From Al Habala, we drove road #15 toward Najran. It’s actually a highway going through a mountainous area distinguished by granite rocks. We took a few photos around the road and reached Najran in the late afternoon.
Saudi Arabia is Islam’s birthplace and spiritual home, represented by the cities of Mecca and Medina. The country is rich in attractions, from echoes of “Lawrence of Arabia” along the Hejaz Railway to the sculpted red dunes of romantic deserts with the carved temples of Madain Saleh, known as the second Petra, and the sophisticated rock art at Jubbah. The pristine, azure waters of the Red Sea ache to be explored. In the south, the jewel in the Kingdom’s crown, Asir, reveals breathtaking mountain scenery where mysterious and spectacular villages wait to be discovered.
From Al Habala, we drove road #15 toward Najran. It’s actually a highway going through a mountainous area distinguished by granite rocks. We took a few photos around the road and reached Najran in the late afternoon.
The small mountain village is located in the Asir Region beneath a cliff about 300 meters from the edge of the majestic Sarwat Mountains. The village is accessible solely through a cable car (🎫 70 SAR/return, 🅿️ 40 SAR), which only runs during the summer and only from Thursday to Saturday...
Abha, the capital of the Asir Region, is situated 2,270 meters above sea level in the fertile Asir Mountains. Abha’s mild climate makes it a popular tourist destination for Saudis. Abha was the capital city for the Prince of Asir Ibn Ayde under the authority of the Ottoman Empire...
On the way to Abha, we made a few stops. Again, we saw baboons, but this time they were not shy but aggressive, trying to steal anything from the cars or people around. We also met two young male members of the Qahtan tribe known as “Flower Men” for their intricately-made...
The Village of Rijal Alma is located 45 km west of the city of Abha, a mountainous area in the Assir Region. The village was a natural corridor linking those from Yemen and the Levant to Makkah and Madinah, making it an important regional commercial center. The ancient remains (🎫 20 SAR)...
Bordered by Soudah Mountain (3015 m), Saudi Arabia’s highest peak, reaching Rijal Alma, was a considerable challenge. This zigzag road (also called the obstacle of death or the snake) is listed amongst the most dangerous roads in the world – stiff, curvy, and narrow with the...
Today we drove from Al-Namas toward Rijal Alma, we lost some time by taking pictures of baboons, so we didn’t make it. Instead, we parked overnight near A’al Emsudami in the mountains and went to sleep with the hope that there would be no problem with the police (like in...
We again hit the baboons and spent some time taking photos. Hamadryas baboons are native to the southwestern region of Saudi Arabia and parts of Yemen. Their typical habitat is in mountainous areas, but they have been known to stay in urban areas in search of food, often attacking humans...
We drove toward Abha through picturesque towns and villages. We took a diesel for 0,815 SAR / liter and some refreshments on the way. Just before sunset, we got a good parking spot in Al-Namas, where we had dinner at local fast food (huge döner for 12 SAR). Parking location – Al...
Around Al-Baha are many heritage villages, castles, and historical monuments. Al-Malad castle is located in a picturesque village in the Al-Sarat Mountains that lies three kilometers south of Baha city on the road to Baljurashi. Two brothers built Al-Malad for military observation...