T e town of Habalah in the Asir province literally means
'rope', a name that is derived from the pulleys and ropes that residents of the 'Hanging Village' used to receive food and other goods. Today, a cable car makes it accessible for visitors
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Habalah Famous as 'The Hanging Village', houses here cling perilously to cliff faces around 40 kilometres from Abha. Inhabited for 300 years until the residents vacated it for more accessible places, the village has been preserved for tourists. When inhabited, a pulley system and ladders served as the village’s only means of access to the rest of the world and was used by the residents to receive food and other supplies from passing merchants. Though it’s still possible to climb
up, most visitors prefer the convenience of a cable car, which runs from 9am to 9pm between April and September, then Wednesday to Friday 10am to 6pm throughout the rest of the year.
Al Maqar Not only does Asir province have the most spectacular mountain scenery in all of Saudi Arabia, it also boasts a coastline where those mountains meet the Red Sea. A sandy bank called the Tihamah runs parallel to the Asir coastline and Al Maqar, perched on the edge of a cliff, offers spectacular vistas of this feature and of the shimmering waters of the Red Sea beyond. The area provides visitors with restaurants, museums and a zoo, making it ideal for a half-day or day trip from Abha. Al Maqar is also noteworthy
as the site of an ancient town where animal remains have been found that suggest horses were domesticated 9,000 years ago – signifi cant, considering the previous evidence for the oldest use of horses dates back to 5,500 years ago in Central Asia. The Al Maqar site is currently the centre of an archaeological investigation following the discovery of these remains.
Half-day tour Best viewed in the afternoon The view of the Red Sea in the distance is breathtaking on clear days
MICE TIPS
ABHA INTERNATIONAL EXHIBITION CENTER Located between Abha and Khamis Muhayt, the Abha International Exhibition Center provides a total of 8,000 square meters in five exhibition halls around a semi-open central area, plus a state- of-the-art auditorium for 550 delegates with additional conference rooms and full support
services. A leisure complex with a 60-room motel and health club is also attached to the centre.
INTERCONTINENTAL HOTEL, ABHA
Located in the Al Soodah Mountains, the highest point in Saudi Arabia,
InterContinental Hotel, Abha is at the heart of the region's meetings landscape. It offers both five-star luxury in its traditional,
European-style rooms and a conference centre with a total of eight
meetings rooms and a main conference hall capable of hosting 560 delegates.
+966 17 2247777
Asir National Park Asir National Park is Saudi Arabia’s fi rst national park. Designated in 1981, the huge expanse of the 2,000-hectare park covers an area that begins in the mountains west of Abha and cuts across the Tihamah plain to the Red Sea. The park covers a stunning
swathe of diverse landscape, incorporating mountains, desert and sea, which has led to it being described as one of the greatest national parks in the world. The park’s valleys, which are
lined with juniper trees, provide a safe haven for wildlife, especially birds, including partridges, magpies, warblers, the rare Barbary falcon and the kestrel. The nearly extinct long-legged bustard has also been spotted here. A visitor centre with seven
exhibition rooms and panoramic views is situated near the middle of the park while the main points of entry are from Al Hadba, Al Qara, Al Sudah, Dalgan, Abha, Prince Sultan Park and Toor Al Masqah.
Short tours and long trekking trips Open all day but avoid the midday heat The spectacular sunset from 3,000 feet above sea level
Part or full-day tour Open all day Climb up the traditional way and take the cable car down for the best of both worlds
Mountain Tours The Asir National Park region is full of opportunities for adventure sports and outdoor activities such as climbing, mountain biking and hiking across the valleys, forests and mountain ranges. The areas of Al Soudah and Al Habala have the best rock climbing, while Tathlith offers camel and hot-air balloon rides. Jebel Al Helah, an extinct volcano located near the village of Mohayl and Jebel Al Taraf in Ohud Rofaidah are other popular mountain destinations within the area. Tour operators can arrange mountain tours for up to three days, incorporating several activities and camping.
Outdoor enthusiasts, nature lovers and group activities Early mornings Take a hot-air balloon ride
For adventure tour packages:
alshitaiwitours.com jawlahtours.com
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