Saudi Above the Clouds feat. Mt Sawda | Weekend in Asir, Saudi Arabia
About the event
Asir Region is located on a high plateau with an elevation of 2200 meters in the Southwest of Saudi Arabia. It receives more rainfall compared to the rest of the country, resulting in a higher amount of natural vegetation in Asir than in any other part of Arabian Peninsula. Terraced plantations cultivate here coffee, cotton, indigo, ginger, vegetables, and palms. The mountain landscape, milder microclimate, and ever-present fog, similar to Salalah, attract visitors even during the summer.
The challenging terrain and centuries of isolation have contributed to the preservation of Asir's unique culture. Castles and palaces in this region are built using local materials, and their interiors are decorated with an ancient art form called Al-Qatt Al-Asiri. This art form features colorful and geometric patterns displayed on walls, ceramics or clothing.
The capital city of Abha, surrounded by mountains, offers a breathtaking experience with its cloud-covered peaks in the Sarawat Mountains. It is near Abha, where the highest peak in Saudi Arabia - Jabal Sawda, stands proudly at 3,015 mts (some sources claim 3,133 mts).
Nearby village of Rijal Alma used to serve as a significant regional trade center, connecting the regions of Levant, Madinah, Makkah, and Yemen. This trade route played a crucial role in history and was even used as a route for the Hajj pilgrimage. Years ago, the local community took on the task of restoring the settlement, which today serves as a museum to its famous past.
Making our way through the fog, listening to old tales, snacking on local honey, we will wander around cliffs, ancient villages and hike the peaks of the Asir on a weekend trip, that will take us not only above the clouds but also back in time!
Clip: [https://vimeo.com/998084807](https://vimeo.com/998084807)
Let’s go!
DAY 1 // Friday Meeting at airport in the afternoon for a direct flight to Abha, landing as the sun sets over Asir. We will start with a visit to a heritage museum (with high chances of traditional dances). Local dinner after, then check in to hotel.
Day 2 // Saturday Early start to conquer the highest peak of Saudi. Starting in a rather dry area, following donkey trail, we will eventually reach greener vegetation with some juniper shrubs, opening to some fabulous views near the peak. You may notice, that the trail took us through 2, if not 3, different climate zones. We should be standing on the roof of Saudi, with clouds beneath, after 3,5 to 6 hrs ascent – depending on your level of fitness and wish to take conqueror selfie or two ))
After the hike, we definitely deserve an amazing local seafood lunch because, if you check the map, Asir is not far from the sea.
Further on we head to Rijal Almaa village where we will admire the distinctive architecture of this UNESCO site. Once we have explored this amazing place, we will head to locals favorite - a strawberries farm! Here we will pick (and enjoy) strawberries while waiting for the clouds to move and to offer the perfect sunset photo shot from above. We will wrap up the day with a visit to Tuesday Market in Abha and/or to Abha’s high city for dinner snacks and views over the city.
Day 3 // Sunday Rise and shine to some crisp mountain air! Today, we will visit Wadi Bin Hashbal – quite contrasting compared to the lush green landscape of Mount Sauda. Be prepared for some hiking in an otherworldy landscape and even more local immersion. Although it is very likely that we would enjoy spending more time exploring the hidden treasures of the Kingdom's South, we will then head back to the UAE.
Activities: Trekking, encounter of Saudi ancient culture, sightseeing. Grade: Moderate, up to 6 hrs hike to highest peak of Saudi, 3015 mts. Room & Meals: Hotel double sharing, meals excluded due to variety.
Cost: 3,990 AED incl. flights until SEP 15.
Specifically Excluded: • Visa costs, • Meals, • Insurance,
Visa: Visas not included in the trip budget, UAE / GCC RESIDENTS can now obtain…
