Abha, Al Soudah and Rijal Almaa — Saudi Arabia — Scenic
Middle East

Abha, Al Soudah and Rijal Almaa

Saudi Arabia

Loop / circuit
Loop from Abha

In short: Abha, Al Soudah and Rijal Almaa is a about 220 km scenic road trip in Saudi Arabia, typically driven over 2 days, best in Oct–Apr; summer for cooler highlands. Highlights: Abha, Al Soudah, Rijal Almaa.

Distance
about 220 km
Duration
2 days
Best Season
Oct–Apr; summer for cooler highlands
IconicModerateScenic

Two focused mountain days: Abha and Al Soudah first, then the classic descent to Rijal Almaa and return. The plan no longer wastes a day on distant Dhee Ayn.

Practical notes
As of July 13, 2026, the U.S. State Department advises reconsidering travel to Saudi Arabia (Level 3; advisory issued March 13, 2026). Recheck before departure. Asir roads are paved but steep and can be enveloped by fog; avoid night driving, slow for livestock and do not stop in blind bends. Dhee Ayn is in Al Baha and is intentionally excluded from this compact Abha route.

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Day-by-day itinerary

Day 1Abha and Al Soudah (about 70 km local loop)

Abha heritage quarter · Al Soudah viewpoints · Nahran at Abha Palace

Day 2Abha → Rijal Almaa → Abha (about 150 km; 4 hr mountain driving)

Rijal Almaa village and museum · Daylight mountain return · Licensed-tour Asiri lunch

Stops along the route

Abha — Departure — Abha, Al Soudah and Rijal Almaa — Saudi Arabia
Departure
Abha
Explore the city’s heritage quarter and use it as the two-night base.
Hotels
Abha — Arrival — Abha, Al Soudah and Rijal Almaa — Saudi Arabia
Arrival
Abha
Return before dark rather than adding a distant detour.
Hotels

Things to Do

Al Soudah — Nature — Abha, Al Soudah and Rijal Almaa — Saudi Arabia
Nature
Al Soudah
High-elevation viewpoints; turn back if cloud removes visibility.
Rijal Almaa — Landmark — Abha, Al Soudah and Rijal Almaa — Saudi Arabia
Landmark
Rijal Almaa
Give the stone village and museum most of the second day.
Abha heritage quarter — Culture — Abha, Al Soudah and Rijal Almaa — Saudi Arabia
Culture
Abha heritage quarter
Use the first morning before the mountain road.
Al Soudah viewpoints — Scenic Drive — Abha, Al Soudah and Rijal Almaa — Saudi Arabia
Scenic Drive
Al Soudah viewpoints
Visit only in good visibility and return before nightfall.
Rijal Almaa museum village — Heritage — Abha, Al Soudah and Rijal Almaa — Saudi Arabia
Heritage
Rijal Almaa museum village
The principal second-day destination.

Where to Eat

Nahran at Abha Palace — Saudi and international — Abha, Al Soudah and Rijal Almaa — Saudi Arabia
Saudi and international
Nahran at Abha Palace
Listed in Visit Saudi’s Asir guide; reserve and confirm current meal periods.
Licensed Rijal Almaa tour lunch — Asiri — Abha, Al Soudah and Rijal Almaa — Saudi Arabia
Asiri
Licensed Rijal Almaa tour lunch
Official Visit Saudi experiences can include a traditional hanith lunch; verify inclusion when booking.

Nearby and similar drives

Frequently asked questions

How long is the Abha, Al Soudah and Rijal Almaa drive?

The Abha, Al Soudah and Rijal Almaa covers about 220 km from start to finish.

How long does the Abha, Al Soudah and Rijal Almaa take to drive?

Most travellers spend 2 days on the Abha, Al Soudah and Rijal Almaa, depending on stops and pace.

When is the best time to drive the Abha, Al Soudah and Rijal Almaa?

The recommended season for the Abha, Al Soudah and Rijal Almaa is Oct–Apr; summer for cooler highlands.

What are the main stops on the Abha, Al Soudah and Rijal Almaa?

The Abha, Al Soudah and Rijal Almaa passes through Abha, Al Soudah, Rijal Almaa.

How difficult is the Abha, Al Soudah and Rijal Almaa to drive?

The Abha, Al Soudah and Rijal Almaa is rated moderate and is best handled with any vehicle.

Can I drive the Abha, Al Soudah and Rijal Almaa in a regular car?

Yes — the Abha, Al Soudah and Rijal Almaa is paved end-to-end and a regular car is fine in normal conditions.

Is the Abha, Al Soudah and Rijal Almaa safe to drive?

As of July 13, 2026, the U.S. State Department advises reconsidering travel to Saudi Arabia (Level 3; advisory issued March 13, 2026). Recheck before departure. Asir roads are paved but steep and can be enveloped by fog; avoid night driving, slow for livestock and do not stop in blind bends. Dhee Ayn is in Al Baha and is intentionally excluded from this compact Abha route.

What scenic tier is the Abha, Al Soudah and Rijal Almaa?

The Abha, Al Soudah and Rijal Almaa is a iconic drive — Iconic road trips that anchor a region's reputation — postcard scenery, headline highways, and the routes most travellers want to drive.