As mentioned, there are two main thaniyas, or siqs into Petra. There is also a third, much less know thaniya, that is a great experience. However, this is quite a scamble and should only be done by those who are in good shape and with good footware. Also, it is an active water path, but is dry most of the year. However, it should not be attempted from October to March, unless you are certain that it will not rain anywhere in Jordan. Water can collect, miles away, and then rush down these dry waterways. There is enough water to toss tree trunks and great rocks along, and these must be climbed over in the dry time.
The small siq does not actually enter the city but goes through the mountain farther on. This siq is not the second “thaniya” into Petra as it does not enter the city proper. The second thaniya exits Petra from the far end of the colonnade Street and descends down to Wadi Araba.
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.
The path to this siq travels through the water tunnel, and then follows the wadi along. You will need to turning left through a crack in the rock. If it narrows to nothing, then you need to back out and try the next one. It will eventually come through the siq and out into the Petra Valley near the Christian Tombs. This siq will end in what Dan Gibson has called The Cave of Muhammad. However, it is easier to reach this spot by entering from the Petra side.
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.
Start by going through the Nabataean Tunnel.
There are two large rocks in the tunnel that have fallen, but it is possible to get around them.
The walk through the wadi is quite pleasant.
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.
That's Matt up ahead with his hands in his pockets. Watch out for boulders and spectacular twists and turns.
Russell 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.
This is not a cave. It is a crack in the mountain, and an unforgettable experience.
Yep, those are god niches on the wall. The Nabataeans made small images to their gods in them. Something important is coming!
First of all there are a couple of right and left hand turns.
The water swirls here, making an area that looks like a cave. Here there is an amazing altar that is protected in a corner. This is the place that Dan Gibson has identified as the Cave of Hira.
There are many strange shaped niches in the side of the siq. The god-block that was in thic niche has long since disappeared.
If you look carefully, this niche has a god block with a large crescent above it. This is one of the oldest crescent symbols in the world, and it is in the cave of Hira, where Muhammad received his revelation. (See the documentary film: The Sacred City, which presents the proofs for this idea.)
There are many niches and godblocks in this secret hidden cavern. One wonders what strange scenes played out here in past history.
There are some amazing carvings along this siq, especially when it water course takes sharp right turns.
On the floor is a bed shaped rock for pilgrims to rest or sleep. Above is a dome shaped sanctuary, fiilled with god block niches.
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 scramble.
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