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The Trans عسير Mountain Range (TAMR) is Saudi Arabia’s toughest and most stunning bikepacking route, spanning over 1,700 kms. The route leaves the coastal flatlands behind and heads up relentless mountain passes, high-altitude deserts, riding across juniper forests, ancient coffee plantations, and cuts through the clouds. Tackle a mix of paved roads, rugged gravel, and singletrack for those who dare, experiencing the full spectrum of Aseer’s dramatic terrain. Demanding yet breathtaking, TAMR is a journey through one of the wildest and most diverse landscapes in the Arabian Peninsula.

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A small house with a white exterior and pink accents located at the bottom of a mountain valley surrounded by terraced land and sparse vegetation.

عَسير

Shrouded in mist and mystery, the Aseer Mountains rise from Saudi Arabia’s southwestern edge, their jagged peaks defying the desert’s grip. The Arabic word “Aseer”—meaning “difficult” or “harsh”— is an accurate description as these mountains have long been a fortress against time, their rugged terrain, shaping the resilience of those who call them home. For centuries, the Aseeri people have thrived here, their traditions etched into the land through ancient poetry, terraced farmlands and the vibrant Al-Qatt Al-Asiri art that adorns their homes.

“Aseer”

At the heart of it all lies Jabal Sawda, the kingdom’s highest peak, standing watch over ancient villages and terraced farms where coffee trees and honeybees flourish. The air is cool, a stark contrast to the scorching lowlands, and the forests hum with life—baboons in the trees, eagles riding the thermals, whispers of the elusive Arabian leopard. Once a crossroads of trade and migration, Aseer remains both a refuge and a challenge—step into its mist, and you may find yourself lost, not in direction, but in wonder.

Two baboons sitting on rocks overlooking a grassy landscape under a gray sky.
A bicycle leaning against a stone wall in a narrow alleyway with old buildings, under a clear blue sky, with a flag visible in the background.
Map of California highlighting major cities and highways.

Living up to the meaning of Aseer, this route is indeed tough, and demanding, but the ratio of tough to rewarding is 1:1. TAMR takes you from sea level to 9900ft with the an average elevation of 6000ft.

Distance
+1700km | +1060mi

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Elevation
+38k M | +100k Ft

Mist clings to the peaks through the day, rolling through valleys thick with juniper and wild olive trees, their scent sharp in the cool air. Terraced farms carved into the mountainsides glow in the morning light, with rows of coffee plants, figs, and pomegranates thriving in the rich soil. The wind carries the crisp smell of pine, the faint sweetness of acacia blossoms, and the earthy scent of damp, sun-warmed stone.

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Beneath the canopy, wild lavender and desert thyme push through rocky soil, filling the air with their sharp, herbal fragrance. These mountains are a living, breathing landscape, carved by time, water, wind, and the quiet resilience of everything that grows here.

A hillside with terraced stone walls, a small stone structure, scattered boulders, bushes, and a utility pole with power lines.
A rugged rocky mountain with sparse vegetation and bushes, under a partly cloudy blue sky.
A large green tree growing among rocks on a hillside with a blue sky in the background.
A stylized illustration of a pine tree with a brown trunk and dark green foliage.

TAMR In Motion

Winding mountain road with several cars, safety barriers, rocky terrain, and a valley in the background.
A hillside farm with a flock of sheep grazing, divided by grassy and rocky sections, with power lines and a person walking among the sheep.
A person standing on a rock overlooking a mountain landscape at dusk, with misty mountains and a colorful sky in the background.
A landscape with a hill featuring an old stone tower, surrounded by modern buildings, with mist and mountains in the background.
Camels grazing on green grass in a field with a cityscape and mountains in the background.
Layered mountain range with grassy foreground and cloudy sky.
A black mountain bike with a yellow water bottle attached to its frame, leaning against a concrete barrier on a mountain road with rocky terrain and clouds or fog in the background.
A hilly landscape with dense green trees, a winding dirt trail, and a partly cloudy sky.
Hilly landscape with scattered buildings and some smoke rising in the distance under a partly cloudy sky.

Curious about TAMR?

Whether you’re a bikepacker, cycling company or someone who's interested in knowing more about TAMR, reach out and let’s chat!

Close-up of a branch with ripening coffee cherries and dark green leaves, blurred background with sunlight filtering through.