Hegra AlUla (Madaen Saleh) 2025 — How to Visit, Tickets & Tours within a Saudi Arabia Itinerary

ℹ️ What is Hegra (Madaen Saleh)?

Hegra is a vast archaeological site with dozens of rock-cut tombs carved into sandstone cliffs. It dates back to the Nabataean civilization and in many ways feels like Petra in Jordan, but with a quieter and less crowded atmosphere.

• The first site in Saudi Arabia officially inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List.
• Located a short drive from AlUla town and its main hotels.
• Accessible only through organized, official tours, not by casual self-driving inside the site.

Don’t treat Hegra as a “quick stop”. It’s really the heart of the AlUla experience and deserves at least half a day in your plan.

⭐ Why Hegra is key in a Saudi Arabia itinerary

If you’re planning a trip that combines Riyadh + AlUla + Jeddah + Umluj, Hegra is the main “historic highlight” roughly in the middle of your route:

• It balances your itinerary between nature & desert scenery on one side, and history & culture on the other.
• It fits naturally into a 2–3 night stay in AlUla with resorts and desert-style hotels.
• Many tours include transport from central meeting points, so you don’t have to worry about driving logistics.

🧭 How to visit Hegra (booking, tickets & tours)

Visiting Hegra is done through official guided tours, not by simply driving inside on your own. In general:

• Book in advance: it’s best to reserve online, especially during peak season and major AlUla events.
• Meeting point: tours usually start from a designated meeting point, where you board a bus or shuttle into the site.
• Tour duration: many tours run for around 2–3 hours, including stops for photos and explanations.
• Language: tours may be in Arabic or English – double-check the language before booking if that’s important for your group.

If you’re traveling with kids, ask about the exact duration and how many stops/breaks are included during the tour.

🏛 What you’ll see inside Hegra (Madaen Saleh)

Details vary slightly from tour to tour, but most itineraries focus on these highlights:

• Rock-cut tomb façades: monumental tombs carved into the rock, with detailed Nabataean architectural elements.
• Ancient inscriptions: Nabataean texts and other markings that your guide will explain at different stops.
• Desert & rock scenery: dramatic rock formations and wide-open desert views, especially beautiful in early morning or late afternoon light.
• Multiple stops: you’ll get off the bus in several areas, walk short distances, take photos, and then move on to the next viewpoint.

Make sure your phone or camera is fully charged before the tour – most visitors end up taking a lot of photos in Hegra.

🧩 Combining Hegra with Elephant Rock & AlUla Old Town

To get the most out of your time in AlUla, it helps to think of Hegra as part of a small “bundle” that also includes Elephant Rock and the Old Town, plus a few extra experiences:

• Visit Hegra on a morning tour, then head back to your hotel to rest.
• Head out before sunset to Elephant Rock for snacks and photos.
• Spend the evening in AlUla Old Town with its restaurants, cafés and shops.

If your trip is short, let “Hegra day” be the anchor of your AlUla stay and build other activities around it, not the other way round.

🌅 Sample half-day plan for Hegra within an AlUla stay

Here’s a simple example you can adapt to your hotel and travel dates:

Morning — Getting ready & heading to the meeting point

• Relaxed breakfast at your AlUla hotel, then pack water, a hat and sunglasses.
• Make your way to the official tour meeting point a bit early.

Midday — Hegra (Madaen Saleh) guided tour

• Board the bus with your group and enter the archaeological site.
• Stop at several clusters of tombs while your guide explains the history.
• Return to the meeting point and head back to your hotel for some rest.

Late afternoon / evening — Elephant Rock or Old Town

• Finish the day with sunset at Elephant Rock or a cozy dinner in AlUla Old Town, depending on your overall schedule.

💡 Tips before visiting Hegra (Madaen Saleh)

• Pick the right time of day: AlUla has a desert climate, so try to choose a morning tour or a slot with milder temperatures when possible.
• Wear comfortable walking shoes, as you’ll be getting on and off the bus and walking short distances on uneven ground.
• Carry a water bottle throughout the tour, especially if you’re traveling with children.
• Follow your guide’s safety instructions – certain areas are restricted and have fixed paths.
• During busy seasons, reserve your tour well in advance so you don’t have to reshuffle your itinerary.

❓ FAQ about Hegra (Madaen Saleh)

How much time do I need for Hegra in my AlUla itinerary?

In most cases you’ll need about half a day from leaving your hotel to getting back. The guided tour itself usually lasts around 2–3 hours, plus transfer time to and from the meeting point.

Can I visit Hegra without joining an organized tour?

Currently, access to Hegra is through official guided tours only. You can’t simply drive around the site on your own, so it’s best to book in advance online or via approved local providers.

Is Hegra suitable for children?

Yes, Hegra can be a great experience for families, provided you pick a cooler time of day, bring water and light snacks, and make sure the tour duration is reasonable for your kids’ ages.