The Asir Mountains lie in the southwestern region of Saudi Arabia, parallel to the Red Sea. It comprises areas of Saudi Arabia, including areas near the Yemeni border.
The mountains cover approximately 100,000 square kilometers (40,000 sq mi), consisting of mountains, plains, and valleys of the Arabian highlands.
They are part of the Sarawat Mountains running parallel to the Tihamah in the western portion of the Arabian Peninsula and the western parts of Saudi Arabia.
Geology
The geological structure of mountains consists primarily of limestone, sedimentary rock, sandstone, and shale of Jurassic, Cretaceous, and Paleogene origin on a Precambrian granite base.
Climate and agriculture
The region enjoys the highest average rainfall in Saudi Arabia, with an average rainfall range ranging from 600mm (24 in) to over 1,000 mm (39 in) per year in the wetter regions.
Its eastern plains and plateaus receive much lower amounts, from 500 mm (20 in) to below 100 mm (3.9 in) per year. Most of the region’s crops are cultivated on steep terraced mountainsides.
These include wheat, cotton, coffee, indigo, ginger, vegetables, and palms. The region’s vegetation also supports cattle, sheep, goats, and camel farming.
Wildlife of Saudi Arabia
The region’s difficult terrain has helped preserve its unique biodiversity, with Asir mountains being considered among the last few natural habitats of the Arabian leopard.
Wadis and valleys of the Asir Mountains range
Wadi Al-Ghayna is beautiful as the other valleys, while Wadi Al-Sulayyil has rare perennial trees and dense vegetation throughout the year.
The Tihama valleys have many spring water fountains, gardens, and palaces.
The Yabah Valley, a travel destination for nature-lovers, is located in the province of Al-Majardah, from where it extends 100 kilometers to the Red Sea near Al-Qunfudah.
Wadi Hali’s importance lies in its upper tributaries flowing from Rijal Almaa in the south to Tihama Bani Shahr in the north.
Its waters run their course through to the Red Sea, descending from the Sarawat Mountains and traveling through the neighboring valleys.
Wadi Al-Bardani, the 8-kilometer long valley is located in Bariq, is famous for its flowing waters, rare birds, and wild animals that make their home here.
Places to visit in the Asir Mountains
Abha- Saudi Arabia’s Summer Capital
Abha is the capital city of Aseer Province and the 6th most populated city in the Kingdom.
It is over 2 200 meters above sea level, it is famous for being the highest large city of Saudi Arabia, with some parts of the city located at around 2 400 meters.
At this altitude, it is not surprising that Abha benefits from a milder climate compared to the rest of the country, with day temperatures ranging between 15°C to 35°C.
Unlike the rest of the country with a solitary rainy season during March and May, Aseer Province enjoys the second spell of rains in July and August due to the Indian monsoon that reaches the southwest of Saudi Arabia.
History of Abha
Located to the north of the ancient Kingdoms of Sheeba and Himyar, Abah has remained fertile for millennia; despite climate changes, it lies within the territory once named by the Romans’ Arabia Felix‘. Abha and the Province of Aseer have a long history.
Though there are no remains dating from these ancient times in Abha itself, some ancient carvings close to Habalah and Jerash just 30 kilometers away are testimonies of its past.
Aseer Province was largely unknown to the world until Harry St. John Philby explored it in 1932 and published his observations in 1952. After that, it was no longer a blank spot on the map.
Read: Nature’s Magic: Top 5 Tourist Attractions in Al Bahah
Places to visit in Abha
Aseer Regional Museum
Located next to the Emira Palace in the city center next to the Emira Palace Aseer Regional Museum narrates the history of Abha and Aseer Province, exhibiting traditional handicrafts and antiquities of Aseer.
Al-Muftaha Museum
Al-Muftaha Village lies a few hundred meters from the Regional Museum, a cultural center built to the traditional standards of Aseer architecture. Here a hall of plastic arts and shops sell handcrafts.
Shada Palace
Built-in 1927, Shada Palace was originally the headquarters of the Emira of Aseer Province.
It’s a brilliant example of the traditional architecture of South Arabia, replicated in the construction of the new Emira Palace built a few meters from the heritage site.
In 2017 Sheda Palace underwent renovations and was converted into a museum for old planting, manuscripts, photographs, household tools, and coins, displaying life in Abha during the second half of the twentieth century.
Jebel Al-Akhdar – The Green Mountain
In the south of Abha lies, Jebel Akhdar a green hill standing tall at an altitude of 2340 meters. It has one of the best viewpoints over the city of Abha and its surrounding mountains, extending to the edge of the majestic Sarawat mountains.
Al-Basta
Al-Basta district comprises many of the old villages that once formed what today is the city of Abha.
Al-Basta has retained its charm and good condition with its colorful yet elegant traditional architecture and its narrow but charming streets that run along the Abha valley.
Al-Basta district also has an Ottoman bridge that connects the village to a garden.
Shamasan Fort
The fort built during the Ottoman occupation overlooks the northern parts of Abha.
It is a 91 meter long and 25 meters wide rectangular Fort, with three towers and a gate for entrance on the southwestern side. Several rooms and facilities open into the fort’s interior courtyard.
Abha dam
With surrounding mountains as high as 3000 meters, Abha city had been exposed to the possibility of flooding. Which today has been prevented by building a 300-meter dam located to the west of the city.
In addition to protecting the city, the dam has created a kilometer-long lake. Here the lush green beautiful landscapes of Abha contrasts with the serene blue of the lake and the bustle of the city.
Attractions and Activities during Ahir Mountain’s visit
- Abha Dam Lake
- Cable Car
- Asir National Park
- High City
- Green Mountains
- Al Maqar Museum
- Rijal Almaa Tour
