A Guide To Spend Your Vacation In Aseer

By Vishnupriya Prasannan

  ●   11 Jul 22

Destinations

Middle East

Weekend Getaways

Aseer is a true beauty. It’s an unexplored mountain region of Saudi Arabia that offers great lush green landscapes brimming with natural beauty. The forests, mountains, art villages, and culture make the place more attractive and scenic. Aseer is home to a national park with more than 300 bird species. This province of Saudi was named after the tribe inhabited here. Abhah, Khamis Mushayt, and Bishah are the major cities of Aseer, with Abhah being the capital. To know more about the top places to visit and things to do in Aseer, read further because we are covering most of the top places in Aseer to make your travel itinerary more smooth and fun.

Planning your weekend getaway trip? Check out the other weekend getaway spots in Saudi here.

Mountains of Asir

Things to do in Aseer

  • Explore the restaurants
  • Take a stroll around the traditional markets
  • Visit the historical sites and learn more about the past
  • Go for hiking
  • Have a fun time in the amusement park
  • Spend a day on a desert outing

 

Places to Visit in Aseer

 

In addition to these, Aseer has a lot of other places you can explore. Here is a list of the places which will make it easier for you to plan the itinerary.

Jabal Thera (Green Mountain)

Jabal Thera, also known as Green Mountain, is one of the top places in Aseer that you should not miss visiting. This hilltop in the south of Abhah is lit up at night by neon green lights that radiate a warm emerald glow around the city, which changes the city’s tone and makes it more spectacular. The site was earlier used as a military headquarters taking the strategic location as an advantage. Now it is entirely a tourist destination. Surprisingly, this place has a pleasant climate, making it more suitable as a tourist destination. There are many cafes and restaurants at the top of the mountain, where you can enjoy the amazing panoramic view and delicious meals. 

Timings

Every day after 2 pm, the mountain is open to visitors.

How to explore Jabal Thera?

There are two options for the visitors to explore Jabal Thera, which are:

  • Climb the mountain on foot, and if you are someone who loves adventure, you will enjoy hiking and the beauty of the mountains.
  • Take a cable car to the mountain park to experience the valley’s spectacular natural splendor. The cable car ride is more enjoyable at night when the city is illuminated, creating a stunning scene.
Does Jabal Thera have an entrance fee?

Yes, visitors have to pay an entrance fee of 5 USD to enter here. The benefit of this entrance fee is that you can use your money to purchase food at any of the nearby eateries.

 

Al Habala

Image of cable car
Slow down and enjoy the view

One of Saudi Arabia’s true wonders is the fascinating and peculiar “hanging village” of Al Habala. The town is made up of a collection of sandstone houses perched on the edge of a sheer cliff and only reachable by rope ladders (habal). It was constructed by the Qahtani tribe more than 370 years ago, who chose this remote location to elude the Ottomans. Until the 1980s, they subsisted on tiny cattle and terraced gardens.

Tourists can explore the village by cable car, but this service is only available from May to October. Visitors can catch a glimpse of the village for the rest of the year from a little faraway viewpoint. Visitors can also see Qahtani men wearing customary flower garlands welcome them.

Does Al Habala have an entrance fee?

No, there is no entrance fee required to visit this location.

 

Shada Mountain

Shada Mountain
Admire the beauty of nature

The al-Bahah region’s Shada Mountain is known for its caves. The spectacular caves and grottoes on Shada Mountain are inscribed with around 3,000-year-old artwork and inscriptions. This mountain range, located amid Baha’s breathtaking granite terrain, and the nearby town of Al Makhwah are well-known for their coffee plantations and source of Saudi Arabia’s most costly honey. So when you visit, add trying out the honey, ghee dish, freshly baked bread, and regional Shadawi coffee to your things to do in Aseer list.

Timings

The spot is open 24 hours everyday.

Does Shada Mountain have an entrance fee?

No, there is no entrance fee required to visit this location.

 

Aseer National Park

Aseer National Park
Nothing but endlessly beautiful

The National Park is the first national park in Saudi Arabia, with an area of 1600 square kilometers. The park includes 300+ bird species, and it is one of the top places in Aseer that tourists visit. There are 67 campsites and 45 picnic areas available for visitors. A wide range of activities like trekking and hiking are available here. This is an ideal place for people who enjoy outdoor exploration. It is also home to Jabal Sawda, Saudi Arabia’s tallest peak. Don’t forget to include this place on your list of things to do in Aseer. Don’t forget to include this place on your list of things to do in Aseer.

Timings

The park is open 24 hours everyday.

Does Aseer National Park have an entrance fee?

The entrance is free of charge in this park.

 

Rijal Almaa

Rijal Almaa
The gingerbread village of Saudi

Rijal Almaa looks like a village straight from the fairy tale stories that we have read. It is tiny, charming, and very attractive. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with a community that thrived for more than 350 years. A top attraction here is the town museum, which has a six-story structure and a great collection of outstanding works of history and art. Visitors will also get a chance to interact with the flower men of Rijal Almaa. Tourists can also attend the yearly flowerman festival representing the native Aseri Tribe’s culture. Click here to know more about the flowerman festival and its tradition.

Rijal Almaa is considered one of the top places in Aseer to visit, so do not miss the chance to explore this village.

Timings

The opening hours of the town museum is from 7:00 AM to 8:00 PM. 

Does Rijal Almaa have an entrance fee?

Yes, visitors have to pay an entrance fee of 5 USD to enter here.

 

Tanomah

Tanomah
More adventure, less worry

Tanomah is all about the breathtaking view and scenery. The mountains make Tanomah the most attractive and beautiful. The place is known for the warm and chilly weather, and it is known for the splendid waterfalls, juniper trees, lush green mountain slopes, and many more. This is an ideal spot for camping. Visitors can set up tents, stay and sleep under the dreamy starry skies. Witnessing a beautiful sunrise or sunset from here will be a treat for your eyes and soul.

Timings

The place is open throughout the day.

Does Tanomah have an entrance fee?

No, there is no entrance fee required to visit here.

 

Never Miss Out On These Top Dishes When in Aseer

Main Course
  • Alswaiq: Alswaiq is a rice dish.
  • AlMathriyah: AlMathriyah is a meat dish
  • Qurs: Qurs is a kind of bread
  • Alhnaith: Alhnaith is a meat dish
  • Margoug: Margoug is stew
  • Areekah: Areekah is a dates dish.
Desserts
  • Almaasoob: Almaasoob is a dessert made of bananas that have gone overripe, crushed flat bread, cream, cheese, dates, and honey.
Almaasoob
Always save room for dessert. Source: Wikipedia

 

  • Mahghootha
  • Tasabee
  • Harissa
  • Alaseeda

 

Traditional architecture is one of Aseer Province’s most evident indicators of cultural heritage. The province as a whole is filled with numerous historic settlements that enhance the beauty of the terrain.

The untouched, unspoiled beauty of Aseer is waiting for you to pay a visit and gaze upon the awe-inspiring views. Book your tickets on Rehlat, get some exciting offers, and explore the unexplored top places in Aseer!

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Vishnupriya Prasannan

Making spontaneous travel plans and good surprises are something I ace at. Big-time movie buff and series addict. If not watching a movie, you can find me lost with a book. Still waiting for my letter from Hogwarts.

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A Guide To Spend Your Vacation In Aseer