Beit Al Baraka which translates to “house of blessings”, sits in the heart of Umm Qais village. You will get a chance to experience real village life while overlooking views of the Ottoman village, the Golan Heights, and the Yarmouk Nature Reserve which can all be seen from the roof garden.
Beit Al Baraka offers six bedrooms, five of which are double rooms that can accommodate up to two people per room and one Family Room that can accomodate up to four people with an en-suite bathroom. An extra bed can be added to any room to accommodate an additional person. The house is divided into three main units:
● Top Floor Unit which has three bedrooms, two bathrooms, a kitchen and main living room with dining area.
● Ground Floor Unit which has two bedrooms, one bathroom, a kitchen and a small living area.
● Family Room which is located on the ground floor, is a spacious room with four beds and its own private bathroom.
Beit Al Baraka is renowned for its delicious breakfast which is prepared by local women from the village who come in every morning to make dishes such as ‘galayet bandora’ and ‘manaqish za’atar’ with a spread of cheese, labaneh, homemade jams, baladi butter and many other delicious food items
The village of Umm Qais wasn’t always as small and as relatively unknown as it is today. Gadara, as it was once known, was a large city that consisted of markets, hot baths, churches, fountains, mosaics, housing, courtyards and much more. This important city passed through the hands of many empires such as the Greeks, the Ptolemaic dynasty from Egypt, the Seleucids Empire from Macedonia, the Romans, the Byzantines, and the Ottomans. Influences of each empire can be found throughout the ancient city; from the theatres and baths of the Greeks, the water systems of the Romans, the Christian adaptations from the Byzantines, and the name from the Ottomans; the town became known as Umm Qais because of the Turkish word Mkeis, which refers to taxation.
There were important battles in this area, such as the Battle of Yarmouk, which was an important fight between Muslim Arab forces from the Rashidun Caliphate against those of the Byzantine Empire. The Arab forces were led by Khalid Ibn Al-Walid, who was a very successful military tactician and companion of the Prophet Mohammed. This region is now named after this military general who once fought in the Levant, the Hijaz, and lower Mesopotamia.
Umm Qais, located in northern Jordan near the borders of Syria and Palestine, is a historical and cultural gem. The area is renowned for its stunning views of the Golan Heights, the Sea of Galilee, and the Yarmouk River. It is home to the ancient Greco-Roman city of Gadara, famous for its well-preserved ruins, including theaters, colonnaded streets, and Byzantine churches. Umm Qais offers a serene escape with its lush landscapes, olive groves, and rolling hills. Visitors can enjoy hiking, cycling, and exploring local villages that showcase Jordanian hospitality and traditions. The area is also known for its culinary delights, such as traditional breakfast dishes prepared by local families. Its rich history is complemented by its vibrant present, making it a perfect destination for history buffs and nature lovers alike. Umm Qais seamlessly blends natural beauty, historical significance, and cultural richness, offering a unique experience for every traveler
The people of Umm Qais are known for their warmth, hospitality, and deep connection to their heritage. They take pride in their history, being descendants of a region that once thrived as the Greco-Roman city of Gadara. Many locals are skilled artisans, farmers, and storytellers, preserving traditional crafts and cultural practices passed down through generations. Community life is vibrant, with strong bonds between families and neighbors, often gathering to celebrate festivals, share meals, and welcome visitors. The people are also passionate about showcasing their traditions, such as cooking authentic dishes, performing folk music, and sharing tales of the area’s rich past. Their generosity and friendliness create a welcoming atmosphere for travelers exploring the region. Through their efforts in eco-tourism and cultural preservation, the people of Umm Qais play a vital role in sustaining the area’s natural and historical treasures for future generations.
Olive Picking
Foraging by Philodemus
BeeKeeping & Honey Harvest
Full Day Cycling
Full Day Cycling
Half Day Cycling
Light Cycling
Full Day Hike
Half Day Hike
Light hike
Home-Cooked Meal
Cooking class
Olive Picking
Foraging by Philodemus
BeeKeeping & Honey Harvest
Archaeological Tour
Hadab Making
Stone Masonry
Seed Bomb Making
Basket Weaving
What’s the best route to reach Um Qais from Amman?
For the fastest route from Amman to Um Qais take Highway 35 following signs to Irbid. We advise taking the Petra road exit to avoid driving through Irbid, turn left at the roundabout in front of the entrance to the Jordan University of Science and Technology. Follow the Petra road until you reach another roundabout and turn right onto the Amman Road. Continue straight on Amman Road until you reach a T junction and turn left. Amman Road is notable because it has a replica air force jet on a roundabout. Once at the T junction turn left and follow this road until you reach another roundabout and turn right. This is the road to Um Qais. Remember to mind the speed bumps on this road! This road will take approximately 30 minutes to drive. Once in Um Qais, drive through the village and past the ancient city ruins on your left. Take the first right and head up the hill. Park your car near the steel bins and walk down the street on your left where you will find Baraka Destinations.
What’s the best route to reach Pella from Amman?
For the fastest route from Amman to Pella, drive towards Salt on highway 30 and descend into the Jordan Valley. Once you reach the Valley, turn left and head northward on the Jordan Valley Highway. Continue on the Jordan Valley Highway until you reach the town of Mashareah. We’re not on google maps yet; however, we’re located just above the Pella Restaurant and archaeological site. You’ll see Beit Al Fannan perched on the hilltop.
Can I reach Um Qais using Public Transportation?
Taking public transportation around Jordan can be challinging and time consuming. If you’re up for it: buses to Irbid leave Amman throughout the day from Amman’s North bus station and arrive in Irbid at the New Amman station in the southern part of the city (1.4JD). Once you arrive you will need to take another bus or a taxi to the North Irbid Bus Station, look for a bus going to Um Qais, the name will be in Arabic, while only costing you .5JD the bus will only leave once it is full.
Can I reach Pella using Public Transportation?
Reaching Pella by public transportation is not for the faint of heart. If you’re up for the challenge start at the North Bus Station in Amman and take a bus going to Irbid. You will arrive at the South Irbid Bus Station where you will need to take another bus or a taxi to the North Irbid Bus Station. At the North Irbid Bus Station look for a coaster bus going to North Shuna, note that the bus will not leave until it’s full. Once you arrive in North Shuna, you’ll take a mini van to Mashareah. You may need to take two mini vans to reach Mashareah. Once you arrive in Mashareah, you’ll need to get another mini van to Tabqat Fahl. The mini van can take you to the restaurant if you ask.
How can I get to Um Qais from the Sheikh Hussein border crossing?
The border can be reached from Beit She’an by taxi (30 NIS). Taxis on the Jordan side can take you directly to Um Qais for a fixed price of 20-30JD. For most nationalities no advanced visa is required when crossing into Jordan at the Sheikh Hussein crossing. The exit visa costs 106NIS and a shuttle bus to the Jordan side costs 5 NIS, where an entrance visa costs 10JD.
How can I get to Pella from the Sheikh Hussein border crossing?
The border can be reached from Beit She’an by taxi (30 NIS). Taxis on the Jordan side can take you directly to Pella which is only 25 minutes away by car. If you have your own transportation exit the border crossing and head south on the Jordan Valley highway you will see signs for the Pella archaeological site once you reach Tabqat Fahl. For most nationalities no advanced visa is required when crossing into Jordan at the Sheikh Hussein crossing. The exit visa costs 106NIS and a shuttle bus to the Jordan side costs 5 NIS, where an entrance visa costs 10JD.
What’s the weather like in Um Qais?
Nestled in the Jordan Valley, Pella has a subtropical climate with low rainfall, high humidity, and warm temperatures. Pella has summer highs at around 40°C and winter temps averaging 15°C.
What should I bring?
Guests are required to bring their passport or Jordanian ID for bookings and are reminded to make them available when crossing checkpoints. Gear is provided for the activities however, we advise that you bring clothing suitable for the activity you are going to do. Hikers should bring proper hiking shoes, a hat for sun protection and a bag to carry water. Cyclists are advised to wear light and comfortable clothing. When choosing clothes to wear please remember to be respectful to the local culture
Where can I find an ATM, bank or currency exchange?
Cash is the best way to pay for activities or goods in the village. ATMs are not readily available in Um Qais or Pella. We also advise that you exchange your foreign currency in Amman, as there are better rates in the city. There are no currency exchange centres in Um Qais or Pella; however, currency can be exchanged in Irbid or near-by cities. We do, however, accept credit card payments at Beit Al Baraka and Beit Al Fannan.
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Baraka Destinations balances environmental care, local benefits, and traveler satisfaction for sustainable, impactful tourism experiences.
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