Mountain Tourism in Abha and Taif: Your Easy Travel Guide

Want to escape Saudi’s desert heat? Mountain tourism in Abha and Taif is your answer. These two mountain cities are nothing like what you think Saudi Arabia looks like. I’m talking cool air, green trees, and fog that rolls through mountains like you’re in a fairy tale.

Here’s the deal: While most of Saudi bakes at 110°F in summer, you’ll need a jacket in these mountain towns. Sounds crazy, right? But it’s true. Abha sits 7,450 feet high, and Taif has been Saudi’s summer escape for decades.

I’ve been to both places multiple times. Trust me – they’re special. You get cable cars that go into clouds, rose fields that smell amazing, and views that’ll make your jaw drop.

Why These Mountain Cities Rock

Abha – Saudi’s Sky City

Abha is called “City of Fog” for good reason. This place gets covered in mist like something from a movie.

What makes it cool:

• Temperature rarely goes above 95°F (even in summer!)
• Jabal Sawda – Saudi Arabia’s highest peak
• Four different cable car rides
• Green forests everywhere
• Traditional villages with colorful wall art

Fun fact: Abha sits higher than Denver, Colorado. No wonder it’s so cool!

Taif – The Rose City

Taif grows 300 million roses every year. Yeah, you read that right – 300 million!

Why people love it:

• Perfect mountain weather year-round
• World’s best rose water comes from here
• Amazing cable car with 360-degree views
• Rich history (Prophet Muhammad visited here)
• Close to Mecca (only 90 minutes away)

When You Should Visit

Here’s when to go for the best time:

My advice: October to March is perfect. You’ll get clear skies and comfortable temps for walking around.

Top Things to Do in Abha

Ride Cable Cars Into the Clouds

Abha has four cable car stations. Each one gives you different amazing views.

New Abha Cable Car (Al Jadidah):

• Takes you to Green Mountain
• 20-minute ride each way
• Costs around 100-150 SAR for adults
• Kids ride for about 50-75 SAR
• Goes 400 meters above the city

Al Soudah Cable Car:

• Goes to Saudi’s highest peak
• You can get off halfway if you want
• More expensive but worth it
• Amazing forest views

Pro tip: Go around 6 PM for the best sunset views.

Walk Through Fog on the Fog Walkway

This is wild. You literally walk through clouds on a mountain path. It’s on Al Dabbab mountain, and when fog rolls in, you feel like you’re in heaven.

What you’ll find:

• Benches to sit and watch clouds
• Kids can play while you relax
• Restaurants with mountain views
• Best Instagram photos ever

Visit Rijal Almaa Village

This 900-year-old village is incredible. Stone houses decorated with bright colors by local women. It’s on UNESCO’s list because it’s so special.

Don’t miss:

• Colorful wall paintings
• Old stone buildings
• Village museum
• Traditional mountain life

Explore Jabal Sawda National Park

Saudi Arabia’s highest peak at 9,843 feet! Here’s what you can do:

• Cable car to the top
• Hike through juniper forests
• Try paragliding (if you’re brave)
• Camp under stars

Best Attractions in Taif

Al Hada Cable Car Experience

One of Saudi’s coolest cable car rides:

The details:

• 1,550 meters long
• Takes 15-20 minutes each way
• Holds 40 people per cabin
• Views of rose fields and mountains

What you’ll see from up there:

• Taif’s famous rose farms
• Shubra Palace
• Mountain villages
• Green valleys everywhere

At the bottom station:

• Water park for kids
• Restaurants and cafes
• Games like paintball
• Shopping for souvenirs

Al Shafa Mountain Views

Tallest peak around Taif at 8,200 feet:

• 360-degree views on clear days
• You’ll be inside clouds sometimes
• Sweet smell of flowers in the air
• Perfect for photos

See Taif’s Rose Fields

Visit March to May for rose season:

• 300 million roses bloom here
• Watch them make rose water
• Annual Rose Festival with shows
• Smell is incredible – you’ll never forget it

Tour Shubra Palace

Built in 1905, now it’s a museum:

• Mix of Ottoman and local styles
• King Abdulaziz used to stay here
• Great views from upper floors
• Learn about Taif’s royal history

Adventure Activities You’ll Love

For Thrill Seekers

Paragliding in Abha:

• Jump off Saudi’s highest peak
• Fly through misty clouds
• Professional guides help you
• Views you’ll never forget

Rock Climbing:

• Lots of good spots in Jabal Sawda
• Different skill levels available
• Can rent gear there
• Guided trips for beginners

ATV Rides:

• Explore mountain valleys
• Family-friendly options
• Desert and mountain trails

For Nature Lovers

Hiking Trails:

• Easy family walks to hard climbs
• Forest paths in both cities
• Best times: early morning or evening

Wildlife Watching:

• Mountain birds everywhere
• Sometimes see baboons in Abha
• Quiet valleys are best spots

Forest Camping:

• Sleep under juniper trees
• Amazing stargazing
• Campfire dinners
• Total peace and quiet

For Families

Water Parks and Games:

• Both cities have water fun
• Great for hot days
• Kids and adults both enjoy

Parks and Picnic Areas:

• Lots of green spaces
• Playgrounds for kids
• Food stalls nearby
• Perfect for family time

Where to Stay

Nice Hotels

Abha:

• High City Resort – literally in the clouds
• Mountain lodges – traditional but modern
• Asir National Park camps – fancy camping

Taif:

• InterContinental Taif – luxury with mountain views
• Le Meridien Al Hada – on the highest peak
• Ramada Al Hada – right by cable car

Budget Options

• Family guesthouses
• Local hotels (clean and cheap)
• Great way to meet locals
• Very affordable

Hotel prices change by season. Summer and weekends cost more.

Getting There and Your Visa

Flying to the Mountains

To Abha:

• Abha Airport has daily flights
• From Riyadh, Jeddah, other Saudi cities
• Some international flights too

To Taif:

• Taif Airport for domestic flights
• Many people drive from Jeddah (2 hours)
• Buses available from major cities

Your Saudi Visa Made Easy

You need a visa to visit these mountain cities. Good news – getting your Saudi tourist visa is super easy now!

Your options:

• eVisa online – fast and simple
• Visa on arrival – 49+ countries can do this
• Multiple entry – perfect for exploring

Important: Meta glasses are banned at Jeddah Airport, so don’t pack them. Also, check if your country qualifies for easy visa processing.

Getting Around

Rent a car:

• Best way to see mountain roads
• Amazing scenic drives
• Stop anywhere for photos
• Mountain roads can be tricky

Taxis and ride shares:

• Available in both cities
• Good for short trips
• Airport pickup available

Food You Should Try

Local Mountain Food

Must-try dishes:

• Asida – sweet wheat dish
• Fresh mountain honey
• Local dates and figs
• Traditional bread from village ovens

Where to eat:

• Tuesday Market in Abha
• Mountain cafes with views
• Hotel restaurants
• Local family places

Modern Dining

Both cities now have:

• Pizza and burger places
• Coffee shops everywhere
• International restaurants
• Hotel fine dining

Cultural Stuff Worth Seeing

Art and Traditions

Al-Qatt Art in Abha:

• Colorful wall paintings by women
• UNESCO recognized tradition
• Watch artists at work
• Buy authentic pieces

Taif Crafts:

• Rose water making
• Traditional weaving
• Local jewelry
• Pottery and metalwork

Festivals and Events

Abha Festival (Summer):

• Cultural shows
• Traditional dances
• Art exhibitions
• Food festivals

Taif Rose Festival (March-May):

• Celebrate rose harvest
• Cultural shows
• Rose product markets
• Family activities

Tips for Your Trip

What to Pack

Always bring:

• Warm jacket (mountain nights are cold)
• Good walking shoes
• Camera for incredible views
• Sunscreen (high altitude = strong sun)

Cultural Tips

How to dress:

• Modest clothes in public
• Mountains are more relaxed
• Hotels are flexible
• Respect local ways

Local customs:

• People are super friendly
• Arabic coffee is offered everywhere
• Friday is holy day
• Prayer times affect store hours

Money Stuff

• Currency: Saudi Riyal (SAR)
• Cards: Work everywhere
• Tips: 10-15% is normal
• Cost: Mountain cities are affordable

Planning Your Mountain Trip

How Long to Stay

Abha (3-4 days):

• Day 1: Cable cars and Fog Walkway
• Day 2: Rijal Almaa village
• Day 3: Jabal Sawda peak
• Day 4: Local markets and art

Taif (2-3 days):

• Day 1: Al Hada cable car
• Day 2: Rose fields and mountains
• Day 3: Souq Okaz and culture

Doing Both Cities

Many people visit both:

• 200 km apart (125 miles)
• 3-4 hour mountain drive
• Each city offers different fun
• Worth doing both if you have time

Connecting with Hajj or Umrah

Many pilgrims add mountain visits:

• Taif is 90 minutes from Mecca
• Great way to relax after pilgrimage
• We help with combined trips
• Special packages available

Hajj tip: During Hajj season, some Taif flights are restricted to Hajj visa holders only.

My Honest Take

I’ve been to both cities many times. Here’s what I really think:

Choose Abha if you want:

• More adventure and hiking
• Unique mountain landscapes
• Traditional village experiences
• Longer stays with lots to do

Choose Taif if you want:

• Cultural history and rose gardens
• Shorter, relaxed visits
• Easy connection with Mecca/Medina
• More developed tourist facilities

Both cities give you:

• Escape from desert heat
• Unique Saudi experiences
• Family-friendly fun
• Photos that’ll make friends jealous

The truth? You can’t go wrong with either. These mountain cities show a Saudi Arabia most tourists never see. Cool weather, friendly people, amazing views, and memories you’ll keep forever.

Your Questions Answered

What’s the weather like in Abha and Taif compared to other Saudi cities?

Much cooler! While Riyadh hits 110°F in summer, Abha stays around 75-95°F and Taif is 70-90°F. Winter temps drop to 50-70°F in Abha and 45-65°F in Taif. You’ll actually need warm clothes! The high altitude makes all the difference – Abha sits 7,450 feet above sea level.

How much do cable car rides cost in Abha and Taif?

Cable car prices vary by location and season. In Abha, expect around 100-150 SAR for adults and 50-75 SAR for kids at Al Jadidah station. Al Soudah costs more (around 200-300 SAR per person). Taif’s Al Hada cable car runs about 200-400 SAR for family cabins. Prices change, so check current rates before you go.

Can I visit these mountain cities during Hajj season?

Yes, but with some restrictions. Taif is only 90 minutes from Mecca, making it popular during Hajj. However, flights to Taif during Hajj season may be restricted to Hajj visa holders only. You can still drive there or get help coordinating your pilgrimage and tourism visas. Abha has no Hajj restrictions since it’s farther from the holy cities.

What’s the best month to see roses in Taif?

March through May is rose season in Taif, with peak blooming in April. The annual Rose Festival usually happens in April when 300 million roses are in full bloom. You’ll see rose harvesting, traditional rose water making, and the whole city smells incredible. Book accommodation early during rose season as it gets busy.

Are these mountain destinations suitable for families with young children?

Absolutely! Both cities are very family-friendly. Cable cars are exciting for kids, there are water parks and playgrounds, and the cooler weather makes outdoor activities comfortable. Many hotels cater to families, and both cities have parks with picnic areas. The altitude might affect some people initially, so take it easy on the first day and stay hydrated.

Ready for Your Cool Mountain Escape?

Saudi Arabia’s mountain cities are waiting for you. Cool air, cable car adventures, rose gardens, and experiences totally different from desert Saudi Arabia.

These hidden gems won’t stay secret much longer. More travelers discover them every year.

Need help with your visa? We make Saudi visa applications simple so you can focus on planning your mountain adventure. Whether you want Abha’s cable cars or Taif’s rose fields – we handle the paperwork.

Ready to escape the heat? Start your visa application today and get ready for Saudi Arabia’s coolest destinations!