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.
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.
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
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.
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.
TAMR In Motion
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