This route starts when you take a left turn off Highway 158 onto an off-road track. Like Wadi Lajb, it sits at the base of several mountains so can flood quickly. Evidence of this can be seen in the piles of logs and debris that have been pushed down the valley by the fast-flowing water.

If it’s passable when you visit, the trip is a simple drive along the bumpy wadi floor through pools of water, trees and shrubbery. After winding through Baysh Valley, the wadi eventually merges with Wadi Lajb and the route becomes impassable by car. You can then explore on foot.

Baysh Valley

As the wadi weaves its way between Jabal Daha and Jabal Shaqra, it eventually opens into a wide valley before merging with Wadi Lajb. A village sits on the plains, just off the main wadi track, and the area is very popular with locals.

SAY WHAT?

Arabic is the official language of Saudi Arabia and the entire 22 countries of the Arab league. Dialects vary from country to country and even from region to region. In Saudi Arabia there are three main regional dialects, Najdi Arabic, Hejazi Arabic and, Khaliji or Gulf Arabic. Even within these main dialects, there are localised versions with unique phrases and slang words.

 

Waterfall & Pool

The end of the drive is signalled by your arrival at a pool of water that sits at the base of a short waterfall. The pool is deep enough to swim in and the rock faces that surround it aren't too steep. Once you have made your way past the pool, a short ascent will take you to the top of the waterfall. If you hike further, you'll see that the mountains begin to close in where the rift valley that encases Wadi Lajb begins.

Wadi Lajb Hiking

The open valley narrows as you go deeper into Wadi Lajb. The hike from here involves going through crystal clear pools and over rocks so you'll need to be physically fit. There are multiple trails to explore in this wadi but if you continue straight from the main route, you will eventually join the hiking trail on Route 16.