A trip to Asir is rarely complete without a stop in Rijal Almaa, a village where unique architecture meets centuries-old historical heritage. Located just 45 kilometers from Abha, it’s an ideal day trip destination, and its colorful, heritage-inspired buildings have earned it a place among the world’s top tourist destinations.
What does the day of the trip look like?
The tour begins with a four-wheel drive vehicle accompanied by a professional tour guide, with pick-up and drop-off service provided from the hotel. From there, the program is divided into several main stops.
The village itself is the highlight of the tour, with its stone houses sometimes rising to seven or eight stories high, their facades adorned with traditional “Qatt al-Asiri” decorations passed down through generations of women. The tour then continues to a honey hut, where visitors can learn firsthand about the production of the mountain honey for which the region is renowned. The tour concludes with a visit to a local strawberry farm, which has benefited from the cool climate of the Asir highlands and is a particularly popular stop for families traveling with children.
What does the package include and how much does it cost?
The package price typically starts at around US$405 per group, but a 16% discount can reduce it to approximately US$340. Fees and VAT are usually included in the price upfront, with the tour available daily and the admission ticket valid for all day.
Where can I book?
Several travel platforms, including GetYourGuide and Booking.com , offer packages similar to the Rijal Almaa trip. It’s advisable to compare multiple offers before finalizing your booking, as details may vary from one organizer to another in terms of timing, number of stops, and cancellation policy.
Things worth knowing before you go
The timing makes a real difference here. The climate in Asir remains mild to cool for most of the year, but summer is still the busiest season, as many head to the mountainous highlands to escape the heat in the rest of the country. Visiting the region outside of this time of year usually means greater tranquility and a more relaxed pace.
It is advisable to bring a light jacket regardless of the season, as the altitude makes the weather in the mornings and evenings cooler than a visitor might expect, even in the summer.
Because the village is still inhabited by real people, it is advisable to ask permission before taking pictures inside the houses, although the place itself is a great opportunity for photography.
The best time to visit is early morning or shortly before sunset, both in terms of natural light and to avoid the crowds that peak at midday.
Before leaving, local honey is worth including in your purchases; it is one of the best souvenirs you can buy from this trip.
For those planning a visit during a busy season, it is recommended to book in advance, as visitors quickly rush to book guides and vehicles for mountain roads as soon as the season begins.
Ultimately, the journey to Rijal Alma’ is not merely a stopover in a travel plan to Asir, but rather a complete experience that combines history, nature, and folk crafts in a way that is difficult to find an equal to, making it worthy of a prominent place in any travel plan to the region.