Saudi Arabia trip | The hidden wonders of the Saudi mountains

Your introduction to Saudi Arabia begins with a visit to the Tayebat Museum, where you’ll learn about Islam, Saudi Arabia and Jeddah. The Tayebat Museum features life-size, authentic examples of Saudi and, in particular, Jeddahwi architectural styles, everyday tools and utensils, art and, of course, details about the two holy cities: Mecca and Medina. The section on Asir, the southern mountains and the destination of this trip, provides a brilliant introduction to the journey that lies ahead.
The coastal city of Jeddah puts local seafood in the spotlight, unlike elsewhere in the country. The Central Fish Market is the place to be where buyers and sellers come together. Squid, prawns, lobster and a wide variety of fish – some found only in the Red Sea – are all fresh and on display. You can choose your Red Sea delicacy, which will then be prepared for you to enjoy a delicious lunch in the adjacent restaurant.
For your final stop, you’ll visit the historic part of Jeddah: the charming old town of Al Balad, which was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2014. The traditional multi-storey buildings and merchants’ houses are an architectural treasure trove. It’s a step back in time, with the hustle and bustle of trade, pilgrims shopping and the occasional tourist. The roshan, or wooden window shutters, are the traditional way of providing shade and cooling in this hot and humid climate, and they make these narrow streets particularly picturesque.

The atmosphere in Jeddah is so liberal that you could easily forget how close you are to Mecca. Islam’s holiest city lies just under 100 kilometres from Jeddah, and the millions of pilgrims who come to Saudi Arabia from all over the world to perform the Hajj generally follow this route on their way to the city’s sacred Kaaba. Mecca is off-limits to non-Muslims, but a glimpse of the city from a distance is sure to leave an indelible impression on travellers of any faith or religious denomination.

From the flat desert landscapes surrounding Mecca, the road begins to climb as it passes the holy city on its way to Taif: the day’s final destination. This elevation marks the transition between the coastal plain and the Sarawat Mountains, which begin in this area and stretch all the way to the Gulf of Aden in the south, running along the entire west coast of Yemen. The steep hairpin bends that cut sharply into the mountainside offer spectacular views, whilst the monkeys leaping about along the roadside provide some extra company during the journey.

Taif itself provides a satisfying conclusion to the road trip. The ‘City of Roses’ is renowned for its cool temperatures and the fragrant flowers that grow in the city and the surrounding mountain valleys. The city boasts an abundance of natural beauty and is also known for the cultivation of grapes, figs, pomegranates and honey.

Fill your lungs with cool, crisp mountain air during an epic road trip along the spine of the Sarawat Mountains. In fact, there are few journeys more spectacular than the one between Taif and Al Bahah across the entire Arabian Peninsula. The route takes in imposing, crumbling watchtowers standing proudly on rugged slopes, quiet mountain settlements where the pace and rituals of life have remained unchanged over the centuries, and cultivated terraces that defy the perception of Saudi Arabia as an arid landscape. There are opportunities to stop and explore these scenes on the way to Al Bahah.
Al Bahah itself is another highlight of Saudi Arabia. The town, the capital of the Al Bahah region, enjoys a pleasant climate at around 2,200 metres above sea level and is surrounded by more than forty forests, including Raghdan, Al-Zareeb and Baidan. The views around the town are spectacular. From Raghdan Park, which overlooks a deep wadi gorge, you can enjoy some of the best panoramic views. Near Al Bahah, the village of Tea Ain – accessible via a winding road that runs along the cliff – is one of the best-preserved in the region and is home to a fascinating visitor centre that offers an insight into local life.

The journey south along the mountain range continues to amaze as the road winds its way towards the border with Yemen. The route between Al Bahah and Abha, the capital of the Asir region, is a diverse feast of mountain wonders. At the start of the journey, the landscape is relatively gentle, with watchtowers and heritage villages to the left and right of the road. A highlight of this section is a crescent-shaped settlement perched precariously high on the edge of a cliff. The local people work hard to ensure the preservation of their village in this challenging location, and it is fascinating to hear their stories over cups of sweet mint tea.
Further south, the landscape becomes more rugged as the mountains rise, culminating in the summit of Jabal Sawda: the highest peak in Saudi Arabia. Before reaching Abha, you’ll come across traditional Asir houses, along with an impressive mosque and equally remarkable views of the village of Olayyan and a fortress-like ruler’s residence—now a museum—in the town of Namas. Here, you’ll enjoy a picnic lunch in a breezy park overlooking the deep valley outside the town. Round off the day by exploring Abha, a fascinating city surrounded by tall, imposing mountains.

This day's focus is on Asir culture with local traditions, architecture and heritage at the forefront as you explore the Abha area. In Rijal Alma, the architecture consists of mud houses and watchtowers. These buildings are protected from seasonal rains by an ingenious system with lines of large round boulders protecting their foundations. Enjoy a refreshing drink under a shady tree in the village café. Another fascinating local settlement is the "hanging village" of Habala, which clings to a cliff, an effective means of deterring potential intruders over the centuries. The village is only accessible via a cable car that runs sporadically, but the view of the village clinging to its precarious spot is a highlight of the region. A final stop of the day is the Fatima Museum of Aseeri women - a fascinating overview of traditional design, home decoration and natural painting techniques of Asir. You will drive back to your hotel in Abha via the most impressive mountain road.