Living On The Edge

Reaching The Edge of the World 

- also called Jebel Fihran, is located about 90km from Saudi's Capital- Riyadh which takes about two hours to reach. It is one of the most popular desert treks along the rocky trail of Tuwaik Escarpment, because of its stunning views and uninterrupted serenity. It forms part of the massive Tuwaiq cliffs, which stretches over more than 600km through Cental Saudia, and once upon a time, overlooked an ancient trade route from Arabian Peninsula to Levent and Persia. 

If gazing at a geological formation is reading a history book, then watching it in person is like witnessing strokes of pen that wrote it.

I always knew we'd hit upon the next great adventure idea when I got that tingly feeling-you know, the feeling that spreads from your brain right down to the edge of your fingers and toes. It was just so exciting. I needed the buzz of the news, the thrill of the unknown, the seeking of new answers that push my limits. And this time it was the trip to Edge of The World!

Getting to this geographical phenomenon requires an SUV and a functioning GPS (preferably offline). After two straight hours of bumpy ride through a winding rocky terrain, we reached the parking stop from where the dusty hiking trail begins. 

Under the blue sky and wintry air, we began our journey in groups. Needless to say, winter is the best time to visit this site in order to avoid the scorching heat of the merciless summer with no shades or sanctuary. As we kept moving uphill and down the valley, I turned a corner and stepped into this stunning panorama that made my heart skip a beat. The mountains soared upward as if determined to kiss the heaven! The hundreds of miles of barren valley floor resembled lunar landscape, with the sharp jagged edge of the mountain heads jutting outwards from its plateau.

Because my spirits were up high, like the mountains I was keen to concur, I cared little about the chilly wind whipping against me. Feeling my lungs bursting with fresh air, I observed the sunlight cascading down a gap of clouds over the edge of the barren world. There was a beautiful calm and stillness, for that same sense one may feel in a hammock upon some sun-soaked palm-adorned paradise. I was at peace with the world.

 As i dangled my feet over the edge and looked upon the vastness of the valley, I wondered that-if creation was the poem of the universe, I am but a speck of ink upon its page. What is the universe but "one verse" one song of love? For it is when love flows most strongly, I feel the interconnectedness of all things. It is as if beneath, around and within our reality, it is love that is the creative force, the energy, an intricate, chaotic yet synchronized rhythm of life. 

We stayed at the summit for a short period of time as it was starting to get dark soon. There were plenty other locals, tourists and foreigners, those who came to camp out and stay the night. Some settled down with a picnic basket and set up tea on stoves. Others scurried to capture the perfect wide angle shot of the panoramic view or hyper-lapse of the setting sun. 

Away to the west, the sun was sinking into a violet sea of light. The orange glow stretched far and wide, the color of hearth and tangerines. Soon, the lingering light was obliterated by the rapidly falling night. When I tilted my head skyward, I could see clearly millions of bright stars dotted on the black canvas.Perhaps a little too breeze-beaten to stay any longer, we headed back grabbing our coats and hoodies with flashlights in our hands and warm memories in our heart. Even though our eyes could only see one step at a time, we strode on, guided by the faint luminous silver moonlight.

"The sky is already purple; the first few stars have appeared, suddenly, as if someone had thrown a handful of silver across the edge of the world"- Alice Hoffman

Highlights and Recommendations: 

How to reach Edge of the world:

• The location is about 90km outside of Riyadh and takes about two hours to reach.

• GPS coordinates for the Edge of the World end location N24 56 41.4 E45 59 32.1

• Getting to this geographical phenomenon requires an SUV for off-roading in the dirt tracks and a spare tire. It is the safest to travel in a convoy of several cars with full tanks and a shovel.

• Leave early, keeping in mind the two hours drive to the site, spending enough time and getting back before the sunset, as it can be extremely difficult to navigate in the pitch dark.

• It typically takes between 15 and 30 minutes of hike to reach the cliff edge from the parking spot, with plenty of view point along the way which you can enjoy.

• The hike is family friendly and for people of all ages but watch out for the cliff edges as there are no barricades or boundaries.

• Best time to visit is during winter months when the overhead sun is tolerable. Make sure to carry plenty of water and snacks as lot of hiking and climbing to the cliff is involved; wear comfortable hiking shoes or boots.

• You can always go in a group or contact tourist guides to help you reach the destination.

• If you can make it to the top of the cliff, enjoy the breathtaking views and feel at the top of the world!

• Notice the rock formations and the fossils too, as the escarpment is rich in fossils since it used to be an ocean around 50 million years ago!

• The wide plane of the valley has many dried up tracks which fills up with water when it rains and some part of the valley blooms in greenery during springtime.