Leslie_S

OK, this is a stupid question, I know. From pictures I've seen recently it seems there are some steep drop-offs on the side of narrow paths (donkey ride to the monastery I think this picture was of).

I'm picturing having to crawl on my knees clinging to the other side of the path (straight wall of mountain) in order to get by this crevasse. I just am very afraid of heights! Wondering if it's better to walk than be on a donkey over which you'd have zero control.

Just wondering...

sandi

When I saw those "nasty" donkeys, I decided to walk, while my friend rode the ass! This was only from park gate to entry of the Siq. We both walked thru the Siq which was rather flat and quite beautiful... the stone colors are amazing.

Once inside Petra, we walked everywhere. There was some buildings off the main walkways which you could venture to or not. I don't recall seeing any drop-offs (and I too hate heights... won't even stand at edge of subway platform).

You just walk/go where you wish.

doohickey

Leslie,

The hike to the monastery is moderate but there are occasional steep drop offs. If you want to use a donkey and find this too height-challenging while on your trek you can always get off and continue your journey on foot.

I have bad knees so I rode a donkey. I'm not acrophobic but I must admit there were times when I just decided I wouldn't look down.

This is what you'll do - you'll get to the trailhead, look up, and make you decision to go up or not.

Cheers!

Leslie_S

Thanks for the encouraging words. I'll try to be brave after traveling halfway around the world!

I keep finding myself in situations where I "forget" that heights freak me out -- like at the top of the Duomo in Florence. Climbing all the steps only to open out into a terrifying view -- had to hug the wall and inch along that time.

I think by walking I'll feel safer than on a donkey - especially if they're nasty!

Elainee

I took the donkey ride to the Monastery and very glad I was. Yes, there are some steep drop-offs and it is a long, long walk uphill to the Monastery, but the Monastery is the best part of Petra. I could not have done it on foot in the heat and all the other walking at Petra. In contrast to all the pictures of the Treasury at Petra, the Treasury is just a tiny part of the whole. We were lucky with the weather since a cold front had moved in but most of the time it is very hot there. The donkey did a great job of getting me to the top and he/she was not nasty at all. I wish I had known to bring my hiking poles to Petra. I saw lots of smart people there with them, but I did not think to bring them. Petra is huge. We stayed at the Movenpik just across the street. We left the hotel at 10am and did not return untill after 7pm. We took a short lunch at the buffet Crown Plaza which is within the Petra site but most of the time we walked, hiked, climbed. Well worth it but a very tiring day.