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City in Karak Governorate, Jordan
Photo: Niels Elgaard Larsen - (WT-en) Elgaard at English Wikivoyage, CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Kerak (also spelt Karak, Arabic al-Kerak) is a small, Arab city (population 170,000) in southern Jordan.
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Qasr
A former Crusader stronghold, it was ransacked by Saladin and left to rot for 500 years until restoration started. It is impressive site. While parts are still in ruins, other parts have been restored, including some lengthy underground passages. And it had a commanding view of the area. Allow 60-90 min to visit.
Castle Museum
The museum is in the lower court of the castle. This museum introduces the local history and archaeology of Kerak castle, region and city. Detailed history of the Crusader and Muslim dynasties at Kerak is introduced in the museum, in addition to the exhibition of excavated artefacts from Kerak castle.
Souq
As the commercial center, many different local shops can be found here, even fast-food or small eateries.
Lajjun
The archaeological remains of a fortress built in 300 AD named Betthorus then, associated with the Roman legion and for protection the Limes Arabicus. The fortress was later destroyed by an earthquake.
This is supposed to have been the first battlefield between Christians and Muslims, 629 AD.
Tomb of Noah
The reputed tomb of Noah who survived the flood in the Bible and Quran. On a hilltop in central Kerak.
Small ethnological located at the lowest land point on earth.
This is an official tourist spot, but mostly only appreciated by local people. This in turn means it is widely untouched and without the common touristic hassles. The wadi can be wandered easily and without much effort in about 2 hr, rewarding the curious traveller with a beautiful green surrounding including waterfalls and even hot springs. Hiking further will lead you to the Dead Sea, even though you might need help of a guide with the necessary equipment. Be careful when it is raining or about to rain. You might have to take a taxi to get there, because it is not along the highway.
See also Sleep. Next to the citadel and with views all the way to the Dead Sea on a good day, but the food is overpriced and mediocre.
You can get an excellent schwarma here and it's really cheap too. Much better than the overpriced mediocre food next to the castle.
Has some interesting offerings like ostrich, otherwise fairly good standard Jordanian fare. Has local wines and other alcohol. The tables by the street are nicer.
This is supposed to be an insider tip.
Towers Castle in downtown central Karak is an Egyptian-run hotel with large, clean rooms, and it is popular with business and pleasure travelers. Breakfast is included in the room rate.
The fanciest digs in town with 3 stars, with excellent views. That said the price for the rather minimal rooms is still a little steep, and you'll be woken up bright and early by the mosque next door.
Nine well-appointed rooms, bed-and-breakfast style hotel.
This small, men-only guest house in Karak's central neighborhood is a good option for men seeking basic accommodations. The kitchen is available for guests to prepare their own meals.
The Al-Mujeb Hotel is a convenient option for those travelling with a private vehicle – public transportation is not nearby. Guests will find satellite television and refrigerators, as well as a helpful staff. This hotel is somewhat larger than other area guest houses, and it is a good choice for groups traveling through the area.
There are three bus stations in Kerak. One bus station is near the castle, and the Kerak Bus Station is in the south-eastern part of the city about 5 km from the old city.
Read in the guideBetween the old city and the rest of the city local (shared) taxis should be used for around 2 JD.
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Amman · International · AMM
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