and go further than just down the main street (way of Facades) and up to the Monastery. Beyond the well-known, easily accessible places lies a path not for the faint of heart. The High Place of Sacrifice, via Wadi al Farasa is tedious vertical trek full of precarious footholds and ancient walkways. From Wadi al Farasa it is possible to actually see just how far the complex extends - it stretches for miles and miles into the pink hills, mausoleum facades dotting the horizon much farther than the eye can see.

If you enjoy hiking (and aren't affected by heights and narrow, vertical passages), journey to the High Place of Sacrifice at Petra for an unforgettable experience.

This view was actually at least two miles in the distance (zoom lens). Most visitors never see these facades.

Age-worn steps through the hills

The path...

 The altar at the High Place of Sacrifice, and the view of the hills. The anciet city stretched out in that distance for miles. Today the Bedouins still live in tents in those hills.

 What is your name? He asked me. 

'Christy' I replied. What is yours? I asked. 

'My name is Michael Jackson.' 

Alright then.

 The Roman amphitheater on the main road in Petra. This marked the end of my hike.

The Details:
Pick up the trail at one of two places:

-Just after the first set of restrooms, on the left at the bottom of the way of Facades. Walk up the staircase there and keep going to the top of the hill (High Place of Sacrifice is there). To get to Wadi Al Farasa, leave the High place of Sacrifice via the back route, which will take you back through the hills and deposit you at the base of the hike to the Monastery (Which is the second option for picking up this hike, and the way I did it - in reverse.)

-Both the Monastery hike and The Holy Place of Sacrifice are very demanding hikes. If you aren't in great shape/used to hiking/walking, you probably shouldn't try to do both in one day.

Bring: a packed lunch. Water. Water. Water. Sunscreen. Don't forget water.

Betcha didn't know: The Bedouins at Petra now accept credit cards. That's right. I just said that. And it's true. But I really, really recommend taking cash. If you try to use a credit card, the price will go up. Credit card fees, or something...