The beautiful city of AlUla is located in Saudi Arabia. It was established back in the 6th century B.C.E and was called an “oasis” amidst the desert valley that holds plenty of water and fertile land. The city is located on the historical incense route and covers a massive natural heritage, along with nearly 200,000 years of untapped human history. If you have chosen AlUla as your next travel destination, then make sure to enjoy all its mesmerising aspects. Apart from its natural beauty, it also offers tons of outdoor activities that tourists can enjoy during their stay. These outdoor activities are highly recommended as they offer an alternative outlook to the scenic beauty of AlUla’s vast area.
What type of outdoor activities can you expect at AlUla?
AlUla is filled with adventures and outdoor activities that are ideal for tourists who want to experience the region in a thrilling setting. The range of activities is quite wide and will fit a variety of different tastes. Some examples of fun outdoor activities that you can do in AlUla include hiking, stargazing, ziplining, rock climbing, horseback riding, camel riding, bike riding, buggy tours, ridge walking, and so on. However, here are the top 5 outdoor activities that you just can’t miss during your stay at AlUla, Saudi Arabia.
5 Best Outdoor Activities In AlUla That You Shouldn’t Miss
1. Stargazing
The natural beauty of AlUla cultivates some of the most magnificent scenes in all of the region. In the midst of several adrenaline-pumping and high-effort outdoor activities, this destination also offers a series of slow-paced, off-beat options like stargazing. It is a very famous outdoor activity across the globe that pulls in major tourist interests. The stargazing experience in AlUla will match your taste perfectly if you are chasing gorgeous sceneries mixed with a more relaxed tone. In this activity, you will lie down on your back on the desert floor and look at the vast starry sky, while being surrounded by landforms and the peaceful beauty of the night. It makes up for a phenomenal experience, that can not be matched by any other place. The best part here is that you can enjoy stargazing in AlUla solo or with friends and family. Options for guided stargazing tours are also available if you want to enhance the overall experience with stories from the past, recited by an experienced guide. Gharameel is a great place where you can enjoy stargazing in AlUla.
2. Rock climbing
The next stage of your fun outdoor activities in AlUla should include rock climbing. It is one of the most thrilling and action-packed experiences that you can get during your visit to “The World’s Masterpiece.” The best part about rock climbing on the spectacular mountains of AlUla is that you don’t necessarily have to be a professional or trained in this aspect. You will be placed under a highly skilled professional who will be responsible for your adventure and safety. All types of safety equipment and precautions are taken during rock climbing, including harnesses, helmets, protective gear, gloves, etc., so you can conquer the steep landscapes without any worry. The activity will begin with your instructor explaining everything and teaching you the basics of rock climbing. After that, you can begin climbing the vertical rock surface along with your instructor and try to conquer the cliffs as your adrenaline rush keeps you electrified. All in all, it is a must-have experience with a standard duration of 90 minutes. There are certain height and weight restrictions you have to take care of when considering this activity, and a light to medium level of fitness is also recommended.
3. Helicopter tour
With the helicopter tour experience in AlUla, you can roar through the wind as the rotors spin with all their might. This travel destination presents a wide variety of options to its visitors, be that a calming stargazing activity or a thrilling air ride. AlUla is home to a lot of things, ranging from natural landscapes to years of human heritage, and there are many ways to cover all of them. Despite the availability of popular options like 4×4 rides, camel trekking, horseback riding, biking, hiking, etc., nothing matches the top scenic views from the bird’s eye, which you can get with the helicopter tour. For this activity, make sure to have your booking made in advance. The AlUla helicopter tour starts with your pilot or operator giving you an overview of the guided tour. After that, as you tighten your seatbelts and wear those headsets, you will be in for a 30-minute visual delight. This famous helicopter tour outdoor activity covers major places of attraction in AlUla, including Elephant Rock, Maraya, Janal Ikmah, and so on. Additionally, this in-air vantage point will offer some of the best views one can have of the sites of Hegra (KSA’s first UNESCO World Heritage site), the historical Hijaz Railway and the labyrinth of AlUla Old Town. The AlUla helicopter tour is available during both morning and evening and you can book accordingly depending on the anticipated experience.
4. Hidden Valley Hike
While covering AlUla, Saudi Arabia, on your next trip, make sure to hit the AlUla hiking spots for a fascinating experience. Hiking offers the best calming visuals of the land that you can soak in at your very own pace. Some of the popular hiking locations in AlUla are the Arabian Leopard Trail, the Lost Knight Trail and the Rock Art Trail, however, if are looking for a smooth blend of desert visuals, calming surroundings and glorious rock formations, then make sure to hit the Hidden Valley Hiking trail. In this outdoor activity, you will start at a meeting point as guided by your hike guide or group leader. From there on, you will begin your journey towards the location of the Hiden Valley. It may take around 45 to 60 minutes to reach the Hidden Valley trail and once you are there, you can begin your hike alongside your friends and fellow companions. The path for this trail covers the true essence of the Arabian desert, which is vast in nature and conjures a peaceful environment. As you make your way through the valley, you will witness a series of surrounding rock formations, standing straight with all their charm and heads held high. The soft sand of the Hidden Valley Hiking trail makes the experience even more extraordinary and binding. Generally, the path can take anywhere between 90 to 120 minutes, depending on the conditions of the weather and the hiking path.
5. Heritage Oasis Trail
In your list of best outdoor activities to do in AlUla, make sure to add the famous Heritage Oasis Trail. There are a lot of trails and paths in this region, that can be covered with a 4×4, horse, camel, biking and so on. But, nothing matches the leisurely strolls on the Heritage Oasis Trail, which is surrounded by one of the best visuals in all of AlUla. The Heritage Oasis trail is a picturesque location, that illustrates the ancient heritage of AlUla with the fragrance of natural regional beauty. The path is about 3 kilometres long, starting from the Orange path and ending at the famous Dadan Visitor Centre. The trail is open to visitors at all times and is also free. Hence, if you are looking to take a stroll under the starry night or an early morning walk as the sun scatters its rays, make sure to hit the Heritage Oasis trail. There are multiple access spots for this path, which work as its entry and exit points. This allows visitors to start or halt their journey on the trail as per their liking. This road is filled with towering palm dates, on both sides of the road, providing shade to the walkers. Also, on both sides of the Heritage Oasis trail, individuals will find historic walls of AlUla’s mud-brick houses and local lush-green farms, working as a boundary for the scenic route.
Conclusion:
Even if your approach to AlUla in Saudi Arabia is to enjoy the essence of culture and rich natural heritage of the region, make sure not to miss out on the loads of fun things that you can do there. Apart from the above-mentioned and elaborately explained outdoor activities, AlUla also offers a variety of other adventures and experiences that you can opt for. This includes wildlife watching, helicopter rides, exploring the beauty of the Old Town, camping, and much more. The massive range will help you navigate through the available options and create the perfect AlUla trip. After the recent global pandemic situation, Saudi Arabia has once again opened its doors to tourists. This means now is a great time to visit AlUla and witness its beauty alongside the exciting outdoor activities that are available there. These activities can offer a fun and delightful encounter with nature during your tour. Make sure to follow the instructions of your tour guide or trip advisor for a smooth sailing experience. Bring your friends and family members along and immerse yourself in the captivating joy that AlUla presents.
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