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All Saudi Arabia Al Reeth Jabal al Qahar

Jabal al Qahar

Climbing the "mountain of frustration" is no easy feat.

Al Reeth, Saudi Arabia

Added By
HouseAtreides
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The Arch, yes you can climb over it   HouseAtreides / Atlas Obscura User
The Arch, yes you can climb over it   HouseAtreides / Atlas Obscura User
No your rental Corolla will not make it (down yes, back up - no)   HouseAtreides / Atlas Obscura User
Lots of cows, goats, sheep and camels   HouseAtreides / Atlas Obscura User
Miles of tracks to explore   HouseAtreides / Atlas Obscura User
shockingly blue and yellow lizards   HouseAtreides / Atlas Obscura User
Can you spot the traditional cave dweling?   HouseAtreides / Atlas Obscura User
water delivery, and you thought your commute was tough…   HouseAtreides / Atlas Obscura User
recently a rather nice popup picnic spot was built at the top.   HouseAtreides / Atlas Obscura User
wind carved sandstone   HouseAtreides / Atlas Obscura User
like mars with palm trees   HouseAtreides / Atlas Obscura User
when it rains this becomes a massive waterfall hurtling over the cliff   HouseAtreides / Atlas Obscura User
edge of the world   HouseAtreides / Atlas Obscura User
traditional structures   HouseAtreides / Atlas Obscura User
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About

Roughly translated as "struggle mountain" or "mountain of frustration," Jabal al Qahar is a remote plateau in the Asir mountains of Saudi Arabia. It reaches some 2,000 meters above sea level, and until a new road was completed in recent years, this area was only accessible by a single, treacherous track.

The isolation combined with the fantastical landscape has led to many stories of djinn (A.K.A. genies) in the area. One such story explains the red handprints found on some of the canyon walls. It's said that the local village was blessed with a she-camel that gave never-ending milk. One day a man took milk but neglected to cover the camel with its shaw to keep it warm. The next day when he returned the camel gave only blood from its utter and the man slapped his blood-covered hands on the walls in anguish. 

The area has truly amazing natural features including rock arches, cliff dwellings, 300-meter shear cliffs, and loads of paths to explore by 4x4, mountain bike, or on foot

Related Tags

Legends Deserts Mountains

Know Before You Go

Anyone can make it here but it does require finesse. Drive to the village of Al Reeth and turn north. a nicely paved road takes you up the mountain. This road abruptly turns to gravel. Turn traction control off and continue up. On the steeper bits keep your speed up to get you to the top. Be careful of sharp rocks and recent rock falls on the roads. As always driving in the KSA is a full-contact sport. Watch out for blind overtaking around corners. 

You can freely camp almost anywhere but bring lots of water (none is available), the sun is strong even in winter.

Community Contributors

Added By

HouseAtreides

Published

May 11, 2022

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  • https://www.abouther.com/node/9976/lifestyle/travel-food/take-trip-jebel-al-qahar-and-wadi-lajab-saudi-arabia%E2%80%99s-jizan-region
  • https://www.underratedadventures.com/post/jabal-al-qahar-the-mountain-of-frustration
Jabal al Qahar
Al Reeth, 87675
Saudi Arabia
17.654722, 42.887222

Nearby Places

Al Yanfa

Tamniah, Saudi Arabia

miles away

Fatima Museum of Asiri Heritage

Abha, Saudi Arabia

miles away

Rijal Alma

Rijal Alma, Saudi Arabia

miles away

Explore the Destination Guide

Photo of Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia

Middle East

Places 29
Stories 5

Nearby Places

Al Yanfa

Tamniah, Saudi Arabia

miles away

Fatima Museum of Asiri Heritage

Abha, Saudi Arabia

miles away

Rijal Alma

Rijal Alma, Saudi Arabia

miles away

Explore the Destination Guide

Photo of Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia

Middle East

Places 29
Stories 5

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