Shibam

Shibam, rising from the floor of the Hadhramaut valley in eastern Yemen, is one of the most astonishing towns on earth, famously dubbed the Manhattan of the Desert. Within its old walls stands a dense forest of tower-houses built entirely of mud brick, many soaring five to eleven storeys and some centuries old, packed tightly together on a grid, one of the oldest and finest examples of vertical urban planning in the world. Seen from the surrounding valley, especially in the golden light of dawn or dusk, this UNESCO World Heritage city of sheer earthen skyscrapers rising against the desert cliffs is a breathtaking and unforgettable sight.

What you actually see

• The mud-brick towers - the forest of soaring earthen skyscrapers.
• The walled grid - the dense ancient town within its walls.
• The valley viewpoint - the classic view from across the desert.
• The desert setting - the cliffs and palm groves of Hadhramaut.

When to go

October to April, the cooler months, are far more comfortable in the desert valley than the fierce summer heat, ideal for exploring the town and admiring its skyline; the towers glow most magically in the low light of early morning and late afternoon. Winter days here are mild and clear.

Honest expectations

Shibam lies deep in the remote Hadhramaut valley of eastern Yemen and is reached only with effort, and its ancient mud-brick towers need constant upkeep against the elements. As the original Manhattan of the desert, a UNESCO World Heritage forest of centuries-old earthen skyscrapers unlike anywhere else on earth, though, Shibam is a truly breathtaking and singular sight.

Nearby

The Hadhramaut towns of Seiyun and Tarim lie in the same valley.