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ASIR NATIONAL PARK This stunning swathe of land has been described as one of the “greatest national parks in the world” due partly to its diverse landscape, which incorporates mountains, desert and sea. Asir National Park covers 2,000 hectares and was the kingdom’s first national park designated in 1981 and covering an area from the mountains west of Abha across the Tihamah plain to the Red Sea. Jebel Sawdah, the highest point in the kingdom, is within the park and can be seen rising above valleys lined with juniper trees. Wildlife that inhabits the area
includes partridges, magpies, warblers, the rare Barbary falcon and the kestrel. The near extinct long-legged bustard has also been spotted here. Main points of access to the
national park are at Al Hadba, Al Qara, Al Sudah, Dalgan, Abha, Prince Sultan Park and Toor Al-Masqah and near the middle of the park there is a visitor centre with seven exhibition rooms and panoramic views.
Best viewed in the afternoon Group size: up to 50 Don’t miss the sunset viewed 3,000 feet above sea level
RIJAL AL MA’A One of the most impressive cultural attractions is Rijal Al Ma’a. Situated 45 kilometres from Abha, it is a village that has been preserved and turned into a living museum by its people. It is one of the most famous tourist destinations in Saudi Arabia and attracts around 70,000 visi- tors a year who come to see the 500-year-old buildings. The area has been developed
by the local community, which has won praise from Saudi leaders who see the village as an example for other communi- ties in the push to develop the
country’s tourism structure. Around 60 traditional stone- built dwellings and buildings make up the community, which contains 2,800 arte- facts and more than 500 kilograms of historical silver craft. Visitors to the area can tie Rijal Al Ma’a into a day trip involving the nearby cable cars and lunch or dinner at one of several excellent restaurants.
Spend a day exploring the sites Make time to visit other mountain villages nearby
HABALAH Situated 40 kilometres from Abha, this unique site, known as ‘The Hanging Village’, was inhabited for 300 years by people who lived in houses clinging perilously to the cliff face. The residents vacated in 1980 but, until then, had a pulley system and rope ladders as the only forms of communica- tion and for getting food and supplies to the isolated homes. It is possible to climb up, but
there is also a convenient cable car that takes visitors up to the village to see inside the homes,
HIGH ON A MOUNTAIN VILLAGES
Tere is evidence that mankind has lived successfully in the mountains of Asir for 9,000 years with settlements nestled across the region, each reflecting different ways of life. Villagers living in the mountains before the emergence of motorised vehicles had little choice but to make do with
materials and supplies at hand. Te height of the surrounding mountains and depth of the valleys meant it was extremely difficult for dwellers to bring in groceries and building materials. As a result, each village adopted its own technique for day-to-day living, each one markedly different from the next.
some of which are amazingly well preserved. Many relics of the days when the village was a successful community are still visible, including the iron buckets used to haul supplies up the cliff face. The cable car runs from
9am to 9pm between April and September, then Wednesday to Friday 10am to 6pm throughout the rest of the year.
Part of a full-day tour Group size: up to 20 Avoid the midday heat
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MOUNTAIN TOURS From climbing to mountain biking, there is a host of oppor- tunities for adventurers to enjoy the spectacular ranges across the Asir National Park. Mountain tours take visitors around Al Soudah and Al Habala for rock climbing and Tathlith is where camel trekking and hot air balloon rides offer a new perspective on this beautiful region. For the truly adventurous, operators will arrange moun- tain tours for up to three days, incorporating several activities. Jebel Al Helah, an extinct
volcano located near the village of Mohayl and Jebel Al Taraf in Ohud Rofaidah are other popular destinations within the area.
Early mornings, before the temperature peaks around midday, are best for tours Tours to suit all abilities Hot air balloon rides offer a unique perspective
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