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Umm Jarsan Caves
570km
10km
Driving EASY 2WD
Best for GEOLOGY ENTHUSIASTS AND ARCHAEOLOGY BUFFS
Recommended for A THRILLING UNDERGROUND EXPERIENCE
Extending about 1,500m, the Umm Jarsan Caves are one of the longest and largest cave systems in the Middle East. This route will take you underneath the desert to experience a whole new world created by volcanic activity. If that isn’t exciting enough, there are also seasonal pools and the old city of Khaybar to explore.
As long as you follow the path, this route is easily accessible with a 2WD vehicle. The three caves sit in the east Khaybar region, located about 130km north of Al Madinah. The route begins with a clear unpaved track before hitting a bumpy 10km road taking you to the first cave. Helpfully, the main cave has a manmade staircase to help people descend safely.
Khaybar Old Town
The old city of Khaybar is known for its fortresses and ruins that are over 1,500 years old. Get a proper feel for the place by exploring the village on foot and enjoy the dense greenery that offers welcome relief from the afternoon sun. Due to ongoing preservation work, some of the areas may be closed off, but don’t let that stop you from exploring the areas that are accessible to the public.
HISTORIC FORTS
Along many of the routes in this region, you’ll spot the remains of fortresses. Typically built at elevation and strategically located where roads or waterways converged, these forts helped prevent invasions and attacks on the Kingdom. However, today most of these forts are abandoned and available for you to explore.
The Three Caves
The first cave is easy to spot due to two arch-shaped entrances and a small stonewalled fence. To access the other two connected caves, you will need to take a short drive – be careful to avoid any sinkholes.
As you enter the mouth of the cave (which is approximately 12m high), you will find stalactites growing from the ceiling and feel an instant drop in temperature. The cave grows darker and narrower the deeper you go and the sound of animals skittering in the dark, and bats flying through the air, makes for a thrilling underground exploration. If you are eager to walk further into the caves, be sure to take a torch and helmet.
DRIVING DIRECTION
Accessing the Umm Jarsan Caves is easy as there are clear signposts and an established track making this an ideal route for novice drivers.
1 Turn right off the main highway when you see the sign for Umm Jarsan Caves. Continue along the unpaved track which leads you to pools in
Wadi al Jul.
2 There are numerous tracks branching off the main route enabling further exploration of the area.
3 Stop to set up camp here or visit the nearby camel farms.
4 Continue straight until you see the two arched entrances of Cave 1. Drive on to visit Caves 2 and 3, which are connected underground. Return to the main road using the same route.
