The Small Siq
The entrance to the small siq starts at the Nabataean Water
Tunnel, located to the right of the dam, at the entrance to the
main siq. (Top right)
The path to this siq travels through the water tunnel, (right)
and then follows the wadi along, turning left at various locations
until it comes through the siq and out into the Petra Valley
near the Christian Tombs.
Because the small siq is an active watercourse, it is unadvisable
to travel through it during the period from October to April.
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This siq is not designed for the casual tourists. It has places
where visitors will have to climb rocks and clamber over obstacles
that the water has deposited.
If you are not agile, DO NOT TAKE THIS ROUTE.
If there is ANY THREAT OF RAIN WITHIN FIFTY KILOMETERS, DO NOT
TAKE THIS ROUTE.
It is not uncommon for this wadi to fill with water during
the time between October and April. It may rain thirty to fifty
kilometers away, and the water will rush down the wadi, and will
create a flash flood. If you are caught in the far end of the
wadi during a flash flood, you would be crushed to pieces by
the rocks and water. Please heed this warning. Otherwise, this
siq offers some of the most spectacular scenery in Petra, and
is well worth the effort.
Left: Start by going through the Nabataean
Tunnel.
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There are two large
rocks in the tunnel that have fallen, but it is possible to get
around them. |
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The walk through
the wadi is quite pleasant. |
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After a long walk, the wadi turns left and
narrows considerably.(4-5 feet in width) Some of the rocks take
quite some effort to scramble over.
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That's Matthew up
ahead with his hands in his pockets. Watch out for boulders and
spectacular twists and turns. |
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Russel pauses for
a picture. Imagine being here when a flash flood takes place!
That's why it is important to only visit this spot during the
dry summer. |
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This is not a cave,
it is a crack in the mountain, and an unforgettable expereince. |
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Yep, those are god niches on the wall. The
Nabataeans made small images to their gods in them. Something
is coming!
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First of all
there are a couple of right and left hand turns. |
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Left This amazing altar is protected in a
corner curve of the siq.
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A strange shaped
niche in the side of the siq. The godblock has long since disapeared. |
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Bottom: If
you look carefully, this niche has a god block with a crescent
above it. |
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There are many niches
and godblocks in this secret hidden cavern. One wonders what
strange sences played out here in past history. |
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Left: There are some amazing carvings along
this siq, especially when it water course takes sharp right turns.
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Above and left:
An amazing dome shaped sanctuary filled with god block niches. |
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Below: Scrambling
out of the other end of the small siq! You need to get over this
giant rock that has created a natural dam. It's a bit of a scamble. |
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This is the other
end of the small siq. From here you must turn left and walk along
the mountain. Make sure you enjoy the many caves and tombs along this path until you
come to the Royal Tombs. |
