Information checked: 22 July 2026
The Karak to Dana hike is Region 5 of the Jordan Trail. The official route covers 83.9 km across four stages, with 3,453 m of ascent and 3,244 m of descent. It begins near Karak Castle, crosses highland villages, descends into Wadi Hasa, continues through Tafileh’s rural landscape and finishes in Dana Village.
This is a demanding multi-day journey rather than a continuous serviced trail. Long distances, steep descents, exposed climbs, changing water availability and remote overnight stops require careful planning. For the complete national route, see the Jordan Trail guide. Current regional figures and GPS information are published on the official Al-Karak to Dana route page.
Karak to Dana hike: quick facts
- Official region: Jordan Trail Region 5
- Distance: 83.9 km
- Official itinerary: Four hiking days
- Total ascent: 3,453 m
- Total descent: 3,244 m
- Highest point: 1,499 m
- Lowest point: 237 m
- Start: Al-Karak
- Finish: Dana Village
- Main challenges: Long stages, steep elevation changes, water planning, navigation, heat exposure and flash-flood risk
The official distances describe the current four-stage route. Access walks, detours for supplies and accommodation transfers may increase the total. Download the latest track from the official Jordan Trail maps and GPS resources before departure.
Is the Karak to Dana trail suitable for you?
This route suits experienced hikers who can complete several consecutive days of 15–27 km while managing steep climbing and descending. Conditions range from high agricultural plateaus and village roads to exposed valleys, loose paths and remote camps.
The route passes settlements where limited supplies may be available, but this does not remove the need for water, food and overnight planning. Shop hours and natural water sources should never be assumed. A fit traveler without multi-day hiking or navigation experience should consider an organised trip with a qualified local guide.
The four official stages
Day 1: Al-Karak to Tor Al-Taboun
Official distance: 26.7 km
Estimated walking time: 8 hours
Official difficulty: Difficult
Waymarked: Yes
The route leaves Karak near the castle and travels south above Wadi ed-Dab’a. It crosses the normally dry wadi before climbing toward the ruins of Ainun and continuing through rural highland country. Later sections reach the plateau edge above Al-Iraq before descending through Jahra toward the cliffs of Tor Al-Taboun.
This is the longest stage in the region. Much of the walking is straightforward, but the descent toward Tor Al-Taboun can be loose or slippery. The official stage guidance identifies a mild flash-flood risk in Wadi Mughair and limited shade across much of the route.
Food and water may be available from villages and farms, but hikers should begin with adequate supplies and confirm every planned source. Stocking up in Karak is more reliable than depending on small outlets later in the day.
Day 2: Tor Al-Taboun to Karaka
Official distance: 20.8 km
Estimated walking time: 6–8 hours
Official difficulty: Difficult
Waymarked: Yes
The stage descends from Tor Al-Taboun into Wadi Hasa, passing gardens, palms and the Burbeita area. From the valley floor, the route begins a long climb back toward the plateau and continues south through rural tracks and small roads to Karaka.
The descent is generally made on four-wheel-drive tracks, but the climb out of Wadi Hasa is long and exposed. Flash floods can affect Wadi Hasa and nearby crossings. Do not enter the valley when rainfall or upstream conditions create uncertainty.
Water from Wadi Hasa requires purification. Water may also be available around Burbeita, Qasrein Spring or nearby farms, but current availability must be confirmed. A small shop in the Burbeita area may operate irregularly and should not be treated as guaranteed resupply.
Day 3: Karaka to Ma’tan
Official distance: 20.9 km
Estimated walking time: 8 hours
Official difficulty: Moderate overall
Waymarked: Yes
The route continues south toward Ais, with wide views across the highlands toward the Dead Sea. After Ais, it moves through rolling agricultural country, olive groves and orchards before reaching the restored cliff-top village of Ma’tan above Wadi Labun.
Ais is the most practical service point during this stage, with restaurants, cafés, markets, transport and other facilities. Ein Al-Beida also has shops and produce stands. Meals at accommodation in Ma’tan may require advance booking.
Some agricultural paths after Ais can be difficult to follow, so the current GPS route remains important even where the stage is officially waymarked. The terrain is exposed, and encounters with livestock dogs are possible in farming areas.
Day 4: Ma’tan to Dana
Official distance: 15.5 km
Estimated walking time: 5 hours
Official difficulty: Moderate overall
Waymarked: Yes
The final stage descends from Ma’tan through terraced orchards and Wadi Ma’tan before climbing toward Wadi Buseirah. It then crosses agricultural and forested highland terrain before reaching views across the Dana valley and descending into Dana Village.
The old donkey path below Ma’tan is generally more stable than nearby alternatives, but locating the correct path requires attention. Parts of the descent are steep, while paths around Wadi Buseirah can be slippery and exposed.
Flash floods can affect Wadi Ma’tan and Wadi Buseirah. Buseirah has a minimarket and bakery, but the village is off the direct route and requires additional walking. Food and water are available through accommodation and restaurants in Dana Village.
The official guidance asks hikers to contact Dana Biosphere Reserve management before entering the reserve and confirm current entry arrangements. Travelers can also review the Dana Biosphere Reserve listing when planning the finish.
Water and food planning
The Karak to Dana route passes more villages than the remote desert sections farther south, but reliable water cannot be assumed at every point. Small springs, farms and natural sources can be seasonal or unsuitable for drinking without treatment.
Begin with enough capacity for the longest gap between confirmed sources. Carry a purification method and do not rely on finding residents, open shops or flowing springs. Confirm overnight water separately because a hiking-day supply may not cover cooking, camp and the following morning.
Karak and Ais are the strongest resupply points. Smaller villages may have shops, produce stands or cafés, but availability and operating hours vary. Carry an emergency food reserve in case a planned stop is closed.
Camping and accommodation
The route may combine accommodation in Karak and Dana with homestays, rural lodges, supported camps or wild camping between them. The exact overnight pattern depends on the guide, operator, vehicle access and walking schedule.
Confirm every overnight location before departure. Ask whether tents, sleeping equipment, meals, drinking water, camp water, toilets, luggage transfer and emergency transport are included. Do not assume that a listed campsite has permanent facilities.
Dana Village has guesthouses and small hotels, making it a practical recovery point before continuing south. Accommodation can become limited during busy hiking periods, so booking in advance is sensible.
Navigation and guide support
The Jordan Trail Association recommends hiring a local guide because parts of the national route are remote, water is limited and mobile connectivity can be unreliable. Although all four Karak-to-Dana stages are currently listed as waymarked, markings can fade, disappear or become difficult to follow through farms and villages.
Carry the current GPS route offline on more than one device, bring backup power and share the itinerary with a reliable contact. A guide should have recent experience on this exact region rather than only general hiking experience in Jordan.
Confirm who is responsible for navigation, accommodation, water, luggage, transport and emergency communication. WowJordan is an independent tourism directory and does not operate this trail. Travelers can review the Jordan Trail Association listing and compare current services directly with providers.
Transport to Karak and from Dana
Karak can be reached from Amman or Aqaba by bus, private transfer or taxi, but the exact trail starting point may require a local connection. Arrange accommodation and the starting meeting point before departure rather than relying only on “Karak” as the location.
Public transport serves Tafileh and nearby towns, but smaller villages and remote camps require taxis, private transfers or support vehicles. Dana Village is not served by frequent, dependable public transport, so the final pickup or onward journey should be arranged in advance.
Best time to hike Karak to Dana
Spring and autumn generally offer the most practical conditions. The high plateaus may be cool or windy while lower valleys can be substantially warmer. Summer heat increases dehydration risk, particularly during exposed climbs from Wadi Hasa. Winter can bring cold nights, rain, slippery ground and flash floods.
Check forecasts for Karak, Tafileh and Dana rather than relying on one location. Rain falling upstream can affect wadis even when conditions at the trailhead appear clear. Postpone the route when flooding risk, extreme heat or official advice makes the itinerary unsafe.
What to carry
- Current offline GPS route on two devices
- Enough water capacity for each stage and overnight stop
- A suitable water-purification method
- Food for planned stages plus an emergency reserve
- Sun protection and clothing for exposed highland conditions
- Warm and waterproof layers appropriate to the forecast
- Supportive footwear for loose, rocky and slippery ground
- 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
Continue along the Jordan Trail
After arriving in Dana Village, the southbound route continues through more remote mountain and desert terrain on the Dana to Petra hike. Travelers comparing other walking routes can also use the Hiking in Jordan guide.
Frequently asked questions
How long is the Karak to Dana hike?
The official Jordan Trail region covers 83.9 km across four stages. Transfers, accommodation access and detours for supplies may increase the total distance.
How many days does Karak to Dana take?
The Jordan Trail Association lists four hiking days: Karak to Tor Al-Taboun, Tor Al-Taboun to Karaka, Karaka to Ma’tan and Ma’tan to Dana.
How difficult is Karak to Dana?
It is a demanding multi-day route. The first two stages are officially difficult, while the following stages remain physically serious because of their distances, navigation and elevation changes.
Do I need a guide?
The Jordan Trail Association strongly recommends a local guide. Independent hikers need suitable navigation, camping, water-management and emergency-planning experience.
Is water available along the route?
Water may be available in villages, farms, springs and Wadi Hasa, but reliability and quality vary. Natural water requires appropriate treatment, and every planned source should be confirmed.
Where do hikers sleep?
Options may include homestays, rural lodges, guesthouses, supported camps and wild camping. Confirm every overnight location and included service before departure.
Does the hike enter Dana Biosphere Reserve?
The route finishes in Dana Village beside the Dana Biosphere Reserve. Contact the reserve management before arrival to confirm current access and entry requirements.
Can beginners hike from Karak to Dana?
It is not suitable as a first unsupported multi-day hike. A fit beginner may consider a fully supported itinerary with an experienced guide and realistic preparation.
Can I hike only Ma’tan to Dana?
Yes. The final official stage is 15.5 km and takes approximately five hours. Transport to Ma’tan and collection or accommodation in Dana still need to be arranged.
Plan the next step: Download the current official route, confirm Dana access arrangements and obtain written details for water, accommodation, transport and emergency support before booking.