Tuesday, March 26, 2024

YEMEN – Mainland Yemen itinerary with all the very best locations to go to in Hadramout – Chris Journey Weblog


Shibam City View Sunset - Mainland Yemen itinerary with all the best places to visit in Hadramout

On this final information to go to Yemen mainland (Hadramout Governate) I put collectively a Yemen itinerary and present you all of the locations of curiosity and extra. I made a decision to go after I visited Djibouti earlier the identical 12 months and I had the very best Yemini meals there. You would possibly suppose Yemen is totally unsafe. You would possibly suppose that it’s unimaginable to go to mainland Yemen however solely Socotra Island. That is all not true. On the time of writing the south (which is definitely the east) of Yemen, Hadramout Governate round Seiyun, is secure to go to. It’s additionally the situation of Shibam which is dubbed the Manhattan of the Center East and a UNESCO World Heritage Website. This Yemen itinerary has a give attention to the Hadramout governate. 

Be part of me on this go to to Yemen and I’m certain you need to journey to Yemen as effectively. Except you don’t want journey or exit of your consolation zone. You want an open thoughts. I can’t cowl political concepts right here however simply what Yemen has to supply for a traveller and what to anticipate. One factor is certain: I used to be stunned by its magnificence and the hospitality of the Yemeni individuals. 

Al Haijrain City View - Mainland Yemen itinerary with all the best places to visit in Hadramout

Methods to plan a visit to Yemen

Travelling to Yemen solo is feasible. This implies with no group, however you want a neighborhood company to rearrange a automobile with driver and information. You additionally want an company to rearrange all of the formalities. I used Kais from Yemen Touring Company who is very advisable, answered all my questions and effectively organized my journey to Yemen. Contact me for his WhatsApp quantity. I’ll cowl all of the specifics on methods to plan a visit to Yemen in a separate article.

Yemen itinerary pre-arrival day: Arriving to Cairo

A visit to Yemen isn’t like an everyday journey round Europe and it wants numerous planning. To keep away from my positioning flight messing up my schedule I opted to reach a day early in Cairo in order that I’d have a day buffer. I flew in from Amsterdam with EgyptAir. I booked an inexpensive award ticked with my Aegean Miles & Bonus miles. One of the best Star Alliance program. I stayed on the Meridien Lodge Cairo Airport which I used earlier than. I simply stayed on the lodge all day working however if you wish to exit a day try my High Day Journeys from Cairo article.  

Yemenia Air - Mainland Yemen itinerary with all the best places to visit in Hadramout

Day 1 Yemen itinerary: Flight from Caïro to Seiyun & Yemen immigration 

Yemenia (Yemen Airways) makes use of terminal 1 at Cairo Airport which is the previous terminal and a bit chaotic. I assumed it made sense to be there 2 hours earlier than the flight, however this resulted in me ready for 1.5 hours with nothing to do. There are 3 x-ray scans earlier than you board and the final one is on the gate. It went chaotic in a easy approach. Lastly, the airplane departed about 25 minutes late. The flight to Seiyun takes 3-3.5 hours. About an hour within the flight a sizzling meal was served by the pleasant employees. Fairly commonplace: Rice with meat, some veggies, bread, and a small cake. A lot of the flight is over the empty quarter, though simply countless desert, I loved trying down and see it move by. Simply earlier than touchdown I used to be fortunate to have a fowl’s eye view of Shibam, a UNESCO World Heritage Website. It was a easy flight general.

Seiyun Street Seller - Mainland Yemen itinerary with all the best places to visit in Hadramout

On arrival in Seiyun immigration was easy however took a little bit of time. Attempt to deplane quick and be in entrance of the queues. Sure, two queues as man and ladies go individually. First cease checks you probably have the visa paper and safety clearance. They then do one thing on a pc and scan the printed copies. At that time I obtained a bit confused as there have been 2 extra counters however on the similar time the, I feel, man answerable for every part got here to me “are you Mr. from Hollandi”. Then, he put me in entrance of all others. At cease two a photograph and fingerprints have been taken and cease three was the ultimate visa stamp into the passport. The whole lot collectively took most likely 20 minutes. Baggage was quick and the motive force picked me up and we have been on our option to Seiyun.

Seiyun Palace Museum - Mainland Yemen itinerary with all the best places to visit in Hadramout

It was late afternoon, and I had a little bit of time left to purchase native garments earlier than checking in on the Hawta Palace Lodge. It’s a tremendous lodge in an previous heritage conventional Yemen complicated. Test the Hawta Palace Lodge web site for extra info. After some kebab and Yemeni espresso, I went to mattress early as a result of the following day could be an extended drive east.  

Shibam Top View towards wadi - Mainland Yemen itinerary with all the best places to visit in Hadramout

Day 2 Yemen itinerary: Eastwards searching Tombs & Shrines

Wadi Hadramout is stuffed with essential tombs and shrines of prophets and students of the Islam. Right this moment we’ll discover these, and the place to begin is the tomb of Hud (pronounce hood) about 2 hours drive east from Seiyun. Hud was a prophet in historical Arabia and talked about within the Quran. He was a peasant of the Advert individuals however when these individuals began to worship different gods Hud stored praying to the one true God. God then turned him right into a Prophet. The tomb is within the Hadramout valley. It’s a small white constructing with contained in the tomb of Hud. There’s a small city on the base of the mountain which every year involves life when pilgrims come for celebrations. Pilgrims from all around the globe go to, even once I was there a big group from South East Asia was there as effectively. After an hour it was time to drive to Tarim. However first a cease for a scrumptious Yemeni lunch with stewed camel meat and rather more. 

Tomb of Hud (Hood) - Mainland Yemen itinerary with all the best places to visit in Hadramout

After lunch it was a brief drive to Tarim with a brief cease simply exterior of Tarim in Aynat to see the Sufi scholar shrines. Tarim city is the Sufi Islamic historic heart. It’s house to the attractive Al-Midar mosque and it’s placing white mud-brick Minaret which is the tallest of Yemen. The city is constructed from mud bricks which is widespread all through Yemen. I wandered round city for about 40 minutes however sadly the market wasn’t opened but once more after noon’s break. After Tarim I visited Al-Hosaisa which is house to the shrines of two Sufi students each known as Ahmed. A big mosque of the identical identify is positioned on the base of the mountain.

Tarim Al Midar Mosque - Mainland Yemen itinerary with all the best places to visit in Hadramout
Sufi Scholar Tombs Aynat - Mainland Yemen itinerary with all the best places to visit in Hadramout

It was a little bit of a rush in Tarim and Aynat in order that I’d be on time in Seiyun for the annual occasion Al-Houl. It’s devoted to the Sufi scholar Habib Ali Alhabshi. Folks from numerous cities collect in a procession and I used to be fortunate to see it. I like such surprises that you’re out of the blue in the course of native celebrations. After all of the teams handed by I visited the Seiyun souk and purchased some Yemen gold. Yemen gold is pure honey. Ensure that somebody who is aware of about it helps you purchase it, so that you get the very best. It isn’t low-cost although however so good. As I used to be drained, I made a decision to only have some Kebab for dinner on the lodge. So many impressions already this primary day to course of so I went to mattress early.

Al Houl Festival Seiyun - Mainland Yemen itinerary with all the best places to visit in Hadramout

Day 3 Yemen itinerary: Seiyun to Wadi Do’an with Shibam as spotlight

The precise thought was to go to the Sultan Al-Kathiri Palace the day prior to this, however the museum was closed. This wasn’t an issue as a result of there was time at present, I simply needed to get up an hour earlier. Not so my factor however I wished to see the museum. The Sultan Al-Kathiri Palace homes a small archaeological museum, a customs museum, and a photograph gallery with previous photographs of Yemen. A small but informative museum which you shouldn’t miss. It was round 10AM after we lastly headed to, in my view, the spotlight of the journey: Shibam Hadramout, the Manhattan of Arabia. Shibam is a UNESCO World Heritage Website since 1982 and I now know why: It’s a tremendous distinctive place.

Shibam City View - Mainland Yemen itinerary with all the best places to visit in Hadramout

Shibam is a novel metropolis in Wadi Hadramout because it’s utterly constructed from mud bricks as much as eleven tales excessive. These skyscrapers home round 7000 individuals and are constructed very shut to one another. The entire metropolis is surrounded by a wall. It’s superb to see that simply mud and wood beams are used to construct these homes. Vehicles can get in by means of the principle gate, however you’ll solely be capable to drive as much as the mosque and the principle sq.. The alleys should be explored on foot which you’ll cowl all of them in 2 hours.

Shibam Alleys - Mainland Yemen itinerary with all the best places to visit in Hadramout

In case you stroll the alleys, you’ll discover loads of goats. They dwell on the bottom flooring of lots of the buildings. Once I arrived, the goats have been the one residing beings I noticed in Shibam, however this modified. I obtained invited to see the inside of one of many homes. They’re vibrant and never sandy as the surface! Every flooring has a number of rooms for the assorted households residing collectively. The highest flooring typically is for the newlyweds which transfer down as soon as one other couple marries. As soon as again exterior within the alleys the entire metropolis got here to life as a result of it was lunch time. Instantly there have been children enjoying, outlets opened and ladies coming again with the goats from exterior the town. These Hadhrami ladies put on pointy hats which is an fascinating sight. All this actually gave impression of the life in Shibam.

Shibam Mud Houses - Mainland Yemen itinerary with all the best places to visit in Hadramout

Sure, there’s a viewpoint for Shibam on the different aspect of the valley. Scroll to day 5 for the Shibam sundown, it’s magical! After a small lunch it was time to drive to Wadi Do’an which is a 3-hour drive away but when checkpoints cease you this could final many hours extra. I didn’t expertise any delays with a most of 10 minutes at one army checkpoint.

Al Haijrain City View - Mainland Yemen itinerary with all the best places to visit in Hadramout

Driving by means of Wadi Do’an there have been a number of picture stops of Sif cities of which essentially the most fascinating was Al-Haijrain. A metropolis constructed across the tip of a mountain. On day 4 there could be rather more time to discover these cities and villages. It was round 5PM once I arrived simply earlier than sundown on the Haid Al-Jizil Resort Lodge. After a scrumptious oven hen, I went by means of a few of the photographs of the previous days, linked to house for an replace and went to mattress early as the following day could be an extended one.

Day 4 Yemen itinerary: A day in Wadi Do’an

The sundown from the Haid Al-Jizil Lodge should be magical when the solar lights up Wadi Do’an and Haid Al-Jizil city which is constructed on prime of a rock. I say “should be” as I’m not a morning particular person so I skipped this. After my ordinary breakfast (eggs, Yemini bread, inexperienced chili, and low) it was time for a hike from the mountain city into Wadi Do’an. The 1-hour lengthy stunning trek begins a couple of minutes’ drive from the lodge and takes you all the way down to Hawfah village. On the prime you’ll be able to see only a little bit of the valley under and the extra you stroll down the extra the valley opens with superb views. With the numerous picture stops it took about 80 minutes to achieve Hawfah village.

Wadi Doan hike - Mainland Yemen itinerary with all the best places to visit in Hadramout
Hawfah Village - Mainland Yemen itinerary with all the best places to visit in Hadramout

Hawfah village is a phenomenal small mud brick village constructed on the base of the cliffs of Wadi Do’an. Strolling by means of the village you’ll get impression of how the individuals spend their time throughout the day. From Hawfah village we drove a couple of minutes to Buqshan village to admire the Buqshan Palace. This palace, and one other subsequent to it, is a phenomenal coloured palace owned by a wealthy household. The household now lives in Saudi Arabia however returns every year and so they handle the village and people round.

Buqshan Palace - Mainland Yemen itinerary with all the best places to visit in Hadramout

Wadi Do’an could be very affluent and wealthy because of the many profitable enterprise households going again a few years. Many now dwell elsewhere, for instance in Saudi Arabia. One household, the Bin Laden household, you most likely have heard of. Their household house is in Al-Rubat, and I used to be capable of go to it travelling solo. Massive teams would possibly appeal to the eye of individuals with dangerous intentions. Though it’s deserted it was fascinating to see. Will I be in one of many spy-satellite images now? Locals even invited me to come back to their home for lunch, however I needed to politely decline that as extra was on this system at present. Earlier than heading again to the lodge for lunch there have been a number of extra picture stops together with Rehab city. This mud brick metropolis, which can also be constructed on the base of the sandstone cliffs is surrounded by fields of inexperienced palm bushes. A good looking view.

Hawfah Village - Mainland Yemen itinerary with all the best places to visit in Hadramout

After lunch and an hour having fun with the infinity swimming pool it was time for a final drive by means of Wadi Do’an. Different cities I visited embody in no specific order Al-Khuraiba, Haid Al-Jizil, Qarn Majed and some others. Within the night it was time, but once more, for a scrumptious oven hen for dinner on the lodge. They solely serve this due to the shortage of tourism as of late. As soon as this modifications they are going to have a full-service restaurant once more. They was once absolutely booked all year long, and I hope this quickly modifications once more as a result of the realm is superb.

Haid Al Jizil Village - Mainland Yemen itinerary with all the best places to visit in Hadramout

Day 5 Yemen itinerary: Street journey again from Wadi Do’an to Seiyun

After breakfast it was time to depart Haid Al-Jizil lodge at round 08:30AM. It could be a 3–4-hour drive again to Seiyun if there have been no delays at checkpoints. I feel I mentioned “cease” to the motive force about 20 instances to {photograph} extra villages, native life, and simply stunning panoramas. Once more, every part went easily, so I had a number of hours on the Hawta Palace Lodge pool after lunch. I had lunch in among the finest eating places in Seiyun and eventually was capable of style Saltah. It’s a dish from North Yemen however I needed to strive it not less than as soon as.

Rehab Town - Mainland Yemen itinerary with all the best places to visit in Hadramout

After pool time it was time to go again to Shibam for the magical sundown at the very best viewpoint. It’s positioned midway up the cliff reverse Shibam. The entire sandy riverbed was full of youngsters enjoying soccer, Hadrami ladies coming again with goats once more, simply many individuals getting back from work. It was principally empty the opposite day, however within the late afternoon the entire valley obtained crowded. I watched the sundown, made a big gigapixel panorama picture, and simply admired Shibam. This was most likely essentially the most memorable expertise in Yemen. It’s the true magical Arabia.

Shibam City View Sunset - Mainland Yemen itinerary with all the best places to visit in Hadramout
Shibam City View Sunset - Mainland Yemen itinerary with all the best places to visit in Hadramout

After sundown, it was a 15-minute drive again to the Hawta Palace Lodge for dinner. I went to mattress early as a result of I needed to rise up at 3AM to depart at 4AM to the airport. It’s one thing I attempt to keep away from in any respect prices however with only one possibility for a flight from Seiyun to Cairo I had no selection. I survived.

Day 6: The tip of this Yemen highway journey itinerary

Each journey has and finish and so did my journey to Yemen. The flight to Cairo is at 07:00AM which meant I needed to wake-up already at 03:00AM which is one thing I actually hate. However I survived that after all. It was only a brief experience from the Hawta Palace Lodge to the airport. I assumed it could be chaotic on the airport, however every part went very easy. There are a number of passport and safety checks, however they’re quick and environment friendly. It was nonetheless earlier than 5AM once I was in ready space for the airplane to reach. The flight again was easy as effectively.

Castle Wadi Doan - Mainland Yemen itinerary with all the best places to visit in Hadramout

Yemen actually stunned me. I went in with an open thoughts, but it surely was simply superb. Having seen so many locations it typically occurs that locations are “regular”, however Yemen actually is totally different. The pleasant individuals, its historic websites, nature, and every part normally is a superb expertise. I’d have liked to remain longer and discover the north of Yemen. This space from Aden to Sana’a nevertheless isn’t secure now. I need to return quickly for a second go to as soon as doable.  

I hope this Yemen itinerary journey report conjures up you to go as effectively. Plan effectively and you’ll have a tremendous time. 

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Did you go to Yemen too or do you’ve gotten questions? Please depart a remark on the backside of the web page. Love to listen to from you!



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