Seven Pillars of Wisdom

Wadi Rum


Named in honour of Lawrence’s book, this large rock formation, with seven fluted turrets, is easy to see from the road near the Wadi Rum visitor centre. If you fancy a closer look, a rewarding hike circumnavigates the mountain via Makharas Canyon.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Wadi Rum attractions

1. Visitor Centre Museum

0.78 MILES

While you are buying your ticket to enter Wadi Rum, spare half an hour to visit the informative museum (next to the restaurant), which helps to give a…

2. Makharas Canyon

1 MILES

This attractive canyon threads through the rock massive known as Seven Pillars of Wisdom and makes for an interesting hike from the visitor centre.

3. Alameleh Inscriptions

2.08 MILES

Thamudic and Nabataean inscriptions, depicting camel caravans, hunting warriors and various animals, are common throughout the Wadi Rum area. The Alameleh…

4. Thamudic & Kufic Rock Art

2.37 MILES

Adorning the west-facing vertical rock face of Jebel Umm Al Ishrin, this wonderful set of petroglyphs is worth the detour on a 4WD excursion. While the…

5. Siq Umm Tawaqi

2.77 MILES

A popular destination by 4WD is Siq Umm Tawaqi, a beautiful area with mature trees sprouting apparently from the rock face. Locals have carved the…

6. Jebel Umm Al Ishrin

2.92 MILES

The deeply crevassed ‘Mother of Twenty’, a 20-domed mountain forming the east flank of Wadi Rum, is connected to the Seven Pillars of Wisdom formation…

7. Kharazeh Canyon

3.83 MILES

Kharazeh Canyon, one of the mighty incisions in Jebel Umm Al Ishrin, is a popular hiking destination. Guides and agencies offer a day hike (around seven…

8. Rakhabat Canyon

4.26 MILES

Close to Rum village, the labyrinthine siqs of Rakhabat Canyon give access to the heart of Jebel Umm Al Ishrin.