Petra Monastery (Ad-Deir): Routes, Stairs, Best Time & Safety

Q: How many steps lead to the Petra Monastery?

There are roughly 700–900 carved steps on the main route from the Basin area to the Monastery. The exact number varies by erosion, but expect a steady, steep climb taking 45–90 minutes depending on fitness and breaks.

Q: What is the difficulty level of the hike to Ad-Deir?

The ascent is moderate to challenging —mainly due to continuous stairs and sun exposure rather than technical terrain. It’s achievable for most visitors who pace themselves, wear sturdy shoes, and bring at least 1.5–2 liters of water .

Q: What is the “backdoor trail” to the Petra Monastery?

The backdoor route starts from Little Petra (Siq al-Barid) and approaches Ad-Deir from above. It’s a 2–3.5-hour scenic hike across ridges and plateaus, often used on Day 2 of a Petra visit to avoid retracing the main path.

Q: Is the backdoor route easier than the main stairs?

The backdoor trail is longer but has fewer continuous steps, making it easier on knees yet more exposed to sun and wind. The main stairs are shorter but steeper. Choose based on fitness level, available time, and weather conditions.

Q: What time of day has the best light at the Monastery?

Morning offers even, shadow-free light across the façade; late afternoon (3–5 PM) produces golden tones and softer contrast. Avoid midday when the plaza is brightest and crowds peak—shadows also fall sharply under the portico.

Q: Are there cafés or shade areas near the Monastery?

Yes—two small café terraces on the plateau serve tea, juice, and snacks, offering shade and rest spots. Always purchase something if you use their seating, and bring cash since card machines may not work.

Q: How long should I stay at the Monastery before descending?

Most visitors spend 30–60 minutes at the top—enough to rest, photograph, and enjoy the view. Start descending at least 1½ hours before closing time to ensure you exit the park safely.

What the Petra Monastery Is and Why It Matters

Answer first: The Petra Monastery, known locally as Ad-Deir, is one of the largest and most awe-inspiring rock-cut monuments in Petra—comparable in scale to the Treasury but set high above the city center. For routes, tickets, and the complete visitor plan, see our Petra travel guide, covering all main sites including the Treasury, Monastery, and Wadi Musa tips.
The façade is monumental and relatively austere, with niches replacing many reliefs seen elsewhere in Petra. Its name “Monastery” derives from crosses carved during later reuse as a Christian space, but its original Nabataean function was likely ceremonial or commemorative rather than monastic. As a late-day destination with wide views and a tranquil plateau, Ad-Deir is the climactic goal on many Petra itineraries. (Historical context: UNESCO recognizes Petra for its blend of Nabataean and Hellenistic architecture and its caravan-trade legacy. UNESCO World Heritage Centre Official materials also list ad-Dayr among key highlights.

Where It Is & How to Reach It (Main vs Backdoor)

Answer first: You can reach Ad-Deir by (1) the main-route stairs that begin near Petra’s city center (Basin area), or (2) the backdoor approach via Little Petra (Siq al-Barid)—popular on multi-day visits.

Main-route stairs (standard day-visitor path):

From the Visitor Center, walk through the Siq and past the Treasury, Royal Tombs, Theater, Colonnaded Street, and Qasr al-Bint toward the Basin.
From the Basin, the stair ascent to Ad-Deir begins.
Typical walking time (excluding photo stops): Allow 45–90 minutes for the ascent from the city core, depending on fitness, heat, and crowding on stairs.
Surface: Carved stone steps (some uneven or eroded), gravel, and rock paths.
Exposure: Increasing sun exposure as you gain elevation; intermittent shade near rock walls.

Backdoor via Little Petra (Siq al-Barid):

Often arranged as a transfer to Little Petra (north of Wadi Musa), then a scenic hike across plateaus and ridgelines descending to the Monastery plateau.
Typical time: 2–3.5 hours of steady hiking before reaching the Monastery (varies by route, guide, and rest stops).
Why choose it: Cooler start, less crowding, and you arrive at Ad-Deir before descending later toward Petra’s city center; great on Day 2 if Day 1 covered the Siq and core monuments.
Notes: Confirm daily access, transport logistics, and whether your ticket/pass supports backdoor entry validation when required. Jordan Pass holders may need to present/validate at the ticket office per official notes when using back routes.

Which route is “easier”? The backdoor has fewer continuous stairs but adds distance and route-finding; the main route is shorter overall but steeper with sustained steps. Choose based on weather, time, and group fitness.

Comparison: Main-Route Stairs vs Backdoor (Little Petra)

Factor	Main-Route Stairs (from Basin)	Backdoor via Little Petra
Typical time to Ad-Deir	45–90 min ascent	2–3.5 hr hike to arrive above Ad-Deir
Elevation effort	Continuous stairs; steeper	Rolling terrain; fewer continuous stairs
Crowds	Heavier on popular days	Lighter until near the Monastery
Logistics	Simple in-park routing	Requires transport to Little Petra & route planning
Best use case	1-day Petra; late-morning or mid-day ascent	2-day Petra; arrive at Ad-Deir in cooler hours

Best Time & Light (Heat, Seasons, Crowd Patterns)

Answer first: Aim to reach the Monastery early (cooler air, calmer plaza) or late afternoon (warmer light and thinning crowds).

Morning (cooler): Softer light on the façade; calmer cafés; good for the main-route ascent before heat builds.
Mid-day (harsh): Bright overhead light and higher crowd density; plan more shade and hydration.
Late afternoon: Warmer tones on sandstone and more relaxed atmosphere; ensure enough time to descend and exit the park before closing.
Seasonality: Winters have shorter daylight and possible wind/cold; summers are hot with strong sun exposure. Check daily opening/clearing times before you set off.

Stairs & Difficulty (Safe Ranges, Pacing, Hydration)

Answer first: Budget a conservative stair range of ~700–900 steps on the main approach, acknowledging erosion and uneven treads.

Pacing: Use a steady, conversational pace—pause at rest bays or shaded corners every 10–15 minutes.
Hydration: Carry 1.5–2.0 liters per person for the ascent and time at the top; more in summer.
Footwear: Light hiking shoes or trail-grip sneakers with firm soles; consider a trekking pole for balance on down-steps.
Downhill caution: Descents can be harder on knees; shorten stride length and keep center of gravity over your feet.

Viewpoints, Cafés & Etiquette (Safety-First)

Answer first: The best and safest views are from the Monastery plaza and nearby café terraces on the plateau—no scrambling or cliff-edge stunts required.

Cafés & seating: Simple cafés offer drinks and shaded seating with broad views; buy something if you use the space.
Ridges & edges: Avoid unauthorized ledges and any area with makeshift ropes or tape; sandstone edges can fracture.
Respect lines: Don’t climb carved plinths or touch fragile surfaces; keep tripods/hardware compact and out of foot-traffic lanes.
Leave No Trace: Pack out trash, avoid loose sand throwing for photos, and keep noise low.

Tickets, Opening Hours & Entry Logistics

Answer first: You must have a valid Petra ticket or pass; check hours for the day and plan enough time to exit.

Tickets: Buy at the Visitor Center or via PetraPass (official online). Day tickets are tiered; Petra by Night is separate.
Jordan Pass: Can bundle Petra access and often covers the tourist visa if you stay long enough; does not include Petra by Night. Explore explore Jordan pass benefits
Hours: Petra typically opens around 06:00 and closes by late afternoon/early evening depending on season and Ramadan; verify same-day hours before hiking.
Backdoor validation: If using the Little Petra back route, follow current validation instructions for ticket/pass checking.

On-Site Experience at the Monastery Plaza

Answer first: Expect a wide, airy plaza, a towering rock-cut façade, and a more relaxed vibe than the Treasury.

Space: The plaza offers room to sit, cool down, and study architectural details.
Shaded breaks: Use rock-wall shade; cafés offer simple refreshments.
Boundaries: Respect protective ropes/signage; do not climb.
Time on site: Many travelers spend 30–60 minutes here before descending or continuing to nearby viewpoints.

Time Budgeting & Sample Itineraries

Answer first: Build your day around the cooler hours—either ascend early or arrive from the backdoor before noon.

Half-day (Ad-Deir focus):

Enter early; walk to Basin; ascend to Monastery; café rest; descend via the same route; quick pass through Qasr al-Bint and Colonnaded Street if time allows.
Visit Petra planning guide for routes and timing

1-day Petra (city core + Ad-Deir):

AM: Siq → Treasury → Street of Facades → Royal Tombs → Theater → Colonnaded Street → Basin.
Late AM/PM: Ascend to Monastery; rest at cafés; descend and exit via the Siq.
Find details for Petra day trips & private transfers (Amman/Aqaba/Wadi Rum)

2-day Petra (backdoor day):

Day 1: Siq + city core highlights; Petra by Night (if running).
Day 2: Transfer to Little Petra; hike the backdoor to Ad-Deir; descend into Petra city core and exit.

Many visitors choose to stay overnight nearby to enjoy Petra over two days. See our curated list of Petra hotels near the main gate for easy access to the site and early-morning starts.

Jordan loop pairing:

After Ad-Deir, many continue to Wadi Rum for a desert overnight or head north toward the Dead Sea with optional Wadi Mujib (seasonal canyoning).

To organize your full itinerary and connect the Monastery with the Treasury, Little Petra, and Wadi Rum, read the complete Petra planning guide

Photography Guidance (Composition & Practical Tips)

Answer first: The Monastery plaza gives clean, frontal compositions; late afternoon brings warmer tones; keep gear compact and be considerate.

Angles: Step back for a full-façade shot with a person for scale; move closer for carved detail.
Lenses: 24–35mm equivalent for the full façade; 50–85mm for portraits with architecture.
Tripods: Small travel tripods are often tolerated if you don’t block paths; large setups can be restricted.
Crowds: Wait for gaps; consider shooting details and side angles while the frontal view clears.
Ethics: Ask before photographing individuals; agree on prices for staged photos with animals.

Safety & Ethics (Heat, Donkeys, Leave No Trace)

Answer first: Heat and footing—not crime—are the primary risks; carry water, rest often, and do not ride donkeys up/down the stairs if conditions look unsafe.

Heat: Summer sun is intense; pace the ascent and shade-rest at cafés.
Donkeys on stairs: Overloading animals in heat is unsafe; choose ethical alternatives (walking, pacing, water).
Edges & scrambles: Avoid cliff-edge stunts and off-trail shortcuts.
Obey staff: Rangers may redirect visitors for safety; follow instructions.

Accessibility & Alternatives

Answer first: The ascent includes hundreds of uneven steps; for limited mobility, consider scenic lower-valley exploration and viewpoints without stair commitments.

Support: A walking pole helps; plan frequent rest stops.
Alternative day: Focus on Treasury, Royal Tombs, and Colonnaded Street vistas, then recover at Dead Sea the next day.

Pairings After Ad-Deir (Return via City Core or Backdoor Loops)

Answer first: After enjoying Ad-Deir, descend through the city core (Qasr al-Bint → Colonnaded Street) or, on a multi-day visit, approach via backdoor and exit through the Siq for the classic finish.

City core return: Gives you markets, monuments, and late-day color.
Backdoor day: Ideal for hikers who want solitude early and the grandeur of the Siq exit late.

Key Facts for Fast Planning

Main-route ascent time: ~45–90 minutes from city core (steady pace).
Backdoor approach time: ~2–3.5 hours from Little Petra to Ad-Deir.
Stair range (main route): ~700–900 steps (uneven/eroded in places).
Best light: Early or late; avoid the harshest mid-day sun.
Hydration: 1.5–2.0 liters per person for ascent + plateau time.
Tickets: Petra ticket or pass required; Petra by Night sold separately.
Hours: Confirm same-day opening/clearing windows.
Ethics: No cliff-edge scrambles; avoid animal overloading on stairs.

16) Quick Answers (AI Overview style)

Best time to reach the Petra Monastery: Early morning or late afternoon for cooler air and softer light.
How long is the climb? Allow 45–90 minutes from Petra’s city core at a steady pace.
Backdoor route from Little Petra: Expect 2–3.5 hours of hiking to arrive at Ad-Deir from above.
How many stairs? A conservative range is ~700–900 on the main route, with uneven steps.
Do I need a ticket or pass? Yes—Petra day tickets or Jordan Pass; Petra by Night is separate.
Are donkey rides recommended? Avoid using animals on steep stairs in heat; choose ethical options.
Tripod rules? Small, discreet tripods are often tolerated; do not block paths or set up large rigs.
Where to rest at the top? Simple café terraces near the plaza offer shade and drinks.
Which route is easier? Main route is shorter but steeper; backdoor is longer with fewer continuous stairs.