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Jordan Desert Trek

Trek the Jordan Desert 2024

Challenge level: 4 out of 5

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When can I go?

23 March - 30 March 2024 On Sale
19 October - 26 October 2024 On Sale
Duration 8 days

What does it cost?

Registration fee (payable today) Info £349
Remaining amount
Total commitment Info

Trek the Jordan Desert 2024

Escape to the Jordan Desert on this life-changing challenge for people affected by mental health problems.

Trekking from the Dead Sea to the hidden city of Petra, we'll tackle a myriad of terrains, discover the secrets of this ancient land and see more shooting stars than you thought was possible.

By day, our Bedouin guides will lead us along ancient trails through towering valleys, past waterfalls, across vast, barren expanses and even to the top of the Black Mountains. We’ll immerse ourselves in the local culture and legends of this unspoiled landscape, a world apart from everyday life.

By night, we’ll rest in Bedouin camps and choose to sleep in tents or under a sky unspoiled by light pollution.

Hiking from one iconic World Heritage Site to another, we'll end our adventure with a day exploring Petra, the famous ancient city carved into the desert mountains.

The challenge may be tough, but the incredible panoramas are more than worth the workout, not to mention the cause!

Walk With Me
Walk With Me aims to raise awareness of the importance of mental health and to raise vital funds for the amazing mental health charities and services across the UK that are here for us whenever we need support.

Walk With Me also aims to break the stigma surrounding mental health to ensure that no one ever feels afraid to talk about their well-being and to seek support if they need it; whether that's to speak to friends or family or to make the most of the fantastic charities and services available.

Can't wait until 2024?
There's still time to join us in 2023! Find out more and secure your place here.

Your itinerary

Day 1
London - Amman

Our adventure begins at the airport in London, to catch our flight together to Amman, the capital of Jordan and perhaps one of the most modernised Arab cities.

Our local challenge leader greets us upon our arrival and a short coach transfer later, we check in to our hotel by the shores of the Dead Sea.

You may have heard of the Dead Sea’s amazing skin-healing properties due to its high concentration of precious natural minerals; but did you know that it isn’t a sea at all, but a massive salt lake, nearly ten times as salty as the ocean? It’s also the lowest place on our planet, at 410m below sea level and fast receding, due to climate change.

Day 2
Dead Sea – Al-Mansoura | approx. 2-3km/1.5-hours walking

We wake today for a free morning at the Dead Sea, which gives us a perfect chance to check out how salty it actually is!

The lake is said to have 300% more magnesium, calcium, sodium, bromide and potassium than all the oceans and seas on Earth and it’s very difficult to swim in it – you’ll find your whole body will just float on top.

In the early afternoon, we enjoy a beautiful coach transfer along the shore of the Dead Sea, past waterfalls and canyons.

This ancient valley connects the Dead Sea with the Red Sea and from here, we ease ourselves into the challenge with a gentle trek and feel the vastness of the land for the first time.

Once we reach Al Mansura village, we will walk for approx. 1-1.5 hours until we reach our camp, where we’ll enjoy dinner and sit around the fire to chat and rest for the remainder of the day.

Day 3
Al Mansura – Ras Al Feid | approx. 16km/6 hours walking

Warmed up from yesterday, our challenge hikes up today, as we enter the desert’s Black Mountains.
From our camp at 200m in the low-lying valley floor, we climb to Faron, which sits in the mountains at 1,350m!

Following ancient canyon trails, we cross a range of rock formations and venture through wild Bedouin country, with a few glimpses over the Wadi Araba border area.

We reach our half-way point at the ancient Roman copper smelting site of Umm el Amad. From here, we step into a jaw-dropping landscape of white sandstone domes, dotted with patches of Juniper trees, the last sign of the ancient Juniper forests that once covered the area.

Climbing higher through the mountains, we gain more insight into the Bedouin lifestyle, passing several camps and finally stopping for the night when we reach our own camp at Ras Al Feid.

Day 4
Ras Al Feid - Um Ellada | approx. 18km/8 hours walking

Our third day of walking keeps us on higher ground and the terrain changes, as we follow donkey trails through vast and rugged land, barren but beautiful.

Along the way, we catch glimpses of the Crusader fortress at Shaubak towering over the desert.

We finish our long day's trek at Um Ellada and rest once again, beneath a mind-blowing canvas of stars, unspoiled by light pollution.

Day 5
Um Ellada - Moeesra | approx. 10km/6.5 hours walking

Trekking across highland desert, our first few hours takes us to Little Petra (aka Beidah), an awesome archaeological site, believed to have once been a fortified roadside resting place of the Nabataean capital.

Little Petra gives us a great feel for what awaits us in Petra. As we trek into the hidden valley, we’re treated to amazing views of white sandstone domes and an archaeological wonderland.

We trek along the awesome sandstone rocks in the afternoon and end our day at Moseera, for a final night camping in the desert.

Day 6
Moeesra - Petra - Wadi Musa | approx. 6km/6 hours walking

Rise and shine to our last day of walking!

Today, we enter the World Heritage Site of Petra. This ancient, hidden city is one of the Seven Wonders of the World - and so it should be!

We use the eastern approach to enter, close to the ancient monastery, a fascinating monument, carved from one massive rock.

This ridge gives us unbeatable views of the valleys beneath – plus we’re using a quieter entrance, avoiding the crowds.

We now have the brilliant opportunity to explore the site and visit Petra’s historic landmarks, taking in the ancient monastery, treasury and library.

Rejuvenated from our walking tour, we leave Petra through the famous 1,200m-long canyon, a crack in the towering cliff, and trek our last stretch to our finishing point in the town of Wadi Musa.

7 & 8
Petra/ Wadi Rum - UK

Our last day in Jordan is free for you to enjoy as we wish, revisiting the enchanting city of Petra or jumping on our awesome optional excursion to Wadi Rum for an additional cost.

This will give you a chance to see the world-famous sandstone mountains, described as “The Seven Pillars Of Wisdom” by Lawrence of Arabia and enjoy a fascinating 2-hour guided tour of the area.* We'll send you the full details, including the price, and how to book, closer to the challenge.

In the evening, we reunite as a group and celebrate with a delicious last meal together at a local restaurant.

Day 8 sees us transferring by coach to the airport, where we catch our flight back to the UK. Here, we part ways for home.

*A note for those of you opting for the Wadi Rum tour:

The Wadi Rum tours are run by Bedouin cooperatives; they are the only people allowed to work within this nature reserve.

The vehicles are owned and maintained by the local tribes. They are usually open-top, flat-bed pick-up trucks with bench seating (no seat belts).

They don’t race across the desert and generally stay in convoy. The vehicles are roadworthy and well maintained, but not particularly comfortable and you are exposed to the elements. The tour manager will give a full safety briefing before the group embark.

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Funding options

Sponsorship

Pay your registration fee (£349) and airport taxes/fuel surcharge (approx. £300), and fundraise £3,500 or more for your chosen charity.

£3,500

Minimum sponsorship target

  • Pay a non-refundable registration fee of £349 when you book, which is used to administer the challenge in Jordan and secure your seats with the airline.
  • Fundraise the minimum sponsorship target of £3,500 for a mental health charity of your choice at least 12 weeks before your challenge.
  • Providing you have raised the funds, the charity you are supporting will pay the challenge costs (£1,750) on your behalf.
  • The challenge costs cover flights (not including airport taxes and fuel surcharge, capped at £300) food, accommodation, transfers, porters, guides and medical support, including a UK doctor with expedition medicine training.
  • Please also remember to budget for airport taxes and fuel surcharge (capped at £300).
  • Please note that not all charities are happy to commit to the minimum sponsorship option. If you choose this option, we contact the charity you want to support on your behalf. If they are not happy with the minimum sponsorship option, we’ll let you know as soon as possible.
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Self Funded

Pay the registration fee (£349) and challenge costs (£1,750) + airport taxes/fuel surcharge (approx. £300).

£1,750

Pay the balance

  • Pay a non-refundable registration fee of £349 when you book, which is used to administer the challenge in Jordan and secure your seats with the airline.
  • Pay the challenge costs of £1,750 yourself 12 weeks before your challenge starts.
  • The challenge costs cover flights (not including airport taxes and fuel surcharge, capped at £300) food, accommodation, transfers, porters, guides and medical support, including a UK doctor with expedition medicine training.
  • Choose to fundraise as much as you can for the mental health charity of your choice or make a personal donation.
  • Please also remember to budget for your airport taxes and the fuel surcharge (capped at £300).
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FAQs
Trek the Jordan Desert 2024

Our charity challenges are not designed for expert athletes – they're designed for people looking for an amazing goal to train and get fit for. A number of the people who will take part in our Jordan Desert Trek in 2024 will have a low level of fitness level when they sign up. The challenge is the perfect motivation to get fit, improve your own mental and physical health and well-being whilst supporting the mental health charity of your choice.

We strongly recommend you train for the trek as we'll be tackling some steep terrain in the desert, especially as we venture up through the Black Mountains and the fitter you are, the more you'll enjoy it.

Please invest in a pair of quality hiking boots with ankle support to wear during your training and on your trek in Patagonia, as these are essential for walking on uneven terrain. We also recommend incorporating hills in your training treks.

Once you register for Walk With Me Jordan Desert Trek 2024, we'll send you a realistic training plan. This builds up gradually over time so you'll be ready and raring to go by the time we depart for Jordan. You can also check out our top trekking tips here and our indoor training ideas for the days you don't feel like facing the weather!

Please don't be! The majority of people will sign up on their own and our Dream Challenges are renowned for the amazing camaraderie and lifelong friendships made as our groups take on these incredible feats together.

Once you've signed up for the challenge, we'll send you a link to a private Facebook group for everyone registered for Walk With Me to Petra 2024.

Please feel free to use this space to swap questions, advice and updates with your fellow trekkers on your training and fundraising.

You may also want to reach out to the other participants in this group to see if there's anyone in your local area you can meet up to train and fundraise with.

Your registration fee of £349 per person is used to administer the challenge and secure your seats with the airline.

Your challenge costs of £1,750 (ie. 50% of the fundraising target if you choose the sponsorship option) cover:

  • Your flights (not including airport taxes and the fuel surcharge, capped at £300).
  • Meals throughout the challenge (except for your lunch and dinner on Day 7).
  • Accommodation.*
  • Entrance fees where applicable.
  • All transfers in Jordan, luggage transportation, and porters.
  • A team of outdoor remote first aid trained challenge guides and Dream Challenges staff.
  • Full support from the Dream Challenges office in the lead-up to and during your challenge in the Jordan Desert.
  • Medical support, including a UK doctor with expedition medicine training, who will accompany us throughout the charity trekking challenge.
  • Your Walk With Me to Petra 2024 medal.

*Accommodation is included on a twin-sharing basis. If you would rather pay for a single supplement and have a room/tent to yourself, we can arrange this for you for an additional price.

Please give us a call on 01590 646410 (Mon-Fri, 9am-5pm) or send us an email at bookings@dream-challenges.com if you would like to do this at least 17 weeks before the trekking challenge starts.

*Please note that the optional excursion to Wadi Rum on Day 7 is not included in your challenge costs.

 In addition to paying your registration fee (£349) and either self-funding your challenge costs (£1,750) or fundraising the minimum sponsorship target (£3,500) you will need to budget for your:

  • Airport taxes and the fuel surcharge (capped at £300).
  • Personal travel insurance.
  • Gratuities.
  • Personal expenses.
  • Lunch and dinner on Day 7.
  • You may also choose to pay for a single supplement at our accommodation.
  • Optional excursion to Wadi Rum on Day 7.

One of the amazing things about the challenge is that people of all ages will come together to do something very special for charity. Everyone who is 18 years old or over by the challenge start date is more than welcome to join this awesome challenge.

16 and 17-year-olds may participate if given permission by Dream Challenges. Please get in touch with us to discuss this on 01590 646410 (Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm) or by emailing bookings@dream-challenges.com.

You will need a pair of quality walking boots with ankle support — these are essential for trekking on uneven terrain. Please also bring a 2-litre water bottle and your own sleeping bag (medium weight).

We will supply you with a comprehensive list of everything you will need to take on the challenge well before your departure date.

 

On the trekking days, we'll be spending the nights camping in the desert. You can choose to sleep in the tents we provide or most of our challengers choose to sleep under the stars.

On our first, sixth and seventh nights, we'll be staying in hotels on a twin-sharing basis. The hotel near the Dead Sea is luxurious, the one in Petra more modest but certainly adequate. It will feel like a 5-star hotel after 5 nights under the stars!

We organise our accommodation on a twin-sharing basis, which is included in the challenge cost. However, if you would rather pay for a single supplement and have a room/tent to yourself, please get in touch and we can arrange this for you.

Yes of course! If you wish to extend your stay, please let us know at least 17 weeks before the challenge starts in Jordan and we can arrange this for you. 

The best way to get in touch is to email us at bookings@dream-challenges.com, or you can call us on 01590 646410 during office hours (9am - 5pm Monday - Friday).

Travel Insurance
You will need to take out your own personal travel insurance covering health, accident, loss and repatriation. Please arrange your insurance as soon as you can after you sign up to ensure you have coverage for your booking as well as the challenge.

In your Walk With Me Jordan Desert Trek Welcome Pack, you will receive information about an insurance provider that specialises in our type of overseas challenges and also covers you for cancellation due to medically-diagnosed COVID-19.

You can, however, take out your own insurance, providing it covers you for a charity trek in Jordan. Please ask the insurer about the nature of the cover. It is your responsibility to ensure you have adequate coverage for your challenge.

Visa
You will be required to obtain a tourist visa for entry into Jordan and we will send you all the relevant information and forms to do this before the challenge.

The Dream Challenges team are here to help you achieve your trekking challenge for charity and we will support you all the way. We are on hand from the minute you sign up to answer any questions that you may have about your training or the challenge itself.

Once you have registered, we will send you a Welcome Pack with everything you need to know about your challenge, including the itinerary, an example insurance policy, details about our challenge destination in Jordan and the weather we can expect on our trek, the structure of an average trekking day, a full kit list, and a realistic training plan to help you get fit for the challenge. The training programme builds up gradually as the trek gets closer.

We'll also send you regular updates in the lead-up to the adventure, with more important details and seasonal fundraising ideas. During the trek, we'll have a UK doctor with expedition medicine training accompanying the group at all times, along with a team of outdoor remote first-aid trained challenge guides.

There will be around 40 participants in our group for this trek. You'll no doubt make loads of new friends!

As we're not medically trained, we're afraid we can't offer you advice on this. We recommend you contact your GP or your local travel clinic, who will have the latest travel health advice.

We also recommend you visit the NHS Fit for Travel website here, to keep up to date with current travel health news and advice on staying healthy abroad.

NHS Fit for Travel website: https://www.fitfortravel.nhs.uk/home

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Jordan Scenery
Jordan Desert landscape
Jordan Petra
Jordan Scenery
Jordan Desert Trek Day 1 Dead Sea

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