Parmah Pass

Saudi Arabia Parmah Pass

52.5

PDI

10.8 mi

DISTANCE

5,888 ft

GAINED

ELEVATION GAINED

10.4 %

AVG. GRADE

AVG. GRADIENT

FULL CLIMB STATS

INTRO

Parmah Pass climbs out of Wadi Baqrah Al-Ulya, in Tanomah governorate in Saudi Arabia's Asir Mountains, gaining 5,888 feet over 10.8 miles at a 10.4% average grade to finish near Salman Park in Tanomah. It ranks #36 in PJAMM's world difficulty database - one of a dense cluster of brutally steep climbs in the Asir range, which has more than a dozen entries in the world's top 100.

We first documented this climb on an 11-day climb trip through the Asir Mountains, ridden by John Johnson together with Matt, based in Dhahran. Parmah Pass is your typical run-of-the-mill Asir Mountain climb - scenic, epic, steep... It is ungodly challenging, scenic, through rugged terrain and completely unknown, unridden and undocumented (until now) in the cycling world.

The road switches back through about 50 hairpins, with the steepest quarter mile averaging close to 20% - John recorded a peak reading of 22% on his Garmin. At about mile 4.3, the route ducks through a short, narrow rock canyon walled in on both sides. Wildlife along the way includes baboons native to the Sarawat Mountains, of which the Asir range is part, along with the goat herds that are the area's primary livestock. Small roadside mosques mark the way, and John recalls motorists stopping to talk with him, amazed to see someone cycling up these grades.

There's little cycling literature about this climb beyond our own documentation - it remains a genuinely obscure, self-supported ride - one reserve for the true adventurers.

PLAN YOUR ROUTE

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Gruesomely steep. This is one of the steepest sustained climbs in the PJAMM database. The steepest quarter mile averages 19.9%, easing only to 18.1% over a half mile, 15.5% over a full mile, 14.3% over 2.5 miles, and 13.6% over 5 miles - and the whole 10.8-mile climb still averages 10.4%. That matches what our rider recorded on the road: a peak Garmin reading of 22%, with sustained double-digit grades for miles at a stretch.

Roadway: A paved, two-lane mountain road that switches back through roughly 50 hairpins on its way up the escarpment. Watch for posted "Caution: Falling Rocks Area" signage in places - this is steep, rugged terrain with real rockfall exposure, not just a steep-grade warning.

Traffic: Light but present - this is a real mountain road used by local traffic, not a closed or private route. However, drivers are incredibly kind and respectful. Our rider was stopped more than once by curious, encouraging motorists. Watch for goat herds that may be on or near the road.

Parking: The climb finishes near Salman Park in Tanomah, which has served as a natural parking and gathering spot at the top. No formal cyclist-specific parking or facilities.

Bring low gearing - this climb holds double-digit average grades for miles, with pitches into the high teens and low twenties. Carry more water than you think you'll need; a roadside vendor selling water was present when we rode this climb, but that's not something to count on. Sun protection matters at this elevation and latitude, and note that daily life in the area runs around five calls to prayer, roughly 5 a.m. to 6 p.m. depending on the season - a quiet, common part of the soundscape here.

Of course, due to the extreme gradients, sure your brakes are dialed in before attempting a descent.

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.

Abha, the regional hub of Aseer Province, is the most practical base for a trip out to this climb, with the widest range of lodging and services in the region. This is a remote, rural part of Saudi Arabia with no cycling-specific infrastructure - plan to be fully self-supported, and check current Saudi tourist-visa and travel guidance before you go, since requirements can change. The Asir Mountains hold one of the world's densest clusters of extreme climbs, so if you're making the trip, consider pairing this with some of the region's other tough ascents.