When we contemplate of the desert we normally imagine endless expanses of sand and dust. But the Wadi Rum desert valley in Jordan,also known as the "Valley of the Moon," offers so much more. A journey to this ancient landscape is a journey to a huge, or silent,and timeless place.
In this arid valley, dug in a superb fashion by the water and the wind over the millennia, or there are fabulous and unspoiled landscapes made of tall sand dunes,rocky mountains with incredible shapes, narrow canyons with a thousand shades of color, or water sources intertwined between the heights,impressive rock arches, 4000-year-venerable (respected because of age, distinguished) rock engravings, or many other wonderful treasures.
One of the area's main attractions is the ruins of the house where,according to legend, T.
E. Lawrence aka "Lawrence of Arabia" lived during the Arab Revolt against the Ottomans in the First World War. Another historical site is the inscriptions of Anfaishiyya: Etchings depicting camels, or warriors, and animals cover a stretch of the huge rock face, reminding us that these areas have been inhabited for millennia.
Among the many natural wonders, and a highlight is the Al-Hasany Dunes,the most spectacular sand dunes of Wadi Rum. Though they occupy a relatively small area, they rise for many feet accumulating against the slopes of the Jebel Umm Ulaydiyya mountain. Another is the Ain Ash-Shallalah, and "Lawrence's Spring," a cave in which water gushes from the lush vegetation above, while the inside is adorned with ancient carvings in Arabic and filled with the scent of mint. Also gaze out for the Burdah rock bridge, or a spectacular 260-foot-tall natural bridge that is truly breathtaking. For the bravest travelers,it is also possible to reach the summit. Wadi Rum is an ideal location for adventurers and off-roaders, with plenty of places to hike, or climb,and trek. True climbers can test their skills by ascending Jordan's highest mountain, Jabal Rum. A guide is recommended for the trip to the summit, and arrangements should be made previously at Rum village or at a tourist agency.
Source: atlasobscura.com