The scorching heat of Jeddah can be relentless. When the mercury rises, the soul craves a sanctuary—a place where the air is thin, the breeze is cool, and the landscape is painted in hues of green and granite. Recently, I had the opportunity to join a unique event organized by a passionate group of travelers from Jeddah. The theme was perfectly titled: "It’s Hot, Isn't It? Let’s Cool Down."
ISHABIL TRIP AT A GLANCE
This is the story of how a quick getaway turned into a lifetime of memories, proving that sometimes, the best adventures are the ones you almost missed.
The Hurdle Before the Horizon
Life as an expatriate in Saudi Arabia is often a race against time and professional commitments. For many of us, getting a weekend off is a luxury. I had planned this trip a week in advance, securing my leave. However, as the saying goes, "Man proposes, God disposes."
A day before the trip, a surge of company medical cases arrived, and my supervisor informed me that my leave was canceled. I was stunned. The excitement I had built up felt like it was slipping away. But the call of the mountains was stronger than the stress of the office. I decided on a compromise: I would work until noon and then head straight to the mountains. It was a gamble against exhaustion, but looking back, it was the best decision I could have made.
The Journey Begins: From Coastal Heat to Mountain Mist
At 2:30 PM, the caravan set off from Jeddah toward Taif. The organization was seamless. Those with their own vehicles accommodated those without. I shared a ride with my colleague Pramod in a car owned by Sameer Bhai, who runs a travel agency in Sharafiyah.
Because we started a bit late due to work, we missed the initial meeting point. However, the spirit of the group was connected through a WhatsApp chat where eight vehicles constantly updated their locations. Samad, the chief organizer, was like a guardian angel, calling frequently to ensure we were on the right track.
We caught up with the group at a petrol station just before the famous Al Hada Zig-Zag Road.
Scaling the Al Hada Ghayl
I have climbed the Al Hada mountains many times, but this time, the ascent felt different—longer, more majestic, and slightly more treacherous. The winding roads showed signs of the mountain’s power; we saw several vehicles that had succumbed to the climb, being towed away.
As we reached the summit of Taif, we bypassed the main city and turned toward Ash Shafa Road. The path became narrower and steeper. We were heading into the heart of the highlands. We reached a secluded meeting point where all the cars had gathered, waiting to venture into the "No Network" zone together.
The Hidden Sanctuary: Roses and Fruit Orchards
Leaving the paved roads behind, we navigated winding trails that dipped into valleys and climbed onto ridges. Eventually, we reached our destination: a breathtaking private farm.
It was a hidden Eden. The air was thick with the scent of Taif’s legendary roses. Around us were trees heavy with plums, figs, and mulberries. It was a stark contrast to the concrete desert of Jeddah. Jaiji Achayan welcomed everyone with a warm speech, and before we could settle into our chairs, the first challenge began: The Mountain Trek.
Conquering the Granite Giant
Right next to the farm stood a massive mountain—a chaotic pile of granite boulders and thorny shrubs. There was no marked path. It was a test of raw endurance and willpower.
I’ll be honest: my only previous trekking experience was climbing the Urakam Hill back in Kerala as a child. This was different. The incline was steep, and the rocks were slippery. If it weren't for the literal "helping hands" of my fellow travelers, I might have given up halfway.
When I reached a plateau near the top, I saw the true "mountain goats" of our group—the daring souls who had climbed to the very highest pinnacle. I, knowing my limits and my lack of innate bravery for heights, chose a comfortable rock to sit on.
The Golden Hour
From my vantage point, the world looked magical. The setting sun bathed the valley in a golden glow. Below, our parked cars looked like toys, and the farm looked like a green carpet spread over the earth. Watching the sunset from that height, with the cool mountain breeze hitting my face, all the stress of the work week vanished.
However, coming down proved harder than going up. At one point, I found myself stuck on a ledge, unable to find a foothold. A friend acted as my "savior," guiding me down with patience and encouragement. It was a reminder that in the mountains, you are never alone; you are part of a brotherhood.
An Evening of Brotherhood and Talent
By the time we descended, the "Tea Team" had already started their magic. Carpets were laid out under the open sky. We started with traditional snacks—unniyappam, cake, and onion vada—paired with steaming cups of tea.
As the sun disappeared, the temperature plummeted. The "cool down" had truly begun. One of the best parts of the night was the lack of mobile signal. Without the distraction of social media, everyone was fully present. We sat in a circle, and the introductions began.
The talent in the group was surprising:
- The Mimicry: A fellow traveler performed a hilarious impersonation of actor Lalu Alex.
- The Mentalist: Another member performed mind-reading tricks that left us scratching our heads in disbelief.
- The Musicians: Children and adults alike sang songs that echoed through the silent valley.
Games Under the Stars
Samad Bro took over the entertainment, organizing games that turned grown men into laughing children. We played "Follow the Leader," a jumping game that tested our reflexes, and a chaotic "Balloon Pop" game where everyone tried to burst balloons tied to each other’s legs.
Then came the "Gandhiji Game"—a test of focus where Samad managed to trick almost everyone into elimination. It earned him a new, playful nickname among the group.
By 10:00 PM, the cold was biting. The title of our event, "It's Hot, Let's Cool Down," was now an irony we deeply enjoyed. We huddled together, sharing stories and laughter, while in the corner, a massive pot of neychoru (ghee rice) and chicken curry was simmering over an open fire.
The Midnight Feast and the Journey Home
The night sky was a spectacle of its own. It was a "star-studded" ceiling, with a crescent moon looking down at us. Around midnight, the food was served. There is something about eating hot ghee rice in the freezing mountain air that makes it taste better than any five-star meal.
We must mention the two Bangladeshi farm workers who assisted us throughout the night; their hospitality was heartwarming. After a small prize distribution for the kids and a vote of thanks, it was time to say goodbye.
The Al-Muhammadiyah Descent
While some stayed back in tents, we began our return journey. Instead of the usual Al Hada route, we took the Al-Muhammadiyah Pass (the Ash Shafa-Makkah road). This route is famous for its steepness and lack of network coverage, so we traveled in a convoy of three cars for safety.
On the way down, we passed the Toyota racing tracks, seeing modified cars preparing for sprints. The drive back was filled with the fascinating life stories of Meer Bhai and Sameer Bhai.
Final Reflection
I reached my room at 4:30 AM. Without a single minute of sleep, I headed to work at 6:00 AM.
Was I tired? Physically, yes. But mentally? I was more refreshed than I had been in months. That one night in the Taif mountains taught me that life isn't just about the "medical cases" and "work shifts." It’s about those fleeting moments of connection, the thrill of climbing a rock you feared, and the warmth of a cup of tea shared with strangers who become friends.
If you ever get the chance to "cool down," take it. The work will always be there, but the sunset over Ash Shafa only happens once.
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