The Toughest Hiking Trails in the Middle East
When people think of the Middle East, they often imagine endless deserts with a few scattered cities and not much else. However, this view is far from accurate. The region is incredibly diverse and offers a surprisingly large number of hiking opportunities. From short and long-distance trails to hikes through mountains, canyons, forests, deserts, and even along beaches, there’s something for everyone.
Wondering which trails are the best for your next adventure? Let’s explore some of the standout hiking routes in the Middle East.
The Lycian Way, Turkey
The Lycian Way is a highly acclaimed long-distance trail in Turkey, and it’s one of the most celebrated hikes in the Middle East. Stretching approximately 540 km, this trail meanders through numerous towns and villages, offering dramatic Mediterranean views and a glimpse into ancient Lycia’s historical landmarks. Along the trail, you’ll encounter stunning coastal vistas, Lycian rock tombs, and ruins like Xanthos and Patara.
The Jordan Trail, Jordan
The Jordan Trail is another notable long-distance path, running from Um Qais in the north to Aqaba in the south. Covering 675 km and passing through over 50 villages and towns, it’s often dubbed the “Inca Trail of the Middle East.” This trail takes you past some of Jordan’s most famous landmarks, including the Dead Sea, Dana Biosphere Reserve, Wadi Mujib, and the UNESCO World Heritage sites of Petra and Wadi Rum. While the entire trail takes about 40 days to complete, you can opt for shorter sections like Dana to Petra, Petra to Wadi Rum, or Wadi Rum to the Red Sea if you’re short on time.
The Sinai Trail, Egypt
Introduced in 2015, the Sinai Trail is Egypt’s first long-distance hiking route and spans some of the Sinai Peninsula’s most stunning landscapes. Beginning at the Gulf of Aqaba and culminating at Mount Catherine, Egypt’s tallest peak, the trail also takes you through Mount Sinai (Jabal Musa) and the Saint Catherine Monastery, two top attractions in Egypt. Other highlights include the Blue Desert, Ein Hudera, Jebel Sabbah, and Ein Kid. Initially 200 km long, the trail has since been extended to 550 km, requiring around 52 days to complete.
The Jesus Trail, Israel
Located in Israel’s Galilee region, the Jesus Trail is both a hiking and pilgrimage route that stretches 65 km. This path retraces the possible routes Jesus might have walked. Starting in Nazareth, the trail passes through significant sites from Jesus’ life, such as Sepphoris, Cana (Kafr Kanna), the Horns of Hattin, Mount Arbel Cliffs, the Sea of Galilee, Capernaum, Tabgha, and the Mount of Beatitudes. The trail concludes at Capernaum, situated along the northern shore of the Sea of Galilee.
Jebel Shams, Oman
In Oman, Jebel Shams stands as the country’s highest peak. The area is also famous for Wadi Ghul, often referred to as the “Omani Grand Canyon.” This canyon offers breathtaking views and several short scenic hikes, with the Balcony route being the most favored. This 10 km trail hugs the canyon’s rim and takes about four hours to complete. For those seeking more rigorous hiking, the W4 Jebel Shams summit route is a two-day hike requiring an overnight camp and no water sources along the way.
The Lebanon Mountain Trail, Lebanon
The Lebanon Mountain Trail is Lebanon’s premier long-distance hiking path, stretching from Andaket in the north to Marjayoun in the south. Spanning 470 km, the trail traverses 75 towns and villages, with altitudes ranging from 600 to 2010 meters above sea level. It crosses five protected areas and offers views of UNESCO World Heritage sites, stunning mountain scenery, and culturally significant landmarks. The trail is divided into 27 sections, each of which can be completed in a day, making it accessible even for those with limited time.
With such an array of hiking options, the Middle East proves to be a genuinely diverse and exciting destination for outdoor enthusiasts. Each trail offers unique experiences and breathtaking vistas, waiting to be explored on your next adventure.