Al Soudah does not just sit in the clouds; it rises through them with quiet wisdom.
This is Saudi Arabia’s highest peak (some 3,000 metres), and in its cool embrace lies Aqabat Al-Qurun. With its fresh mountain air and forests of juniper and wild olive, this trail offers an experience that feels otherworldly, welcoming, and reassuringly safe, as if the mountains themselves keep watch.
This is a moderate to challenging hike and worth every step. As you make your way along the path, you are met with sweeping views of zigzagging valleys, stitched like seams into the earth. The terrain is dramatic yet gentle enough to explore at your own pace. Hikers describe feeling at ease here, surrounded by dense green nature.
The silence in Aqabat Al-Qurun feels intentional. Along the way, you will find quiet corners perfect for reflection, places where you might even feel tempted to set up camp and stay forever. The trail passes ancient stone buildings and forest clearings. Even in summer, temperatures remain pleasantly cool, making it an ideal escape from the city. By dusk, the degrees drop further and the ridges turn the colour of bruised plums.
This trail takes hikers down to Rijal Almaa, a village dating back more than 900 years, famed for its multi-storey structures. Beyond the trail are rock faces for climbers and even opportunities to paraglide above the trees. If you prefer a gentler pace, end your hike with tea at Al Sahab Park or enjoy dinner under the moon in Abha’s scenic High City. Down in the city, Abha’s historic Souq Al Thulatha (Tuesday Market), one of Aseer’s oldest, invites you to wander and explore.
Photographer: @osama_jabarti
Drone Operator: Muteb Almalki
Producer: @itskokopuff
Location Manager: @raaydsh
Camera Assistant: @faisa.51
Featuring: @rebeccaanneproctor
