THE BLACK MOUNTAIN (JABAL ASOAD/ASWAD) - Underrated Travel Destination

DON BANARIA
Sep 11, 2021
2 min read

One of the viewing points in Black Mountain.

Underrated Travel Destination - Jabal Aswad, or Black Mountain, appears black from a distance, but as you approach, it slowly shifts to shades of blue and green when you are within it.

Quick Facts

Distance from Jazan: 125 km, 2 hours to drive.

Type of Spot: Mountain Park

Location: Al Reeth, Jazan Province, Saudi Arabia

Jazan travellers should not overlook visiting another remarkable kingdom in the sky. The winding road network offers breathtaking views, from the ridges to the sloping shoulders, showcasing the heights and depths of ravines adorned with the lush greenery of trees, grasses, and the vibrant hues of wildflowers. This captivating combination exudes an enchanting energy that revitalises the spirit, even in the most challenging times; this was my experience as I took in the scenery around me.

A terraced coffee and tea farm is located on the cold mountain slopes of Jabal Aswad (Black Mountain

https://youtu.be/00hUQ8GqDH4

One of the hotels that cater needs of the travellers for a place to stay.

At an altitude of more or less 2,400 meters above sea level, the breezes give a pinch of chill to my body. The distant flickers of lights from the villages below in a gloomy atmosphere during the day will make you imagine standing in the sky.

Jabal Aswad (Black Mountain) got its name from afar; it looks black, but as you get closer, it gradually turns to blue and green once you are inside it.

How To Get Here

Coming here could be a side trip on your way to other spots in this part of Jazan if you intend to do sunrise and sunset watching; it's much better if you book a hotel at Black Mountain. Arrive in the afternoon before sundown and stay for the whole night to catch the first breaks of daylight. Generally, these are what you need:

Book your hotel or apartment accommodation in Jazan City.
Hire a local guide if you are a first-time traveller and have no contacts or friends to hike with you.
From Jazan City, you need to leave the city as early as 07:00 to make the trip at a touring speed and have enough time to take shots of the place along the way that you find worth capturing with your camera.

Activities You Can Do

Sightseeing
Hiking
Mountain driving
Sunrise and sunset watching
Picnic and camping

Facilities Available

Eatery
Hotel

Things To Bring

Sweaters
Umbrellas or any rainwear
Extra clothes
Drinking waters
Snacks

Car Requirement

4x4 car is an advantage
Non-4x4 is suitable as well – but it should be in 100% engine good running condition.

What to Expect

Winding mountain roads.
High Altitude
Random rainfalls
Cold temperature
Foggy surroundings
Camels walking on the road, so you need to drive carefully and be watchful.
Vendors selling headpieces and ornaments along the road.

More Images:

A viewing point where visitors can enjoy the amazing sights surrounding Jabal Asoad.
A viewing point where visitors can enjoy the amazing sights surrounding Jabal Asoad.
Kiosks are available to occupy for free at the viewing point.
Here, click click click. It's the word from your camera.
Here, click click click. It's the word from your camera.
Climbing to the viewing point from the backdoor road.
The author and the locals eating lunch.
Lorry truck for the water utility delivery.
Black Mountain Hotel - One of the hotels you can stay.
The meandering road that rocks your nerve but filled with excitement.
The terraced coffee farms.
Looking down the slope helps you realize how high the surface you are standing.
In the far end is another mountain: Mount Shaqra.
Looking down the slope helps you realize how high the surface you are standing.
Looking down the slope helps you realize how high the surface you are standing.
Looking down the slope helps you realize how high the surface you are standing.