It’s time to put all your hard work and training to the test as you make your way to the airport to begin your trekking challenge. On arrival you will transfer to your hotel in Amman.

Today you will explore some of the sights of Amman before taking on your challenge. Take in the Roman theatre and citadel followed by a visit to the Dead Sea. After lunch you will be transferred to Feynan Village, where a fleet of 4×4 vehicles will meet you there to take you to your first camp where your trek will begin. This will be your first introduction to the wonderful Bedouin support team who will host you for the week, starting with a taste of Bedouin cuisine and an introduction to their culture and customs.

Today your challenge begins!

Bid farewell to your campsite and begin trekking across the dusty, gravel strewn desert (hamada) enjoying far-reaching views across the expansive Wadi Araba desert towards Israel. Dry riverbeds (wadis) break up the relatively flat route that you pass through no this first day. From the outset, keep your eyes peeled for interesting sites such as a Roman pool, watermill and aqueducts as well as an array of desert birds.

Prepare for the biggest day of the trek with a total ascent of over 1,000m! Leaving the flat terrain behind, your second day begins by heading to Abu Sakakin (also known as Ras El Feid) where the ground elevation increases and the true ascent continues. As you leave the camp the incline becomes steeper as you traverse undulating sections before joining a steep twisting track used by goat-herders up a narrow scenic canyon. As the path becomes more challenging, you may need to make use of helpful handholds to scramble your way upwards. Ultimately you emerge to find yourself on top of the mountains, your efforts rewarded by breathtaking, wide-open views of the Wadi Araba as you push up through this beautiful but challenging section to reach the summit. Take in the panoramic vista and rest before commencing the descent on a steep rocky track all the way to the river valley below, after which a level walk through Sakakin Canyon and one more steep climb out brings you into camp where you can finally rest your weary legs for the night. Enjoy the sunset before another evening experiencing desert life with your Bedouin hosts around the campfire.

Returning through Sakakin Canyon to a different goat-herders track with several steady ascents and descents along the way, the route snakes gradually upwards into the sand-covered mountains. There will be regular photo opportunities as you take in the natural geological wonders of the last 500 million years. The lunch stop offers a bird’s eye view of yesterday’s challenging hiking route, then it’s time to join the next weaving trail as it runs along the side of the wadi before eventually descending into the sand-stone mountains to your next campsite of Shkart Msei’d. It may be a long day, but the ever-changing landscape – with hidden surprises around every bend and over each high pass – is a wonderful reward! 

Leaving Shkart Msei’d camp, you’ll notice a distinct change in your surroundings, from wadis and mountains to an almost lunar-like landscape. This morning is easy walking on smooth rock underfoot, through expansive walkways and passages wider than the previous days.  Evidence of the mysterious Nabatean people will become apparent when dugout steps emerge as you progress along the route. Later, passing through a series of disused Bedouin camps, the trail climbs up on a wide track. Take in the sandstone landscape before crossing a rocky plateau into Beidha to camp for the evening. After freshening up and settling in, there’s the option to take a short sunset walk to a towering viewpoint with awesome views in every direction. In the afternoon, you will arrive into your last camp spot. The highest elevation of all the camps, you may find it colder so wrap up! You will be hosted by the people that have settled these lands.

After your camp breakfast, you will set off on the final 6km of your trek towards Phnom Bok. From there, you will finish your journey in style as you arrive into the Angkor Wat complex in a colourful procession of tuk tuks. Before lunch, you will be able to climb the steep stairs of the central spire of Angkor Wat for unparalleled views over the whole site. The afternoon will be spent at Ta Prohm, a temple widely recognised as the iconic setting of the 2001 Tomb Raider film. Over the years, the carvings and pillars have intertwined with jungle vines and tree roots to create one of the most picturesque and memorable temples in the Angkor complex.

At sunset, you transfer to the hotel where a long shower and a farewell dinner will be waiting for you. With a belly full of traditional Khmer food, you can celebrate the completion of your Cambodian challenge with your new friends.  

Today you will be transferred from Petra to the airport. Say goodbye to Jordan and reminisce about the adventures of your challenge on the return flight to the UK.