Bashout Pass Cycling Climb - Asir Mountains, Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia Bashout Pass

42.3

PDI

7.8 mi

DISTANCE

4,538 ft

GAINED

ELEVATION GAINED

11.1 %

AVG. GRADE

AVG. GRADIENT

FULL CLIMB STATS

Page Contributor(s): Josh Baker, Al Riyadh, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia; Ties Arts, Bussum, Netherlands.

INTRO

Bashout Pass - known locally as Aqabat Aliyan Nisab - is one of the hardest bike climbs in the world, and one of the most dramatic: it switchbacks up through Balqarn's stretch of the Asir Mountains via dozens of tight hairpins packed into just 7.8 miles. It's often compared to Alpe d'Huez for its stacked-switchback profile, but Bashout Pass is considerably steeper and remains far less known outside Saudi Arabia. The Asir Mountains, tucked into Saudi Arabia's far southwest corner, hold the greatest concentration of Top 100 World Bike Climbs found anywhere on the planet - green, cool, and scenic in a way that surprises most visitors' expectations of Saudi Arabia. We first documented Bashout Pass and its neighboring Asir climbs in November 2021, when the region was still essentially unknown to the international cycling world. It currently ranks #84 in PJAMM's world difficulty rankings.

PLAN YOUR ROUTE

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11.8% average grade (12.3% climb only). 32% of the climb is at grade 15-20% and 4% is at ≥20%. The steepest 500 meters is 18.5% and steepest kilometer 16.5%.

See more details and tools regarding this climb's grade via the “Profile Tool” button above.

Roadway: The climb switchbacks up a paved mountain road through Balqarn's stretch of the Asir Mountains via dozens of tight hairpins packed into just 7.8 miles, similar in character - if not in fame - to Alpe d'Huez and the Stelvio. Riders who've documented the wider Asir Mountains region generally report road surfaces in good condition, though as with any remote Saudi mountain road, conditions can vary switchback to switchback.

Traffic: Traffic is minimal to mild throughout most of the Asir Mountains away from Abha and the region's larger towns, and Bashout Pass, tucked into rural Balqarn, sees especially little of it - mostly local residents rather than through-traffic or tourists.

Parking: Al Shaaf is a small governorate center rather than a tourist destination, so there's no formal trailhead lot at the base of the climb - riders typically stage from the roadside near the start of the ascent. Given how remote this area is, arrange your logistics (a support vehicle, confirmed lodging, fuel and water) well before you go, since services are minimal this far into the mountains.

Al Shaaf is a small rural governorate center rather than a tourist hub, so there are no bike shops, mechanics, or dedicated cyclist provisions right at the base of the climb - come self-sufficient with your own food, water, and spares. The nearest full range of services, including bike shops and hotels, is in Abha, the regional capital. Bring warm layers regardless of season - the summit tops out above 7,100', keeping conditions noticeably cooler than the desert lowlands most visitors picture, especially early or late in the day.

Before heading out on any cycling adventure check out our Things to Bring on a Cycling Trip and use our interactive check list to ensure you don't forget anything.

As of mid-2026, the border area near Abha - the nearest major city to the Asir Mountains - has seen intermittent cross-border missile and drone activity tied to the conflict in Yemen, including strikes on Abha International Airport in July 2026. Check your home country's current travel advisory for Aseer Province, and confirm your flight status directly with your airline, before planning a trip here - conditions in this specific corner of Saudi Arabia can shift quickly even when the rest of the country is unaffected. Beyond that, this remains a genuinely rewarding, still largely undiscovered region for road cyclists willing to do the legwork to get here. The summit sits above 7,100 feet, cooler and greener than what most visitors expect of Saudi Arabia, so check conditions before you go with our Weather tool.