04
Diyan Valley
575km
25km
Driving WELL-ESTABLISHED TRACKS, ROUGH GOING IN PLACES
Best for CLIMBING AND HIKING
Recommended for SCRAMBLING AROUND RUINS AND ROCKS
This dusty wadi, surrounded by craggy rocks, is littered with the remnants of past settlements. Well hidden in the low-lying outcrops that rise from the wadi, these ruins, in varying degrees of deterioration, make for some interesting exploration. Taking advantage of the seasonal rains that flow through the wadi, several mango farms also sit amongst the rocks and ruins.
The starting point for this route is a paved road, clearly signposted to Wadi Diyan. When you reach the lush greenery of a mango farm, the track turns to sand and rock and weaves into the wadi. Eventually the wadi splits in two, the right fork taking you to Humaydah Heritage Village. This area is an impressive mix of natural and manmade landscapes. With both well-preserved and ruined buildings, it was clearly once a significant settlement.
From the main track, there are plenty of opportunities to drive or hike to the numerous other ruins in the area. Al Ayn Heritage Village sits perched on a hill above the wadi and is one of the best-preserved settlements on the route. Local farmers make use of the manmade terraces below the ruins to grow fruit.
Thee Ayn Historical Village
Although not officially part of this route, visiting the ancient village of Thee Ayn while in the area is highly recommended. Lovingly restored by the local tourist development council, the original settlement was purportedly over 400 years old. Named after the natural spring that affords the lush vegetation at its base, the village now sits in a developed area with a car park, park and walking paths.
Entry to the village itself costs between SAR 5-10 and is free for children and people of determination. Once inside, you are free to wander the beautifully restored streets and traditional buildings, some of which are open for visitors to enter and experience the remarkably cool temperatures these traditional Arabic houses offer.
AL-QATT AL-ASIRI
This form of traditional Arabic wall art is part of the identity of the Asir Region. Traditionally painted by the women of the village, these colourful geometric shapes are found on the walls of rooms where guests are received. The technique is passed from generation to generation and painting the beautiful murals is often a social event with women coming together to learn from one another. Nowadays, the art is practised by both male and female artists and is produced across the globe.
Humaydah Heritage Village
In contrast to Thee Ayn, Humaydah Heritage Village has been left to fall into disrepair. A mix of both crumbling ruins and well-preserved structures, the highlight of the village is the interior of the building that sits intact next to the watch tower. A wooden panelled wall, painted in vivid reds, greens and yellows sections off a storage area. The intricate patterns on the carved panel above this wall are mirrored on the columns and shutters in the room. A real pride has been taken in decorating the space and it offers a unique insight into Arabic domestic interiors. At the base of the main settlement, terraces have been built flattening out sections of the landscape which would have once accommodated farming.
ONCE YOU HAVE VISITED THEE AYN HISTORICAL VILLAGE, A WALK THROUGH THE FARMS AT ITS BASE OFFERS A LOVELY CONTRAST. DEPENDING ON THE TIME OF YEAR, THE SPRING CREATES STREAMS AND MINI WATERFALLS THAT FLOW THROUGH THE CROPS.
Humaydah Trail
This trail is ideal for off-roaders looking to abandon their cars and head out on foot. The track that runs out of the back of the village is challenging and steep in places so shouldn’t be attempted by a novice. Even if you don’t take on the full 4km hike, the views back down towards the village and wadi from this elevation are worth the effort.
Al Ayn Heritage Village
Largely still standing, reaching this village involves a short, steep hike. Like Humaydah Heritage Village, some of the doors and shutters are beautifully designed, and the manmade terraces at the foot of the settlement built to accommodate historical farming are still being used today. Fruit trees line the verandas and cattle can be seen grazing on the shrubbery.
