04
Gharameel al Nuwahat
666km
35km
Driving EASY, SAND TRACKS & DUNES
Best for INCREDIBLE ROCK FORMATIONS
Recommended for PHOTOGRAPHERS
Off the beaten track and virtually unexplored compared to its AlUla counterpart, the mystical rock formations of Gharameel al Nuwahat are one of the region’s best-kept secrets. With spectacular views at sunset or from underneath the star-studded sky, combine with Routes 5 and 6 for a full-day desert adventure.
A hard sand track makes up much of this route and will take you past the main gharameel sites. While off-road enthusiasts will enjoy driving between the rock formations, a 4WD is not a necessity as you can reach all of the areas on foot. To take it up a gear, head up to the sugar dunes or master your desert driving skills in one of the nearby valleys. Close to Route 4, this natural spectacle can also be accessed directly from Jibal Irnan’s finish point (Route 5).
Sugar Dunes
The white, soft sand that’s found here is notably lighter than the surrounding desert. Its pale colour and powdery texture indicate a high presence of quartz sediments, typically associated with the erosion of limestone or marble rock. Be sure to take in this picture-postcard setting or venture off into the dunes for a bit of off-road fun.
NIGHT PHOTOGRAPHY
With next to no light pollution, this route is an excellent place to try out some night photography. To capture that perfect shot, you’ll need a tripod and we recommend shooting in manual or bulb mode so that you can control the shutter speed. Longer exposures will allow you to capture interesting star trails and a wide-angle lens will enable you to bring in more of the night sky. Be sure to check the moon schedule in advance; a full moon will light up the foreground, but can also drown out the incredible stars.
Gharameel al Nuwahat
‘Gharameel’ is the Arabic term used to describe these remarkable pillars of stone that tower up towards the sky. Also found in AlUla, in the north-west of the country, gharameel is believed to be the remnants of former mountains. According to geologists, levels of iron oxide found in the rocks account for why these thin fragments have managed to withstand years and years of weathering when the mountains themselves haven’t.
From a distance, these incredible rock formations resemble piped icing or the remains of a ruined city, and it’s worth driving around the different sites to take in this natural phenomenon. Have your cameras near at hand and be sure to stay the night; an evening spent under the gharameel is a once in a lifetime experience.
DRIVING DIRECTION
This breathtaking route follows a compacted sand track, making the gharameel accessible for all driving abilities. There are plenty of options to venture further into the dunes for those keen to incorporate some more challenging terrain.
1 Turn left off the paved road onto the sand track to begin the route. Experienced off-roaders might want to continue further down the main road to access the Sugar Dunes.
2 Turn right across to reach Gharameel al Nuwahat, or continue straight for Jabal Mahajjah (Route 6).
3 Park your car and continue on foot to see the gharameel or enjoy driving between the rock formations. Once you’ve finished taking photos, continue on the main track.
4 Turn right to reach the main road.
5 Turn right for the Sugar Dunes and access to Routes 3 and 5.
