Information checked: 22 July 2026
The Ajloun to As-Salt hike is Region 2 of the Jordan Trail. The official route covers 62.1 km across four stages, beginning at Ajloun Castle and continuing through Khirbet Al-Souq, King Talal Dam and Rmeimeen before finishing in the historic city of As-Salt.
This northern region combines wooded valleys, olive groves, farmland, villages and reservoir views. Its stages are shorter and officially rated moderate overall, but hikers still need current navigation, reliable water arrangements and confirmed overnight stops. For the complete national route, read the Jordan Trail guide. Current regional figures are published on the official Ajloun to As-Salt route page.
Ajloun to As-Salt: quick facts
- Official region: Jordan Trail Region 2
- Official distance: 62.1 km
- Official itinerary: Four hiking days
- Total ascent: 2,625 m
- Total descent: 2,761 m
- Highest point: 1,053 m
- Lowest point: 173 m
- Start: Ajloun Castle
- Finish: As-Salt
- Main challenges: Repeated elevation changes, exposed sections, loose footing, road crossings, limited services and changing route conditions
The four current stage pages total 62.2 km, almost identical to the 62.1 km regional figure. Actual walking distance can change with accommodation access, food stops and rerouting. Download the latest official GPS track shortly before departure and keep it available offline.
What makes this Jordan Trail region different?
Ajloun to As-Salt passes through a greener and more settled landscape than the remote desert regions farther south. Forested hills around Ajloun give way to agricultural valleys, the King Talal reservoir, Rmeimeen and the yellow-stone streets of As-Salt.
The route also connects two important heritage destinations. It starts near Ajloun Castle and ends in UNESCO-listed As-Salt. Travelers who want extra time around the starting point can also read the Visit Ajloun guide.
Is the Ajloun to As-Salt trail suitable for you?
This region suits hikers who can walk 15 to 17 km on four consecutive days across rolling terrain. The current stage pages classify every day as moderate overall, but that does not mean the route is effortless. The first two stages have physically demanding sections, while the final approach to As-Salt includes long exposed stretches and a highway crossing.
It is more accessible than the Three Wadis or southern desert regions, but independent hikers still need route-finding skills, water planning and confirmed accommodation or camping. Fit beginners should consider walking with an experienced guide or organised group rather than treating the waymarks as sufficient navigation.
The four official stages
Day 1: Ajloun Castle to Khirbet Al-Souq
Official distance: 16.8 km
Estimated walking time: 5–6 hours
Official difficulty: Moderate overall
Waymarked: Yes
The route begins at Ajloun Castle and descends through sparse pine forest toward Wadi Al-Tawaheen. It then climbs through olive-growing country, passes near Anjara and Kufrinja, and continues past the abandoned village of Sarabees before reaching Wadi Mahmoud and Khirbet Al-Souq.
The official stage guidance describes much of the day as straightforward, with roads and country lanes forming a substantial part of the route. The opening descent below Ajloun Castle can have loose footing, however, and parts of the trail may be rerouted. Confirm the current line rather than relying on an older track.
Food is available near Ajloun Castle, in Anjara and at Khirbet Al-Souq, although the final village may offer only basic snacks and water. Ein Hanish and Ein Sarabees are identified as flowing springs, but natural water should be treated. Shepherd dogs are another possible hazard in rural sections.
Day 2: Khirbet Al-Souq to King Talal Dam
Official distance: 15.1 km
Estimated walking time: 5–6 hours
Official difficulty: Moderate overall
Waymarked: Yes
The second stage follows a secluded wooded valley to a ridge overlooking Burma village and King Talal Dam. Paths then descend through forest and farmland toward the reservoir before a final climb to the stage endpoint.
Burma has a shop, but it is off the direct route. Ein Hamed is also off route and should not be treated as guaranteed resupply. The official guidance specifically warns hikers not to drink water from the King Talal Dam reservoir.
Loose footing is possible on the descent and near the dam. The Jordan Trail Association states that hikers are officially permitted to cross the dam, but access conditions can change and should be reconfirmed. The official stage information also reports that some hikers have experienced unwanted attention around Burma, so walking with a group or local guide may be more comfortable.
Day 3: King Talal Dam to Rmeimeen
Official distance: 15.7 km
Estimated walking time: 5–6 hours
Official difficulty: Moderate overall
Waymarked: Yes
Tracks and country lanes continue through agricultural land toward a small waterfall. The route then climbs to Rmeimeen, a village known for its churches, mosque and surrounding valley landscape.
The official stage page states that almost all of this section follows dirt or paved roads, although occasional climbs can still be steep. Much of the route is exposed to the sun, making early departure and adequate water important in warm weather.
Water may be available from houses or farms along the paved road, but access should never be assumed. Rmeimeen has minimarkets, a bakery, a falafel stand and a simple restaurant according to the current official guidance. Confirm food, water and the overnight arrangement before leaving King Talal Dam.
Day 4: Rmeimeen to As-Salt
Official distance: 14.6 km
Estimated walking time: 6 hours
Official difficulty: Moderate overall
Waymarked: Yes
The final stage leaves Rmeimeen on a road and follows a valley through gardens. It climbs gradually, crosses a highway near the Civil Defense area and continues into historic As-Salt.
Food and water are available in Rmeimeen and As-Salt, with additional shops around the midpoint. Two artesian wells in the valley are fenced and marked against entry, so they should not be planned as water sources.
The first half provides more shade than the later section. Heat, dehydration and guard dogs are the main cautions noted by the official stage guidance. Cross the highway carefully and retain enough water for the exposed approach into the city.
Southbound hikers can continue from the city on the As-Salt to Wadi Zarqa Ma’in hike.
Water and food planning
This region passes through villages and farmland, but a settled landscape does not guarantee dependable water. Springs, houses, farms and small shops may be seasonal, closed or off route. Begin each stage with enough water for the planned distance and carry an emergency reserve.
Treat natural water before drinking. Do not use water from the King Talal reservoir, and do not enter fenced wells. Khirbet Al-Souq, Burma, Rmeimeen and As-Salt offer possible resupply, but confirm the exact location and operating status shortly before the hike.
Food options are strongest at Ajloun and As-Salt. Intermediate villages may provide simple meals, bakery items, snacks or groceries. Supported hikers should obtain written confirmation of meals, drinking water and camp water rather than assuming they are included.
Camping and accommodation
The standard itinerary may combine a homestay at Khirbet Al-Souq, accommodation near King Talal Dam, a homestay or supported camp around Rmeimeen, and a hotel or guesthouse in As-Salt. Availability, facilities and access can change.
Confirm every overnight stop before departure. Ask about bedding, meals, drinking water, camp water, bathrooms, luggage transfer, payment and cancellation terms. A place named as a camp does not necessarily have permanent facilities.
Navigation and guide support
All four current stage pages say the route is waymarked, while the regional warning says the Jordan Trail is not fully marked and strongly recommends hiring a local guide. The practical interpretation is that markings may exist but cannot replace current GPS data and sound navigation.
Save the official track offline on two devices, carry backup power and share the itinerary with a reliable contact. Confirm possible rerouting below Ajloun Castle and current access across King Talal Dam shortly before departure.
WowJordan is an independent tourism directory and does not operate the trail. Travelers can review the Jordan Trail Association listing and ask providers directly about guide credentials, inclusions, route conditions, prices and cancellation terms.
Transport to Ajloun and from As-Salt
Ajloun can be reached from Amman, but public buses generally leave when full rather than following a dependable timetable. The route begins at Ajloun Castle, so travelers arriving in Ajloun city may still need a local bus or taxi to the exact starting point.
Intermediate access is possible by road at several locations, but public transport is not dependable for every stage endpoint. Private taxis or prearranged support are more practical for Khirbet Al-Souq, King Talal Dam and Rmeimeen.
As-Salt has road connections with Amman. Confirm the current departure point and transport arrangement rather than relying on an old schedule after finishing the hike.
Best time to hike Ajloun to As-Salt
Spring and autumn generally offer the most practical walking conditions. Spring can bring green hills and wildflowers, while autumn often provides stable hiking temperatures after the hottest part of the year.
Winter may bring rain, mud, cold nights and slippery descents in the northern highlands. Summer heat increases dehydration and heat-exhaustion risk, especially on exposed roads and farmland between King Talal Dam, Rmeimeen and As-Salt.
Check forecasts for Ajloun, King Talal Dam and As-Salt rather than relying on one city. Postpone or adjust the itinerary when rain, extreme heat or access changes make a stage unsafe.
What to carry
- Current offline GPS track on two devices
- Enough water capacity for each stage and overnight stop
- A reliable water-purification method
- Food for planned stages plus an emergency reserve
- Supportive footwear for loose and uneven ground
- Trekking poles for descents and sustained climbs
- Sun protection and clothing for exposed sections
- Warm and waterproof layers appropriate to the forecast
- Headlamp, power bank and protected emergency power
- First-aid supplies and personal medication
- Emergency contacts and a shared route plan
- Waste bags and low-impact camping equipment when required
Continue planning your Jordan hike
For other landscapes, route lengths and seasonal considerations, compare the wider Hiking in Jordan guide. Hikers continuing south should plan separately for the longer and more exposed stages between As-Salt and Wadi Zarqa Ma’in.
Frequently asked questions
How long is the Ajloun to As-Salt hike?
The official regional overview lists 62.1 km across four stages. The current individual stage distances total 62.2 km before accommodation access, food stops or route changes.
How many days does Ajloun to As-Salt take?
The Jordan Trail Association divides the region into four days: Ajloun Castle to Khirbet Al-Souq, Khirbet Al-Souq to King Talal Dam, King Talal Dam to Rmeimeen and Rmeimeen to As-Salt.
How difficult is the route?
All four current stages are rated moderate overall. Consecutive walking days, elevation changes, heat exposure, loose ground and logistics still require realistic fitness and preparation.
Do I need a guide?
The Jordan Trail Association strongly recommends a local guide because sections can be remote and current route conditions may change. Independent hikers need reliable navigation, water planning and emergency preparation.
Is the trail waymarked?
The current stage pages list all four sections as waymarked, but the official regional warning says the wider trail is not fully marked. Carry the latest offline GPS track and do not depend only on painted markers.
Is water available along the route?
Water may be available from villages, shops, houses, farms and springs. Treat natural water, confirm every planned source and never drink from the King Talal Dam reservoir.
Where do hikers sleep?
Typical arrangements include homestays, supported camps and accommodation in As-Salt. Confirm every overnight location and included service directly before departure.
Can beginners hike Ajloun to As-Salt?
A fit beginner may consider a guided or fully supported itinerary. It is not a good first unsupported multi-day hike because navigation, water and overnight logistics still require experience.
Does the route start at Ajloun Castle?
Yes. The first official stage begins at Ajloun Castle and descends toward Khirbet Al-Souq. Confirm the exact meeting point and current route below the castle.
Can I continue from As-Salt toward Wadi Zarqa Ma’in?
Yes. As-Salt is the end of Region 2 and the beginning of the next Jordan Trail region. Plan that four-day section separately because it is longer, more exposed and officially rated difficult.
Plan the next step: Download the current official route, confirm access at King Talal Dam, and obtain clear details for water, accommodation, transport and emergency support before departure.