Al Qarah Mountain and Al Qarah Caves at Al Ahsa Oasis, Al Hofuf, Saudi Arabia
Al Qarah Mountain is a prominent natural landmark located in the Al Ahsa Oasis, part of Al Hofuf city, in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia. The Al Qarah Mountain and especially the Al Qarah Caves are well worth a visit, both during the day and in the evening time as well. See information, facts, and figures about the mountain from EagleFlyFree.com here:
Al Qarah Mountain and Caves. The video from our visit in 2023.
Al Qarah Mountain
Al Qarah Caves and Mountain Location
Al Qarah Mountain is situated approximately 16 km south of the city of Al Hofuf in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia. It is located in the Al-Ahsa Oasis, one of the largest oases in the world.
Al Qarah Mountain Elevation
The mountain stands at an elevation of around 600 meters (1,969 feet) above sea level, making it one of the highest points in the area. The views of the surrounding Al Ahsa Oasis are well worth the effort to climb to the top of the hill.
Geology of the Al Qarah Mountain
Al Qarah Mountain is primarily composed of sedimentary rocks, including limestone and shale, which were formed during the Jurassic and Cretaceous periods. The mountain is also known for its unique geological formations, including caves and sinkholes.
Cultural Significance of the Al Qarah Mountain
Al Qarah Mountain has significant cultural and historical importance in Saudi Arabia. It is often cited in traditional folklore and legends. The area is home to several ancient rock art sites, including petroglyphs and inscriptions, which provide important insights into the history and culture of the region.
Al Qarah Mountain Visit for free
You can admire Al Qarah Mountain from different angles without paying the entrance fee to the Al Qarah cave park. Well, the work "mountain" is probably too bold for Al Qarah, it is more of a hill, some 2 km long and 1 km wide. You can explore the Al Qarah Hill from different angles just by driving around in a car or you can climb the hill a get nice views of the surrounding Al Ahsa oasis. The main attraction here are Al Qarah Caves, located within Al Qarah Montain.
Al-Qarah Caves
The Al-Qarah Caves are a series of natural limestone caves located at the base of Al Qarah Mountain. The caves are believed to have formed over millions of years due to the erosion of the limestone by water. They feature stunning rock formations, stalactites, and stalagmites, as well as underground lakes and streams. Naturally, caves are home to a number of species of bats, which inhabit the dark crevices and feed on insects.
The Al-Qarah Cave Park is a popular tourist attraction that offers visitors the opportunity to explore the caves and learn about their geological and historical significance. The park features a visitor center with a small museum. Here visitors can learn about the formation of the caves and their role in the history and culture of the region. Guided tours are also available. These take visitors deep into the caves to explore their many chambers and formations.
The entry fee to The Al-Qarah Cave Park is 57,50 SAR for adults. (Many, even the official web sites, mention 50 SAR entry fee, but that is an old information. Children below 12 years enjoy free entry.
Overall, I can say that the caves in the Al Qarah Mountains were a pleasant surprise for me. We visited them during the day and liked them so much that we came back after sunset. We agreed with the staff that we would return and so we didn't pay the entrance fee the second time. But I don't think that was the usual way things work. I felt like they were accommodating a wish of strange foreigners who came to visit Al Qarah with their kids, during Ramadan. We were not only the only foreign tourists there, but one of very few visitors overall.
Where next in Al Hofuf after visiting Al Qarah Caves and mountain?
Al Qarah Caves are one of the many places to admire in Al Hofuf. Do not miss the Qaisariya Al-Ahsa Souq and Alamiriah School in the old city centre. Outside of Hofuf explore the Asfar lake (The Yellow Lake), visit fascinating Camel Market or swim the Uqair Beach, just an hour drive away.
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