Mukatila established on Jebel Nassrani South in Wadi Rum, Jordan, by Nicole Berthod & Fay Manners

Mukatila is a new 11-pitch adventure route on the impressive north face of Jebel Nassrani South, established by Nicole Berthod and Fay Manners after six days of dedicated work in November 2025. Mukatila ascends 365 metres with a maximum difficulty of 6a, following natural cracks, chimneys, and ledges. It combines trad gear, the occasional bolt or peg and - in keeping with the local ethics - drilled threads.

The striking tower of Jebel Nassrani South has long been one of the area's least-climbed peaks, which makes this new line an especially meaningful contribution. The route stays almost entirely in the shade, a major advantage in this area. Moreover, Mukatila is also likely one of the first all-female new routes in Wadi Rum.

Many of Wadi Rum’s moderate routes to major summits were first climbed more than a century ago by Bedouins, who naturally chose the easiest lines on the most accessible mountains for hunting. As a result, most of the classic “moderate to summit” experiences near the village have long been established. Jebel Nassrani South is one of two high summits that Bedouins did not traditionally climb, leaving the mountain without a moderate, accessible line - the other being its northern neighbour, Jebel Nassrani North.

Since 1986, a few bold routes have been established on Jebel Nassrani South, all of them quite serious and demanding undertakings. These lines appear to be rarely repeated, and the team found almost no reports of previous ascents on this peak. Mukatila fills this gap, offering a safe, enjoyable, and adventurous climb to a striking summit directly opposite the famous route La Guerre Sainte.

Berthod and Manners placed strong emphasis on making the route repeatable. The first two pitches required the most work, involving extensive cleaning, multiple assessments, and several adjustments to find the safest and most intuitive line. From the third pitch onward, the route follows obvious natural features including chimneys, cracks, and sculpted sandstone. The chimney pitches are surprisingly pleasant: clean, aesthetic, and well-protected with drilled threads that give a secure, enjoyable feel. Mukatila ends at the top of the east tower of Jebel Nassrani South. From there, climbers can continue to the summit by joining the 1989 Precht route, turning this pleasant climb into a real Wadi Rum adventure. After establishing all 11 pitches, the team invested significant effort into creating a reliable descent line.

Named Mukatila, meaning “female warrior” in Arabic, the route is a significant addition to Wadi Rum. The name naturally connects it to the surrounding warrior-themed climbs, such as "Warriors of the Wasteland" on the east face of Jebel Nassrani South. With its easy approach, engaging climbing, equipped descent, optional summit extension, and shaded aspect, Mukatila offers the full desert adventure at a moderate grade - something this peak has long been missing. Thanks to its location, character, and accessibility, Mukatila is poised to become a future classic on a less-frequented summit.