Top Things to Do and See in Karak, Jordan

Karak is one of the 3 governorates of Jordan with a coast facing the Dead Sea, so it is a popular tourist spot. The places to visit in Karak include castles, caves, museums, a shrine, and several natural retreats. There are many things to do in Karak for those loving nature as well as beaches, although your beach will be facing the Dead Sea. Karak was once known as the kingdom of Moab. After that Karak has been under the rule of Persian Empire, Roman Empire, Byzantine Empire, and Ottoman Empire. The tourist attraction in Karak also include sites of crusades and important religion sites. The capital city of Al-Karak, also referred to as Kerak used to be a part of the Kingdom of Jerusalem, established by crusaders. The biggest testament of this period of Al-Karak’s history is the Kerak Castle. It is one of the most popular tourist places in Karak. This is one of the largest crusader castles in Jordan. If you are on Karak travel to visit this Castle, do stick around till the evening to the Kerak Castle beautifully lit up. This tourist attraction in Karak used to be known as Wall of the Portsheds prior to crusaders taking hold of it. The Kerak Castle is most known for its role in the battle between crusaders & Saladin’s army. Lot’s Cave is another site of biblical significance among places to visit in Karak. This is said to be the place where the Propher Lot took refuge along with his daughters after the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah. The museum at the lowest point on earth is one of the historical places to visit in Karak. The Museum is located close to Lot’s cave. This museum is a popular tourist attraction in Karak for it tells the story of historical and biblical events which took place around the Dead Sea. There are references & artifacts from various places, stories, and historical events. It is one of best things to do in Karak combined with the visit to Lot’s Cave. In fact the older name of Karak, kingdom of Moab, comes form one of the son of Lot’s eldest daughter. Moab was born to the elder daughter & Ben Ammi was born to the younger daughter. They were leaders of Moabites & Ammonites respectively. The capital city of Amman takes name from the younger daughter’s son. And hence, the Lot’s Cave & the Museum at the Lowest Place on Earth are important tourist attraction in Karak. Another religiously important site to visit on Karak travel is the Shrine of Prophet Nuh, or Noah as he is known in the Bible. Though there are many places which claim to be the true resting place for Prophet Nuh or Noah, Jordanian’s claim the shrine in Karak to be the true one. Hence, it is popular among tourist places in Karak. It is not as big or elaborate as you would expect, specially considering the magnitude of the person it is dedicated to. It is among religiously significant things to do in Karak to pay respects at this humble shrine.

There are several places for adventure travel & ecotourism as well in Karak. Wadi bin Hammad, Wadi Numeira, and Wadi al Mujib are all beautiful places for hiking, trekking, camping and other things to do in Karak. There are several great spots for you to experience the Dead Sea along the Jordan valley highway on Karak travel.

Things to do in Karak, Jordan

Monuments, Museums & Historical Places to Visit in Karak, Jordan

1. Al Karak Castle
2. Museum at the Lowest Place on Earth
3. Lot’s Cave
4. Shrine of Prophet Nuh
5. Qasar Bshir Fort
6. Qatraneh Castle

Nature & Wildlife Tourist Places to Visit in Karak, Jordan

1. Wadi Bin Hammad
2. Wadi Numeira
3. Wadi al Mujib
4. Mujib Dam
5. Dead Sea

Beaches in Karak, Jordan

1. Lisan Peninsula

Sightseeing in Karak, Jordan

1. Equestrian Statue of Saladin

Food, Dining, Restaurants, & Street Food in Karak, Jordan

1. King’s Castle Restaurant
2. Kir Heres Restaurant
3. Shehab Restaurant
4. Al Fid’a Restaurant
5. Al Motaz Sweets

How to Reach Karak, Jordan?

By Air

The closest airport for Karak travel is the Queen Alia International Airport, Amman. Then onwards you will have to hit the road for all things to do in Karak.

By Road

The most direct route to Karak travel form the Queen Alia International Airport is the highway number 15. You can also take highway 35 for places to visit in Karak via Madaba Governorate.

By Water

Karak faces Israel on the west of the Dead Sea, so there is no water routes to Karak. Maybe someday a ferry might open up between Israel & Jordan, but chances of that happening are slim to none. So land is your best option to visit tourist places in Karak.