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3 reasons why Khazali should be on your tour itinerary

islamic inscription in khazali canyon
The gigantic chunk of mountain that you can see beautifully from Lawrence Spring is Jabal Khazali. It is supposed to be named for Khazal. He was a criminal that was pursued up to the summit. As he had nowhere to run, he leaped off. He floated down and miraculously landed unharmed on the ground. And this way left his pursuers behind. Nowadays, this mountain is one of the most famous places in the protected area. In many ways, a place that will touch and inspire you.

1. Khazali canyon with inscriptions and water pools

Khazali canyon is one of the most famous places in Wadi Rum. It is a less than 100 meters long deep and narrow crack in Jabal Khazali. Nonetheless, it is a must-see. The canyon’s inner walls are covered with numerous Nabatean, Islamic (Kufic), and Thamudic inscriptions and petroglyph rock drawings. The Nabatean carvings consist of camels, horses, mountain goats, people, pairs of feet, and spirits. The Islamic inscriptions are about God and the prophet Mohammed. Both Nabatean and Islamic are in good condition as they are mostly out of reach of sun, wind, rain, and people. Sadly enough, over time, water damaged the lower Thamudic inscriptions severely. So, you have to look carefully, as they are nearly invisible.

Our ancestors already came to this canyon. They created handmade pools. In wintertime, these pools fill with rainwater. Pass the inscriptions to see the pools at the end of the canyon.

2. Jabal Khazali's Bedouin road

Bedouin roads are ancient routes that Bedouin used to climb and scramble the mountains of Wadi Rum. Jabal Khazali is one of the most dramatic mountains in the area. And it is a fantastic one to climb. But scrambling this Bedouin road is a much more serious affair than Jabal Burdah. If your fitness level is moderate and you have some experience in scrambling, this climb is suitable for you.

We recommend the use of a Bedouin guide if you head out on ‘Sabbah’s road’ on the east side of the mountain. Going up this unmarked route will take you about 3 hours. In some more complicated parts, ropes are used for safety. Once you reach the summit, you can easily spend a few hours there. The summit is a mixture of domes, deep canyons, and gravel beds. The views for the top are better and more beautiful than from the top of Jabal Rum.

Most descend from the north side of the mountain. Going down will take another 3 hours. Enroute, you need to abseil a couple of parts. Some of them are spectacular. Of course, you can also go down on ‘Sabbah’s road’.

3. Jabal Khazali's wildlife

Wadi Rum desert is home to a wide variety of desert wildlife. In our blog, The amazing animals of Wadi Rum desert, you can read more about reptiles, insects, and mammals in our desert. Many of the mentioned animals also call Jabal Khazali their home. And, although you maybe did not expect it, the Ibex also roams around this mountain. But to be honest, you need to be extremely lucky to see one while climbing. Deep in the narrow canyon lives the lacerta lacerta lizard. This new lizard species was discovered in 2000. And lastly, our national bird, the Sinai Rosefinch, nest at Jabal Khazali. So, if you visit Wadi Rum during spring, you most likely will see the Sinai Rosefinch.

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