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Mount Aaron (Jabal Haroun)

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Landmark
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Mount Aaron (Jabal Haroun) (Jordan)

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Jabal Haroun, or Mount Aaron, is the highest peak in the Petra region, rising to 1,350 meters above sea level and serving as a sacred site for Jews, Christians, and Muslims alike. According to religious and local tradition, it is the burial place of Aaron, the elder brother of Moses and the first High Priest of the Israelites. A small, white-domed mosque stands atop the summit, constructed in the 14th century during the Mamluk period over the foundations of a previous Byzantine church and monastery. The hike to the peak from Petra is a strenuous journey taking several hours, but it rewards visitors with a spectacular 360-degree view of the rugged Edom mountains. Archaeological excavations have uncovered remains of a large Byzantine monastic complex, confirming its historical status as a major pilgrimage center for centuries. Today, the shrine remains a revered destination for pilgrims who come to honor the memory of the prophet Aaron.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is May, Jun, Sep.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C681115202325252319138
Rain mm453619104000171526

📋 Practical info

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Visiting
Mount Aaron (Jabal Haroun) is located within the Petra archaeological zone and can be hiked. The small white shrine on top is open to the public, though the climb is strenuous.
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Typical hours
The mountain is accessible during Petra's opening hours, typically from morning until sunset. The shrine has no separate hours; start the climb early enough before closing.
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Photography
Photography is allowed on the entire mountain and at the shrine. Be mindful to respect the tranquility of the religious site and avoid using flash.
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Time needed
The climb from the main path in Petra to the summit takes about 1.5 to 2 hours. Plan for three to four hours round trip including time at the top.
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Combine with
Combine the hike with visits to Petra's main attractions like the Treasury and the Monastery. The surrounding desert valleys are also worth exploring.
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Getting there
The mountain is accessible only on foot within Petra Park. Follow the marked trail from the main entrance of the archaeological site.
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Insider tip
Start the hike early in the morning to avoid the heat and enjoy the best views. Bring plenty of water and sturdy footwear.

Geography

Coordinates
30.31670, 35.40560

Facts

  • Highest peak near Petra at 1,350m
  • Traditional burial place of Moses' brother
  • White mosque dates to the 14th century
  • Built over a Byzantine monastery
  • Sacred site for three major religions
  • Strenuous hike with panoramic views

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Jabal HarunJabal Harun<1 km · SWExplore →
Ad-Deir (The Monastery)Ad-Deir (The Monastery)4 km · NEExplore →
Great Temple of PetraGreat Temple of Petra4 km · NExplore →
The SiqThe Siq6 km · NExplore →
Little Petra (Siq al-Barid)Little Petra (Siq al-Barid)7 km · NEExplore →
Sharah MountainsSharah Mountains9 km · NExplore →
Wadi ArabaWadi Araba23 km · SExplore →
Arava ValleyArava Valley24 km · SEExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Mount Aaron (Jabal Haroun) (1)

Tomb of Aaron📍 landmark

A 14th-century white-domed mosque perched atop the summit of Jabal Harun.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

What is Jabal Haroun?
It is the highest peak in the Petra region, believed to be the burial place of Aaron, brother of Moses.
How do you get to the summit?
You can reach the summit from Petra via a several-hour hike or by riding a mule.
Are visitors allowed inside the tomb?
The tomb is inside a small white mosque. Access is generally possible but often managed by local caretakers.
How is the view from the top?
The summit provides a spectacular 360-degree view of the entire Petra area and the Wadi Araba desert.
When is the best time for the hike?
It is best to start very early in the morning to avoid the intense midday sun.
Mount Aaron (Jabal Haroun): where is it located?
Mount Aaron (Jabal Haroun) is located in Jordan.
Mount Aaron (Jabal Haroun): when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is May, Jun, Sep.
Mount Aaron (Jabal Haroun): why is it worth visiting?
Jabal Haroun, or Mount Aaron, is the highest peak in the Petra region, rising to 1,350 meters above sea level and serving as a sacred site for Jews, Christians, and Muslims alike.
View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →
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Nearby cities

🗺️
Ma'an
Ma'an is the largest city in Jordan's arid south.

History & landmarks

Ad-Deir (The Monastery) — Mount Aaron (Jabal Haroun) (Jordan)
Ad-Deir (The Monastery)
The Monastery is one of the largest monuments in Petra and requires climbing over 800 steps.
Great Temple of Petra — Mount Aaron (Jabal Haroun) (Jordan)
Great Temple of Petra
This vast monumental complex is located in the center of Petra.
Royal Tombs of Petra — Mount Aaron (Jabal Haroun) (Jordan)
Royal Tombs of Petra
This imposing row of tombs is carved into the rock face of Jabal al-Khubtha.
Al-Khazneh (The Treasury) — Mount Aaron (Jabal Haroun) (Jordan)
Al-Khazneh (The Treasury)
The famous Treasury is the most iconic monument of Petra.
The Siq — Mount Aaron (Jabal Haroun) (Jordan)
The Siq
The narrow canyon is the dramatic main entrance to the ancient city of Petra.
Little Petra (Siq al-Barid) — Mount Aaron (Jabal Haroun) (Jordan)
Little Petra (Siq al-Barid)
This remote site north of Petra once served as a suburb for passing merchants.

More places

Jabal Harun — Mount Aaron (Jabal Haroun) (Jordan)
Jabal Harun
The highest peak in the Petra region, traditionally considered the burial site of Moses' brother Aaron.
Petra — Mount Aaron (Jabal Haroun) (Jordan)
Petra
The ancient rock city carved from pink sandstone by the Nabataeans is one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.
Jabal al-Madhbah — Mount Aaron (Jabal Haroun) (Jordan)
Jabal al-Madhbah
A significant mountain in Petra, used by the Nabataeans as a sacred sacrificial site at the summit.
Sharah Mountains — Mount Aaron (Jabal Haroun) (Jordan)
Sharah Mountains
A striking mountain massif near Petra, characterized by deep valleys and steep cliffs.
Shobak Castle — Mount Aaron (Jabal Haroun) (Jordan)
Shobak Castle
A Crusader castle situated on a conical mountain, offering a dramatic and rugged appearance.
Shams Ma&#39;an Solar Power Plant — Mount Aaron (Jabal Haroun) (Jordan)
Shams Ma'an Solar Power Plant
One of the largest photovoltaic plants in the region, helping to reduce Jordan's energy dependence.
🗺️
Eshidiya Phosphate Mine
Jordan's largest phosphate mine in the Ma'an Governorate, providing large quantities of raw materials for fertilizers.
Jordan India Fertilizer Company (JIFCO) — Mount Aaron (Jabal Haroun) (Jordan)
Jordan India Fertilizer Company (JIFCO)
A joint venture that produces phosphoric acid from local phosphate ores for export to India.