Information checked: 22 July 2026
The Wadi Rum to Aqaba hike is the final part of the Jordan Trail, crossing remote desert, sandstone and granite mountains before descending to the Red Sea. From Wadi Rum Village, the official route covers approximately 64.3 km across three stages: Wadi Rum to Wadi Waraqa, Wadi Waraqa to the final camp, and the final descent into Aqaba.
The Jordan Trail Association groups these stages inside the wider Region 8 route, which begins at Al-Humeima and covers 112 km over six hiking days. This distinction matters when comparing itineraries: a six-day Region 8 trip begins north of Wadi Rum, while a journey starting in Wadi Rum Village covers only the final three stages. For the full national route, see the Jordan Trail guide. Current regional figures are published on the official Rum to Red Sea route page.
Wadi Rum to Aqaba hike: quick facts
- Official region: Jordan Trail Region 8
- Full regional route: Al-Humeima to Aqaba
- Full region distance: 112 km
- Full official itinerary: Six hiking days
- Wadi Rum Village to Aqaba: Approximately 64.3 km over three stages
- Full-region ascent: 1,824 m
- Full-region descent: 2,755 m
- Highest point: 1,042 m
- Lowest point: Sea level
- Main constraints: Water, navigation, heat, remote camping and limited mobile coverage
The official distance from Wadi Rum Village to Aqaba is calculated from the three current stage distances: 20.5 km, 26.5 km and 17.3 km. Download the latest track from the official Jordan Trail maps and GPS resources before departure because routes, camps and access conditions can change.
Where does Region 8 actually begin?
Official Region 8 begins at Al-Humeima, where the previous Petra to Wadi Rum region currently ends. The first three Region 8 stages travel from Al-Humeima through Jabal Kharazah and Shakriya to Wadi Rum Village. The final three stages then continue from Wadi Rum to Aqaba.
If you have already completed the Petra to Wadi Rum hike, Region 8 provides the connection from Al-Humeima through Wadi Rum to the Red Sea. If you want only the Wadi Rum to Aqaba section, begin at Wadi Rum Village and plan three demanding days with confirmed water, camping and transport support.
Is Wadi Rum to Aqaba suitable for you?
This route suits experienced hikers comfortable with desert navigation, consecutive long days, wild camping and carrying substantial amounts of water. Much of the route is exposed, services are extremely limited and mobile coverage can disappear after leaving Wadi Rum Village.
The final two stages are particularly demanding. They include long distances, rocky passes, unclear paths, loose ground and a steep descent toward Aqaba. This is not a suitable first unsupported desert trek. Travelers without relevant experience should use a local guide and arranged logistical support.
If you want to experience Wadi Rum and Aqaba without committing to the trail, use the Wadi Rum travel guide and Aqaba travel guide to plan the destinations separately.
The six official Region 8 stages
Day 1: Al-Humeima to Jabal Kharazah
Official distance: 19 km
Estimated walking time: 6 hours
Official difficulty: Moderate
Waymarked: No
The full regional route begins near the Al-Humeima ruins and crosses open desert toward Jabal Kharazah. Hikers may pass through New Humeima to obtain supplies or follow the more direct route across open country. The stage crosses the Desert Highway before continuing through sandy terrain toward the sandstone mountain.
Humeima village is the main dependable place for food and water near the beginning. An old cistern is located off the route near Jabal Kharazah, but its availability should be confirmed locally. Navigation requires careful use of bearings and identifiable mountain shapes because few landmarks lie directly on the trail.
Day 2: Jabal Kharazah to Shakriya
Official distance: 15.9 km
Estimated walking time: 6 hours
Official difficulty: Moderate
Waymarked: No
This stage continues south through sandy plains, dry mud flats and sandstone formations before reaching Shakriya. Walking conditions depend heavily on the firmness of the sand and the temperature. The route has limited shade and no dependable water until the village.
Shakriya has a shop and water may be obtained in the village, but hikers should confirm supplies rather than depending on a single outlet. Vehicle access beyond established roads generally requires a jeep or pickup.
Day 3: Shakriya to Wadi Rum Village
Official distance: 12 km
Estimated walking time: 3–4 hours
Official difficulty: Easy overall
Waymarked: No
The route crosses the railway and continues toward the Wadi Rum Visitor Centre. From there, it follows the valley south toward Wadi Rum Village, passing beneath the surrounding sandstone mountains. Hikers can walk through the sandy ground beside the road or use the road for faster progress.
Food and drinks are normally available at the visitor centre and small shops in Wadi Rum Village. This is the final practical resupply point before the remote three-stage journey to Aqaba. Confirm all food, water, camping and vehicle-support arrangements before leaving the village.
Day 4: Wadi Rum Village to Wadi Waraqa
Official distance: 20.5 km
Estimated walking time: 6–8 hours
Official difficulty: Moderate overall
Waymarked: No
The Wadi Rum to Aqaba section begins at the northern end of Wadi Rum Village. The trail heads south past Bedouin tents and Lawrence Spring before continuing through deep sand, four-wheel-drive tracks and sandstone valleys. It later turns west toward Wadi Waraqa as the sandstone landscape begins changing into darker granite and quartz terrain.
Navigation is difficult because numerous vehicle tracks cross the route and the most visible track is not always the correct one. The official stage information warns that mobile service disappears after turning away from Wadi Rum Village. All pickups, camps and emergency arrangements should therefore be agreed in advance.
Water may sometimes be available at Bedouin tents, Lawrence Spring or Qattar Spring, but none should be treated as guaranteed. Confirm the situation in Wadi Rum Village and carry enough water for the stage and overnight camp.
Day 5: Wadi Waraqa to the final camp
Official distance: 26.5 km
Estimated walking time: 7–9 hours
Official difficulty: Difficult
Waymarked: Yes
This is the longest stage of the Wadi Rum to Aqaba section. The route follows Wadi Waraqa west as the sandstone formations fade and granite and quartz become more prominent. It continues toward Titen before climbing through rocky terrain to a pass overlooking Wadi Al-Libnan and the final camping area.
The path becomes faint around several important turns, making current offline GPS data essential. Titen may provide water and a small shop, but the official guidance notes that the shop has sometimes been closed. Do not depend on finding food or water there without confirmation.
Much of the stage is exposed to the sun. Loose gravel and sharp rock replace the softer sand found around Wadi Rum, so supportive hiking footwear is important. Mobile coverage is absent across most of the route.
Day 6: Final camp to Aqaba
Official distance: 17.3 km
Estimated walking time: 5–7 hours
Official difficulty: Difficult
Waymarked: Yes
The final Jordan Trail stage climbs into granite mountains before reaching a pass with the first clear views of the Red Sea and Gulf of Aqaba. It then descends across loose scree into sandy wadis leading toward the coast.
The descent requires care, especially with tired legs or a heavy pack. The route eventually passes beneath a highway and continues toward the beach south of central Aqaba. The official guidance lists no water on the walking route, so hikers must begin with enough for the complete stage and possible delays.
Reaching the Red Sea completes the southbound Jordan Trail. Aqaba then provides accommodation, restaurants, shops and onward transport. Use the Aqaba Jordan travel guide to plan where to stay and what to do after finishing.
Water and food planning
Leaving Wadi Rum Village without a confirmed water plan is unsafe. The three stages to Aqaba pass through remote country where springs, cisterns, camps and village supplies may be unavailable. Carry sufficient capacity for each walking day and overnight stop, plus an emergency reserve.
Supported hikers should obtain written confirmation of water drops and camp supplies. Ask how much drinking water and camp water will be provided, who delivers it, where it will be stored and what happens if a vehicle cannot reach the planned location.
Wadi Rum Village is the last dependable resupply point before the final route. Titen may offer limited supplies, but availability should not be assumed. Carry the food required for the full section and an additional reserve for delays.
Camping and accommodation
The Wadi Rum to Aqaba route normally requires two remote overnight camps: one near Wadi Waraqa and another at the final camp before the descent. These are wild or supported trail camps, not necessarily the serviced tourist camps found elsewhere in Wadi Rum.
Confirm tents, sleeping equipment, meals, water, toilets, waste handling, luggage transfer and vehicle access. A provider should identify the approximate campsite locations and explain how the plan changes during strong wind, extreme heat, rain or a medical problem.
Wadi Rum Village and the surrounding protected area offer commercial camps before the hike. Aqaba has a much wider range of hotels and coastal accommodation after completion.
Navigation and guide support
The Jordan Trail Association strongly recommends using a local guide because the region is remote, water is limited and connectivity may be absent. Several stages are not waymarked, while even marked stages include faint paths and difficult junctions.
Download the current track before departure and keep it available offline on at least two devices. Carry backup power, a compass or suitable navigation backup and exact coordinates for camps, water points and vehicle access.
A guide should have direct experience with the Wadi Rum to Aqaba trail rather than only general experience leading Wadi Rum tours. Confirm responsibility for navigation, water, camps, luggage, emergency communication and evacuation.
WowJordan is an independent tourism directory and does not operate the Jordan Trail. Travelers can review the Jordan Trail Association listing and contact providers directly to verify credentials, current itineraries, prices, equipment and cancellation conditions.
Transport and access
Wadi Rum Village can be reached by private transfer, taxi or limited local transport, but schedules should not be treated as guaranteed. Use the Aqaba to Wadi Rum transfer guide for wider transport planning.
Access beyond Wadi Rum Village generally requires a four-wheel-drive vehicle. Titen can be reached by road, while the final camp requires four-wheel-drive access. Arrange emergency access and the final Aqaba pickup before starting.
The trail finishes south of central Aqaba rather than directly at a specific city hotel or transport station. Confirm the endpoint coordinates and onward transfer with your provider.
Best time to hike from Wadi Rum to Aqaba
Spring and autumn generally provide the most practical conditions. Summer heat can make these exposed, water-limited stages dangerous. Winter temperatures may be cold at night, and rain can create flooding risks or difficult ground conditions.
Check forecasts for Wadi Rum, the Aqaba mountains and the coast. Do not rely only on Aqaba’s warmer seaside forecast because the higher inland stages can experience different temperatures and wind.
Postpone the hike during extreme heat, flooding risk, severe wind or official access restrictions. A fixed booking should never take priority over safe conditions.
What to carry
- Current offline GPS tracks on two devices
- Enough water capacity for each unsupported stage and overnight camp
- Food for the complete route plus an emergency reserve
- Sun protection and clothing suitable for exposed desert conditions
- Warm layers for cold desert nights
- Supportive footwear for sand, gravel, sharp rock and scree
- 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
Frequently asked questions
How long is the Wadi Rum to Aqaba hike?
From Wadi Rum Village to Aqaba, the three official stages total approximately 64.3 km. The complete Region 8 itinerary begins at Al-Humeima and covers 112 km across six days.
How many days does Wadi Rum to Aqaba take?
The route from Wadi Rum Village to Aqaba takes three official hiking days. The full Al-Humeima to Aqaba region takes six hiking days.
Why does the official Region 8 route begin at Al-Humeima?
The current Jordan Trail structure places the first three connecting stages from Al-Humeima to Wadi Rum Village inside Region 8. The final three stages continue from Wadi Rum Village to Aqaba.
How difficult is Wadi Rum to Aqaba?
It is a difficult remote desert trek. Major challenges include long stages, deep sand, rocky passes, loose descents, limited water, unclear navigation and little mobile coverage.
Do I need a guide?
The Jordan Trail Association strongly recommends a local guide. Anyone hiking independently needs advanced desert navigation, camping, water-management and emergency-planning experience.
Is water available between Wadi Rum and Aqaba?
Some Bedouin camps, springs or Titen village may provide water, but none should be assumed to be available. Carry adequate water and arrange confirmed supplies or water drops before departure.
Where do hikers sleep?
Most itineraries use remote camps near Wadi Waraqa and the final camp above Aqaba. Confirm the exact locations, equipment, water, meals and vehicle support before booking.
Is there mobile coverage?
Coverage can disappear after leaving Wadi Rum Village and is absent across much of the following stages. Emergency and pickup arrangements must be made before departure.
Can beginners hike from Wadi Rum to Aqaba?
This is not suitable as a first unsupported desert hike. A fit beginner should consider it only with an experienced local guide, full logistical support and appropriate preparation.
Where does the Jordan Trail finish?
The southbound Jordan Trail finishes at the Red Sea coast in Aqaba. The official final stage descends from the Aqaba mountains toward the beach south of the central city area.
Plan the next step: Confirm whether your itinerary begins at Al-Humeima or Wadi Rum Village, download the current route, and obtain written details for water, camps, guiding and emergency support before booking.