Escape from the coast and discover Arabian mountain life. Only 2 hours drive from Jeddah, explore the local market of Taif, hike a scenic mountain trail and see a wide variety of plant life. Discover small caves still used by locals for storage and for rest. The Mountains of Arabia are calling!
Depart from Jeddah for a day in the mountains. Within an hour, the road climbs sharply, with many hairpin turns, up to 2,200 metres above sea level. This is the Taif region, a mountain city lying on a plateau which is a base for the farmers in the region to come buy, sell and socialise.
Visit the local market, a fun mix of shops selling traditional Saudi items. For example wear such as ‘thobe’ and ‘abaya’ the cloaks for men and women. There are plenty of shops which display ‘all equipment a farmer needs’ from buckets to shovels, from seed to sandals. The only tourists coming here are pilgrims visiting the few Islamic sites and the rose farms (only in April).
After browsing the market and enjoying lunch at a local restaurant in Taif, leave urbanisation behind and head for the hills to embark on a trek. The hike takes around three-hours, following a narrow trail that winds up and down. It is not very hard but rocky and not always shaded. At this altitude the temperatures are much lower than on the coast but working up a sweat is guaranteed, also in winter.
The terrain is lush and varied, offering a stark contrast to Saudi Arabia’s deserts, with wild lavender, juniper trees, red roses, and yellow flowers scattered across sweeping views. Ascend to a cave near the hilltop once used by farmers as shelter. Though mountain lynxes and Arabian wolves inhabit the area, sightings are rare. After soaking in the panoramic hilltop views, descend back to the base along the same trail. Upon completing the hike, transfer back to Jeddah via another route. (L)
Inclusions:
🥘 Lunch
Notes:
- Moderate hike on a rocky trail which descends gradually.
- Walking: up to 3 hours (4.5 km) (including water breaks and photo time)
- Elevation: + 129 m / - 134 m
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