The Siq at Petra

The Siq is the narrow, winding sandstone gorge, roughly 1.2 km long, that forms the main entrance to Petra in Jordan and ends at the first view of the Treasury. Walking it takes about 20 to 30 minutes at an easy pace, but allow longer to look at the Nabataean water channels, carved niches and changing rock walls along the way.

The Siq is a natural split in the rock, formed by geological forces and shaped further by water over a very long time. The Nabataeans, who made Petra their capital and a center of the incense and spice trade, turned it into a monumental entrance: they diverted floodwater away from it, cut channels to carry drinking water into the city, paved parts of the floor and carved shrines into its walls. Walking through it today is the moment when most visitors feel they have truly arrived in Petra.

This guide covers how the walk is structured, what to look for, how to time your visit, and how the Siq fits into a full day in Petra.

From the visitor center to the Siq

The walk to the Treasury actually begins at the visitor center in the town of Wadi Musa. The first stretch, known as Bab al-Siq, is a wide, open valley of about 800 meters before the gorge itself begins. Along it you pass the Djinn Blocks, large square monuments cut from the rock whose purpose is still discussed, and the Obelisk Tomb, with four tall pyramid-shaped obelisks carved above a tomb chamber.

Horses are offered for this first open section, and a short horse ride has traditionally been part of the entry arrangements, with a tip expected. Whether you ride or walk, the horses are not allowed to carry riders through the narrow Siq itself. Watch the condition of any animal you hire, and give way to horses, carts, and camels on the path.

The dam and the entrance to the gorge

Where Bab al-Siq ends, the path passes a dam across the mouth of a side valley. The Nabataeans built a dam here to divert seasonal floodwater through a tunnel so that it would not rush down the Siq. The modern dam follows the same idea and was rebuilt after a deadly flash flood in 1963. It is a reminder that this beautiful passage can be dangerous in heavy rain, which is why the site may close when flooding is a risk.

Just beyond, the walls close in and you enter the Siq proper. A monumental arch once spanned the entrance; only traces of its supports remain.

What to look for inside the Siq

The gorge narrows in places to just a few meters, while the walls rise to many tens of meters above you. The light shifts constantly with each bend, and the colors of the sandstone change from pale cream to rose, red and deep brown.

The water channels

On both sides of the path you will see channels cut into the base of the cliffs. One side carried water in an open channel; on the other, water ran through terracotta pipes set into the rock, some sections of which survive. These systems brought water from springs outside the city to Petra's center, and they help explain how a large population lived in such a dry landscape. They are easy to miss if you only look ahead.

The original paving

In several places you walk on, or beside, sections of the original Nabataean and Roman-era paving stones. Elsewhere the floor has been restored or resurfaced for visitors. Look for the large worn flagstones and the curbs at the edges.

Niches and sacred stones

Carved into the walls are small niches containing betyls, simple rectangular blocks that represented Nabataean gods. Some have eyes and a nose carved on them; others are plain. They show that the Siq was a sacred route as well as a practical road.

The camel caravan relief

About two-thirds of the way along, look on the wall for a weathered relief of camels with human figures walking beside them. Erosion has removed much of the detail, but the lower parts of the figures and the legs of the camels are still visible. It is a fitting image for a city that grew rich on caravan trade.

The first view of the Treasury

The Siq ends at its most famous moment. Through a final narrow opening, the Treasury, known locally as Al-Khazneh, appears framed by the dark walls. Many visitors slow down here; try to resist rushing the last bend so you can see the façade gradually revealed.

The open area in front of the Treasury is often crowded. Step aside to take photographs so you do not block others coming out of the Siq. The Treasury itself has its own story and visiting tips, but the view from the end of the Siq is the one most people remember.

Timing your walk

The Siq receives relatively little direct sun in its narrowest parts, but the rest of Petra is exposed, so your timing should suit the whole day.

• Early morning is the quietest time. If you arrive when the site opens, you can often walk long stretches with only a few other people, and the gorge feels much larger.
• Mid-morning brings tour groups, and the narrow sections fill up.
• Late afternoon is calmer again as groups leave, and the walk out can be very pleasant.
• Petra by Night, held on set evenings each week, lines the Bab al-Siq and the Siq with candles and ends with a short program in front of the Treasury. Check current days and arrangements before you plan around it.

Allow 20 to 30 minutes from the start of the gorge to the Treasury if you walk steadily, and at least twice that if you stop to look and take photographs. Add another 15 to 20 minutes for Bab al-Siq from the visitor center.

How demanding is the walk?

The Siq itself slopes gently downhill toward the Treasury, which means the walk back out is a slow, steady climb, often at the end of a long day. The surface mixes original paving, gravel, and compacted ground, so wear comfortable shoes with good grip.

For travelers with limited mobility, horse-drawn carts operate through the Siq to the Treasury for an additional charge, and other access arrangements may be available. Check current options with the visitor center before you go. Remember that the Treasury is only the beginning of Petra: reaching the Royal Tombs, the colonnaded street or the Monastery involves far more walking, and the Monastery alone is a climb of several hundred steps.

Tips for walking the Siq

• Carry water even if the gorge feels cool; you will need it later in the day.
• Look down and to the sides, not only ahead, to spot channels, niches, and paving.
• Keep to the side when carts and horses pass, and listen for them behind you.
• Go back slowly. On the return walk, without the anticipation of the Treasury, you often notice details you missed.
• Check weather warnings in winter and spring, when rain can cause flash floods and closures.
• Respect the site. Do not climb on monuments or carve or touch the soft sandstone.

Frequently asked questions

How long is the Siq at Petra?

The Siq itself is about 1.2 km long, ending at the Treasury. Including the Bab al-Siq stretch from the visitor center, you walk roughly 2 km before you reach the Treasury.

How long does it take to walk through the Siq?

At a steady pace the gorge takes about 20 to 30 minutes, but most people take longer because they stop to look and take photographs. The walk back is uphill and may feel slower.

Did the Nabataeans build the Siq?

No. The gorge is a natural formation. The Nabataeans adapted it with a dam, water channels, paving, and carved shrines, turning it into a monumental entrance to their city.

Can you ride a horse through the Siq?

Horses are offered for the open Bab al-Siq section only. For the Siq itself, visitors with limited mobility can use horse-drawn carts for an extra charge; check the current arrangements at the visitor center.

What is the best time of day to walk the Siq?

Early morning, as soon as the site opens, is a quiet and atmospheric time. Late afternoon is also pleasant as tour groups leave, and the light inside the gorge changes beautifully.

Plan it with Nourbelle

Petra combines well with Egypt on a single journey. Tell us your walking preferences and how much time you have, and we will help you plan a Jordan extension through our plan your trip page.