Mountainous Area

Geography

This part of the country is located in the central highlands northwest of Sana'a. The Central Mountains consist of Manakha, Al Hajjarah, Hutayb, Kawkaban and other traveler interests. The Haraz Mountains are also located at the south tip of the Central Mountains 

Climate

summer (30c-25c) and in the winter (20c-5c).

Things to see and do:

The Central Mountains offer some of the best places for trekking and partaking in Yemeni Culture. Also, the sightseeing that can be seen from the mountains is absolutely breath-taking.

Manakah

Situated to the west of the Capital city of Sanaa , about 120 kilometers, it is located in a highland about 2200 meters above sea level. This city is surrounded by high mountains on all sides. The Beih Mountains are located to the north, and the Shibam Hiraz to the south. The special features of this beautiful city include unique architectural structures, located along mountain tops. This area is famous not only for its architectural style but also for agricultural features in the traditional terracing system. 
Manakha was once where the plantations of coffee were grown; they were harvested and then sent to Mokha before being shipped to Europe and other areas.

During this time the Region of Haraz was under the control of the Turkish occupation, and was very necessary for the shipping routes to remain safe. 
Travelers can easily spend several days in this region, and benefit from the tranquility of its nature.

Al-Hajarah

Hajjarah lying 5km west of Manakha is the 11th century hilltop village of Al-Hajjarah . With its spectacular setting and century-old tower houses (some up to eight story's), it is often  considered one of Yemen 's prettiest towns, It also makes another good base from Mindful of the milieu, the Ottomans set up their cannons here to ensure the safe passage of arms on their way to Sana'a from the Red Sea .

Thulla

Lying around 9km north of Shibam is the historic, fortified village of Thilla . Formerly an important theological center, it's today known for its lovely architecture. An impressive stone wall surrounds the town making for a memorable arrival through one of its two gates.

Hababah

Located to the south west of Thulla. The architecture of the town is unique due to the style of building the houses stacked to each other in a genius way. There are still many houses that goes back to the Jewish people who inhabited the city for almost 700 years.

Shibam Kawkban

Lying at 2300m above sea level, at foot of Jebal Kawkaban (2800m), is the ancient village of Shibam . Dating from the 2nd century AD, it became am important capital for the local Yafurid dynasty in the 9th century, when its grand mosque - one of the oldest in Yemen - was built. Shibam

Kawkban

Perched dramatically on the top of Jebal Kawkaban is the remarkable, During the 15th century, it served as a capital to the Bani Sharaf Al-Deen dynasty and was once renowned for its architecture, including the ancient cisterns, which once kept the town in water. when suffering raids in their town, the citizens of Shibam would seek shelter up there.

Shaharah

This mountain village, 160km north of Sana'a, is famous for two things: its bridge and it inaccessibility and half the fun is getting there! The climb up the mountain (which lies at 2600m) also affords some of the most stunning vistas in Yemen . Shaharah has a certain rarefied air. Less known is the fact that Shaharah is famous also for its long tradition of scholars (dating back to the time of the Zaydi dynasty in the 9^th century)

It also served as a tremendous stronghold of resistance against the Ottomans during both occupations. The Ottomans never quite succeeded in taking the town, and so many soldiers died attempting to that for a while Shaharah was dubbed 'Tomb of the Turks'. After centuries of isolation, villagers are still a little wary of strangers, so travelers should show sensitivity.

AlMahweet

Although the bustling market town of Al-Mahweet hasn't much to offer the traveler (beside an attractive settings), the 125km journey west of Sana'a makes a visit well worthwhile. The road takes you through one of the most fertile regions in Yemen , On the way look out for the fruit, coffer and tobacco plantations (in between the qat). Every hill apparently has a fort or defensive village perched on its peak. Perhaps the most dramatic of these is At-Tawila. From the 15th century to the mid-18th century, the town served as an important coffee-collecting point (as it was transported on its way to the coast). During this time At-Tawila's  grand fort was built.