FlyZafy
Sign in
Al Soudah

Abha, Saudi Arabia

Al Soudah

The highest part of the Asir mountains, about 20 km west of Abha: cool juniper forest, rocky peaks near 3,000 metres and dramatic views down the escarpment towards the Red Sea plain.

Favourite places

Local food

  • Areeka

    Abha, Saudi Arabia

    The classic breakfast of Asir: a dense dough of whole-wheat bread kneaded by hand with ghee and dates, shaped into a mound with a well in the middle that is filled with more ghee and local honey. Eaten with the fingers, usually shared.Read more

  • Haneeth

    Abha, Saudi Arabia

    Lamb slow-roasted in a closed pit or clay oven until it falls off the bone, served over spiced rice. A dish of the southern regions, made for guests and family gatherings.

  • Asir mountain honey

    Abha, Saudi Arabia

    The Asir highlands are known across the kingdom for their honey, much of it from sidr and other wild mountain flowers. Sold in jars at markets and roadside stalls, and poured over areeka and fresh bread.

Where to eat

  • Al Soudah road cafés and rest stops

    Along the road from Abha to Al Soudah

    Cafés, kiosks and roadside stalls selling coffee, tea, grilled corn, honey and snacks, many with views.

    Open in Google Maps (opens in a new tab)

  • Traditional Asiri restaurants

    Across Abha and along the Al Soudah road

    Many restaurants serve areeka, haneeth and mandi in family rooms with floor seating and cushions. Ask for areeka with local honey and ghee at breakfast.

    Open in Google Maps (opens in a new tab)

Where to stay

  • Al Soudah highlands

    Abha, Saudi Arabia

    Mountain resorts, chalets and rest houses (istirahat) among the juniper forest about 20 km west of Abha — the coolest place to stay in summer, quiet and often in the clouds.

    Open in Google Maps (opens in a new tab)

  • Abha Dam lake and the western hills

    Abha, Saudi Arabia

    Larger hotels and resorts near the Abha Dam lake and on the hills towards Abu Kheyal and the Green Mountain, with cooler air and views over the city.

    Open in Google Maps (opens in a new tab)

Culture

Picnics under the junipers are a summer tradition for Saudi families, with a fire, coffee and grilled meat. Baboons live in the area — do not feed them and keep food out of sight.

History

Al Soudah lies on the summit area of the Sarawat mountains, close to Jebel Sawda, one of the highest peaks in Saudi Arabia at about 3,000 metres. Its slopes are covered by one of the kingdom's largest juniper forests, and for generations shepherds and villagers lived among its terraces and stone houses.

The area has long been a summer retreat for people from Abha and beyond. A cable car was built to link Al Soudah with Rijal Almaa far below, and today the highlands are the focus of a major development to turn them into a year-round mountain destination while protecting the forest and villages.

Tour plans

Al Soudah day out

Full day

  1. Step 1: Morning drive from Abha

    Leave early for the clearest views on the road west.

  2. Step 2: Juniper forest walk

    Stretch your legs on a trail or picnic area among the junipers.

  3. Step 3: Escarpment viewpoint

    Look down over the drop towards Rijal Almaa and the Tihama plain.

  4. Step 4: Lunch and return

    Eat at a mountain café, or continue down to Rijal Almaa by road.

Travel information

Best time to visit

June to September for cool days (often 15–25 °C) and green slopes; winter is cold and can see frost. Mornings usually have the clearest views.

How to get there

Drive about 30–40 minutes west from Abha on the road towards Al Soudah. There is no regular public transport; use a hire car, a taxi for the round trip or a day tour.

Getting around

A car is essential to move between viewpoints, picnic areas and resorts. Some forest areas have walking trails; stay on marked paths near the cliff edges.

Travel tips

  • It is several degrees colder than Abha — bring a warm jacket even in summer.
  • Fog can be very thick; drive slowly and use your lights.
  • Take your rubbish with you to protect the juniper forest.
  • Check locally whether the cable car to Rijal Almaa is operating.
  • Dress modestly in public: for men and women, clothes that cover the shoulders and knees; women are not required to wear an abaya or cover their hair, but loose clothing is expected. Some shops and small businesses close briefly at each of the five daily prayer times, and on Friday many open only after the midday prayer. The weekend is Friday and Saturday.

All destinations