6 Days • 5 Nights
Asir Mountains & the Green South: Abha, Villages & Peaks
Tour Includes
About the Trip
Trip Highlights
- The extraordinary colourful heritage village of Rijal Almaa is a fascinating highlight of this journey. Rijal Almaa, nestled in the mountains, is one of the most extraordinary and beautiful heritage villages in Arabia, a cluster of towering multi-storey houses built of stone and mud, studded with white quartz and decorated with vividly colourful geometric interiors (the distinctive Asiri 'al-qatt' art). You explore this remarkable village, now a museum, wandering its atmospheric buildings and learning the rich history and distinctive culture of the Asir mountains. The architecture and colour are extraordinary. Exploring the extraordinary colourful heritage village of Rijal Almaa.
- The mountain city of Abha, with its cool air, cable cars and heritage, is a beautiful highlight. Abha, the capital of Asir, set high in the green mountains, is a beautiful, cool mountain city, a world away from the deserts of the kingdom. You explore its heritage, art district and souks, ride cable cars over dramatic valleys with sweeping views, take in beautiful viewpoints and parks, and enjoy the cool, fresh mountain air and greenery. The beauty and cool air are lovely. Exploring the beautiful mountain city of Abha, with its cool air, cable cars over dramatic valleys.
- Al Soudah, the highest peak in Saudi Arabia, amid juniper forests, is a spectacular highlight. Al Soudah, near Abha, is the highest area in Saudi Arabia, a dramatic escarpment cloaked in ancient juniper forests, often wreathed in mist, with breathtaking views over the mountains and valleys plunging towards the Red Sea plains far below. You journey up to this spectacular high country, walking amid the juniper forests, taking in the sweeping viewpoints, and riding cable cars over the dramatic escarpment. The scenery and cool forests are spectacular. Journeying to Al Soudah, the highest peak in Saudi Arabia.
- The distinctive Asiri culture, from the 'flower men' to colourful art, is a fascinating highlight. The Asir region has a rich, distinctive culture unlike anywhere else in the kingdom. You encounter the famous 'flower men' of the mountains, who traditionally wear garlands of herbs and flowers in their hair, discover the vivid 'al-qatt al-Asiri' art (colourful geometric wall painting, a UNESCO tradition) that decorates homes and villages, and experience the distinctive music, dress, crafts and warm hospitality of the mountain people. The culture and colour are fascinating. Experiencing the distinctive Asiri culture.
- The beautiful green, terraced mountain landscapes are a lovely highlight of this journey. The Asir mountains are astonishingly green and beautiful, a landscape of terraced hillsides, misty peaks, forests, and traditional stone villages clinging to the slopes, sustained by the mountains' relatively high rainfall, utterly different from the deserts of the kingdom. You take in the beautiful, green, terraced landscapes, the traditional villages, and the cool, fresh mountain air throughout your journey. The green beauty is lovely. Taking in the beautiful green, terraced mountain landscapes of Asir, with their misty peaks, forests and traditional villages.
- Above all, this journey immerses you in the cool, green, mountainous heart of southern Saudi Arabia. The Asir region is a land apart, a world of misty mountains, forests, dramatic peaks and distinctive culture, and this journey immerses you in it. Over six days you explore the mountain city of Abha, the extraordinary colourful village of Rijal Almaa, the juniper forests and dramatic peaks of Al Soudah, and the distinctive Asiri culture and green landscapes, guided by expert local guides and warmed by genuine hospitality. The combination of cool green mountains, extraordinary heritage villages, dramatic peaks and distinctive culture makes Asir a striking, little-known gem.
Day by Day
A detailed day-by-day plan for this 6-day journey.
Your journey through the green south of Saudi Arabia begins as you arrive in Abha, the mountain capital of Asir (via a domestic flight from Riyadh or Jeddah), where you are met and transferred to your hotel high in the cool, green mountains. The Asir region is a land apart, a world of misty mountains, forests and distinctive culture, utterly different from the deserts of the kingdom, and the cool air and green beauty are immediately refreshing. Spend the rest of the day settling in and relaxing after your journey, perhaps taking a first look over the dramatic mountain scenery or relaxing at your hotel. This evening, a welcome dinner introduces you to the distinctive cuisine and culture of Asir and to the journey ahead through the mountains, villages and peaks of the green south. As you settle in amid the cool mountain air, the beauty and distinctive culture of Asir work their magic. Rest well, ready to explore the mountain city of Abha tomorrow.
Today you explore the beautiful mountain city of Abha, capital of Asir. You explore its heritage and culture, visiting the atmospheric old quarters, the Al Muftaha art village with its galleries and colourful Asiri art, the souks, and the excellent regional museums. You ride cable cars over dramatic valleys with sweeping views, take in beautiful viewpoints and parks such as the Green Mountain (Jabal Thera), and enjoy the cool, fresh mountain air and greenery of this beautiful highland city, a world away from the deserts of the kingdom. The beauty, cool air and culture are lovely. As the day ends, you return to your hotel, having explored beautiful Abha. This evening, savour the distinctive cuisine and cool mountain atmosphere of Asir. Rest well, for tomorrow you discover the extraordinary colourful village of Rijal Almaa.
Today you discover the extraordinary colourful heritage village of Rijal Almaa. You journey through the beautiful mountains, taking in the green, terraced landscapes and dramatic scenery, to Rijal Almaa, one of the most extraordinary and beautiful heritage villages in Arabia, a cluster of towering multi-storey houses built of stone and mud, studded with white quartz and decorated with vividly colourful geometric interiors. You explore this remarkable village, now a wonderful museum, wandering its atmospheric buildings and learning the rich history and distinctive culture of the Asir mountains, including the famous 'flower men' and the colourful al-qatt art. The architecture, colour and culture are extraordinary. As the day ends, you return to Abha, having explored extraordinary Rijal Almaa. This evening, savour the distinctive culture and cuisine of Asir. Rest well, for tomorrow you journey to the highest peaks and juniper forests of Al Soudah.
Today you journey to Al Soudah, the highest peak in Saudi Arabia, amid juniper forests and dramatic escarpments. You journey up to Al Soudah, near Abha, the highest area in the kingdom, a dramatic escarpment cloaked in ancient juniper forests, often wreathed in mist, with breathtaking views over the mountains and valleys plunging towards the Red Sea plains far below. You walk amid the cool, ancient juniper forests, take in the spectacular viewpoints, ride cable cars over the dramatic escarpment, and perhaps encounter baboons and mountain wildlife. The spectacular scenery and cool forests are magnificent. As the day ends, you return to Abha, having explored the spectacular high country. This evening, savour the cool mountain atmosphere and distinctive cuisine. Rest well, for tomorrow you experience more of the distinctive culture and beautiful landscapes of Asir.
Today you experience more of the distinctive culture and beautiful landscapes of Asir. You might journey to more traditional stone villages clinging to the terraced hillsides, such as Habala (once reached only by ropes) or villages in the Tanoumah area, taking in the beautiful green, terraced landscapes and misty peaks. You experience the distinctive Asiri culture, encountering the famous garland-wearing 'flower men', discovering the vivid al-qatt art that decorates homes, and enjoying the music, crafts and warm hospitality of the mountain people. The distinctive culture and beautiful landscapes are captivating. As the day ends, you return to Abha, having immersed yourself in the culture and beauty of Asir. This evening, savour a final dinner in the cool mountains, reflecting on your beautiful journey through the green south of Saudi Arabia. Rest well ahead of your departure tomorrow.
After a final morning in the cool mountains of Abha, perhaps a last look over the dramatic scenery or some souvenir shopping for colourful Asiri crafts, you are transferred to the airport for your onward journey (via a domestic flight from Abha). You leave having experienced the cool, green, mountainous heart of southern Saudi Arabia, the mountain city of Abha, the extraordinary colourful village of Rijal Almaa, the juniper forests and dramatic peaks of Al Soudah, and the distinctive Asiri culture and beautiful green landscapes, all warmed by genuine hospitality. The images stay vivid long after you land, the towering colourful houses of Rijal Almaa, the misty juniper forests of Al Soudah, the terraced green mountains, and the garland-wearing flower men. The Asir mountains offer cool green beauty, extraordinary heritage and distinctive culture in abundance, a striking, little-known gem, and you depart already dreaming of a return to the beautiful south of Saudi Arabia.
Where You Will Travel
What's inside the package?
Inclusions
- 5 nights accommodation
- Daily breakfast, a welcome dinner
- Airport and land transfers in air-conditioned vehicles
- Touring and sightseeing as per itinerary with expert local guides
- Entrance fees, permits and site tickets as per itinerary
- private touring with expert local guides, an Abha city and cable car tour, a Rijal Almaa heritage village tour, an Al Soudah high-country excursion, an Asiri culture experience, and all site tickets
Exclusions
- International airfare
- Visa or tourist card fees where applicable
- Travel insurance (strongly recommended)
- Domestic flights to and from Abha (arranged separately)
- Some lunches and dinners, and tips for guides and drivers
- Meals not mentioned in the itinerary or inclusions
- Drinks unless specifically stated
- Optional excursions and experiences
- Personal expenses and gratuities
- Anything not specifically mentioned under Package Inclusions
Know when to go.
- Visa & entry: Many nationalities can obtain a Saudi tourist eVisa quickly online (or a visa on arrival), valid for a year with multiple entries, with a passport valid for at least six months. Requirements can change, so we confirm the exact process for your nationality and help arrange the eVisa
- Currency: The currency is the Saudi Riyal (SAR); cards are very widely accepted in cities, hotels, malls and restaurants, but carry some cash for souks, small shops, tips and remote areas. ATMs are plentiful in cities and towns, and Saudi Arabia is increasingly cashless
- Best time to visit: October to March is ideal, with warm, sunny, comfortable days perfect for Riyadh, AlUla, Jeddah and the desert; summer (May to September) is extremely hot inland (though the Asir mountains in the south-west stay cooler and greener, and the Red Sea remains warm)
- Dress & etiquette: Saudi Arabia is a conservative Muslim country; modest dress is expected in public for all (cover shoulders and knees). Women are no longer required to wear an abaya, but modest, loose clothing is respectful; a headscarf is not required for tourists but is appreciated at some religious sites. Public displays of affection are best avoided
- Mecca & Medina: The holy cities of Mecca and Medina are open only to Muslims; this tourist journey does not include them. Non-Muslim visitors explore Saudi Arabia's extraordinary archaeological, natural and cultural sites, such as AlUla, Diriyah, Jeddah's old town and the deserts and mountains
- Alcohol & Ramadan: Saudi Arabia is a dry country: alcohol is strictly prohibited and not available anywhere, and this should be respected. During the holy month of Ramadan, eating, drinking and smoking in public during daylight are not permitted, and hours change; we advise on timing and etiquette, and travel outside Ramadan is often easier for touring
- Prayer times & culture: Muslims pray five times a day, and some shops and sites briefly close during prayer times; we plan around these. Saudis are warm and hospitable, and the country is opening rapidly to tourism with excellent new infrastructure. Respect for local customs, prayer times and photography etiquette (ask before photographing people) is appreciated
- Getting around & power: Saudi Arabia is vast; touring combines private air-conditioned vehicles, 4x4 for deserts, and domestic flights between regions (Riyadh, AlUla, Jeddah), which we arrange. Power is 230V with UK-style type G plugs, so bring an adapter. Arabic is the language, and English is widely spoken in tourism and cities
Frequently Asked Questions
How is Asir different from the rest of Saudi Arabia?
Asir, in the cool, green south-west, is a land apart, a world of misty mountains, terraced hillsides, juniper forests and dramatic peaks, sustained by relatively high rainfall, utterly different from the deserts of the kingdom. It has a rich, distinctive culture, the colourful heritage villages, the al-qatt art, the famous 'flower men', and cool, comfortable weather even in summer. It is a beautiful, little-known gem, offering a striking and rewarding contrast to Riyadh, AlUla and Jeddah.
When is the best time to visit Asir?
Asir is beautiful year-round, and, being high and green, it stays pleasantly cool even in summer, when much of the kingdom is very hot, making it a wonderful summer escape (and often misty and atmospheric then). Spring and autumn are also lovely. We advise on the best timing for your interests, and Asir can be visited on its own or combined, via domestic flights, with Jeddah, AlUla and Riyadh for a varied journey through the kingdom.
What meals are included?
Daily breakfast is included, along with any meals named in the itinerary (such as dinners at desert camps or remote stays). Saudi cuisine is rich and delicious, from kabsa (spiced rice with meat) and grilled meats to fresh dates, Arabic coffee and regional specialities, and the cities have a growing, cosmopolitan food scene. We usually leave meals free for you to explore, recommending the best restaurants at every stage.
Are the tours private or in a group?
Your journey is private by default, with your own expert local guide and air-conditioned vehicle (and 4x4 for deserts), giving you flexibility and a pace tailored to you; small-group options can be arranged. Saudi Arabia's knowledgeable guides bring the extraordinary sites of AlUla, Diriyah, Jeddah and the deserts vividly to life, and licensed rawis (storytellers) guide the AlUla heritage sites.
Do I need a visa for Saudi Arabia?
Many nationalities can obtain a Saudi tourist eVisa quickly online, valid for a year with multiple entries, or a visa on arrival, with a passport valid for at least six months. We confirm the exact, current requirements for your nationality and help arrange the eVisa, so entry is smooth. Saudi Arabia has opened dramatically to tourism, and visiting is now easy and welcoming.
Is Saudi Arabia safe to visit?
Saudi Arabia is a very safe country for tourists, with low crime and a warm, hospitable culture, and it has invested heavily in excellent tourism infrastructure as it opens to the world. We use trusted local guides and drivers and follow official guidance at all times. Travellers are often struck by the genuine warmth of the Saudi welcome and the ease and safety of touring this extraordinary, long-hidden country.
When is the best time to visit?
October to March is ideal, with warm, sunny, comfortable days perfect for AlUla, Riyadh, Jeddah and the deserts, and the season for AlUla's festivals and events. Summer is extremely hot inland, though the Asir mountains stay cooler and the Red Sea remains warm. We advise on the best timing for your interests and the regions you wish to see, and can time your visit to events like Winter at Tantora in AlUla.
Can the itinerary be customised?
Absolutely. We can adjust the balance of AlUla's Nabatean wonders, Riyadh and Diriyah, Jeddah and the Red Sea, the Asir mountains and the deserts, add luxury stays, diving or desert camps, and tailor the pace, comfort and focus to you. Saudi Arabia is vast and varied, and every itinerary is a flexible starting point for your ideal journey through this extraordinary, newly opened land.
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