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Before becoming modern day Saudi Arabia, this land consisted of four distinct historical regions: Hejaz, Najd, and parts of Eastern Arabia (Al Ahsa) and Southern Arabia (‘Asir). These regions made up the Arabian Peninsula, that over centuries have played an important role in history as an ancient trade centre, the birthplace of one of the world’s three major monotheistic religions, and our roots as a species.About two-thousand years ago, the Nabatean Empire – the most prominent civilization in the Arabian Peninsula at the time – took control of local trade routes, developing their settlements into cities. They excelled at carving rocks made of sand, and eventually transformed the landscape on both ends of their empire into majestic metropolises.
Jordan’s Petra is typically associated with this great Empire, yet not many are aware that Hegra, Saudi’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site, is also a Nabatean relic, built in a climate and topography harsher than Jordan’s; making what was accomplished in Saudi seem like an engineering miracle from the past.
However, Alula is only a part of vast Saudi landscape, now fully open for explorations!
It’s not widely known that parts of Saudi Arabia’s landscape stretch across 2,000 dormant volcanoes dating back thousands of years. Known in Arabic as Haraat, the lava fields are nothing uncommon here, reaching even a mere 8.2km away from the mosque of the Holy Prophet in Medina – Saudi’s fourth largest city and one of the holiest.'
One of such volcanic fields is Harrat Khaybar, spanning an area of 14,000 square kilometers. Volcanic field was formed over the past 5 million years through eruptions along a 100-kilometer vent system.
For all its worth, we will start our expedition in Jeddah, take a sneak peek at old city, move to Medina, for quick look at Holy City before we head off to volcanoes, stretch the legs on white crater and continue to Alula, visit famous Hegra site with few stops at Elephant Rock and Arch. Given that Saudi’s tourism is still in its infancy, there is no better time to go than now, so yalla!
Let's go!
DAY 1 // Jeddah + Moon Valley
Meeting at airport at 7.30 am for a direct flight to Jeddah. Immigration clearance and head to Al-Ballad, famous for its unique architectural heritage, in particular tower houses constructed in the late 19th century by the city's wealthy merchants. The city's coastal coral building traditions, combined with influences and craftsmanship from trade routes, further add to its charm. During the tour, you will stroll through historic neighborhoods (harrat), explore ancient buildings, markets, and sights.
After lunch, we will head out of the city to Moon valley, owning its name to surreal barren rock formations, some of which appear to have been crafted by humans. Upon closer sighting, there are no signs of chisels or tools being used on these rocks. They have naturally formed over millions of years into such astonishing shapes. Sunset at the viewpoint and drive back to Jeddah for overnight.
DAY 2 // Medinah
Shortly after breakfast we will head off from Jeddah to Medina for a visit to its Holy Mosques, destinations for endless pilgrimages from around the world. Lunch at Old Souk of Medina, sampling some delicious local foods. In the afternoon we will stretch the legs in Al Bayda Park. Dinner, overnight in Medinah.
DAY 3 // Khaybar Volcanoes + Alula
From Medinah we hit the road to Haraat for a proper 4WD off-roading across Harrat Khaybar lava fields. As we arrive to the bottom of white volcanoes and start the hike atop the crater, our team will set up a picnic camp with Saudi tea or coffee. In the afternoon, we leave the glorious Saudi’s volcanic range and set the compass on Alula, where we will arrive on time for local dinner in the old city and a visit to Elephant Rock.
DAY 4 // Alula
After breakfast, we will head out to explore Hegra and the nearby desert curiosities. We will not hesitate to take a selfie with the Arch and examine the petroglyphs, before we arrive at Pink Camel for high tea. In the afternoon, we will take one last desert drive, this time heading back to Tabuuk airport to catch our flight home. Back in Dubai 22.30.
Activities: Trekking, sightseeing, off-roading.
Grade: Easy, with short but steep hike up the crater. Available to everyone.
Rooms & Meals: Hotels and guesthouse - double sharing. Meals excluded.
Cost: AED 6210 AED incl. flights until OCT 25th.
Specifically Excluded: meals, insurance, visa.
Visa: UAE RESIDENTS can now obtain e-visa
It is sole responsibility of participant to secure admission to the country of destination.
See yah in Saudi x
Trekkup Crew
Whatsapp 050 4848238 / [email protected]
Find all trekkups at linktr.ee/trekkup
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Event Venue & Nearby Stays
Dubai International Airport, Dubai,Dubai, United Arab Emirates
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