High in the mountain or deep in the sea [Archives:2007/1079/Last Page]
August 23 2007
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Coastal exploration, diving and mountain climbing represent the most prominent tourist activities in Yemen. Yemen has the longest shore among all the Arab countries, extending more than 2,500 km along the Red Sea, Al-Mandab Strait, Gulf of Aden and the Arab Sea. The country includes a number of islands with natural features, attracting sea tourism, diving and swimming. There are numerous mountain ranges featuring green highlands, especially in the summer season. There are also mountain peaks (summits), plains, tunnels and caves. These places are the most important mountainous sites in Yemen, offering a variety of activities such as climbing, walking, and other related sports and exercises.
Ottmah and Wassabean mountains in Thamar, the mountain attributed to Prophet Shu'aib (the highest mountain in the Arab peninsula), Raimah mountains, elevations of Ibb governorate, heights of Sabr Mountain in Taiz governorate and Manakhah elevations are the most famous tourist sites in Yemen. The mountains of Yemen reach heights of 2,000 to 3,000 meters. Al-Hajrah village is located on one of the highest mountains in Haraz and features many historical sites. Al-Hajrah castle is the most popular destination of tourists, who come from all over the world to view the unique architectural design of its palaces and forts. There are also the two forts of Kahel Al-Khateeb, located on the grassy slopes of Manakha. Al-Kahel village is one of the difficult heights to reach on foot, however, tourists prefer to ascend and descend the mountain via walking.
Al-Manssourah, located on the summit of a hill resembling a mountain, overlooks the eastern direction of Al-Haimah Al-Dakheliah district and also the southern direction of Al-Hajra village. To the east lies Al-Salaf Mountain. To the west are located Al-Harb Mountain, Bani Al-Khatabi villages and Qa'a Al-Saiyad.
Located in the area of Sa'fan is Matuh. Perched on the summit of Shamikh Mountain and overlooking beautiful views of Sa'fan districts, the site is estimated to be 212 square meters.
Additionally, there are castles and forts such as Al-Massana'h Fort and Roman, Ibn O'thman and Muneef Al-Arqoub forts in Al-Mahwait governorate. There are other forts located in the mountains of Melahan and Hufash. However, Kawkaban fort, visited by tourist convoys everyday, is one of the most favorite tourist landmarks in Yemen.
Shoqroon is an additional tourist site located southeast of Haraz and features a series of high mountains, namely Al-Surah mountain ranges. It houses beautiful and unique architecture, especially Salah Fort. Garen, located on Shuqroon Mountain, is surrounded by beautiful agricultural highlands. This area usually attracts lovers of walking and bird watching as well as parachutists.
There are numerous other steep mountains spread throughout the republic such as Radfan Mountains, Al-Lous Mountain and Al-Tawail Mountain. These ranges could become valuable and important tourist sites for Yemen if made accessible via paved roads and other infrastructural services.
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