The view from above the Treasury
From the plaza you see the facade from the front. From the rock above it you see the Treasury and its forecourt from higher up. There are guided routes for this, mainly the Al-Khubtha trail and a shorter route past Al-Madras. They start at the Visitor Center, where you book a licensed guide.
If you want a guide for the whole visit, compare Petra tours to the Treasury first. Many tours stay on the main trail, so ask whether a viewpoint route is part of the day.
The routes compared
Times and guide tariffs 2026. A guide tariff is not an extra Petra entry, and you still need your Petra ticket.
| Route | Time | Guide tariff | What it covers |
|---|---|---|---|
| Al-Khubtha from the Visitor Center | 4 to 5 hours | – | Through the Siq and past the Royal Tombs to the Al-Khubtha High Place and Cistern. Rated hard |
| Royal Palace Tomb to Al-Khubtha | 2 to 2.5 hours | JOD 50 | The Al-Khubtha section only. The main trail guide is not included |
| Al-Madras route | 3 hours | JOD 80 | Visitor Center, Djinn blocks, triclinium, Al-Madras, Treasury view and High Place of Sacrifice |
For most visitors with a full day, Al-Khubtha is the route to ask about: it is the longest and is named for the Al-Khubtha viewpoint. If you have only half a day, the Al-Madras route is shorter. The times start from different points, so they cannot be added up. Neither tariff lets you take shortcuts next to the facade.
What to expect on the Al-Khubtha trail
This is a real hike. The route runs from the Visitor Center through the Siq and past the Royal Tombs, then climbs to the High Place and the Cistern. Plan 4 to 5 hours in total, start early and bring water, sun protection and sturdy shoes.
Whether a given viewpoint on the route is open on your day can change. Ask at the Visitor Center when you book your guide, and follow your guide's choice of viewpoint. Do not assume there are railings or fences at the edge.
Petra tours with a guide
Guided Petra tours to the Treasury, with live prices and availability. Check which routes each tour covers.
Rules and risks
Climbing, entering closed areas and dangerous viewpoint tours run by informal providers are banned. That rules out informal paths along the rock above the facade. They are not a route to take, whatever you are told.
The risks are plain ones. Rock edges can be steep and exposed, and you are far from the main path. A fall or a loose step can end your day. Use only the routes above, with a guide from the Visitor Center.
A separate viewpoint fee of JOD 15 applies to the view across from the Treasury. Ask at the Visitor Center what it covers before you pay, because it is not an Al-Khubtha entry.
Tickets, hours and timing
What you need before you start.
Petra ticket
With at least one night in Jordan: JOD 50 for 1 day, JOD 55 for 2 days, JOD 60 for 3 days. Without a night in the country: JOD 90. See Petra tickets and Jordan Pass.
Opening hours
From 2 March to 1 October 2026 the site is open 06:00 to 18:00. From 2 October 2026 to 1 March 2027 it is open 06:30 to 17:00, while some ticket terms give 06:00 to 16:00. For a 4 to 5 hour hike, start at opening and plan to be back before the earlier closing time.
Light on the facade
Direct sun reaches the facade roughly between 09:00 and 11:00, reflected light roughly between 17:00 and 18:00. In winter the late light falls after closing. See the best time page.
Walking to the start
The walk from the Visitor Center to the Treasury alone takes up to 1 hour. Read about it on the Siq page before you plan the day.
If you do not hike
You still see the Treasury well.
The plaza
The forecourt in front of Al Khazneh gives the classic frontal view. Take your time here.
The detail
The facade is 39.5 m high and cut directly into pink sandstone. See the facade page.
The rest of Petra
Longer hikes and the Monastery have their own guide at the Petra Monastery page, and more routes are on the hiking trails page.
Plan the rest of your visit
Where the view fits.
Petra Treasury viewpoint: frequently asked questions
Where is the best viewpoint over the Treasury?
The guided routes are the Al-Khubtha trail and the Al-Madras route. Ask at the Visitor Center which viewpoint is open on your day, because access can change.
How long does the Al-Khubtha hike take?
4 to 5 hours from the Visitor Center. The shorter guide route from the Royal Palace Tomb to Al-Khubtha takes 2 to 2.5 hours and costs JOD 50.
Do I need a guide?
The Al-Khubtha route is offered with a guide booked at the Visitor Center. Informal viewpoint tours by unlicensed providers are banned.
Can I climb up beside the Treasury for the view?
No. Climbing and entering closed areas are banned, and informal paths along the rock above the facade carry real risk. Use the guided routes.
What is the JOD 15 viewpoint fee?
A separate fee applies to the view across from the Treasury. It is not an Al-Khubtha entry, so ask what it covers at the Visitor Center before you pay.
What should I bring on the hike?
Sturdy shoes, a sun hat, sun protection and enough water. The Al-Khubtha route is rated hard and takes 4 to 5 hours, so start early.