High Place of Sacrifice

Beautiful place. It take around 25 minutes of hiking and you arrive at one of the highest pounts in Petra. Then you have a wonderful view of the Petra from the summit.

That's my second time to hike the trail. I remember it was very hard and indeed is hard. It's 1.52 km ,for 50 minutes. In some places the stairs are easy ,sleepery,have to proceed with caution. Once you are there you will see stunning views of the valley. Once you reach the top you can come back or to keep going. If you keep going you will see the Garden hall,the Roman soldier tomb and more beautiful sights .

This place has the best view over the valley. Is a bit of a hike but nothing too difficult nor complicated and the view from the top is definitely worth the time and effort!! The High Place of Sacrifice in Petra is one of the ancient city’s most fascinating and spiritually significant sites. Perched high above the city, it requires a climb up a series of rock-cut steps that offer scenic views of Petra’s rugged landscape along the way. Dating back to the 1st century BCE, the site was used for ceremonial rituals and offerings to Nabatean deities, with altars, obelisks, and channels carved directly into the rock. Once at the top, visitors find a large sacrificial altar with stunning panoramic views over Petra and the surrounding valleys. The experience of reaching the summit, combined with the site’s historical depth, makes the High Place of Sacrifice both a rewarding and contemplative destination for those interested in Petra’s religious and cultural heritage.

The High Place of Sacrifice is one of Petra’s most rewarding hikes. Less crowded than the Treasury or Monastery, it offers a unique glimpse into Nabatean rituals and breathtaking views across the entire ancient city. The climb takes about 45 to 60 mins, with carved steps leading you up the mountain. It’s steep but manageable if you take it slowly. Along the way, you pass smaller tombs and fascinating rock formations. At the top, you’re rewarded with sweeping panoramas of Petra’s valleys and mountains. The site itself is simple but powerful—an open altar once used for sacrifices. The peace and silence here make it feel spiritual and otherworldly.

If you are interested in awesome views of the nature, this trail is highly recommended. Though the trail is quite changing, the scenes on the way is just so stunning. After you arrive high place, you can go down the hill by Wadi farasa trail, and enjoy the fresh air while walking in the valley.

The view of the Petra valley is definitely worth the climb up to this place. There is also a tent at the top offering tea, coffee, etc. But there isn’t much to see in terms of Nabatean structures, just a couple of columns.

The sacrifice place itself is not much but it is located on the top of the highest stone structure and have a great view from on top.

There are several steps to climb to reach this place (the trail starts not so far from the Theater), but it will lead you above Petra on a scenic route to a beautiful viewpoint. The surroundings are gorgeous and it is quite the satisfaction to spend a well deserved rest after the 30 minutes or so ascending to the top. It is also possible to hire a donkey-ride if you are not into steep climbing. The alternate route downwards through Wadi Farasa is recommended as well.