Yarim

Yarim is a town in Ibb Governorate, Yemen, located about 30 km north of Ibb city on the main north-south highway. It sits on a high plateau at an elevation of about 2,400 m, making it one of the coolest towns in Yemen. Yarim is an agricultural market centre, known for its production of coffee, qat, and fruit. The town has a small historic quarter with traditional stone houses and a busy market. The surrounding landscape is characterised by terraced hillsides and dramatic mountain views. The climate is cool year-round; best visited between March and October.

By Plane

Aden International Airport (ADE) is about 160 km south. Sana'a (SAH) is 140 km north. Road transport is required.

By Train

No railway in Yemen.

By Car / Road

Yarim lies on Route N1, 30 km north of Ibb and 55 km south of Dhamar. Shared taxis from Ibb cost YER 1,000 (40 min). From Dhamar, a seat costs about YER 1,500 (45 min).

Yarim is compact and walkable. The market area is the centre of activity.

• Yarim Market — a lively souq selling produce, livestock, and textiles. Saturday is market day.

• Old City of Yarim — a small historic quarter with traditional stone houses.

• Great Mosque of Yarim — a historic mosque with a simple square minaret.

• Mountain views — the surrounding highland scenery is spectacular, especially toward Jabal Ba'dan.

• Market visit — the weekly souq is the town's main attraction.

• Photography — the highland scenery and traditional architecture are photogenic.

• Day trip to Ibb (30 km south) or Dhamar (55 km north).

Small restaurants serve Yemeni highland cuisine. The cool climate makes Yarim a good place for a hot meal — try salta (meat stew) or shafut (bread in broth).

Yemeni coffee is excellent and widely available. Tea is also popular. Bottled water recommended.

Local coffee and honey are the best purchases. The market also sells fresh produce and traditional textiles.

• Ibb (30 km south, 40 min) — "Green Yemen" capital
• Jiblah (45 km south, 1 hour) — historic hilltop town
• Dhamar (55 km north, 45 min) — historic university city
• Sana'a (140 km north, 2.5 hours) — Yemen's capital