Egypt's 'snowy' mountains are now a surprising tourist attraction

While images of people playing in snowy settings and gliding down frozen peaks are common, one key detail makes these photos stand out from the rest.

The catch? They're taken in Egypt.

Located on the edge of the dry, sandy Sahara desert, Egypt rarely sees rainfall, let alone snowfall.

However, these images don’t depict a rare snowstorm in Egypt. Instead, they highlight a unique tourist spot in Port Fouad, created by salt extraction along the northern Suez Canal.

Port Fouad's salt mountains have become a popular tourist destination after images of people gliding down the slopes went viral. Egyptians from all over the country have been visiting this unique location to take in the stunning views.

Some even attempt to ski down the salt hills.

‘Therapeutic benefits’

Egyptian photographer Mohamed Wardany shared with Dinogo that the salt mountains are accessible by taking a ferry ride across the Suez Canal to the salt city.

Wardany explains that his photos of the mountains are part of a broader project aimed at offering a fresh perspective on Egypt, focusing on tourist and heritage sites often overshadowed by more famous landmarks like the Pyramids.

With their bright, pure white appearance, Wardany likens the salt mountains to the snow-capped peaks of the North Pole.

Although they may not be covered in ice, the mountains offer a refreshing experience. According to Wardany, the salt has therapeutic qualities, and sitting on it is believed to help clear negative energy from the body.

Wardany suggests visiting the Salt Mountains in winter for an authentic frosty atmosphere.

The salt that forms the mountains is harvested when seawater, collected in pools at Port Fouad, evaporates under the sun's heat.

There’s even a link to winter. According to Reuters, this salt is exported to colder regions, where it’s used to melt ice.