Petra’s One Mile Wonder: From the Siq to the Treasury

The Treasury, Petra, Seven Wonders

I step inside a mile-long meandering gorge, in a place completely unlike anywhere else I’ve been before. I keep walking until the rose-coloured rock carving known as the Treasury starts to famously appear and then I stop in my tracks.

Petra: a thousand beautiful memories

Sometimes when I begin writing about a travel experience, I find it difficult to bring the finer details alive. But the memory I have of walking from the Siq to the Treasury is almost as though it took place yesterday. It’s imprinted in my memory. Every time I want to think about the beauty of the world, the Treasury appears vividly in my mind.

I remember the chalky pathway and shapely walls. I remember how the sunlight broke between the narrow gorge, and I remember the sound of chariots bolting past.

Bolting chariots

Chariot in Petra, Siq
Horse and chariot ride in Petra, Jordan

Horse and chariot in Petra. From the Siq to the Treasury

Walking through the 1-mile Siq

The mile-long pathway to the Treasury winds its way through a gorge called the Siq. At times it is deceptively narrow and can reach up to 180 metres high. The setting would be perfect for any adventurer to feel like they’re starring in their own adventure film. (Fun fact: it was the setting of an incredibly famous Hollywood action movie – none other than Indiana Jones!)

Staring up at the colossal rocks, I felt like I’d dropped inside the bottom of an earthquake, and was looking up at the space directly where the land had separated into two parts. This feeling is no exaggeration, not too far from the truth. The Siq was formed by tectonic movement pulling the rocks apart, and over the years water has rubbed the surfaces smooth and created beautiful curves of yellow, orange and pink rock.

Bedouin man in Petra, Siq

I passed only a few people during the mile long walk. The quietness was broken up by the odd chariot thumping past and a friendly Bedouin here and there asking if I wanted a ride to the Treasury.

I politely declined. I preferred the slow approach and the building of anticipation that travelling by foot afforded.

And just think of all the photo opportunities I would have missed travelling by speed.

Then the Treasury magically appears

From the Siq to the Treasury in Petra

It was not long before the attraction I had been waiting for came slowly into vision: the exquisite façade of the Treasury.

It is the focal point for visitors, lines of camels, and Bedouins flitting between different languages as they communicate with international crowds. The area around the Treasury offers the perfect opportunity to speak to the Bedouins and soak up their knowledge of Petra. I guarantee you’ll be surprised at how willing Bedouins are to share tales of their homeland with you.

The Treasury's intricate facade

Camels infront of Treasury, Petra, Jordan

The facade of the Treasury features intricate carvings, including statues of deities and mythological figures, architectural details, and a prominent urn at the top.

The craftsmanship and attention to detail in the carvings showcase the exceptional skill of the Nabatean artisans who created it.

Camel ride in Petra, Jordan

And just in case you haven’t seen enough pictures… Here’s one more!

Petra - Seven Wonders of the World

Where to stay in Petra

I stayed 2 nights at Petra Guest House Hotel, located on the doorstep of the Petra’s entrance.

The really good thing about this hotel is the Cave Bar, set in a restored 1st century Nabatean house, a gorgeous al fresco setting to relax with a cocktail after days of exploration. It’s also possible to book excursions or travel guides through the hotel.

→ Search all hotels in Petra / Wadi Musa

Looking for more travel information on Petra and Jordan?

Planning a trip to Jordan? This post should have you covered: One Week Jordan Travel Itinerary.

Enjoy hiking and looking for adventure? Read: Adventure Through Little Petra and Beyond

Walking from the Siq to the Treasury in Petra, Jordan

Would you like to explore Petra's 1-mile Siq?

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Hi, I'm Shing

Welcome to The Culture Map, a place where I share my travel guides, adventurous tales, and capture the inspiring diversity of our world.

7 Responses

  1. Beautiful Shing. You take me back to that well trodden path and the excitement of seeing the treasury for the first time. You forget how long a mile is as you walk the Siq and at every corner I kept thinking is this it, will the Treasury be around this corner. It was certainly one of the most fabulous experiences I have had.

    1. Glad you loved walking through the Siq just as much as I did Jenny! I love how the trail makes the Treasury appear so well hidden, giving the illusion that you’re one of the first people to discover it – even if you’re not!

    1. Thanks Mary – I hope you make it to Petra in the not too far future! It’s a far trek from San Diego, but if anyone is good as passing the miles it’s you!

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