At 3,000 meters, perched on the side of Saudi Arabia’s highest mountain, the juniper-covered Soudah is the unofficial outdoor adventure capital of Saudi Arabia. Part of the vast Asir National Park, with its network of hiking routes, this is an area of cool mountain air, wild nature and mist-cloaked valleys. While hiking and guided camping trips are quintessential activities, this is also an area of ancient tribal culture — especially at the historic village of Rijal Almaa west of Soudah. Here, the annual Flowerman Festival showcases the culture of the indigenous Aseri tribe, including the men wearing flower wreaths as headdresses.
