Haid al Jazil: Central Yemen’s Most Beautiful Village
Updated April 2023, Haid al Jazil: Central Yemen’s Most Beautiful Village was originally published in May 2020
Rising from a date palm oasis in a deep wadi that cuts deep into the Earth’s crust in Yemen’s Wadi Hadhramaut region, the village of Haid al Jazil is something of fantasy. The pint-sized village of Haid al Jazil sits atop a large boulder rising 100 meters, located right in the center of Wadi Daw’an Layasar- the southern reaches of the right branch of Wadi Daw’an.
A Village Left In Ruin
The majority of the homes that sit perched above the floor of Wadi Daw’an in the village of Haid al Jazil have fallen into disarray- about 70% of the 45 homes. A handful of people still live in the village and maintain their ancient mudbrick homes.
As of a 2004 census, 17 people lived in the village, 10 of which were members of the Al Amoudi family. The village of Haid al Jazil dates back to the 16th century.
Learn more about the fascinating Wadi Daw’an region
Houses Of Mudbrick
The homes perched atop Haid al Jazil are made in traditional Hadhrami fashion, out of mudbrick that requires constant maintenance. Wadi Daw’an doesn’t often receive rain, but when it does appear, it usually results in flash flooding. The flash floods lead to the erosion of the mudbrick and allow for termites to get in a destroy the wood used to create the floors of the multilevel homes.
The Best Time To Visit Haid al Jazil
Haid al Jazil is best viewed in the morning light at sunrise from the edge of Wadi Daw’an’s east boundary. From here you can witness the sun rays trickle over the edge and into the canyon and creep down to illuminate the village homes.
Thinking about Yemen? Check out my Yemen Travel Guide
How To Get To Haid al Jazil
Haid al Jazil is located near the end of Wadi Daw’an Layasar, the base reachable by car off the main highway connecting Seiyun and Shihan, near the Omani border. From the bottom, you’ll need to continue on foot to reach the village atop the boulder.
Have Questions About Traveling To Haid al Jazil?
I arranged this unique addition to a trip into Mainland Yemen and on to Socotra with partners in mainland Yemen and in Socotra. If you want to set up your own, contact me at adventuresoflilnicki @ gmail.com.
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Did you guys actually walk up into the village on your recent trip? We did not, Robyn said it had been closed off to her the day before. I would have liked a closer look.
Same for us, got some details from local man from village below that accompanied us on the hike down into the wadi. Would love to get up there and wander.