Buker, a historical village not far from Zakatin and Kowkaban, is nestled within the rocky cliffs of the hills that constitute the area. While the hike to Buker from the roadside is only a little over a mile in distance, the trek itself may pose quite the challenge, though the pay off is well worth the effort. The trail is rugged and switches from a steep uphill climb to a sharp descent while the shifting rocks beneath your feet force you to keep your balance and attention focused on each individual step. However, the children belonging to the village just before Buker have no problem gliding up and down each crevasse at a speed that is nothing less than impressive.
You’ll find the site located a little less than 50 kilometers west of Sana’a with an altitude well over 3000 meters. According to the Yemeni’s at the site, many Imams lived out there lives here, making the area historically significant to the Yemeni population. Unfortunately, much of Buker was destroyed in the midst of civil war in the 1970s. Due to Buker’s remote location, if you intend to visit, be sure to find lodging in one of the neighboring villages, Kowkaban being one of the more popular choices for accommodation.
A unique feature of this location is the buildings constructed into the sides of the mountain. Once you reach your destination, which also protrudes from the mountainside, other surrounding structures become more visible. While I personally enjoyed the ambiance and architecture of these ruins, what I found truly impressive was the view and scenery. Weaving through the old homes to the left of Buker, there is a cliff that overlooks every direction for miles on end. Neighboring homes below, surrounding mountainsides, and green valleys jumped out from the landscape as I greedily struggled to take it all in at once.
I recommend eating a late breakfast, packing a lunch and beginning the hike around 1pm. By the time you get there, eat lunch and explore, it will be approaching late afternoon, giving you enough time to get back before it gets too dark, but enabling you to view the clouds moving in over the area. This was my favorite part of the trip. As I stood over the edge, overwhelmed by what my eyes were taking in, the nearby cloud cover swiftly moved over me. I was literally standing in a cloud, getting glimpses of the region as the midst drifted in and out.
For those interested in history, architecture, and nature and for those who don’t mind roughing it up a little in the process, this is a mystical experience I would not let pass by.
You’ll find the site located a little less than 50 kilometers west of Sana’a with an altitude well over 3000 meters. According to the Yemeni’s at the site, many Imams lived out there lives here, making the area historically significant to the Yemeni population. Unfortunately, much of Buker was destroyed in the midst of civil war in the 1970s. Due to Buker’s remote location, if you intend to visit, be sure to find lodging in one of the neighboring villages, Kowkaban being one of the more popular choices for accommodation.
A unique feature of this location is the buildings constructed into the sides of the mountain. Once you reach your destination, which also protrudes from the mountainside, other surrounding structures become more visible. While I personally enjoyed the ambiance and architecture of these ruins, what I found truly impressive was the view and scenery. Weaving through the old homes to the left of Buker, there is a cliff that overlooks every direction for miles on end. Neighboring homes below, surrounding mountainsides, and green valleys jumped out from the landscape as I greedily struggled to take it all in at once.
I recommend eating a late breakfast, packing a lunch and beginning the hike around 1pm. By the time you get there, eat lunch and explore, it will be approaching late afternoon, giving you enough time to get back before it gets too dark, but enabling you to view the clouds moving in over the area. This was my favorite part of the trip. As I stood over the edge, overwhelmed by what my eyes were taking in, the nearby cloud cover swiftly moved over me. I was literally standing in a cloud, getting glimpses of the region as the midst drifted in and out.
For those interested in history, architecture, and nature and for those who don’t mind roughing it up a little in the process, this is a mystical experience I would not let pass by.
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