ThePlace: Darb Al-Jammalah, located in Saudi Arabia’s Taif

Photo/Supplied

Photo/SPA

• Historically, the spiral path was of huge significance for pilgrims and traders as it shortens the distance between Makkah and Taif

The caravan route, or Darb Al-Jammalah, as it is referred to by historians, is a historic landmark and one of Al-Karr Mountain’s treasures in Taif. The route is located between the top of the mountain in Al-Hada, below Al-Qarah Mountain.
Historically, the spiral path was of huge significance for pilgrims and traders as it shortens the distance between Makkah and Taif, serving as the main link connecting the two cities.
The name of the rocky path, Darb Al-Jammalah, is Arabic for “the route of camels.” It is constructed on two tracks — one for camels and another for people. There is a stone staircase that dates back more than 1,000 years to the fifth Hijri century. The path is about 6 kilometers long, meaning that travelers can reach the holy city in mere hours compared to the usual three days of travel time.
Despite the limited construction techniques used at that time, the path has survived, and its zigzag geometric design continues to interest tourists. The road descends from the top of Al-Karr mountain in Al-Hada to the bottom in a spiral formation. Today, it serves as an attractive site for visitors and hikers.