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NATURE & OUTDOORS

Exhilarating mountains to climb in Saudi

Spellbinding vistas, ancient history, diverse wildlife, and even a touch of mystery – scale the story-rich heights of Saudi’s most awe-inspiring mountains for all this and more.

Words by Elise Morton

As Saudi continues to open up to the world, avid hikers and trekkers (along with more novice walkers, sunset seekers and nature enthusiasts) are beginning to explore the Kingdom’s enchanting heights.

Saudi’s peaks are home not only to rugged (and sometimes surprising) natural beauty and panoramic views, but also millennia of history and deep religious significance. Whether you’re seeking out spiritual connection, geological marvels, or simply a sense of pure adventure, the mountains of Saudi are calling. Don your walking boots and embark on a journey of discovery, one mountain at a time.

Jabal Soudah

There may be some debate as to whether Jabal Soudah still holds the title of Saudi’s highest peak – new measurements means another of the country’s majestic mountains, Jabal Ferwa, is also in the running – but this much is certain: Jabal Soudah offers bucket list-level hiking. Rising around 3,000m above the Kingdom in the southwestern Asir region, on sunny days the summit offers panoramic views as far as the Red Sea, but half the joy is in the journey itself (although the cable car direct to the peak is also a popular choice). Thanks to its height and topography, trekking Jabal Soudah (whose name translates to ‘Black Mountain’) is a journey through a number of different worlds. The familiar desert landscape, dotted with cacti, gives way as you climb to a lush, semi-tropical terrain reminiscent of the jungle that is even home to troops of baboons.

If time allows, linger in the surrounding Asir National Park to spot over 300 species of birds. A luxury mountain tourism destination, Soudah Peaks, was recently announced and will include much of Soudah mountain and Rijal Almaa. Soudah Park is currently closed as building works take place for the resort, along with the cable car that used to run from it. However, some hiking will be possible but not from the well-known Soudah park area. Al Sahab Park, which lies south of Soudah, is another place with the most widescreen views where visitors can experience the joys of the Abha mountains.

Jabal Al Lawz

Cloaked in mystery – and even a little controversy – Jabal Al Lawz towers 2,580 metres above sea level, not far from the Jordanian border in Saudi’s northwest. Some believe that this somewhat mystical mountain, whose name means “Mount of Almonds”, is the real Mount Sinai referred to in the Bible. Though this claim has been disputed, many visitors nonetheless flock here in winter hoping for a glimpse of snow, while others make the journey to take in the remarkable pre-Islamic petroglyphs and inscriptions that punctuate the valleys. It’s worth bearing in mind that the very summit of Jabal Al Lawz is not open to hikers, and that trekking here is best done with the assistance (and next-level knowledge) of a guide. Jabal Lawz is now the home to NEOM’s Trojena and will eventually become a state-of-the-art, ultra-luxury tourist destination.

Jabal Dakka, Taif

As you approach Jabal Dakka, nestled among the breathtaking landscape of Ash Shafa in the southwestern Taif province, take a deep breath. That’s the smell of a verdant juniper forest, whose aromatic fragrance joins with a consistent gentle mountain breeze to make Dakka among Saudi’s most beloved nature spots. During the early months of the year you are also likely to see wild lavender flowering in the area. Set amid the Hijaz mountains, Dakka stands at 2,050 metres tall but is, despite its imposing height, one of the Kingdom’s more ‘user-friendly’ mountains. Marked trails and well-maintained roads lead right up to the highest point, while plentiful picnic spots and a number of nearby restaurants and hotels, such as Beit Al Ward Resort, make Jabal Dakka a favourite for families and those less experienced in trekking. Visitors are asked not to feed the local baboons.

Jabal Al Samra, Hail

It’s well known that Saudi hospitality is in a league of its own, but did you know the country’s mountains have played their own part in this all-important tradition? Atop Jabal Al Samra is an intriguing circular structure dating back to the sixth century AD, where chieftain and poet Hatim al-Tai – famed for his unparalleled generosity – would light fires to guide travellers traversing the harsh desert landscape. Once you’ve explored Hatim al-Tai’s “stove”, as it is known, enjoy vistas over the city of Hail from the summit before strolling around the lake at Jabal Al Samra park, set on the mountain’s lower slopes. Looking for an extra dose of history? Don’t leave town without checking out the spectacular 17th-century A’arif Fort, just a short drive from Al Samra.

Jabal Al Majaz, Asir

Experienced mountain hikers looking for their next adventure should look no further than Jabal al Majaz. Towering at a height of 2,902 metres, this is the fifth highest peak in the Kingdom. Amidst the rugged scenery of the Sarawat mountain range, Jabal al Majaz offers views of the Asir region and to the border with Yemen, as well as a distinct sense of “getting away from it all” – there’s truly nowhere better to reflect on the striking beauty, and sheer scale, of the Saudi landscape. While you’re in the area, be sure to take a peek at the red-orange stone dwellings at the nearby Al-Jahamah Historical Village.

Mount Uhud, Madinah

Beyond its striking fire-red, black and green rock faces and mesmerising views over Madinah, Mount Uhud is significant for its key role in Islamic history. The mountain was the site of the Battle of Uhud, which saw the prophet Muhammad and the small Muslim community of Madinah clash with forces from Mecca. Unlike Jabal al Nour in Mecca – where the prophet Muhammad is said to have received his first revelation of the Quran – Mount Uhud is open to Muslims and non-Muslims alike. Though Mount Ubud stands at 1,077 metres tall, marked trails make walking the history-rich peak accessible for even novice hikers, while more challenging spots will entice rock climbers to show off their skills – all the while taking in the atmosphere of faith and resilience that permeate the atmosphere here.

Al Qarah, Al Ahsa

Known to locals as the ‘Mountain of Whistling Wind’, this stunning natural formation offers spellbinding views of the valley below; its real treasures, though, lie beneath the surface. The Al-Ahsa oasis, within which it is located, became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2018. The relatively low peak (around 75 metres above street level) is at once an impressive vantage point and a relatively easy climb for walkers of all abilities, many of whom are drawn by the mountain’s intricate network of canyons and caves – around 1.5 kilometres of cave passage in total. There is evidence of ancient settlements dating as far back as 5,000 BC, while the two standout caves – Al Nashab Cave, famed for its constant temperature no matter the season, and Judas Cave, believed to be the site of biblical figure Judas’s death – speak to the area’s geological and spiritual significance. Keen birdwatchers visiting during migration season should keep watch for bulbuls, nightingales, bee-eaters and Eurasian hoopoes, while history buffs may want to delve into the ancient history of the area at the nearby Land of Civilizations museum.

Practical information

Visas

It’s surprisingly simple and easy to get an e-Visa for Saudi and the process is very similar to applying for an ESTA for the USA. Over 50 nationalities are eligible to apply for an e-Visa, including people from the UK and USA, with it costing (at the time of writing) 535 Saudi riyals (about £115 or US$143). Applications are swift and nearly all applicants will receive a response within three working days – most within 24 hours. To apply for your Saudi e-Visa, visit the official Saudi Tourism Authority website. If you’re from the USA, UK or the Schengen Area, you can also apply for a visa on arrival into Saudi. It’s slightly cheaper than an e-Visa, too, at SAR480 (about £102 or US$128).

Getting there & around

With plenty of direct flight links from the UK to Saudi, it’s really easy to get to the country. Saudi’s national airline SAUDIA flies to Riyadh three times daily from London Heathrow, while British Airways also offers a regular service from Heathrow with daily flights to the capital. SAUDIA also operates twice daily flights to Jeddah from London Heathrow and daily flights from London Gatwick. If you’re travelling from the US, SAUDIA offers direct flights to Riyadh from both New York City and Washington, D.C., as well as direct flights to Jeddah from New York City, Washington, D.C. and Los Angeles.

Local customs

To really embrace Saudi life and pay respect towards its traditions, there are a few local customs you should abide when travelling around the country. Both men and women should wear clothing that covers their elbows and below their knees when out in public. If you’re heading to the coast, it’s still expected you dress modestly. When meeting and greeting locals, whether it’s a market stallholder or a private guide, say hello with ‘salam alaykum’, which means ‘peace be upon you’, as well as offering a handshake.

Weather

You might think it’s hot all year round in Saudi but it’s a little more nuanced than that. The best time to visit Riyadh is between October and March, when temperatures can dip as low as 20°C during the daytime and rarely exceed 30°C. Summer months in Riyadh can get extremely hot, with temperatures often above 40°C between June and September.

FAQ

Is English spoken in Saudi?

Arabic is the official national language but English is widely spoken.

What is the currency of Saudi?

The currency of Saudi is the riyal, with the current rate (at the time of writing), around SAR4.76 to the UK£. You’ll need to pre-order money before you travel, as in the UK it’s not usually stocked in currency exchange booths.

What’s it like travelling in Saudi as a female?

We think you’d be surprised! To find out more, read our first-hand account on what it’s like to travel in Saudi.

What’s the time difference in Saudi?

Saudi follows Arabia Standard Time (GMT +3) all year round.