6. Dhiban to Karak

Prepare yourself for the hardest day of the entire route! After a wonderful descent to the bottom of Wadi Mujib — often called Jordan’s Grand Canyon —you have to climb well over 1000m before reaching the canyon’s opposite rim. Go slow and try to enjoy the views as you plod your way to the top. Once you reach the plateau, enjoy a brief, flat respite as you pass through a number of small villages. Finally, from Rakin, make a technical descent into the valley below Karak and endure the last (300m) climb into Karak (bonus points if you manage to ride the entire ascent!).

BEGINNING:
Dhiban offers many grocery stores and restaurants.

ON ROUTE:
There are two springs (filter) on the climb out of Wadi Mujib; a small store (just snacks and drinks) in Frewan. Faqu’a has small shops with basic supplies and a bakery (services 1.2 km off-route), and there are some small shops in Rakin.

END:
There are many restaurants and grocery stores in Karak.

Please note: Most springs in Jordan are seasonal, and may not carry water all year round.

Karak: Cairwan Hotel (00962 3 239 6122), Falcon Rock Hotel (00962 7 9764 4470), White Building (booking.com)

• Be sure to carry enough food/water to make it from Dhiban to Frewan (~40km, 30km climbing).
• The last climb into Karak is very steep — most likely a hike-a-bike.
• The central part of Jordan is less used to tourists and foreigners; don’t be surprised if you’re surrounded by kids who want to ride your bike. Just keep moving if you feel uncomfortable.
• There are ATMs, pharmacies and a hospital in Karak.

• Wadi Mujib
• Views of the Karak Castle