A 24-Hour Journey to Petra: From Sharm to the Rose City

Traveling through the Sinai desert on a 24-hour bus ride from Sharm El-Sheikh to Petra may sound like a daunting adventure, but it was a journey I’ll never forget. While the long hours on the road were challenging, they were more than worth it for the breathtaking sight of Petra—an ancient city carved into the rose-red cliffs of Jordan. This trip was an adventure through history and landscape, with every twist and turn revealing a new layer of wonder. I have been wainting to travel to Petra since childhood after watching Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade.

The Long Road from Sharm El-Sheikh

The journey started early, boarding a bus from Sharm El-Sheikh, known for its sunny beaches and crystal-clear waters. But my destination this time was something entirely different. The bus ride took us across the arid yet mesmerizing landscape of the Sinai Peninsula, a desert that stretches endlessly in every direction. Though the ride was long, the changing desert scenery helped pass the time—rocky hills, vast plains of sand, and the occasional glimpse of the Red Sea glinting in the distance.

Crossing into Jordan was an experience in itself. We passed through several border checks, a reminder of the region’s complex history. But once we made it into Jordan, the anticipation of seeing Petra kept me going, even as fatigue from the long hours on the road began to set in.

Arriving in Petra: The Rose-Red City

By the time we reached Petra, my exhaustion vanished the moment I laid eyes on the city. Known as the "Rose City" for the color of the sandstone in which it was carved, Petra is an archaeological wonder. The city’s narrow entrance, known as the Siq, is a long, winding gorge that opens up dramatically to reveal the Treasury, Petra’s most famous monument.

Seeing the Treasury in person was breathtaking. Its intricate carvings and towering façade seemed almost otherworldly, rising from the rocks like a hidden temple from an ancient legend. Walking through Petra felt like stepping into a time machine—the Nabataeans, who built this city over 2,000 years ago, left behind incredible feats of architecture, many of which have stood the test of time.

Exploring the Ancient City

Beyond the Treasury, Petra sprawls out into a maze of tombs, temples, and caves, all carved into the cliffs. One of the highlights for me was hiking up to the Monastery, another towering structure similar to the Treasury but on a much grander scale. The climb was steep, but the view from the top, overlooking the desert and the surrounding mountains, was spectacular. The sheer size and scope of Petra left me in awe at the ingenuity and craftsmanship of the ancient Nabataeans.

As we wandered through Petra, I marveled at how well-preserved the city is. Despite being lost to the world for centuries, it remains in remarkable condition. There are few places in the world where you can feel history so vividly, where the past seems to whisper from every stone.

The Journey Back: Reflecting on an Epic Day

After spending hours exploring Petra, the reality of the long bus ride back to Sharm El-Sheikh loomed large. But as the bus rumbled through the night, I couldn’t help but replay the day’s sights and sounds in my mind. Despite the fatigue, the experience was more than worth the long journey. The opportunity to see Petra, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, made every hour on that bus feel like a small price to pay.

Why Petra is Worth the Journey

For anyone considering the trek from Sharm El-Sheikh to Petra, I can confidently say it’s an adventure worth embarking on. The journey may be long, but the reward is an unforgettable glimpse into one of the most impressive ancient cities on Earth. Whether you’re a history buff, an archaeology enthusiast, or simply someone who appreciates stunning landscapes, Petra will leave you speechless.