Many people think Saudi Arabia is all desert, but the Asir Mountains will surprise you. This highland region with elevations ranging from 1,800 to over 3,000 meters is full of green forests, winding roads, and misty views you wouldn’t expect. It’s one of the few places in the country where summer feels cool and villages still keep their old charm.
The best way to explore this area is by car. Renting a car in Saudi Arabia lets you reach quiet mountain towns and scenic spots that tours often skip. Our Asir Mountains road trip guide will help you plan your route, stay safe on the road, and enjoy every stop along the way.
Plan ahead when driving in Asir region. The region has high peaks, remote towns, and roads that curve through foggy valleys. Mobile signal can drop in many areas, especially between villages. If you’re not used to mountain driving, it’s best to take it slow and avoid night travel. Here are some of the things to know before starting your road trip through Asir.
The best time to visit the Asir Mountains is spring (March to May) and early autumn (September to October). These months bring clear skies, fresh air, and cooler temperatures. This is a great time if you’re not used to Saudi Arabia’s usual heat. Places like Abha, Al Namas, and Rijal Almaa stay cooler than other parts of the country thanks to their high elevation. Summer in Asir is cooler than the rest of Saudi Arabia, but it can also be foggy or rainy, especially around Al Soudah. Winter is nice but very cold, so it’s better to visit in spring or autumn for a safer and more comfortable trip.
Mountain weather in Asir can be unpredictable. Even in warmer months, areas like Al Soudah and Tanomah can feel cold and damp. Bring a light jacket or sweater, especially if you plan to stop at high points or stay until evening. A power bank is useful since electricity isn’t always available in remote spots. Other essentials include sunscreen, snacks, water bottles, tissue paper, and a small first-aid kit. Some areas don’t have shops nearby, so carry your own supplies. Also, bring a flashlight in case you return late or need to check your car in low light.
Use offline maps in the Asir Mountains. Mobile signal often drops in valleys and remote areas like Rijal Almaa and parts of Tanomah. Always download your route in advance. While driving, slow down near homes, avoid honking, and dress modestly when stepping out. Some villages are very traditional, and locals appreciate polite behavior. Women travelers should cover their shoulders and knees in public areas. If you stop for photos or snacks, it’s good manners to greet shopkeepers or locals with a smile or a simple “Salam.”
If you want to explore the Asir Mountains freely, renting a car is the best option. Many beautiful places in the region are far from city centers and without direct public transport. Driving also lets you stop where you like and enjoy the views along the way. Roads in Asir connect well to other parts of Saudi Arabia, and rental services are easy to find. Here are the key things to know about renting a car in Saudi Arabia.
The easiest place to rent a car is Abha International Airport. If you're flying into another city first, you can also rent from King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh or King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah. These airports have many rental companies and good road links to the south. Booking online before your trip can save time and help you choose the right car for your needs.
You will need a few essential documents to rent a car in Saudi Arabia. Tourists must show a valid passport with a visa and an international driving permit. These are required at the rental desk, even if you book online. It’s also a good idea to carry a copy of your home country’s license. Make sure your documents are still valid and easy to read. Some companies may ask for a credit card for payment or deposit, so have that ready as well.
It’s best to rent a 4WD or SUV for mountain roads in Asir. These vehicles are stronger, safer, and more stable when driving on hills or curvy roads. Places like Al Soudah, Tanomah, and Rijal Almaa have steep areas and sharp turns, so smaller cars may struggle. An SUV also gives more space for luggage and is more comfortable on longer drives. If you plan to visit rural villages or go hiking, having a higher vehicle makes the trip easier.
A road trip to Asir Mountains takes you through some of the most beautiful and surprising places in Saudi Arabia. If you're looking for great tourist spots in Saudi Arabia, these stops in Asir should be at the top of your list.
You’ll likely start your trip in Abha, the main city in the Asir region. The weather stays cool even during summer at around 2,200 meters above sea level. You can fly into Abha International Airport and rent a car to begin your journey. In the city, you can visit Al Muftaha Village, take the Green Mountain cable car, or walk around Abha Dam Lake. The popular Tuesday Market sells local honey, herbs, and handmade goods. Before heading deeper into the mountains, you’ll find hotels, gas stations, cafés, and supermarkets in Abha.
Drive 35 minutes from Abha and you’ll reach Al Soudah, one of the highest places in Saudi Arabia at nearly 3,000 meters. You’ll notice the cool air, fog, and dense juniper forests when you arrive. Al Soudah Park has free entry, picnic areas, and walking paths. You can take the cable car to Rijal Almaa if you're visiting during the holiday season. Roads are paved but curvy, so drive slowly, especially in fog. A 4WD can help if you plan to explore side trails, but it’s not required for the main road.
Rijal Almaa is a village famous for its stone towers and colorful windows. This place is more than 900 years old and is known for its history and beauty. The drive takes about one hour, and the road has sharp turns, so go during the day.
Inside one of the old towers in Rijal Almaa, you’ll find a local museum that shows how people in Asir used to live. The building is part of history, called Al Elwan Fort. You’ll see displays of traditional jewelry, cooking tools, coffee pots (called dallahs), water jars, and other items that were used in daily life. One of the highlights is the colorful Al-Qatt Al-Asiri wall art, a stle painted only by women. This special art is now protected by UNESCO. The museum opens from 9:00 am to 9:00 pm, but closes during prayer times.
Tanomah is a high-altitude city surrounded by juniper forests and the dramatic red peaks of the Sarawat Mountains. The road to Tanomah is just as scenic as the destination. Along the way, you’ll pass by heritage villages, old watchtowers, and parks with wildlife, so take your time. When you arrive, visit the well-known waterfall, one of the town’s top natural sights. If you enjoy camping, head to Ash Sharaf Park, where you’ll find a quiet spot to relax and explore the area. Watch out for playful baboons along the route because they are everywhere.
Drive another 34 km from Tanomah and you’ll arrive in Al Namas. The town is around 2,400 meters high, which means cooler temperatures and clean mountain air. Al Namas is one of the oldest cities in Saudi Arabia. It’s often called the “City of Fog” because thick mist covers the area for long periods, especially in spring and winter.
Even during summer, the weather stays mild and pleasant. The city lies in the Sarawat mountain range and is surrounded by forests, valleys, and waterfalls, making it one of the greenest places in the region. You can stop by Al Dhabab Park for scenic views or explore quiet trails through the hills. The park also has a telescope and viewing deck to enjoy sunset views above the clouds.
The Asir Mountains stretch across southwest Saudi Arabia and are known for cool air, mountain towns, and fog-covered peaks. This region is one of the few places in the Kingdom where you’ll find dense forests, flowing valleys, and centuries-old culture in one place. Whether you enjoy hiking, history, or local food, the area offers a mix of nature and tradition that’s easy to explore by car. Most activities are free or low-cost, and many sites are open year-round. Below are some of the best things to do during your visit.
The Abha cable car to Green Mountain (Jabal Thera) gives you sweeping views of the city below. Another popular ride connects Al Soudah to the villages in the valley, though it usually runs only during summer festivals and holidays. Tickets are around 80 SAR per person and can be bought at the station. It runs from 1 pm to 6 pm. Each ride lasts 20 minutes each way and is great for photos.
You can learn a lot about the region by visiting small museums in Rijal Almaa, Al Muftaha Village, and the visitor center in Asir National Park. Exhibits include tribal clothing, cooking tools, jewelry, and the colorful Al-Qatt Al-Asiri wall art, painted by local women. Many of these museums are housed in old stone buildings, so you get a history lesson and an architecture tour simultaneously. Most are open from 9:00 am to 9:00 pm, but they close during prayer times. Entry fees are low, around 20 to 25 SAR.
Don’t leave Asir without trying local dishes like Areeka (a warm bread and date mix), Haneeth (slow-cooked meat), and fresh honey from the mountains. These meals are served in small restaurants across Abha, Al Soudah, and Tanomah, often with a view of the valleys or hills. Cafés in the Green Mountain and Al Dhabab Park in Al Namas also serve snacks and drinks. Most places are affordable and open late into the evening, especially in the summer.
During special seasons like Al Soudah Season in July or the Abha Summer Festival from July to September, you can watch traditional sword dances, drumming, and music shows. These events often take place in public parks or cultural centers. The most famous dance is the Al Ardah, where men line up with swords and move to the beat of drums. These shows are free and family-friendly. Schedules are usually posted online or announced through local tourism offices.
Asir has many natural spots to relax and take in the views. Some of the best ones are Jabal Thera near Abha, Soudah Viewpoint, and Al Dhabab Park in Al Namas. These areas have parking, picnic tables, and even telescopes for stargazing or watching the fog roll in. Locals often gather here in the late afternoon for tea and snacks, especially during weekends and holidays.
Markets in Abha and surrounding villages sell handmade baskets, wooden tools, and colorful fabrics. Many of these crafts are made by local families using methods passed down for generations. You can find items decorated with Al-Qatt art, a unique design stle found only in Asir. Prices are usually low, but it’s common to bargain politely. Shops near Rijal Almaa and Al Muftaha Village are also good places to look for souvenirs.
The drive from Abha to Al Soudah or Tanomah to Al Namas is one of the best parts of visiting the region. The roads are paved but have sharp turns and steep climbs, so drive slowly and avoid speeding, especially in fog. These scenic routes pass through forests, valleys, and viewpoints where you can safely pull over. A regular car is fine for most roads, but a 4WD is useful for exploring unpaved trails or visiting remote villages like Al Habala, Al Wasata, Shamasan, or Al Qahtaniyah.
A road trip to Asir Mountains gives you more than scenery. It lets you explore Saudi culture, enjoy cooler weather, and discover peaceful towns. With the right car and a simple plan, this journey becomes one of the best highland escapes in the kingdom. FinalRentals is a trusted platform to rent a car for your trip. Whether you need a compact car for city driving or a 4WD for mountain roads, we offer flexible pick-up options in Abha, Riyadh, and Jeddah.
