Petra sunrise tour from Al-Khubtha viewpoint: Beat the crowds

Watch the Treasury turn gold from above, before anyone else arrives

A two-hour guided sunrise hike in Petra that starts before regular opening hours and climbs to Al-Khubtha viewpoint, where you watch the first light hit the Treasury from a vantage point few visitors ever reach. Your English-speaking guide shares local history and photography tips along the quiet Siq and the ascent, timing the hike so you're at the top as the sun rises. The early start also means you explore in cool morning air instead of the 35°C heat of midday.

The experience

The tour begins before dawn, when Petra's Archaeological Park is still quiet. You walk through the Siq, the famous narrow canyon entrance, with your guide while most visitors are still asleep. The path is yours alone, and the silence changes how the place feels. From there, you climb the Al-Khubtha Trail, a steep but manageable ascent that takes you high above the canyon floor.

Timing matters here. You reach the viewpoint as the sky lightens, and then you watch. The first rays of sunlight hit the Treasury's rose-red facade and turn it gold: a sight most Petra visitors never see because they arrive after the crowds have already filled the main plaza. Your guide points out details in the stone and shares the history of what you're looking at. If you're a photographer, this is the moment: the angle from above, the golden hour light, and the empty canyon below make shots that don't exist from ground level.

The two-hour window covers the hike up, the sunrise itself, and time to linger or shoot. You're back down before the park fills with tour groups, and you've already seen Petra at its quietest and most striking. Entry coordination is handled as part of the tour timing, and your guide speaks English throughout.

What’s included

• Entry coordination timed with Petra's opening hours.
• Licensed English-speaking local guide.
• Photography tips and scenic photo stops along the route.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day

AgesAdult (18 to 64 years) · Senior (65 and older) · Youth (12 to 17 years) · Child (3 to 11 years) · Infant (under 3): free

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Paid on siteUS$ 71

Prices and times updated 15 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical effortNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by Red Rock Tours

Is this one for you?The hike starts before dawn and climbs steeply to a high viewpoint, so you need moderate fitness and comfort with early mornings and heights, but that early start and effort are exactly what keep the Treasury silent and golden, and the view to yourself alone.

Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (12 to 17 years); Child (3 to 11 years); Infant (under 3): free.

What is the Al-Khubtha Trail like, and how steep is the climb?

Al-Khubtha is an adventurous but manageable hike that ascends steeply to one of Petra's highest viewpoints, rewarding the effort with an overhead view of the Treasury that few visitors ever reach. The trail includes stairs and high sections, so a moderate level of physical fitness is needed.

Do I need to bring my own headlamp for the pre-dawn hike?

Yes, you'll need to bring your own headlamp or flashlight for the walk through the Siq before sunrise, as the canyon is dark in the early morning hours.

What time does the tour start, and when do we reach the viewpoint?

The tour starts before dawn so you're climbing in darkness and reach Al-Khubtha as the sky begins to lighten, positioning you perfectly to watch the first light hit the Treasury.

Is the Petra entry ticket included, or do I buy it separately?

The entry ticket is not included and must be purchased separately or presented as part of a valid Jordan Pass. The tour coordinates its timing with Petra's opening hours.

What should I bring besides a headlamp?

Bring water, snacks, and a camera or phone for photos. The tour does not include meals, drinks, or bottled water, so pack what you'll need for the two-hour hike and sunrise.