oman trekking tour

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Oman Trekking

• Hiking & Trekking
• Fully Guided

• Introduction
• Day 1 Join trip in Muscat; afternoon sightseeing tour and short hike
• Day 2 Visit Grand Mosque. Hike Grand Canyon Balcony Trail
• Day 3 Hike above Wadi Ghul for spectacular views
• Day 4 Hike Misfat al Abriyyin to Sharaf al Alamayn. Hotel in Nizwa
• Day 5 Nizwa visit and goat market. Hike in the Jebel Akhdar
• Day 6 Jebel Akhdar village walk. Camp in the Wahiba Sands
• Day 7 Eastern Hajar Trek part 1: Wadi Bani Khalid to Salma Plateau
• Day 8 Eastern Hajar Trek part 2: to Wadi Tiwi
• Day 9 Hike Wadi Shab. Drive to Muscat; optional Dhow trip
• Day 10 Trip ends in Muscat

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What's Included

• Accommodation
• Additional Services

Where You'll Stay

Operated by explore.

We've been taking small groups on adventure holidays for over 41 years. Our authentic adventure travel experiences explore the sights and culture of a country, with hand-picked accommodation that balances comfort and location. Our average group tour size is just 11; perfect for meeting new people and getting to the heart of our destinations. Explore is one of the worlds most trusted adventure travel companies with over 500 trips to more than 120 countries. We are passionate about travel and have developed a wide range of unique activities and adventures which give our customers an unforgettable experience with a team of award-winning Explore leaders. With Explore, you'll get to see your destination from a whole new perspective that takes you away from the typical well-trodden tourist track. You'll have the chance to meet, dine and stay with local people, rest in authentic accommodation with other like-minded explorers and travel to must-see destinations with a unique Explore twist. From family holidays to trips for solo travellers; cycling tours to wildlife safaris; trekking on mountains or exploring miles of scenic coastline; self-guided journeys small group trips or Private Tours; there is something for every kind of traveller with Explore. We will provide our expert knowledge, exciting itineraries and outstanding service as part of our sustainable travel experiences which take you under the skin of the country you're visiting for the adventure of a lifetime.

Sustainability Initiatives

Reduce Carbon Emissions

Animal Welfare

Supporting Destinations

Sustainability Programs

Your Peace of Mind Options

Cancellation policy.

A transparent overview of applicable fees.

Customer Reviews

• Overall Rating Excellent 4.5
• Itinerary Good 4.0
• Guide Excellent 4.8
• Transport Excellent 5.0
• Accommodation Excellent 4.2
• Food Excellent 4.8
• Tour Operator Explore! 4.5
• A Lesley · 26th January 2024 Camping in the desert Swimming in the wadis Omani food and masala tea Seeing Omani culture, from goat markets to forts to village life Walking in the mountains and seeing deserted villages, date plantations, donkeys etc Trip date: December 2023 Review collected by Explore!
• A Rachel · 26th April 2023 swimming in the wadi shab Trip date: April 2023 Review collected by Explore!
• A Matt · 19th April 2023 Sunil was an excellent tour leader and our group got on really well together. Trip date: April 2023 Review collected by Explore!
• A Amanda · 22nd March 2023 Nizwa (but wanted more time) Day 8 hike and wadi shab were my highlights. Trip date: March 2023 Review collected by Explore!
• A Patrick · 22nd March 2023 Nizwa market & Castle plus the walking that day. Best walk was Sunday. Trip date: March 2023 Review collected by Explore!

Dates & Availability

Pay-by-instalments

Take advantage of our 0% interest instalment plan on selected departures. Learn More

• Upcoming departures
• October 2024
• -7% Get Instant Confirmation Monday 28 Oct, 2024 Wednesday 6 Nov, 2024 English Multiple Room Types €3,319 €3,073 0% Interest Instalments Only Pay 10% Deposit Confirm Dates Hold space for 48h

Frequently Asked Questions

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Good to Know

• Currency ر.ع. Rial Omani Oman

As a traveller from USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa you will need an adaptor for type G.

• These are only indications, so please visit your doctor before you travel to be 100% sure.
• Typhoid - Recommended for Oman. Ideally 2 weeks before travel.
• Hepatitis A - Recommended for Oman. Ideally 2 weeks before travel.
• Hepatitis B - Recommended for Oman. Ideally 2 months before travel.
• Rabies - Recommended for Oman. Ideally 1 month before travel.
• Yellow fever - Certificate of vaccination required if arriving from an area with a risk of yellow fever transmission for Oman. Ideally 10 days before travel.
• Unfortunately we cannot offer you a visa application service. Whether you need a visa or not depends on your nationality and where you wish to travel. Assuming your home country does not have a visa agreement with the country you're planning to visit, you will need to apply for a visa in advance of your scheduled departure.
• Here is an indication for which countries you might need a visa. Please contact the local embassy for help applying for visas to these places.
• For any tour departing before 16th July 2024 a full payment is necessary. For tours departing after 16th July 2024, a minimum payment of 10% is required to confirm your booking with Explore!. The final payment will be automatically charged to your credit card on the designated due date. The final payment of the remaining balance is required at least 75 days prior to the departure date of your tour. TourRadar never charges you a booking fee and will charge you in the stated currency.
• Some departure dates and prices may vary and Explore! will contact you with any discrepancies before your booking is confirmed.
• The following cards are accepted for "Explore!" tours: Visa, Maestro, Mastercard, American Express or PayPal. TourRadar does NOT charge you an extra fee for using any of these payment methods.
• Your money is safe with TourRadar, as we only pay the tour operator after your tour has departed.
• TourRadar is an authorised Agent of Explore!. Please familiarise yourself with the Explore! payment, cancellation and refund conditions .
• Insurance Unless otherwise mentioned, TourRadar does not provide travel insurance. We do however recommend purchasing it through our tried and trusted partner, World Travel Nomads .
• Accessibility Some tours are not suitable for mobility-restricted traveller, however, some operators may be able to accommodate special requests. For any enquiries, you can contact our customer support team , who are ready and waiting to help you.
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Once the seat of a wealthy empire whose power and influence stretched throughout Arabia and as far as India and East Africa, Oman is an endlessly fascinating destination for lovers of rich culture, ancient history and diverse and dramatic landscapes.

Explore the resplendent Grand Mosque, labyrinthine souk and picturesque harbour of Muscat, Oman's historic capital; shop for frankincense in Salalah's Al-Husn souk, one of Arabia's oldest markets; and admire the stunning frescoes, carved doors, painted ceilings and secret passageways of Oman's architectural treasures.

Follow centuries-old paths through dramatic canyons, terraced farms and remote villages in the beautiful Hajar Mountains; and head out into the savagely beautiful Wahiba Sands desert to roller-coast by 4WD over massive sand dunes, visit a local Bedouin home and camp out beneath a canopy of stars.

Witness thousands of giant green sea turtles breeding on the gorgeous Arabian Sea beach of Ras Al Hadd; swim in the spectacular blue-green pools of Wadi Bani Khalid, a palm-studded desert oasis set among striking rocky landscapes; and discover sheer cliffs, rugged mountains and crystal-clear waters as you cruise the wild coastline of the Musandam Peninsula in a traditional wooden dhow.

Explore the ancient forts and Islamic architecture of historic walled towns; train your lens on impossibly photogenic scenes; and enjoy the warm hospitality of some the friendliest people you'll ever meet. Join us as we explore the cultural and natural riches of beautiful Oman!

Destination

Antarctica & the arctic, australasia, central america, central asia, indian subcontinent, middle east, north america, south america, vessels & boats, advanced search, find your oman trip.

Essence of Oman

Activities:.

Adventure Touring

More about Oman

• Popular activities
• Oman destinations
• Popular travel regions

Why travel with us

Responsible travel, accommodation.

• Leaders in the field

Custom made itineraries

• Related articles

Trip reviews

Country information, oman highlights.

Marvel at exotic Muscat

Visit Wahiba Sands

Experience the beautiful Hajar Mountains

Relax in a refreshing oasis

Discover the Musandam Peninsula

Experience Salalah

Tour spectacular Nizwa and Jabreen

Our all inclusive approach

Our Oman adventures offer great value for money, featuring top quality service, comfortable accommodation and informative touring options. Additionally, we aim to incorporate as many inclusions as possible in the tour cost such as most meals, private vehicles, transfers, excursions and entry fees.

Innovative itineraries

We offer a diverse range of itineraries that encapsulate the cultural heart of Oman and all that its natural beauty has to offer. From seeking out treasures in the souks of Muscat and Nizwa and hiking through dramatic canyons to camping in the desert and cruising the clear waters of the Musandam Peninsula, we specialise in showing you the highlights of this unique country.

Experienced local guides

Our friendly and knowledgeable driver-guides are extremely hospitable and will be delighted to welcome you to their country, introducing you to the Omani culture, cuisine and hidden gems.

Responsible litter disposal

We remove all waste from our campsites, often taking out more than we take in.

Animal and children welfare focus

We protect vulnerable children and animals by adhering to our Child Welfare and Animal Welfare Codes of Conduct, and seek to edcuate travellers on the issues surrounding such abuses.

Support of local economies

The guides and support crew we employ are from local communities and are paid above the award wage. Additionally, we purchase all food and equipment required for our itineraries from local businesses.

In cities or large towns you will be accommodated in 3 to 4 star, twin share properties that are centrally located, comfortable and reliable.

Desert camps

These permanent safari camps in the desert use traditional tents and decor, with the added ambience of being under a thousand stars.

A custom made itinerary is the ultimate way to see the world how YOU want. They are created especially for you, giving you complete freedom to choose what you want to see, where you want to go and when you want to do it. If you love our current itineraries but want to customise it privately as a couple, a group of friends, family, club, business or school, you have the freedom to add or remove as many elements as you like to suit the interests of your group. Alternatively, you can start with a blank canvas and create a new and exciting itinerary from scratch! Our well-travelled consultants can give you firsthand suggestions and eliminate any uncertainty with trip planning to ensure you maximise the quality of your experience and get truly off the beaten track. Simply email, phone or visit us to start planning your dream adventure.

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• Where to Go & Weather
• Dialing Code

Electricity

• Health & Safety

Where to Go

Explore the resplendent Grand Mosque, labyrinthine market and picturesque harbour of Muscat, Oman’s historic capital

Shop for pottery and frankincense in Salalah’s Al-Husn Souq, one of Arabia’s oldest markets

Explore the ancient forts and Islamic architecture of historic walled towns, discovering stunning frescoes, carved doors, painted ceilings and secret passageways

Follow centuries-old paths through dramatic canyons, terraced farms and remote villages in the beautiful Hajar Mountains

Head out into the starkly beautiful Wahiba Sands desert to 4WD over massive sand dunes, visit a local Bedouin home and camp out beneath a canopy of stars

Witness thousands of giant green sea turtles breeding on the gorgeous Arabian Sea beach of Ras Al Hadd

Swim in the spectacular blue-green pools of Wadi Bani Khalid, a palm-studded desert oasis set among striking rocky landscapes

Discover sheer cliffs, rugged mountains and crystal-clear waters as you cruise the wild coastline of the Musandam Peninsula in a traditional wooden dhow

The country's climate is predominantly arid and varies slightly from one region to another.

In the coastal areas, the weather is hot and humid during the summer months, while it is dry elsewhere in the interior.

Milder weather dominates the mountains and Dhofar region all the year round.

Winter temperatures can be as low as 15°Celsius and summer temperatures can be as high as 46° Celsius in Muscat and as high as 50° in the desert.

Dhofar, located in the southern region of the country however, enjoys a regular monsoon between June and October, every year.

In Muscat average daytime temperatures in summer range from 32 to 41 degrees Celsius. During winter average daily temperatures range from 17 to 25 degrees Celsius.

In Salalah average daytime temperatures in summer range from 28 to 30 degrees Celsius. During winter average daily temperatures range from 20 to 28 degrees Celsius.

In Khasab (Musandam) average daytime temperatures in summer range from 30 to 40 degrees Celsius. During winter average daily temperatures range from 15 to 25 degrees Celsius.

The best time of the year to visit Oman is between October and April, when the weather is pleasantly warm in the day and cool in the evening.

Time in Oman

Oman is +4 hours ahead of UTC/GMT

Arabic (official), English, Baluchi, Urdu, Indian dialects

International Dialing Code

Electricity in Oman is 240 Volts, at 50 hertz. The most common pin type is G (UK – 3 prong).

Visas for Oman are required for passport holders from the following countries*:

United Kingdom

United States

All other nationalities should check with your nearest embassy or consulate.

From 20th April 2018, all tourist visit visa applications must be made online prior to arrival to Oman.

For online visa applications and more information, please refer to the following website: https://evisa.rop.gov.om

Select REGISTER AS USER on https://evisa.rop.gov.om and complete eVisa User Registration details.

Log in with Username and Password on https://evisa.rop.gov.om

Select APPLY FOR UNSPONSORED VISA

Select Nationality (drop down) as shown in Passport

Select 26B TOURIST VISIT VISA FOR G1 NATIONAL.

Required Documents to complete the eVisa application – Copies of passport page and photo of the applicant

Note: The single entry non-refundable visa fee is 20 Omani Rials for maximum stay of 30 days (subject to change).

Your safety is our number one concern. Our safety track record is exemplary thanks to careful management and thorough consultation with local partners. Our industry leading risk management procedures have become a skill that we continue to refine. Our leaders in the field are highly trained and have safety as their number one priority. Expert leaders, risk assessments, quality inclusions and your financial security all come standard when you travel with us.

Please refer to our Travel Advisory page for updates on recent events, travel warnings and advice.

We strongly recommend that all clients take out travel insurance at the time of booking to cover against sickness, accident, loss of baggage, unexpected alterations to travel arrangements and travel disruption, emergency evacuation, cancellations, etc. Insurance information is enclosed with your pre-departure information. Please contact us if you would like to obtain a quote for your trip duration.

We suggest that you consult your doctor, local government inoculation centre or a travel medical specialist in order to get the most current advice regarding vaccination requirements.

Money and valuables should always be stored safely when travelling. Keep your passport with you at all times and do not leave it in your main luggage. You will need it to change money and check into hotels. Where safety deposit boxes are available, we recommend that you use them. Keep jewellery and valuables to a minimum.

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Wadi and soul: the best hikes in Oman

Feb 4, 2022 • 7 min read

The vistas you’ll see when hiking in Oman are otherworldly © Paul Biris / Getty Images

Away from the cities, white-sand beaches and fishing villages along the coast, Oman ’s craggy interior is truly rewarding for adventurers in hiking boots.

Deep within the Hajar Mountains lie cliff-top villages lost in time; terraced farms and date plantations; barren valleys and peaks; and natural springs and wadis (valleys or riverbeds) with turquoise pools of water that invite you to jump or wade in. 

A network of marked and well-maintained trails makes adventure trekking in Oman easy for independent (if experienced) hikers. While popular trails can be busy on the weekends, you might not come across other hikers for long sections of more-challenging trails. Should you get lost, Omanis are usually friendly enough to escort you back to the trail, point you in the right direction or even give you a lift. Still, trekking with a local guide means you’ll get valuable insights into Omani traditions and the way of life in remote villages.

Riyam to Mutrah

Best city hike.

2.5km (1.55 miles), 2 hours, easy

If you’re looking to stretch your legs in Muscat , the Riyam-to-Mutrah hike (the C38 route) is an excellent way to make the most of an afternoon while seeing the capital from a different perspective. While this hike can be done in either direction, we recommend beginning in Riyam (close to Riyam Park ) and finishing in Mutrah, with its shaded seating areas and benches along  Mutrah Corniche .

This easy-to-moderate hike takes you along what was once the only overland route between Mutrah and old Muscat. From Riyam, the old rocky trail continues up a hill via stone steps once used by villagers to bring agricultural produce, wares and goats to sell at Mutrah Souq . The rusty pipeline along the steps is from a time when the country’s only power station was located in Riyam, fueled by diesel oil pumped through the pipes from a ship docked in Mutrah. 

This route offers fantastic views over Mutrah harbor, Riyam Park and old Muscat, with glimpses of the sea beyond. You might also find rock pools of water and some water in the wadis between November and April.

The trail leads to the ruins of an abandoned village before it descends to a wadi with steep walls, where some scrambling is required. Once through, turn left approaching the cemetery to reach the end of the hike. 

Jebel Akhdar

Best hike for mountain villages and farms.

4km (2.5 miles), 2–3 hours, easy

Jebel Akhdar  (Green Mountain) in the western Hajar Mountains is home to verdant terraced slopes and valley villages with temperatures that are at lower than Muscat year-round. At 2980m (9777ft), it’s one of the best places to go trekking in Oman, especially if your idea of gorgeous scenery involves more olive trees and apple orchards than dry, rocky wadis.

On the W18b trek, you’ll hike from the village of Al Aqor to Sayq, passing through the settlements of Al Ayn and Ash Shirayjah along the way. Expect a pleasant walk on an old trail that involves some steep stone steps as you walk by old stone houses, alongside narrow aflaj  (century-old irrigation channels that water the terraced farms sloping below) and through leafy orchards that offer respite from the sun. Farms in the area are actively engaged in agriculture, growing apples, pears, pomegranates, walnuts, almonds, grapes and tomatoes – but since they are private property, resist the temptation to pluck the fruit.

In April and May, blooming pink damask roses are a wondrous sight in the area, and rose water is distilled in the villages, often using traditional methods, both for sale and personal use. During this season, you may be able to see the process in action: inquire at your accommodations, or try your luck asking around in the villages. Omanis are friendly, and more often than not know someone (who knows someone...) who can help.   

Wadi Bani Khalid to Wadi Tiwi

Best challenging wadi hike .

28km (17.4 miles), 14–18 hours, challenging

The E35 trail from Wadi Bani Khalid to Wadi Tiwi is popular with serious hikers looking for a strenuous trekking adventure. In the heart of the eastern Hajar Mountains, this trek can be done over a single, very long day as you gain an altitude of 1800m (5905ft) – though most hikers choose to camp on the plateau overnight and split the journey over two days.  

Beginning at emerald-hued natural pools in Wadi Bani Khalid, just after the village of Miqil (also spelled Muqal), the route follows an old donkey trail and ascends to the highest point of 2100m (6890ft) relatively quickly (four or five hours). From the peak, you’ll take in remarkable views of the canyon and its fertile date plantations. 

You’ll then traverse the plateau, where you can watch the sunset and set up your tent, before gradually descending into the wadi via rocky paths with donkeys, eagles and mountain goats for company. (Some sections are steeper than others, with scrambling required.) You’ll finish at the villages of Sooee and Al Aqur in Wadi Tiwi, where you can cool off with a swim. Nearby Mibam village, with its farms and waterfall, is also worth a visit. It’s recommended to go with a local guide: Wadi Shab Adventures can arrange one for you. 

Jebel Shams 

Best summit hike.

9km (5.6 miles), 10–12 hours, moderate

In the western Hajar Mountains is Oman’s highest peak at 3009m (9872ft):  Jebel Shams , whose name in Arabic translates to “Mountain of the Sun.” This rugged landscape of limestone crags, parched riverbeds and villages perched on cliffs attracts hikers of all levels thanks to jaw-dropping views of Wadi an Nakhur, the country’s deepest canyon that’s often called the “Grand Canyon of Oman.” The area has three marked trails, of which the Jebel Shams summit hike (officially the W4 trek) is both the most challenging and the most rewarding. 

From the Jebel Shams plateau, you’ll hike along the rim of Saydran Gorge, enjoying views of Wadi An Nakhur and Wadi Al Ghul and then continue through the rocky terrain and past juniper trees to Qarn Al Ghamaydah. At 2997m (9833ft), this is the highest point you can reach on the southern summit (a military outpost at the top restricts access). Instead of doing the round trip over a very long day (the ascent takes six hours and includes a 1000m/3200ft elevation gain), many hikers choose to camp overnight before they descend. Husaak Adventures organizes guided hikes to the summit.

Jebel Shams Balcony Walk

Best easy hike for canyon views.

4km (2.5 miles), 4–5 hours, easy

Part of the W6 trek, the easier (and therefore more popular) Jebel Shams Balcony Walk begins at the village of Al Khitaym and takes you alongside steep canyon walls, following the western rim of Wadi an Nakhur to the abandoned village of As Sab (formerly called Sab Bani Khamis). 

Once an agricultural village engaged in the cultivation of watermelons, tomatoes, lemons and wheat, As Sab bears remnants of old stone houses, terraced farms and ancient falaj irrigation channels that offer clues to life in the mountains in earlier times. The 15 families that inhabited the village now live in nearby Wadi Ghul and Al Hamra village and still own the houses. A natural pool and cave lie just above the village and can be reached by a few minutes’ walk. Past the lake, a via ferrata route offers access to the plateau above but is recommended only if you’re experienced and carrying the appropriate safety gear. 

The views of the canyon are spectacular if dizzying, with village houses in the depths and spotted eagles soaring overhead. This hike can be done as a round trip in a leisurely four or five hours and is suitable for beginners and families. 

Tips for hiking in Oman

• The best time to go hiking in Oman is during the cooler months from November to April. The weather can change quickly in the mountains, and the risk of flash floods in the wadis is real, so keep an eye on weather warnings before you go. 
• In the wadis, expect to cross streams and scramble over rocks and boulders. Proper, preferably waterproof hiking shoes are a must, and hiking poles are recommended. 
• Most mountain trails pass through villages that are quite traditional, so it’s best for both men and women to dress modestly, with shoulders and knees covered. To swim in the wadi pools, women will appear more respectful in shorts and a t-shirt rather than bikinis, which are best avoided. 
• Don’t underestimate the afternoon sun (even in winter) while hiking in the Hajar Mountains. Carry a trekking hat and at least three liters of water per person for moderate hikes (and more for longer ones).  

You might also like: 10 must-see natural wonders in Oman    The top things to do in Oman are out of this world The 8 best places to visit in Oman: rugged mountains, seaside towns and culture-rich cities

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Oman mountain trekking tours

Oman, a country in the Middle East known for its rich history, stunning beaches, and awe-inspiring mountains, offers one of the best mountain trekking experiences in the world. With its diverse landscape, Oman offers a unique and challenging experience for adventure seekers, from its towering peaks to its deep valleys. Whether you're an experienced hiker or just starting, Oman's mountain trekking tours provide an opportunity to explore the country's rugged beauty, rich culture, and unique wildlife.

Mountain trekking destinations in Oman

One of the most famous mountain trekking destinations in Oman is the Al Hajar Mountains, located in the northern part of the country. The Al Hajar Mountains offer a challenging trekking experience, with steep ascents, rocky terrain, and breathtaking views. The mountains are home to various wildlife, including hyenas, leopards, and ibex, making it a popular spot for nature enthusiasts. The trek to the summit of Al Jabal Shams, the highest peak in the Al Hajar Mountains, is a must-do for any mountain trekker. The climb to the summit offers breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside and the Gulf of Oman. Another popular destination for mountain trekking in Oman is the Dhofar Mountains, located in the southern part of the country. The Dhofar Mountains are known for their lush vegetation, stunning waterfalls, and rich culture. The region is also home to the frankincense tree, which is revered for its aromatic resin and has been traded for thousands of years. The trek to the summit of Jebel Samhan, the highest peak in the Dhofar Mountains, offers breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside and the Arabian Sea. Mountain trekking tours in Oman are more comprehensive than just the Al Hajar and Dhofar Mountains. The country also offers several other trekking destinations, including the Western Hajar Mountains, the Jabal Akhdar Mountains, and the Saiq Plateau. Each trekking destination provides a unique and challenging experience with its stunning views, diverse wildlife, and rich cultural heritage.

When it comes to mountain trekking tours in Oman, safety is of utmost importance. Trekkers should be well-prepared, with the proper gear and supplies, including a good pair of hiking boots, a sturdy backpack, and plenty of water. It is also important to be aware of the local weather conditions, as some parts of Oman can experience extreme temperatures and storms. Trekkers should also be aware of the local customs and regulations, and respect the rights of the local communities and wildlife.

A variety of tour options

Oman offers a variety of tour options for mountain trekkers, from guided tours to self-guided treks. Guided tours provide the benefit of an experienced guide who is familiar with the local area, can provide information about the local culture and wildlife, and ensure that trekkers are safe throughout the trek. Self-guided treks, on the other hand, offer the freedom to explore the mountain at your own pace but also come with the responsibility of being self-sufficient and knowing the local area. Whether you choose a guided or self-guided trek, Oman's mountain trekking tours provide a unique and unforgettable experience. With its challenging terrain, stunning views, and rich cultural heritage, Oman is a must-visit destination for any adventure seeker. So, pack your backpack, lace up your hiking boots, and prepare for an unforgettable journey through Oman's majestic mountains.

Oman's mountain trekking tours offer a unique and challenging experience for adventure seekers of all levels. With its diverse landscape, rich culture, and fantastic wildlife, Oman provides a breathtaking and unforgettable experience for those who dare to explore its towering peaks and deep valleys. 

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Oman Trekking

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On this trekking adventure we explore Oman's remarkable natural beauty and contrasting landscapes. Discover spectacular canyons and deep wadis, on hiking trails through remote village oases in the oldest independent state of the Arab world.

• Mountain scenery - Trek through stunning landscapes in the remote Hajar Mountains
• Wahiba Sands - Sleep under the stars in a spectacular sea of sand
• Omani culture - Discover a rich history, proud culture, traditions and a friendly welcome

Included meals

Breakfast: 9

Explore Tour Leader

Accommodation

3 nights simple camping

4 nights comfortable hotel

2 nights simple tented camp

Walking grade:

Moderate and Challenging

Group Size:

Trip maximum 16 Explore Average 11

Itineraries on some departure dates may differ, please select the itinerary that you wish to explore.

Arrive in Muscat, the capital of Oman; a modern, clean and laid-back city that is less high-rise than most cities in the Gulf. Surrounded by the Gulf of Oman and dramatic mountains that naturally restricted its growth the modern city has spread out into neighbouring valleys and up the coast, and orientation can be confusing. Old Muscat is dominated by the Portuguese fortresses of Merani and Jalali built in 1587 and the Sultan's Palace.

For those arriving on time today our Leader plans to meet you in the hotel reception at 12pm for the welcome meeting and to take us on a guided tour of Muscat and our first walk. We start with the Bait Al Zubair Museum, proceeding to see Al Alam Sultan's Palace from the outside. To get our legs moving after the flight we plan a short and beautiful guided walk from Riyam Park to Muttrah with great views over the old town. We will also have the chance to visit the bustling souk in Muttrah.

If you would like a transfer today, you'll need to arrive into Muscat International Airport (MCT), which is a 30-minute drive from the airport.

Please note that if you wish to join the tour of Muscat today, you must arrive at the hotel by 12pm. If you are booking your own flights, we recommend giving yourself at least 90 minutes to clear the airport, so the latest your flight can arrive is 10am. Should you miss this, your Leader will inform you of any essential information as soon as you catch up.

Today's easy 3 kilometre/1.90 mile trek is expected to take around two hours with 200 metres/656 feet of ascent and descent.

Accommodation:

Ramee Guestline Hotel (or similar)

Grade: Comfortable Hotel

Single room available

Swimming pool available, meals provided: none.

After an early start we visit the impressive, modern Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque. Photography is permitted. Woman are required to cover their arms, ankles and hair (head scarf required - not opaque). Men are required to cover their legs. We then leave Muscat and start our 3 hour scenic drive into the Western Hajar Mountains. The Al-Hajar Mountains run through the spine of north-eastern Oman, separating the high desert plateau from the coastal plain.

After a picnic lunch near Al Khatim village we start our trek along the spectacular balcony walk to the abandoned village of As Sab and return the same way. This dramatic introduction to Oman is probably the most famous hike in the country, winding around the cliffs high above the Wadi Ghul-Nakhar Valley (Oman's own Grand Canyon) a kilometre below. The path winds around the cliffs, with stunning views into the canyon and the little villages at the bottom. As Sab village is positioned under a large rock overhang, remains of the simple stone houses and crop terraces can be seen. We return the same way to our first campsite (about 1,900 meter/6234 feet) near Al Khatim village on the Al Qannah Plateau in time for dinner under a star-filled sky.

Tonight is our first wild camping experience and each time will be supported by a dedicated crew who will prepare our delicious food and make and break camp. The seating will be in traditional Omani style with cushions on the floor and toilets are al-fresco!

Today's moderate grade eight kilometre trek is expected to take around four hours with 100 metres/328 feet of ascent and descent. On rocky terrain, the uneven rim path is narrow at times with drop offs on one side . Although these are never sheer and it is possible to keep away from edge, this hike is not recommended for vertigo sufferers.

Igloo Tent - Al Quwatt village (or similar)

Grade: Simple Tented Camp

Meals Provided: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

This morning after breakfast, we meet our trusty 4WD vehicles that we will use over the following week to traverse the wild mountainous interior on a mixture of unsurfaced and surfaced roads. We head off towards Wadi Ghul Dam, leaving camp early allows us time to drive through the canyon, it's impressive to see from the bottom looking up, contemplating the sheer magnitude of the Wadi.

Today's hike will follow the OMAN by UTMB® (an international ultra-marathon running competition in the mountains) trail from the Wadi up to Hayl Al Shas. The ascent is quite steep for the first hour, with narrow sections, crossing Wadi Al Naqa to reach the plateau and village. Now on top we are rewarded with stunning panoramas of the surrounding valley. Continuing we pass near to The View Oman, a luxury eco resort and quite the contrast to the local goat keeper houses and traditional livelihoods we see along the way. Crossing the dry Al Mlah Wadi we will walk through Al Quwatt village to reach the camping spot (1,500 meter/4922 feet)

Today's moderate grade 12 kilometer/7.5 mile trek is expected to take around six hours with 500 metres/1641 feet of ascent.

After breakfast at the camp, we drive an hour to the beautiful village of Misfat al Abriyyin, notable for its traditional architecture and farming practices. A true mountain oasis, the village is a splash of green in the otherwise barren landscape, with terracing and gardens fed by ancient irrigation systems and mud houses built on solid rock. For thousands of years self-sufficient oases have flourished in the folds of rocks, using an ancient irrigation system known as falaj. These are water channels that never dry up, often contoured round wadis or tunnelled through the cliffs in order to tap the water table. Upkeep of the life-giving falaj is a community responsibility and contributes to maintaining harmony within a village.

Our hike today follows old donkey trails from the village at 900 metres/2953 feet, and we make our way steadily ascending stopping occasionally to take in the views behind us as the landscape opens up. As we reach the plateau at around 2,000 meter/6562 feet we gain spectacular views over Wadi Bani Awf and Balad Sait village a thousand metres below. The final 4 kilometres/2.5 mile are towards the edge of the plateau and we are spoilt with dramatic views to the north and south. Finally, our hike ends at Sharaf al Alamayn (2,050 meter/6726 feet) where the trail intercepts the HAAT road and our 4WDs are waiting. We drive for around an hour to our hotel (with its welcoming shower and comfortable beds!) on the outskirts of Nizwa, the capital of Oman from 751 to 1154 AD and still regarded as the cultural capital.

Today's challenging grade 13 kilometre/8.1 mile trek is expected to take around 6 to 7 hours with 1,050 metres/3445 of ascent. The trail is steep in places on the initial ascent, with some sections climbing up old stone staircases.

Al Diyar Hotel (or similar)

Meals Provided: Breakfast and Lunch

We start the day with an exploration of Nizwa including the centuries-old Friday cattle auction, a fascinating insight into Omani rural life that draws villagers from all around. The souqs are also worth a visit and local craftsmanship is particularly famous for the khanjar - a curved dagger originating from Oman still worn by men for ceremonial occasions. We continue to the 17th century fort, built to guard the Sumail Gap during the struggle between the Sultan and the radical Imams. Nizwa was the centre of Imam Resistance right up until the 1950s when the Sultan had to call upon the help of the British to quell the rebels.

We then drive (1.5hrs) into the mountains for our hike in the spectacular limestone massif of the Jebel Akhdar. The trail starts at the top of a mountain in Al Jaria and leads us to the abandoned village of Bani Habib. We pick our route carefully descending into the wadi, keeping our eyes peeled for Gazelles. The mountain views are excellent and we finally reach the bottom of the wadi and our camp near the abandoned village.

Today's moderate grade 12 kilometre/7.5 mile trek is expected to take around four hours with 250 metres/820 feet of ascent and descent. The descent into the wadi is steep in places, navigating down old stone steps.

Igloo Tent - Jabala Akhdar (or similar)

Grade: Simple Camping

Meals Provided: Breakfast and Dinner

A short drive after breakfast brings us to the start of today's short and easy hike. The Jebel Akhdar is centred on the Saiq Plateau - an extensive plateau ringed by craggy summits and cut by deep wadis. The temperate climate here allows the cultivation of crops that cannot survive the heat elsewhere: peaches, walnuts and pomegranates all flourish, along with scented Damask roses which are used to produce the region's celebrated rose water. From Saiq village we walk to Al Aqor, through a beautiful scenery of terraced farmlands, between traditional villages where we gain further insight into local life, with great views into Wadi Muhaydin. The trail leads uphill to a summit before descending. After an early lunch, we enjoy village walk through the traditional village of Bikat al Mouz. Wandering through the banana and palm plantations, entering the abandoned houses of the tribes that once lived in these mountains and seeing the traditional Flaj irrigation system.

This afternoon we drive south for 3 hours and gradually the Wahiba Sands begin to rise before us. A vast sea of sand stretching 180 kilometer/111.90 mile by 80 kilometer/49.70, the Wahiba is an alluring landscape of undulating red and white dunes rising up to 200 metres/656 feet, home to the Bedu nomadic tribesmen. Time permitting we plan a short trek through the dunes in the late afternoon light, the emv ver-changing patterns of the dunes are a photographer's delight. Finally we reach our camp and enjoy a night under an Arabian desert sky.

This morning's easy grade 4 kilometre/2.5 mile trek is expected to take around 2 hours. The 4 kilometre/2.5 mile walk around Bikat al Mouz is expected to take around 1 hours and 30 minutes.

Igloo Tents - Wahiba Sands (or similar)

Despite its barren appearance, the desert is actually home to a rich variety of life that is sustained by heavy mists that descend at night. At first light you should be able to see myriad tracks of dung beetles, snakes, birds and other small mammals. Fauna found in the Sands includes dragonflies, wolf, 2 species of Ruppell's fox, wild cats and white-tailed mongooses. Some 115 species of birds have been recorded here and it is one of the few remaining refuges for the elusive Arabian and Sand Gazelles.

At first light (approx. 7am) we leave the desert and drive for an hour to Wadi Bani Khalid where we start our 2-day classic traverse of the Salma Plateau to the Gulf of Oman. Located deep in the Eastern Hajar mountain range, Wadi Bani Khalid is one of the largest and most picturesque wadis in Oman. Today is our longest and most challenging hike as we are mostly ascending to our wild camp on the 2200 meter/7218 feet Salma Plateau. We start the hike from 650 meter/2133, walking through the mighty wadi, picking our way along the canyon above the rock pools and watercourse fed year-round by spring water. As we gain height the gradient becomes steeper reaching the high point at 2,157 meter/7077 feet. Setting out across the Selma Plateau we take in the views of of Wahiba Sands to the south and the Gulf of Oman to the north. We are meet by the 4WDs once we reach the road and drive to the camp location (800 meter/2625 feet) Tonight we enjoy our last night under the stars.

Today's challenging grade 18 kilometre trek is expected to take around nine hours with 1,650 metres ascent and 275 metres descent. The terrain is rocky underfoot, gradually ascending for the majority of the day. Once on the plateau there is little shade.

Igloo Mobile Tents - Majlis Al Jin (or similar)

Early this morning we leave the rugged high plateau and start our descent along ancient donkey tracks into the stunning Wadi Tiwi. At first we wind our way, gradually descending the upper slopes and the welcoming sight of the deep blue sea should come into sight. The wadi then opens up beneath you, 1,000 meter/3281 feet deep, and we carefully pick our way zig-zagging through the upper reaches down into the canyon. At the wadi bottom the spring water flows year round, from pool to pool, feeding the verdant vegetation and crops of mangos, bananas, date palms and figs. Finally we meet our 4WDs at the village of Al Aqur and drive the short distance to Wadi Shab or Sur and our hotel for tonight. We bid farewell to our 4WD drivers.

Today's challenging grade 14 kilometre/8.7 mile trek is expected to take around eight hours with 150 metres/492 feet ascent and 1,550 metres/5086 feet descent, which is steep in places.

Tiwi Sunrise Hotel (or similar)

After breakfast we travel by bus to the start of our last walk; a beautiful hike up the Wadi Shab gorge where we discover an oasis with natural swimming pools, turquoise rock pools and caves - all surrounded by steep canyon walls. To complete the final section (optional) you need to swim through several pools to reach a peaceful cavern dramatically lit from above. We return the same way.

A 2 hour drive on the coastal highway brings us back to Muscat. Upon return to the city this afternoon, we have the opportunity to take an optional trip on a timeless dhow vessel, thus appreciating the beauty of Muscat's coastline from the sea. Departing from the marina in Old Muscat the dhow returns after a glorious sunset. Dolphins can often be spotted in abundance in the waters just off Muscat's shores year-round.

Today's easy grade 8 kilometre/5 mile trek is expected to take around four hours with 200 metres/656 feet ascent and descent.

The trip ends after breakfast at our hotel in Muscat.

There are no activities planned today, so you are free to depart from Muscat at any time. If your flight is departing later in the day, luggage storage facilities are available at our hotel. If you would like a transfer today, you'll need to depart from Muscat International Airport (MCT), which is a 30-minute drive from the hotel.

Meals Provided: Breakfast

• Walking Information

Daily distances

Total distance : 97 kilometres

Trip information

The annual rainfall in most parts of Oman does not usually exceed 125mm, although in the north (the Jebel Akhdar mountain area), it can exceed 20-25mm per month in the December to February period. The coastal areas have a hot and humid season from May to September (up to 38 degrees C), although temperatures remain high throughout the year. Inland the humidity is lower, and nights are cooler in winter when there can be frost in the desert. There is perpetual sunshine throughout the year.

Time difference to GMT

3 Square Pin (as in the UK)

Badi Islam, Sunni Islam, Shiite Islam, Hindu.

Arabic, English, Farsi, Baluchi, Urdu.

Optional activities The following excursions and/or activities are usually available and may be arranged locally. Estimated costs are provided below for guidance only, are on a per person basis unless shown otherwise, and may depend on the number of participants. Prices quoted are correct as of the date these tour notes were originally issued but may change at any time due to currency fluctuations. Please note: These activities are booked and paid for locally and do not form part of your Explore holiday contract.

Dhow sunset cruise in Muscat - 26 Rials per person (approx US$70)

As Oman is an Islamic country, modest dress is preferable in the towns and cities - women are advised not to wear shorts or dresses that are too revealing as this can attract unwelcome attention. Shoulders should be kept covered, and full length trouserskirts that cover the knee are necessary for men and women respectively. Bare shoulders and legs can also cause offence in the traditional villages, therefore you should be ready to cover these up when visiting or passing through on a trek. When visiting the Grand Mosque ladies should have long sleeves, long trousers and a headscarf. Men should wear long trousers but can wear short sleeved tops/t-shirts. It is acceptable to wear sandals for ladies and men. Bring light and comfortable clothing that can be layered according to the temperature. The sun can be especially strong and we advise to cover up. The weather conditions in the mountains can be changeable, and it can become cold, especially at night, so bring warmer layers. Quick wicking materials are always recommended for hiking. For winter departures the temperature at night can drop below zero so we recommend a down or insulated jacket at this time of year. The chance of rain is minimal. -Lightweight breathable waterproof jacket (you may also wish to bring waterproof overtrousers) - a good outer shell even if it doesn't rain -T-shirts -Long sleeved tops (a collar is useful for guarding against the sun) -Midlayer Fleece/pullover -Thick sweater/fleece jacket: A thick sweater or fleece jacket is necessary as nights can be cold. -Sunhat -Long trousers -Shorts (if you prefer to walk in them) -Thermal underwear: Comfortable around camp and much more practical (and warmer) to sleep in than pyjamas -Swimwear (optional) -Walking socks -Buff to protect neck from sun and face from sand/dust -Gloves, scarf and warm hat

We recommend you bring walking boots with ankle support. Make sure that your boots are worn-in and comfortable before the start of the trip. Also trainers or comfortable footwear for relaxing around camp and general wear. The walk on day 9 may encounter some water so we recommend waterproof boots or walking sandals for this day. We suggest that on international flights you either carry your walking boots in your hand luggage or wear them - should your luggage be lost or delayed, your own boots are the one thing that will be irreplaceable.

Luggage: On tour

One main piece of luggage and a daypack. Main Baggage For convenience at camping locations a soft holdall style trek bag is recommended, ideally lockable, but you can also bring a hard shell case. Luggage is likely to become dusty whilst travelling on the 4WD so you may consider bringing a dust cover. Daypack Your daypack should be at least 30 litres capacity. During the course of a trekking day, you will not have access to your trek kit bag, which is being transferred on the 4WD. In any mountain region the weather can change rapidly and you must be equipped for this eventuality. Your daypack should be large enough to carry your day things including: waterproofs, fleece, long trousers (if walking in shorts), sun hat, suncream, water bottle (at least 1 litre bottle), camera, tissues, hand gel and your packed lunch.

Remember to bring: torch, water bottle, insect repellent, suncream (at least factor 30), lip salve and sun block, wet wipes, antibacterial handwash, good quality sunglasses and sunhat. Camping equipment is provided locally including a tent, sleeping mat, bed sheet, sleeping bag and pillow. However if you prefer you can bring your own sleeping bag (we suggest a 3 season bag but in winter months a 4 season bag is necessary as temperatures can drop below zero). You may also consider bringing an additional sleeping mat for comfort and a sleeping bag liner. Please note during the camping nights there are no showers or toilets so you may wish to bring wetwipes. Personal Equipment On Trek Trekking poles: Trekking poles are recommended if you are used to walking with them, good for taking the weight off the knees on descents and using the upper body on ascents. Water Bottle: Water along the trail and tap water throughout must never be considered as drinkable. The camp staff provide water each day with which to fill your bottle or camelback. Any 2-litre plastic bottles taken should be given back to crew for recycling later. The climate is hot and dry during the treks. Your bottle should hold at least two litres, ideally three for longer days. Metal water bottles can also double up as hot water bottles when hot water is available. Torch/flashlight/Batteries: A small torch is essential for finding things in your tent, visiting the 'toilet' in the night etc. Often a head torch is the most practical option as it allows you to have both hands free. Remember to bring spare batteries. Toiletries: Only bring essential toiletries such as toothbrush/paste, soap, toilet roll, face cloth and a trek/quick dry towel. Personal First Aid Kit: On each trek a first aid kit is carried but you should have your own blister kit, supply of plasters, pain relief etc. for you own use. Cloth bag: Useful for avoiding single use plastic bags when shopping Personal First Aid Kit: On each trek a first aid kit is carried but you should have a blister kit, supply of plasters, pain relief etc. for you own use. The following equipment list is provided by Explore for the trek: 2-person tents (those clients that have paid for a single room option will get their own tent) Sleeping mat Blankets Equipment Hire and Trek Training Days - Trek Hire UK hire out a wide range of kit including quality sleeping bags, down jackets, therm-a-rest sleeping mats and walking poles http://www.trekhireuk.com. They also run regular trek training and preparation days from their base in the Surrey Hills, ideal for getting an indication of your overall fitness level and also covering advice on kit and altitude. Please note that flying drones or remote controlled flying devices without a valid licence is against the law. Further information can be found at www.paca.gov.om Please note it is illegal to import and/or use E-cigarettes in Oman. Please do not travel with your vape or e-cigarette as this may lead to being fined and/or detained.

Food and drink The costs for meals may vary depending upon location, type of restaurant and number of courses eaten and so the prices given are an average guide. Local restaurants located off the beaten track may be less expensive, whereas an upmarket restaurant located in the centre of a major city may charge more.

Foreign exchange, transport information.

Bus, 4WD, On Foot

Accommodation notes

During this trip you will experience wild camping in five different locations. This camping is simple with no shower or bathroom facilities. Toilet arrangements are 'al fresco', a shovel is provided and the Tour Leader will brief you on the routine in each location. Tents with sleeping mat, sleeping bag, blankets and pillows are all provided and the camp is set up and broken down for you. For added comfort you could bring an additional roll matt and/or sleeping bag. There is a 'kitchen truck' where you can get hot water in the morning for drinking and freshening up. The bright star-filled nights at altitude with little light pollution should outweigh any worries you may have about the lack of everyday amenities. If you are travelling by yourself, you will be paired up with another single client of the same sex. A guaranteed single hotel room and single tent are available for a supplementary cost.

Food and drink

While camping the chef and crew will prepare meals. Breakfasts on trek typically consist of bread, eggs, cheese, sausage, honey, jams, yoghurt, fruit, tea and coffee. Lunch will either be sandwiches or a light cooked lunch with pasta, salads, hummus and bread. Dinner will usually be barbeque or pan-fried meat and vegetables with plenty of bread. Mineral water is provided. Vegetarians and vegans can be catered for but please advise us at time of booking. People that require other special dietary requirements should enquire to see if possible before booking. Alcohol will only be available in hotels or restaurants in Muscat and Nizwa. You are allowed to take 2 litres of alcohol into the country. There is a Duty Free shop upon arrival in Muscat airport.

Government Travel Safety Advice

Under 18 immigration guidance.

Please note that some countries require proof of parental consent when travelling overseas with under 18s. Please check requirements with the relevant embassy or consular office well in advance of travel if this applies to your party.

Price Guarantee

Once your booking has been confirmed we guarantee the price will not increase, whatever the circumstances. However, please note that if you voluntarily make any changes to your booking including changing your trip or departure date, any additional costs or charges incurred will not be covered. Before booking please ensure you have read our important tour pricing information. Booking Conditions  

Visa and Passport Information

Oman: A free visa on arrival is available for UK and US citizens as long as your stay is less than 14 days, you have evidence of a confirmed hotel booking, health insurance to cover your stay and a return ticket. On arrival, head to the immigration counter to get a free visa stamped in your passport. All other passport holders please consult your local consulate for full information. Alternatively, an e-visa can be obtained at a cost prior to departure following this link: https://evisa.rop.gov.om/apply-for-a-visa. It can take up to 4 working days for the visa application to be processed. Please note your passport must have a minimum of 6 months validity from your entry date into Oman. You should confirm all visa related questions with the relevant Embassy prior to departure.

If you do require assistance in obtaining a visa then you may be able to apply through Explore's recommended visa service in the UK, Travcour. See www.travcour.com to download the relevant visa application for your trip, if applicable (UK citizens only), along with details of how to apply for your visa through Travcour. The Team at Travcour will be happy to answer specific questions relating to visa applications, please call them directly on 0208 5431846 . It is your responsibility to ensure that you are in possession of a full passport, with the correct validity for your chosen destination.  

Booking conditions

Minimum age restrictions, your safety and enjoyment on tour, your tour leader, find out more about trip transfer terms and conditions before you book. booking a land only package with explore.

Customers who have chosen to book on the ‘Land Only’ arrangements of our tour, please ensure that you have checked your tour specific ‘Joining Instructions’ prior to booking your own travel arrangements. Your joining instructions can be found below in the dates and prices information.  You may also be eligible for the Free Explore Transfer.

Joining Tour Abroad

Customers booked on the ‘Land Only’ arrangements will receive a Free Transfer, provided you arrive and depart on the tour only itinerary start and end dates. The complimentary transfers will be arranged from the Explore designated airport or train station to your trips joining point, and then back from the ending point to the designated airport or train station. Generally the airport or station that Explore have selected will be the one that is closest to the town or city where the trip starts, or the one nearest to the joining point. It will be either an airport or train station but not both. The exception to this rule is customers who are booked on a tour where the joining and ending point is at the designated airport or train station.  

Free transfers are not available for Polar customers.

If you are not eligible for the Free Transfer then you will need to make your own way through to the joining and ending point. On a majority of our tours Explore will be able to provide a private transfer at an additional cost. Please ask for a quote at the time of booking.   For more information regarding the Explore Free Transfer click here

It is a condition of booking with Explore that you have adequate valid travel insurance. It is your responsibility to arrange appropriate travel insurance and ensure you have read and understood the full terms and conditions of your travel insurance policy to ensure that you are covered for all activities you intend to undertake whilst on the tour, including all optional activities. Your Insurance Policy must fully cover you for medical expenses and emergency repatriation to your home country. Please ensure your policy includes medical emergency helicopter evacuation in the event of illness or injury and covers the entire duration of your holiday. If you are trekking at altitude please ensure that there is no upper altitude limit which may limit or exclude cover for your trip. The cost of many of our Polar Voyages will exceed the capped amount covered by standard insurance premiums and you will be required to pay an additional premium to cover the full value of your trip. Please ensure that you are covered for the full amount of your holiday cost, as insufficient cover could invalidate a claim under the policy. Medical and repatriation insurance cover is not mandatory for UK residents who are travelling on trips within the United Kingdom. Read more information about what travel insurance is required.

Flight information

Flight information.

You are able to book this tour on a 'land only' basis or as a ‘flight inclusive’ package. Your flight inclusive package will be fully protected by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) ATOL protection scheme.

Booking a flight inclusive package with Explore

We have a good selection of flights not only from London but from many regional airports around the UK allowing us to compare fares between scheduled carriers as well as low cost and charter airlines. Our dedicated flights team will match the best flight options to your arrival and departure airport.

On our website we display the price of the tour only. Please call us or select the flight option during the online checkout to receive a quote for a flight inclusive package. To avoid paying supplements or to secure your preferred flight option, we recommend booking as early as possible, especially for peak travel dates.

Ability to swim

An ability to swim is essential for your safe enjoyment of the optional water based activities on this trip. If you wish to participate in these activities then we insist that you are able to swim.

Vaccinations

Nothing compulsory, but we recommend protection against Tetanus, Infectious Hepatitis, Typhoid and Polio. Consult your travel clinic for latest advice on different prophylaxis available against Malaria. Please note that all travellers aged over 9 months old will be required to supply a yellow fever certificate if you have travelled from or have transited via a country with a risk of yellow fever transmission. Please check the latest requirements with your travel clinic or doctor prior to departure. The above is not an exhaustive list. Further information regarding vaccinations and travel health advice can be found by following the NHS and NaTHNaC links at Explore Travel Health and from your local healthcare provider. Visa and vaccination requirements are subject to change and should be confirmed by you before travelling.

In 2023, Ramadan runs from the 22nd of March to 2th April. Read more about  travelling during Ramadan . 

The following 2023 departures of Oman Trekking will coincide with Ramadan. March 13 2023

Dates, prices and booking

Add a flight with explore.

• Full Explore refunds in the event of FCDO cancellations or major disruption at your UK departure airport
• Carbon neutral flights – Gold Standard offsetting included
• Rearranged flights and transfers in the event of delays, missed connections, or cancellations (including accommodation overseas)
• ATOL protected
• No surcharge guarantee

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Gaze out to sea and follow rugged trails past golden beaches.

Once-in-a-lifetime adventure across the frozen oceans.

For the peak-baggers! Climb the highest peak in each country.

Incredible landscape by day, stargaze the endless sky by night.

Island-hopping in the Galapagos to the Canaries to the paradise trails of Bali.

Timing your holiday right to coincide with a local festival.

Step into one of our best-selling adventures.

Enjoy the fabulous climate, food and routes all around The Med.

Oman Adventure Trekking

10 days from

Serene walking holiday in the Jewel of Arabia, Oman

Holiday Grades

Our holiday grades explained.

To show the relative difficulty of our holidays, each trip is graded on a scale of 1 to 12, with 12 being the most challenging. Although we have tried to make our grading system as clear as possible, it cannot take into account your personal interests, abilities or experience. If you have any questions about the nature of a particular trip or its suitability for you, please read the 'Is this holiday for you?' section or contact us.

1 - 3 LEISURELY

Suitable for most people in good health, holidays at this grade include only limited amounts of activity.

4 - 6 MODERATE

Suitable for reasonably fit individuals, such as weekend walkers and cyclists. There can be the occasional more difficult day.

7 - 9 CHALLENGING

Physically challenging holidays, where you need to be prepared before you go.

10 - 12 TOUGH

Our toughest holidays, involving many long days, often in isolated areas. A high level of fitness and previous wilderness and mountain experience is essential.

• Take in the rugged and remote landscapes of Jebel Shams and Jebel Akhdar
• Tackle the Balcony Walk, following the contours of Oman's own 'Grand Canyon'
• Cool off in the emerald waters of natural pools in Wadi Shab
• Explore the atmospheric souks of the ancient fortified capital of Nizwa 
• Relax at our beach camp, overlooking the Arabian Sea

At a Glance

• Group Size 5 to 12
• 7 days trekking
• Max altitude - 2997m
• Join In Muscat

Accommodation & Meals

• All meals included
• 3 nights Hotel
• 6 nights Camping

This exceptional trekking holiday in Oman, explores the most dramatic sections of the Al Hajar range of mountains which run the length of Oman's northern coastline, rising above the blue waters of the Gulf to a height of 3000 metres. Starting out amongst the Western Hajar Mountains, we follow rugged trails between picturesque mountain villages, each with its groves of date palms and intricately terraced fields. Camping out on the high Sharaf al Alamayn Plateau and on the Sayq Plateau, we visit the high point of Oman at Jebel Shams and enjoy far-reaching views across a landscape of jagged ridge-lines and intervening canyons. A night in a comfortable hotel at the former capital of Nizwa, with time to explore the towns forts and souks provides a welcome break, before we complete a 2-day trek across the Eastern Hajar Mountains - which ends conveniently at a camp on the beach. With its superb trekking, year-round sunshine and welcoming people, Oman is the Middle East's best kept secret.

Is this holiday for you?

This is not a sustained trekking holiday, but a combination of shorter and relatively easy walks combined with two challenging classic 2-day routes, that are amongst the best treks in Oman. We will be following mountain tracks across sand, scree and bare rock, with sections of stepped pathway leading to ancient and sometimes abandoned villages. Walking for between 4 and 10 hours on 5 of the days, …

This is not a sustained trekking holiday, but a combination of shorter and relatively easy walks combined with two challenging classic 2-day routes, that are amongst the best treks in Oman. We will be following mountain tracks across sand, scree and bare rock, with sections of stepped pathway leading to ancient and sometimes abandoned villages. Walking for between 4 and 10 hours on 5 of the days, our route will take us into deep wadis and across airy ridges. We will usually be following routes that have been used for generations by the local people - villagers, hunters and shepherds. Some of the pathways are exposed and there is some easy scrambling on day 4 and day 5. The longer walk is on day 7 with a continuous but gentle ascent for the majority of the day. The altitudes attained during this holiday are unlikely to cause problems in respect of acclimatisation. Oman is prohibitively hot for much of the year and we choose to visit when it is at its coolest. However, we are still likely to find day-time temperatures of between 25°C and 32°C or even a little higher and sun protection and adequate hydration are important considerations. 4 wheel drive support vehicles carry all our equipment from camp to camp but, as we only have a small local crew, we will be expected to help put up and take down tents at campsites. We have graded the holiday at the bottom end of our demanding scale because there are some long trekking days and also on account of the prevailing temperatures.

Authentic Arabia!  KE are one of the few operators to run a real mountain trek in Oman, travel with us to discover the forgotten Middle East. If you want to chat about the trip and trekking please call us and ask to speak to Gemma - she has recently returned, and loved it.

Meet at the group hotel in Muscat. A single group transfer will be provided from Muscat Airport to the group hotel in the city. This transfer is normally around breakfast time and a representative of our local agent will accompany the group on the 20 minute journey to the hotel. After a few hours of rest and the chance to relax by the pool, or to walk to the nearby palm tree-lined beach (there are many coffee shops to visit overlooking the sea), we will be ready to do some exploring. At around 2.30 we will have a briefing and then take a tour (by vehicle) of Muscat city. We pass the embassies area and the Sultan's Palace, and ending at the giant incense burner in Ryam Park to enjoy the great views over the corniche. We finish the day with a look around the souk's before having dinner at a local restaurant and returning to the hotel.

Accommodation

After an early breakfast, we have an early morning tour of the very impressive Muscat Grand Mosque with its Swarovkis chandelier. We then leave Muscat and set off in our 4-wheel-drive vehicles to the Western Hajar Mountains and enter Wadi Bani Awf. Leaving the tarmac road we quickly engage 4-wheel-drive as we journey through this picturesque wadi, lined with date farms pools of water (the number of which depends on the volume of recent rain). This is a steep and fun offroading experience and after one hour we reach a narrow gorge that is the entrance to the pretty village of Bilad Sait. Here we will have lunch and then a short walk through the gorge and around the village where there will be plenty of opportunities for photos. We then continue our on and off road drive, winding up Jabal Shams. The south summit of Jebel Shams is 2997m and this is the accessible one, the actual true highest point in Oman is the North Summit just a few meters higher at 3006m but the military base on this summit prohibits tourism here. Tonight we set the first of our wild camps within view of Jabal Shams summit on the Sharaf al Alamayan Plateau.

After breakfast and a short 20 mins drive we enjoy breathtaking views of Oman's Grand Canyon and Nakhr Village which is more than a kilometre below us. We should be able to spot the route of today's classic walk along the edge of the canyon. Setting off from Al Kateen Village, we follow the 'balcony trail' along the mountain's edge to an abandoned village, which clings to the rocks and is completely hidden from view, both from above and from below. Just beyond the village, we can see the traditional farm terracing where locals used to produce their food and a short walk further takes us to the small lake that feeds the terracing. We stop and enjoy a few snacks before the walk back along the balcony trail offers more breathtaking views of the canyon. We then set off in our 4WD vehicles down the mountain to Wadi Ghul and Nakhr Village where we will take lunch. This allows us to view the canyon in reverse - from the bottom up, which is equally as dramatic and stunning, as this journey takes us through more than half a billion years of geological time. We then drive to Quiyut, in Jabal Akhdar, and enjoy the second of our wild camps.

After an early start and a hearty breakfast, we embark on the first of our 2-day challenging treks. we walk straight from camp and begin our 7-8-hour trek across Jabal Akhdar, up the Al Hamra Valley and onto the canyon rim. The trek follows an old path which is undulating and rocky underfoot and was once the main route to the village of Ar'Roos and has terrific views down into Wadi Bani Awf, Wadi Mistal and Wadi Bani Kharus. During the walk there is some prolonged sections of scrambling as we pick our way through the challenging terrain of Oman finest trekking region. Taking a picturesque lunch on the cliff tops, we have panoramic views across the settlement of Al Hijir and to our objective for the day, Ar'Roos village. With a final wadi scramble to reach Ar'Roos, we may be lucky enough to meet some of the village elders before transferring by vehicle (approximately 20 mins) to our beautiful wild camp on the fertile lands of the Sayq plateau, where we hope to spot desert wildlife amongst the rich covering of juniper trees.

Another early start, as we break camp from the Sayq Plateau, driving just over 30 minutes to the start of today's walk. This day is said to be the loveliest walks of week. With a well-paced start, we reach the Al Jarir region of the plateau and begin our descent into the fabulous Wadi Muaydeen. With 3 - 4 hours of trekking, it is one of the most spectacular wadi walks in Oman. At times we are on some exposed paths as we head down into hidden gardens and between photo worthy rock formations. As we take a steep descent onto the wadi floor, we can encounter local Omani men tending to their gardens. With a rocky ascent, we follow the rim of the wadi to meet our vehicles and take a short drive to the oasis town of Nizwa (approx 45mins) to our hotel, which has stunning views of low, chocolate-coloured hills behind and jagged white hills in front. This is a perfect place to relax at the end of a long day's walk with a welcome shower and soft bed. In the evening we try some good local food before collapsing in our beds.

Situated alongside two wadis, Nizwa, the former capital city of Oman, is a fertile sea of green with an oasis of date plantations stretching out 8 kilometres (5 miles) from the town. Today, Nizwa is still the largest and most important town in the interior of Oman and is noted for its 17th century fort and atmospheric souks, full of the silversmiths' art, especially ornately engraved khanjars (curved daggers worn on ceremonial occasions by all Omani men). We have a tour of the souks and time to explore the fort. After lunch in a local restaurant, we make the three and a half hour drive into the Eastern Hajar Mountains and set up our camp in Thamer, near to Wadi Bani Khalid, famous for its natural beauty.

This morning we start our second classic 2-day trek that takes us on ancient trading routes up and over the Selma Plateau and down to the sea at the Gulf of Oman. This is not a technical trek, but it is a long traverse and we will start our trek at very first light. Starting at around 650 metres, we walk through the lush coolness of this popular and breathtaking wadi, ascending gradually to a high point at 2157 metres. The rugged landscape of the Selma Plateau provides a stark contrast to the greenness of the wadi and offers panoramic views out over the stunning Ash Shariqiyah Mountains. We trek for 9 to 10 hours on rocky terrain, gradually ascending to the Selma Plateau. On arrival we meet the vehicles and transfer for the 20 minutes to our camp site (around 1500m) for dinner and another night of stargazing.

Another early start, as we set off across the rugged plateau landscape for 4 hours. This is mainly a day of descent that starts off gradually with only losing 400m over the first 7km. The views are spectacular with the rocky mountains descending to the sparkly blue sea. We have lunch in the shade before we start the much steeper descent into the lush coolness of Wadi Tiwi with its dramatic rock faces and palms. We finish the route at the small village of Sooee, where there are some excellent swimming pools, a great place to wash off the trail dust, before walking the final easy stretch to our awaiting vehicles. It is then just a 20 minute drive to our camp at a stunning coastal spot. We line our tents on the beach so that we can witness the sunrise in the morning.

We wake with the sunrise into our tents and breakfast on the beach. We pack up camp for the final time and head to the nearby Wadi Shab, just 15 minutes away by car. A gentle 1-hour stroll up this beautiful wadi brings us to more fresh water swimming pools. Here we can relax and swim in the pools. There is a hidden cave which involves some actual swimming which we can explore if we wish to and feel comfortable with the swim. When we are ready we return to the vehicles and take the road back to Muscat, stopping off for picnic lunch en route. We should be back at the group hotel in Muscat by 3.00 pm which will give us time to rest and pack before going out for a celebratory meal at a local restaurant. We will return to the hotel for a final drink in the bar.

The holiday ends after breakfast. There is a single group transfer to Muscat Airport. If you have time to spare before your flight you can go for a snorkel or maybe even join a dolphin watching boat tour to round off your fabulous week walking in the beautiful country of Oman.

Essential Information

We've compiled some of our Frequently Asked Questions to help you learn more about this amazing trip.

• A professional and qualified tour leader
• Support staff for camping and drivers
• Single timed airport transfers on arrival & departure
• All accommodation as described
• All land transport required by the itinerary (4-wheel-drive vehicles)
• All camping equipment - excluding personal sleeping bags
• Travel insurance
• Oman Visa fee
• Any addtional activities/excursions indicated as optional
• Miscellaneous personal expenditure - drinks and souvenirs etc

The group will meet at the hotel in Muscat. A single transfer from Muscat Airport to the group hotel is provided on Day 1. On the last day of the Land Only itinerary, there will be a single transfer back to Muscat Airport timed to meet the check-in for the afternoon Oman Air return flight to London. Anyone may join the group transfers by prior arrangement. Travelling as a group or on public transport saves energy. If this is not practical, we can provide private transfers at an additional cost. Taxis are also available. Hotel contact details and an emergency number will be provided with your booking confirmation.

All meals are included in the holiday price.

It is not recommended to drink untreated water from the taps. If you are on a trekking or cycling holiday, water is supplied to fill up your individual bottles. This will be boiled, filtered or provided in large jerry cans or 5 litre bottles. Additionally you should take purification tablets or a filter bottle (such as a Water-To-Go bottle ) to treat your water when in towns or where water is not supplied. We do not encourage the purchasing of single use plastic bottles.

Breakfasts on trek typically consist of bread, cheese, honey, jams, yoghurt, eggs, fruit, tea and coffee. For lunch there will be a variety of salads, spicy hummus, breads and other dishes from which we can select. Dinner will usually be barbeque or pan-fried meat and vegetables with plenty of bread, yoghurt, and hummus followed by fresh fruit and tea or coffee.  Alcohol will only be available in Muscat and in Nizwa, although upon arrival at Muscat there is a Duty Free shop and you are allowed to take 2-litres of alcohol into the country.

Whilst we can cater for vegetarians, albeit sometimes with a more limited choice, we cannot always provide special diets.  Due to the nature of some of the trips that we operate and the countries in which we operate them, it can be very hard (and sometimes impossible) to cater for a wide range of dietary choices and you may have to supplement your diet with food/snacks from home.  If you have specific dietary requirements please do speak to our sales team and they will be able to advise you whether or not we will be able to offer your specific choice.  Please note that we are unable to provide separate menus and cannot accept liability for any problems arising from special dietary requirements or intolerances.

We will spend 2 nights in Muscat at a comfortable 3 star hotel with a swimming pool. We will also have a night in similar standard of hotel in Nizwa. Whilst on trek there are 6 nights wild camping. The camping is participatory, so you will be required to assist in putting up your tent and help out with camp chores. A mess tent will be provided if the weather is bad, but on warm clear days we will gather and eat in the open. Mattresses are provided to sit on during meal times in a Bedouin style. Accommodation is twin share. If you are travelling by yourself, you will be paired with another single client of the same sex. Single rooms are available for a supplementary cost. If you are planning to extend your holiday, additional nights at the group hotel are available on request.

The group will be led by a professional and qualified tour leader. The leader will be assisted by a small camp crew and one or more 4-wheel-drive support vehicles and drivers.

This holiday involves going to moderately high altitude.  During the course of your trip you will reach altitudes in excess of 2500 metres.  Most people will have no difficulty with this level of altitude but before coming on the holiday, we recommend you read the advice on trekking at high altitude .  You can also talk to one of our trekking experts if you have any concerns about altitude.

Approximately £150 per person (or equivalent in US dollars or Euros) should be allowed for visa, tips, soft drinks, snacks and miscellaneous expenses. Alcoholic drinks, souvenirs and optional activities are additional so you may wish to budget for these.

You can choose to take your money in pounds sterling, dollars or euros. There will be the opportunity to change money into local currency on arrival at the airport and in Muscat. Additionally, you will be able to get currency from bank ATMs in Muscat and Nizwa. Credit cards are useful and it is a good idea to carry one in case of emergency.

Tips are the accepted way of saying ‘thank you’ to your local guides. They do not form part of their wages. KE always pays local crews the best rates of pay, no matter what country they are in and any tips they receive are seen as a personal thank you from group members. For our part, we advise local teams that tips are not a duty or a prerequisite but are a bonus and entirely dependent on the service that was given. For your trek crews we recommend that you give a tip if you feel that their services have met your satisfaction. As a rough guide we suggest you allow a total of £35 (or equivalent in euros/dollars) for tipping your crew.

Our holidays are normally designed with minimal 'down time' at the start of the trip, but having a day or two at the beginning will have the additional benefit of allowing you time to get over the stress of a long journey or travelling across time zones, leaving you refreshed and ready for your holiday. We can easily arrange for you to have additional nights and airport transfers.

For this holiday you should take one piece of luggage and a daypack. Your baggage will travel in the 4WD vehicle. You should bring a soft bag, such as the KE kit bag, as these are more suitable to pack in the vehicle. For international flights please check your baggage allowance with your airline.

For each holiday there is a minimum number of participants required to enable it to go ahead. Once the minimum number is reached, the trip status will change from 'Available' to 'Guaranteed to run'. You can check the trip status for each departure in ‘Dates and Prices’ table. Other than in exceptional circumstances, we will not cancel a trip once it has achieved this guaranteed to run status and so you are free to proceed with your international flight booking and other travel arrangements.

The information that we provide is for UK passport holders. A passport with 6 months remaining validity at the end of your stay is generally required , and you should have at least 2 blank pages for each country that you visit.

It is your responsibility to ensure that you have the correct travel documents and visas for your holiday. Please ensure that you check for the latest advice before travel. For the most up to date information on entry requirements, please visit the UK Government website .

UK  passport holders do not require a visa for stays shorter than 14 days.

If you have a severe allergy please inform the KE office before you travel. We will do all we can to help, but we cannot guarantee an allergy free environment on KE trips. You will need to carry your own treatment for the allergy with you, as 'adrenaline auto-injectors' are not carried as standard by KE leaders and staff. You should inform your leader on arrival of your allergy, and let them know where you keep your adrenaline pen.

VACCINATIONS

You should contact your doctor or travel clinic to check whether you require any specific vaccinations or other preventive measures. You should be up to date with routine courses and boosters as recommended in the UK e.g. diphtheria-tetanus-polio and measles-mumps-rubella, along with hepatitis A and typhoid. A good online resource is Travel Health Pro .

The unit of currency in Oman is the Oman Rial.

Getting some additional exercise before coming on an active holiday makes a lot of sense. The fitter you are, after all, the more enjoyable you will find the experience.

You should be aerobically fit and comfortable with walking 4 to 6 hours for consecutive days, and possibly up to 10 hrs on the one longer day. Hill walking, with a good amount of ascent and descent, is the best training, and we would suggest that you try to fit in a number of long weekend walks before you depart. Running, cycling and swimming are also good for developing cardio vascular fitness and stamina.

The best period for trekking in the Al Hajar Mountains is in the winter season from October through to mid April. Outside of this period it can be very hot, with temperatures rising to 40 degrees centigrade. At the time of any of our departures, the maximum daytime temperature is likely to be around 30°C but can be more in exceptional circumstances, and falling as low as 5°C  at night at our highest camps. At Christmas, the weather is usually settled, clear and sunny, although the days are shorter and the nights can be particularly cool, possibly as low as 0°C. 

As a reputable tour operator, KE supports the British Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office's ‘Travel Aware ’ campaign to enable British citizens to prepare for their journeys overseas. The 'Travel Aware' website provides a single, authoritative source of advice for all kinds of travellers and we recommend that prior to travel, all KE clients visit the official UK Government website at travelaware.campaign.gov.uk and read the FCDO Travel Advice for their chosen destination. North Americans can also check out the U.S. Department of State website: www.travel.state.gov for essential travel advice and tips.

KE treat the safety and security of all clients as the most important aspect of any trip we organise. We would not run any trip that we did not consider reasonably safe.  Should the FCDO advise against travel for any reason, we will contact everyone booked to travel to discuss the situation.  We receive regular updates direct from the FCDO and are in constant touch with our contacts on the ground.  If you have any questions about government travel advice, please call our office.

KE do not encourage the use of single use plastic items. We are ensuring that our agents all over the world are working together to reduce the problem and educate those around them. We are leading by example in our KE office by reducing our plastic use.

Adventure Trekking in Oman - Dale and Hadwin.

Travels with a Tangerine - Tim Mackintosh-Smith

Arabian Sands - Wilfred Thesiger

Oman and the United Arab Emirates Map. ITMB (Travel Reference Map S.)

Oman and the UAE - International Travel Map. 1:1,400,000

It is an essential condition of joining a holiday with KE Adventure Travel that you have a valid travel insurance policy to cover the cost of medical treatment and to protect the value of your holiday in the event of cancellation.  When taking out insurance please ensure the policy you choose covers you for the activities and altitude included in your itinerary.

For appropriate insurance cover we recommend Campbell Irvine Direct.  Please go to our Travel Insurance page for further information and to get a quote.

Please try to keep the weight of your baggage to a minimum. See the ‘baggage allowance’ section for further details.

You should bring the following items:

Lightweight hiking boots which are suitable for scrambling

Sandals for water crossings in the Wadi's, such as tevas

Trainers for sightseeing and camp use

Walking socks

Trekking trousers

Lightweight waterproof overtrousers

At least 1 long sleeve shirt with collar (for sun protection)

Casual shirts and/or T-shirts

Warm jacket* (eg. Fleece)

Lightweight waterproof jacket

Warm hat (for chilly evenings in the desert)

• Headscarf (for the ladies when visiting the mosques)

Daypack of approx 30 litres

Headtorch and spare batteries

Water bottles 1 litre (x3) or, 3 litre / quart Camelbak hydration system (we encourage re-filling water bottles rather than single use plastic)

• Water purification tablets

Sleeping bag (comfort rated -5°C)*

Sun protection (including total bloc for lips, nose etc.)

Washbag and toiletries

Antibacterial handwash

Basic First Aid Kit including antiseptic cream, throat lozenges, diarrhoea treatment (Imodium), painkillers, plasters and blister treatment, Insect repellent (DEET), and re-hydration salts (Dioralite). Glucose tablets and multi-vitamin tablets are also a good idea.

The following items are optional:

Trekking poles

Travel clothes

Small towel

Sleeping bag liner

Pen-knife (note: always pack sharp objects in hold baggage)

Repair kit – (eg. needle, thread, duct tape)

• Reusable cloth bag for shopping (to avoid plastic bags)

*For December departures when night-time temperatures can fall below freezing in the desert, we recommend a season sleeping bag comfort rated -10°C and a warmer jacket such as a down-filled jacket. At all times of the year you should take a jacket for the evenings.

As Oman is an Islamic country, modest dress is preferable in the towns and cities. Shoulders should be kept covered, and full length trousers/skirts are recommended. When visiting the Grand Mosque ladies should have long sleeves, long trousers and a headscarf. Men should wear long trousers but can wear short sleeved tops/t-shirts. It is acceptable to wear sandals for ladies and men.

The camping on this trip is mostly wild camping with few facilities. Water for bathing will not always be available and we suggest you bring a supply of wet-wipes. Sleeping mattresses are provided.

Enthralling trip to a wonderful country ★★★★★

A small sample of what Oman has to offer- walks, wadi wallowing and tasty food ★★★★

Oman a-go-go ★★★★

The spectacular wadis and canyons of Oman are places that will impress all travellers with KE. The Balcony walk in the 1000m deep Wadi Ghul was the early highlight with the swim in the pools of Wadi Shab a great way to finish. Tour leader, 4 wheel drivers excellent. High quality food throughout including at camps, especially if you appreciate middle eastern cuisine.

Amazing Oman ★★★★★

Fabulous country and trekking experience ★★★★★

Traveller Reviews

Enthralling trip to a wonderful country, a small sample of what oman has to offer- walks, wadi wallowing and tasty food, oman a-go-go, amazing oman, fabulous country and trekking experience, wonderful country & fantastic hospitality. amazing wild scenery & walking..

Amazing wild country where we enjoyed fantastic hospitality from locals & the trek crew. A range of walking from relaxing half days to strenuous extended day challenging experiences. This is a trip where a lot is crammed into a short time seeing some really interesting sights (ancient forts, mosques) & experiencing wild walking through gorges & over huge mountain vistas. Be prepared for a lot of driving too which at times can be tiring & after a while not particularly enjoyable.

Great, well organised trip in fascinating country

This trip was excellent. Every hiking day was quite different in some way, and each hike was stunning. The food was great, both during the camping and when we ate in restaurants, and our crew was friendly and helpful. It is important on this trip to be aware that it can be very hot for the hiking, and to come prepared for that. Bring shoes that can be worn for both walking and swimming for the optional wadi trip on the last day.

A Little BIt of Everything - Just Pick A Date

A great adventure visiting oman, a middle eastern jewel, walking, wadis & wet-wipes, good trip in a beautiful country.

KE Adventure reply

Thank you for the review of your 2014 Oman trip. We always listen to what our clients tell us. Since your trip in 2014, we have worked very successfully with a new local agent in Oman as you can tell from all the reviews below for 2016 and 2015. We certainly agree with you that this is a beautiful country and well worth a visit.

A beautiful country to trek in.

An amazing way to explore oman.

Although there is less walking than anticipated and the walking is easier than advertised, this is an amazing trip in a beautiful country. We also had the chance to swap a day of walking in the mountains against a day in the desert with sunrise and sunset walks. It would be a shame to go to Oman and not to see the awesome sand dunes. KE should change the itinerary definitively. Overall incredible landscapes, stunning mountains, great culture and above all great people.

Yallah ( lets go) - Oman, a Trekker's paradise

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DATES & PRICES

Private Departure?

Gather a few friends, family or club and take over your own departure.

Adults from

More Information

• Oman Adventure Trekking With Flights Without Flights
• Departure Reference: OAT /04/24/
• This trip departs the UK on Thu 24 Oct returning to the UK on Sun 3 Nov This trip begins on Fri 25 Oct and ends on Sun 3 Nov
• This departure is guaranteed. Secure your place today with a deposit of US$475
• Single Supplement Price: US$265 - Includes 3 group hotel nights (single tent not included)
• Single Tent Upgrade: US$105

Download Trip Notes

• Departure Reference: OAT /05/24/
• This trip departs the UK on Tue 17 Dec returning to the UK on Fri 27 Dec This trip begins on Wed 18 Dec and ends on Fri 27 Dec
• This departure is available to book. Secure your place today with a deposit of US$475
• Departure Reference: OAT /01/25/
• This trip departs the UK on Thu 13 Feb returning to the UK on Sun 23 Feb This trip begins on Fri 14 Feb and ends on Sun 23 Feb
• Departure Reference: OAT /02/25/
• This trip departs the UK on Thu 27 Feb returning to the UK on Sun 9 Mar This trip begins on Fri 28 Feb and ends on Sun 9 Mar
• Departure Reference: OAT /03/25/
• This trip departs the UK on Thu 3 Apr returning to the UK on Sun 13 Apr This trip begins on Fri 4 Apr and ends on Sun 13 Apr
• Departure Reference: OAT /04/25/
• This trip departs the UK on Thu 23 Oct returning to the UK on Sun 2 Nov This trip begins on Fri 24 Oct and ends on Sun 2 Nov

Land Only Information

ZEN_HOLIDAY_DATES_PRICES_LAND_ONLY_USD_NOTICE

Flight Inclusive Information

Changes to flights.

Please be aware that the flight industry is experiencing a high level of service fluctuation and changes to your flights may occur. This may also require amends to the transfers and joining arrangements. Thank you all for continuing your patience and understanding.

BOOK WITH KE CONFIDENCE - No surcharge guarantee

The price of our holidays can change depending on a variety of factors but unlike some other tour operators, KE have undertaken to guarantee the Land Only price of your holiday will not change after you have booked. The price when you book is the price you will pay , whether you are booking for this year or the next. Book early to avoid any tour price increases, get the best flight prices and take advantage of our 'No Surcharge Guarantee'.

KE Adventure is a fully bonded tour operator. We hold an ATOL license (No: 2808) and are bonded with ABTA (Membership No: W4341)

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A Hiking Tour in Oman with Al Maalam Tours, how does it work?

First a short semantic clarification : “trekking” means hiking long distances in several days without car driving in between (only to reach the starting point, and to leave from ending point) ; a hike it’s only for a day…

We offer Trekking and Hiking Tours , or, of an easier level, Discovery Tours .

So practically, a Hiking Tour, how does it work?

The progress.

The idea of a hiking tour is to discover one or several regions mainly by foot, doing almost every day day hikes from 4 to 8 hours. On tours visiting several regions, there are also some days visiting cities, villages , and driving.

But in opposite to “trekking”, part of the is performed driving (4WD) either to travel longer distances in order to visit different regions , or to travel short distances in the same region in order to do only the most interesting hikes .

However, we often include in our hiking tours several days hiking successively without car transfer inbetween : mini-trekking inside a hiking tour …

Oman’s specificity : aquatic hiking in the wadis

Oman is a desertic country but has quite many valleys (wadis) where water is flowing all year long. Some of them are perfect for hiking and we can stop on the way to swim in the river. Other valleys, often beatiful and wild ones, are more steep and we cannot hike through without having at one point to swim ; this is what we call aquatic hiking (alternately walking and swimming) ; if there are mandatory jumps, then we call it “ canyoning “.

Our hiking tours might include aquatic hikes and easy canyoning (mandatory jump of not more than 3m high)

Difficulty level

Our hiking tours are mainly of Level 3 and Level 4 :

• On tours of level 3 , the height gain every day is maximum +700m ; terrain might however on some short parts be a bit difficult (we cannoot change the topography of a country : Oman is a country with rocky and steep mountains…). these tours might include aquatic hikes .
• On tours of level 4 , the height gain every day can reach up to +1200m . They might include aquatic hikes and easy canyoning .

We also have a level 2 & 3 , for tours that are between Discovery and Hiking : they might include a few hikes of level 3, but not every day. Then the tour can still be interesting for someone who would not like to do these hikes. It allows for example a group of freinds or a couple to travel on the same tour even if they do not all have the same expecations in terms of hiking level.

We use also this level 2 & 3 for our Desert trips : indeed, in, the desert, the difference of level inside a group is not so much a problem ; and we experiences that our way of dealing with a desert trip allows persons with different expectations in terms of hiking to be satisfied.

As for accomodation overnight, our hiking tours usualy offer an alternation of hotels, guesthouses, and wild-camping …

On some itineraries, we might also include a bivouac or a homestay.

And a typical hiking day with Al Maalam Tours, how does it look like?

Our ethics about hiking.

First, we like to hike in the mountain, in the wadis, on the coastline, or in the desert, because we love nature , and hiking is the best way to discover it : walking, we access much wilder places, and we have time to contemplate the nature in its details as well as in its extent.

These are also environments where human being, through watching and understanding nature, developped with ingenuity traditional lifestyles totally incluenced by it. Facing this beautiful and generous, but also sometimes rugged and harsh nature, they have delopped values of humility , courage , and solidarity . This heritage reached to us, and when we visit these wild places, we make these values ours.

The progress of a hiking day

The progress of a hiking day is slightly different according to the environment :

• Mountain hike
• Desert hike
• Aquatic hike in the wadis

Exemples of Hiking Tours

Hiking to the Roots of the Western Hajar

Available in Jan Feb Mars Nov Dec

1 x Camping

2 x Bivouac

2 x Accomodation

Hiking to the top!

5 x Camping

Wadis and Oasis of the Eastern Hajar

Available in Feb Mars Nov Dec

2 x Camping

2 x Homestay

Oman Hiking Express

3 x Camping

3 x Accomodation

Hiking in Jebel Al Qamr

Available in Jan Feb Nov Dec

1 x Accomodation

Hiking in Oman

7 x Camping

1 x Homestay

Hiking in Dhofar

Available in Jan Feb Dec

6 x Camping

4 x Accomodation

Hiking in Hajar Mountains

5 x Accomodation

Do you prefer to join a small group?

We offer schedule tours in small groups from October to April. Itineraries are especialy designed for the season when they are planned.

Find here the next Hiking Tours scheduled

Some pictures

Level 2 & 3

Wilderness Trekking Oman

200km Traverse of the Western Hajar Mountains

Web page for book Wilderness Trekking Oman

Digital downloads to use the book Wilderness Trekking Oman , published in 2020, a practical guide for hiking in the western portion of the main mountain range in the Sultanate of Oman. The best walking weather in Oman is from mid November to March

Western Hajar Mountain Spine

The traverse follows the spine of the mountains in a point-to-point walk taking sixteen days, consisting of eight one-day walks, two two-day walks, and one four-day walk. There is a road intersection with a village or hotel between each of these eleven sections. The traverse climbs to 2999m and finishes in remote dry valleys where impregnable cliffs have precluded road construction and electricity transmission

Hiking options on the traverse of Western Hajar

There are two shorter options, of which one has two chain ladders that do not require ropes that together reduce the traverse to twelve days or make two multi-day circuits, one with hotels and the other entirely in the wilderness. A loop in the traverse can be used to make another three-day wilderness circuit, or skipped altogether

Who should go

This traverse is for hikers who are competent with GPS navigation, as only six of the sixteen day tracks are marked. In Oman there are no mountain rangers, so this traverse is for experienced hikers who are comfortable looking after themselves. It is abrasive limestone underfoot so tough boots are recommended. Only leather boots survive more than one season in this terrain

Donkey Transport

There are donkey caravans for the last four days in the wilderness for hikers who do not wish to carry all their supplies

Just because a donkey can do it doesn't mean it's easy

Walking Tracks

Some of the tracks are unsuitable for a donkey

There are picturesque villages

Masirat Ash Shirayqiyyin

and abandoned villages

Near Al Khutaym

and abandoned cave villages

Wadi Sahtan

View north from near the top of Jabal Shams

Jabal Shams

View southwest across Wadi An Nakhur from near the top of Jabal Shams, with Jabal Kawr on the horizon

Masirat Al Jawamid

Terraces irrigated with aflaj by farmers who utilize the natural springs

Preserved dried meat under shelter at a shawawiya campsite belonging to semi-nomadic pastoral goat herders who continue their traditional livestyle in these mountains

Wadi Halfayn

One of many side tracks down from the mountain ridge descends 1600m through this wadi

Wilderness Trekking Oman , 200km Traverse of the Western Hajar Mountains

The name of this webpage, hajarhiking , comes from Hajar which is both the name of the mountains and Arabic for rock. It is a practical guide for hiking in the Western Hajar, which is the western portion of the main mountain range in the Sultanate of Oman. The best walking weather in Oman is from mid November to March. The traverse follows the spine of the mountains in a point-to-point walk taking sixteen days. It consists of eight one-day walks, two two-day walks and one four-day walk. There is a road intersection with a village or hotel between each of these eleven sections making it practical to walk sections rather than the full traverse. The track climbs to the highest accessible peak in the country at 2999m and finishes in remote dry valleys, called wadis, where impregnable cliffs have precluded road construction and electricity transmission. This has preserved the Arabian mountain lifestyle that has existed for centuries. Exploring the Hajar Mountains with my family and Omani companions was my passion during the sixteen years I spent living in Oman. My ambition with this project is to resurrect the historic trading routes connecting the mountain villages, enabling walking tourists to help sustain an emerging hospitality industry that uses some of the ancient village houses as hotel rooms, which otherwise will fall into ruin. An example of walkers' economic impact is the 630 mile South West Coastal Path in the U.K. which contributes 5% of the tourism spend in Cornwall, Devon, Dorset and Somerset, and 76% of this is from overnight walkers. This traverse is for hikers who are competent with GPS navigation, as only six of the sixteen day tracks are marked. There are two shorter options, of which one has two chain ladders that do not require ropes. These options together reduce the traverse to twelve days or make two multi-day circuits, one with hotels and the other entirely in the wilderness. A loop in the traverse can be used to make another three-day wilderness circuit, or can be skipped altogether to further reduce the traverse duration to nine days. In Oman there are no mountain rangers, so this traverse is for experienced hikers who are comfortable looking after themselves. I have selected the route over many years by linking ancient and current donkey trading and walking tracks. This web page has descriptions of where to go, what to carry , where to sleep and most importantly where to find drinking water . This information is repeated in the first three chapters of the book Wilderness Trekking Oman which are available for free download . The remainder of the book is available as a digital purchase and is on sale in paperback from Gilgamesh Publishing and a two-sided A1-sized folded map is available from cordee map distributors. Both the book and map will be sold by WH Smith from their bookshops at the International Airport in Muscat, Oman. The book describes the sights you are likely to encounter on the traverse including geology, the falaj irrigation system and Omani crafts, and provides context for your experiences with chapters on the mountain history and culture . To make the most of the time you will spend meeting Omanis on your journey you will benefit from the book chapter describing the sedentary farming and semi-nomadic pastoralist societies that live there and mountain etiquette. GPX files of the tracks on the 200km traverse, 400km of side tracks, 170km of ultra marathon trail and 266 waypoints are available for free download . These waypoints include villages, hotels, and local names of semi-nomadic pastoral campsites with their plastic water tanks, caves, mountain passes, historic track junctions and remote water sources such as isolated falaj -irrigated gardens, mountain springs, water-dripping cliffs, man-made open reservoirs and wadi dams. Also included are historical features such as Bronze Age tombs and pre-Islamic rock art that are near the traverse. Some hikers may choose to be supported by friends meeting them in a 4WD vehicle at the road intersections marking the ends of the eleven sections. For their benefit this book includes excursions at eight of these ten rendezvous points. There are other possibilities for resupply at all ten road intersections. Read the review by the first couple to finish the traverse who made their journey in January 2020, watch the Anglo-Omani Society presentation and read their magazine article , or watch the lecture at the Sultan Qaboos Cultual Centre in Washington.

Every effort has been made in this web page and the book Wilderness Trekking Oman to inform you what to carry, and to give you sufficient navigational aids to find drinking water every night. The author is not responsible for any dangerous circumstances you may encounter. Hike at your own risk.

Traverse Description

The east-to-west traverse of the Western Hajar is 209km long and it crosses two mountains – Al Jabal Al Akhdar then Jabal Shams. The 188km of mountain tracks are interspersed with graded roads totalling 21km, of which the longest is 6km. The altitude range is from 620m to 2999m. The daily elevation change is typically 1000m with walking times of four to ten hours, which allows for time spent navigating by GPS. There is some climbing but ropes are not required. The sixteen-day traverse consists of eleven walking sections of one, two and four days long separated by road intersections. During the day or days of each section you will not see roads or civilisation and the only short cuts once you commit to any section are on the last four days. There are two options replacing some sections. Six of the sixteen days have painted trails, otherwise you need GPS navigation or a guide. Eight of the eleven sections finish with hotels, of which three are restored village houses. There are also camping alternatives for all the hotels. The two two-day walks and one four-day walk require wild camping for five nights. (see diagram below and the overview map .)

The first option in the traverse stays closer to the mountain spine on the approach to the summit of Jabal Shams. This high route climbs two cliffs with chain ladders 12m and 2.5m. The first campsite on this option only has stagnant water from a reservoir that must be boiled before drinking. There is clean water near the track the next day but not at the summit nor during the descent. Accordingly this route, shorter by one-day and 10km, is more demanding than the longer low option that passes two villages with hotels. These high and low routes can be combined to make a 46km multi-day circuit, or a 37km circuit using the Burkat Ash Sharaf side track. The second 16.2km option is at the end of the traverse replacing the last four-day remote section. This direct route to Al Iqaybah 4km from Yiqa can be combined with Days 13–16 to make a 72km five-day circuit with water at all the wild campsites. Two short cuts across this remote circuit provide several more options. Days 10–12 on the traverse form a loop, with 3.2km of road completing a 34.5km-long circuit. Skipping these three days is the easiest way to shorten the traverse. The table below is the schedule for the sixteen day traverse. The two two-day walks are Days 8–9 and 11–12. The four-day walk are Days 13–16. The four longest graded roads are on Day 10 (10.1, 10.3) Day 13.1 and Day 16.2. Hotel transport is available for two of these roads. The three-day circuit of Days 10–12 starts from the road 3.2km before Kurb returning to Kurb via Yisab and Naqa Ar Ruways. In the right-hand column R, H and W indicate what is at the end of a day’s walk: R stands for road, H for hotel and W for wild camping. “Up” and “Down” are the total metres ascended and descended on each day. The walking times do not include break times.

Traverse Elevation

The six sharp elevation drops on the traverse from left to right correspond to the villages Hadash (1) and Wukan (2) at 1500m, Misfat Al Abriyyin (3) at 950m, Yisab (4) at 1140m, the Hayl At Talhat gardens (5) at 1520m and the shawawi camp Dar Ar Ruways (6) at 1275m. Apart from Misfat Al Abriyyin these villages are part way down the side of the north facing escarpment near springs which are located where the geological unconformity between the Mesozoic and the underlying Precambrian sequence intersects the surface. The angular unconformity creating the springs is at the elevation range 1500m to 1000m. The source for the springs is rainwater accumulating in the upper porous Mesozoic carbonate and flowing down to a seal caused by the older Precambrian rock which is impermeable. The Mesozoic carbonate is thousands of metres thick so acts as a huge reservoir sustaining the springs during periods of dry weather. The shortest distance between the villages is across the high plateaux at elevations above 2000m. This means much of the traverse is a series of 500m to 1000m ascents and descents of the escarpment between villages which are apparent on this elevation diagram. Each village has a road connecting it with the desert plains below the mountains, which is why there are ten road intersections but only six places where the track briefly follows a road.

Start and Finish

The start and finish of the traverse are shown on this Google Map, with the fastest vehicle route between them. The start is from Al Afyah on the eastern edge of the Western Hajar Mountains, a village in Sumail Gap that is a natural east-west pass dividing the Hajar Mountains connecting the coast with the deserts and main interior town of Nizwa. It is an hour’s drive on tarmac 100km southwest of Muscat International Airport on Nizwa Highway 15, which follows the Sumail Gap. Transport options include taxis, shared taxis or maxi taxis, which are minibuses also known as baisa buses. The shared taxi and baisa-bus options will leave you 1km from the start of the track on the Muscat to Nizwa highway. Day 1 is a 10 hour walk so you need an early start. This is not always possible with baisa buses, therefore it is wise to book a private taxi to ensure you start walking at dawn. Alternatively you can have a leisurely start, and camp on the plateau at the small cave making Day 1 a two day walk. There is no water until you reach Hadash. The finish is Yiqa which is 160km from Muscat International Airport. There are taxis at Yiqa, then you can take a bus from Rustaq or continue in a taxi to Muscat.

On the Google Map use command + scroll to zoom in and out on a PC, or two fingers on a touch screen.

12m chain ladder

Climb this 12m chain ladder to reach the summit on the high shorter route. Rope unnecessary

Safih Abu Habshah

The cliff with the 12m ladder from a distance indicated with arrows. It is steep but not vertical

Aqbit Saydran

This is the second easier 2.5m chain ladder before reaching a gentle slope 800m from the summit

Drinking water pool 30m along a narrow horizontal passage in Sab An Nar Cave, which is on a 600m diversion off the track approaching Safih Abu Habshah on the second day of the high route to the summit

The walking season is from mid November to March but February is the best month because it is still cold and has longer days than December and January. There is little cloud cover so sun protection is essential. The most important variable in these arid mountains is the temperature. The warmest in winter will be 25 ºC at the lowest elevation but it can freeze on the summit where it snows every two or three years. Strong winds and rain are rare, but when it does rain it usually blows as well. This means tents are not that useful (except for privacy) because there are few fixing points except heavy rocks that are not reliable when your tent becomes a sail. If you insist on all-weather protection in addition to the recommended good quality light rain coat then breathable bivvy bags are better than tents. Weather forecasts for the Western Hajar in winter are reasonably accurate and there is a weather station on the web for Jabal Shams. Winter rain is usually light from the northwest while summer monsoon storms can be torrential causing flash floods. Check the weather forecast every three days, and if it does rain seek shelter in a cave, overhang or shawawi camp and wait for the sun.

Snow on Jabal Shams

Every two or three years there is snow on the mountain tops

Freezing near the summit

Pack for freezing nights, especially from December to February

View looking east from Jabal Shams

Low cloud against the Western Hajar ridge

There is no concept of public rights of way in the mountains and deserts of Oman. The public can walk anywhere without a physical barrier indicating private property, such as walls surrounding a house or yard and irrigated garden perimeter fences. The only restrictions are on tracks passing directly through villages where men from neighbouring villages need permission. This does not apply to tourists. Most of the tracks on the traverse cross land that is used by semi-nomadic pastoralists, called shawawiya , to browse their goats and collect firewood and medicinal plants. The economic benefit of this territory, called isbah , belongs to the shawawiya but there are no restrictions on anybody crossing the land. There is a considerable variety of tracks on this traverse. Some have not been used for generations while on others you will see donkeys carrying supplies. They include major and minor donkey caravan routes, unladen donkey routes to man tracks requiring scrambling by hand. One of the side tracks is a horse track, although it has not been used by horses for three hundred years. This horse track has elaborate stone staircases built for the less robust but faster horse caravans. The major donkey trading routes have their own names and are built with stone stairs and walls to provide sufficient room for a laden donkey. Donkey barriers made from stones and sticks keep them away from overhanging cliffs with insufficient clearance for their load. Unladen donkey tracks have narrow sections that are impassable for a laden donkey. The caravan routes still in use, easily identified from the continuous line of donkey droppings, carry provisions to the semi-nomadic pastoral settlements not serviced by roads. The tracks between the summer and winter villages of sedentary farmers have stones polished from hundreds of years of footfall. These shiny rocks remain visible even when the track is disused and overgrown with acacia bushes. Six of the tracks on the traverse have recently been painted with stripes of yellow, white and red or have reflective green dots from recent ultra marathon races for which GPS navigation is not required. A few other tracks show earlier applications of infrequent paint . All the paint marks are reliable, although different vintages follow slightly different routes. High cairns on cliff tops mark the start of descents. The most difficult climbs on the traverse are a 2.5m cliff, though this has plenty of handholds, and on the high option a 12m cliff that has a chain ladder. All the climbs are shown in photographs in the book Wilderness Trekking Oman . The easiest tracks to follow are trading routes that link villages to the large market towns below the mountains, to the coast and to each other if they are growing complementary crops. For example, lower warmer villages grow dates while higher cooler villages grow wheat if their terraces are mostly in sunshine, or walnut and pomegranate trees on narrow shaded terraces. Be careful asking directions. A villager from As Sawjrah who accompanied me on my first walk to Ar Rus knew the first 5km extremely well as that was within the range of his foraging goats. The route we followed from there to Ar Rus was based on his mountain instinct, not specific knowledge of a track, while my second attempt was 3km shorter. The shawawi semi-nomadic pastoralists' knowledge of tracks is more extensive than villagers as their isbah could extend 25km from their homes. As of publication date, no one has knowledge of the entire traverse, although this is expected to change, and it is necessary to be confident with a navigation device to walk this traverse. However, if you prefer not to walk this traverse alone then Omani guides will keep you safe. You would be guiding the Omani with your navigation device and the Omani will keep you company and would be able to get help in an emergency.

Horse Track

This horse track from Al Alya to Al Fayq has not been used for horse caravans for 300 years. It is very easy to follow

Donkey Track

This well used donkey track leads off the mountain to Misfat Al Abriyyin

Unladen Donkey Track

Unladen donkey tracks are steep with little vertical clearance. This track is an alternative for the last day, from Dar Ar Ruways to Al Jammah

There are some tracks that are only suitable for people, not donkeys. The translation of the description of these tracks is "man track". This man track is a side track from Hayl At Turuq to Dukum. The tracks on the traverse are not as exposed as this

This stick-stair man track is a maintenance route for the hose that has replaced the falaj that irrigates the gardens at Ghayl Shadhan. The walking tracks on the traverse are not as exposed as this

Painted Track

The routes on six of the sixteen days have markers, stripes of yellow, white and red painted by the Ministry of Tourism in 2005, and more recently by the National Youth Committee. In the foreground is a cleared patch of ground where a hiker has made their campsite

Polished Stones on the Track

Some portions of the tracks are easily followed because foot-traffic has highly polished the stones

Narrow Polished Track

This ledge is the correct track as evident from the polished rock. It sometimes takes time to find the correct track as the repeatability between GPS is 7m which may include several possible routes. Usually only one route is correct and the others are dead ends. If you start climbing anything more difficult than shown in the photographs in the book and on this web page you should retrace your steps to find the correct route

In some portions of the man tracks there is nothing to indicate a track except the occasional splash of paint. This example is the final ascent of the ridge that forms the lip of Al Ghubrah Bowl between Al Afyah and Hadash

Examples of the More Difficult Climbs

Day 1. Al Afyah to Hadash, a steep descent from one ledge to another, ropes are not required

Day 1. Al Afyah to Hadash to Wukan, I am making it look more difficult than it is

Day 2. Hadash to Wukan, man track on descent to Wukan

Day 3. Wukan to As Sawjrah, a 75m climb up a steep slope that ascends 55m vertically but has plenty of handholds

Day 10. Jabal Shams Plateau to Yisab, descending a steep slab to a stone pile

Day 11. Yisab to Naqa Ar Ruways, a 2.5m cliff with numerous handholds

Day 11. Yisab to Naqa Ar Ruways, a descent off a ledge with numerous handholds

Walking with a guide and donkeys is recommended for the last four days because it is safer for you, carrying heavy local food is possible and they are an interesting experience, although it is not any faster than walking alone. These mountain donkeys are trained to carry loads and know most of the tracks, but neither village donkeys that are only used for agriculture nor desert donkeys are capable of walking in the mountains. The only village donkeys you will see on the traverse are in the extensive terraces at Misfat Al Abriyyin. Abdullah Al Khambashi and the shawawiya who live in the satellite settlement of Al Jammah to the west of Yiqa have nine mountain donkeys and are keen to use them for tourism. Abdullah and most of the men from his extended family had military jobs before retiring. Trekking tourism helps utilise their numerous semi-nomadic campsites and remote gardens. Typical of shawawiya , Abdullah’s family own five simple storehouses in the wadi, plus their modern house in Al Jammah. There is water and a donkey enclosure at each of their campsites. The etiquette section has details on what you should and should not pay for including donkeys, and how much. Donkeys prefer to have company, so hiring a pair of compatible donkeys for four hikers is easier to manage than a single donkey. They walk quickly for four hours then need to drink, eat and rest for two hours. They are fed hay, which they carry in a bag tied above their load, with a bowl of dates. Abdullah made a point of being totally silent to avoid disturbing his donkey when it was drinking. The donkeys have to be unloaded for their rest, when they immediately roll on the ground to scratch their backs. This unloading and subsequent loading procedure is done carefully. There are five saddle blankets that spread the point loads of the saddle tree, which has a pair of wooden loops that fit into two pockets on the fabric saddlebag. The heaviest items are loaded into the saddlebags, then the rest of the load is tied on top with the hay bag last. If the loaded donkey is lopsided it is balanced by adding rocks to one of the saddlebags. Balance is more important than weight. The shawawiya will lead or let their donkeys loose depending on the track. They are led when the track climbs steeply or when negotiating something difficult, such as boulders in a wadi. The only time Abdullah threatened his brother’s donkey with a stick was on a track that had not been used for forty years. Two places on this eroded track were too steep for a laden donkey so we carried the saddlebags ourselves. Most of the donkey tracks from Yiqa are in frequent use and well maintained. When donkeys are not on leads they will walk briskly ahead then stop and look behind or turn around to face you. Sometimes they will not stop and you have to run to catch up, especially if you pause to take a picture. They will trot to the end destination when close to a familiar campsite. The first few kilometres starting from their home is the hardest; a solo donkey will exchange bellows with the herd back in the village and try to rejoin them by swerving off the track. The herd, while all in separate enclosures, are in frequent communication. When donkeys are not imminently required for a caravan they are released for grazing into areas of a wadi's natural barriers. These barriers, such as cliffs, are augmented with short fences across any ledges that are on donkey tracks exiting the enclosure. These fences, made from a tangle of branches, are called shiggy and function as gates; they have to be dismantled and reassembled when travelling on these tracks. A donkey’s working life is from three to twenty years.

Donkey Loading 1/6

There are five saddle blankets, hils , to spread the point loads of the saddle tree, shdad

Donkey Loading 2/6

Donkey Loading 3/6

Donkey Loading 4/6

Donkey Loading 5/6

Donkey Loading 6/6

Donkey happy unloaded

Donkey Gate

Fences, made from a tangle of branches, are called shiggy and function as a gate

This shiggy includes an opening for goats

Donkey Rebelling

Donkey Struggling

The donkey was unloaded for this climb

Donkey on Ledge

Navigation and communication.

The information on this web page should be used in conjunction with a GPS navigation system containing the waypoints and tracks that were recorded at 10m intervals using a Garmin GPSMAP64s, and 1:50,000-scaled maps that are available as day-walk maps in the days one to sixteen book chapters, and as a single folded map. Also available are digital kmz base maps . Only six of the sixteen days will be on tracks with painted markers, so you must be proficient in using a navigation device such as a Garmin and have a backup loaded with all the tracks and sufficient batteries. Some of the terrain requires remaining within a metre of the actual track, for example to avoid nearby dead-end ledges, but GPS repeatability is only 7m. Route finding on these sections will take time and it is recommended you test your ability with a guide before committing to the whole traverse on your own. Alternatively you could attempt Day-1, Al Afyah to Hadash, without a guide as it is the second most difficult day making a good test of your route-finding skill. This chapter is available for free . As of November 2019 the maps in the book and front and back of the folded map are the only detailed contoured maps of the Western Hajar available to the public. The National Survey Authority (NSA) has reviewed and approved the Roman spelling of the Arabic village names shown on the maps, and issued the registration number 1246 dated 05/11/19 authorising their sale and use in Oman. The names without NSA sources include local names of semi-nomadic pastoral campsites, water-drip cliffs, caves, isolated gardens, mountain passes and historic track junctions. They have a lighter font to indicate their Roman spelling is not approved by the NSA. Waypoints on the map distinguish and locate three sources of drinking water; mountain springs, plastic water tanks and open reservoirs. There are two competing mobile telephone providers in the Western Hajar: Omantel and Ooredoo. They have both built communication towers, which together provide almost complete coverage of the traverse. The newer 4G towers do not have 2G and the older towers only have 2G so you need both your 4G smart phone and a 2G phone, such as the Nokia Dual SIM 2G which can be purchased in Muscat. Prepaid SIM cards from both providers are available at the airport arrival hall or in Muscat. A high-capacity portable power bank can recharge the Nokia numerous times as well as some cameras. Note some airlines have passenger regulations on transporting power banks. Consider charging your iPhones or Android with a mobile pack-mounted solar panel, which only weighs 355g. Poor reception can be enhanced by fixing your mobile to a tree trunk with string instead of holding it.

Driving in Oman

The highways in Oman are new and easy to navigate, and road signs are in both Arabic and English. A support team should not experience any difficulties in making a rendezvous at any of the villages on this traverse. Driving times, directions and whether a 4WD vehicle is required are detailed for each of the ten rendezvous as part of the descriptions of each day’s walk. Taxis, shared taxis and baisa buses are available to Al Afyah and return from Yiqa

Speaking Arabic

Nearly everybody younger than thirty speaks enough English to give directions, and are competent with Google Translate on their smart phones. Below are some Arabic words that you may need in the mountains. No thank you: la shukran ; you’re welcome: afwan ; no problem: mafee mushkilah ; there isn’t any: mafee ; impossible: mush mumkin ; good: zayn ; left: yasaar ; right: yameen ; straight ahead: seeda ; up or above: fauq ; down or below: taht ; slowly or little: shwayy ; track: tarik ; village or town: bilad ; meeting place: majlis ; mosque: masjid ; house: bayt ; garden: bustan ; spring: ayn ; mountain: jabal ; mountain pass: aqbah ; mountain top: ras ; rock: haja ;, dates: tam ; water: maay ; donkey: hammaar ; guide: daleel ; very difficult: wagid taqleef .

Place Name Spelling

Roman alphabet spelling of Arabic place names on street signage is sometimes inconsistent from one junction to the next, and road maps and recently published tourist brochures and website information include numerous spelling alternatives. There are spelling variants of most of the villages on the traverse. For example Al Afyah/Al Afiah, Wukan/Wakan, As Sawjrah/Saqrah/Sukirah, Ar Rus/Ar Ruus/Roos and Yiqa/Yiqah/Yuiqa. In each example the first spelling is correct. The Omani government is in the process of enforcing a standard transliteration of place names from Arabic, which is being undertaken by the National Survey Authority (NSA). Village place names on maps that are on the NSA list and have been approved by them appear in bold font, while local names that are not the responsibility of NSA but are useful for walkers, such as mountain springs, mountain passes and important track junctions are not in bold.

In an emergency ring 9999 and have your GPS coordinates ready for the operator. This is a general emergency number which will initiate a foot search by police and local villagers followed by Air Force helicopters if necessary. If you activate a personal locator beacon your request for help and coordinates will be sent to the emergency services automatically. There are no charges for rescue services in Oman, however the Royal Omani Police recommend both domestic and international adventure tourists carry an appropriate level of insurance for their intended activities.

Water Location

Drinking water is available at each campsite other than Jabal Shams summit, and during some days, with the location listed by day in the following table. There are three sources of water: public village taps, hotels, and remote locations of water that are indicated with blue text. Remote water can be springs, cave pools, tanks, open reservoirs and wadi dams. The three sources of water are split between three 1:400,000-scale maps: overview map , hotel locations , and the map of remote water locations . The higher resolution 1:50,000-scale maps in the chapters on each day’s walk display all the water sources on the same map, which are all included in the GPX file of waypoints.

Drinking Water Treatment

Aini falaj water is from springs, described in detail in the Irrigation chapter in the book Wilderness Trekking Oman . Water from springs, cave pools and cliff drips does not require treatment. The water from the public taps in Hadash and Wukan comes from nearby springs while that from the villages of Hayl Ash Shas, Hayl Al Khadra, Kurb and Al Marrat is from regularly used tanks and tastes fine. All tanks in semi-nomadic pastoralists’ campsites, for example above Misfat Al Abriyyin and to the west of Jabal Shams, are large closed plastic containers filled with rainwater that has a slight plastic taste due to infrequent use. Treating this water is optional. The tap for these tanks has usually been removed and placed nearby to avoid any accidental emptying, for example by a goat nibbling the tap. This tank water is available for any traveller to drink sparingly. These semi-nomadic pastoral camps are described in the Culture chapter. The only tank water you are likely to use will be during the last four days, and it is advisable to forewarn Abdullah Al Khambashi or one of his relatives in Al Jammah who own them. Water from open reservoirs and wadi dams should be boiled or treated before drinking, for instance the water at Burkat Ash Sharaf and Al Barbad on the high option as it approaches the summit.

Dar Al Baydah Spring

Spring water does not need treatment before drinking

Ghayl Shadhan Spring

Hasat Al Arid Cliff Drip

Water from cliff drips does not need treatment before drinking

Falaj from Al Ghawghah Spring

Treating running falaj water before drinking is optional

Pool Below Ghayl Shadhan Spring

Treating flowing pool water before drinking is optional

Closed Plastic Tanks

Most shawawi semi-nomadic pastoralists’ campsites have plastic tanks like this filled with rainwater that does taste of plastic due their infrequent use. Treating this water is optional. The tap for these tanks is usually removed and placed nearby to avoid any accidental emptying of the tank, for example by a goat nibbling the tap. The arrow in this photograph is pointing at the tap. This tank water is available for any traveller to drink sparingly, who should notify the owner if they have their contact details

Open Ground Reservoir at Al Barbad

Water from stagnant open ground reservoirs and dams should be boiled or treated before drinking. The fence is intended to stop goats from polluting the water but is not always successful

The Cliff Hotel in As Sawjrah

The water in hotels from tankers or piped desalination water is safe without treatment. Even if you do not stay at any hotels you will probably visit them for water and to have a shower

Logistics and Cooking

You should treat this traverse as an expedition because there are no shops in the villages where supplies can be purchased. Lightweight freeze-dried meal packets are ideal because water is available every night. It is advisable to establish how many of these food packets you will need to sustain yourself for continuous eight- to ten-hour walks for sixteen days, and test how many you can carry which will determine how many supply rendezvous you will need, for example at hotels. This will depend on the weight of your pack, which is partly determined by how much drinking water you carry. Daily drinking water consumption will depend on the month you are walking. Three litres per day is enough in the optimum walking season, mid November to March. Load your pack, including this water, to determine how many days’ food you are comfortable carrying, remembering there are 1000m climbs. A reasonable pack weight is 18kg. You need to carry enough food and water for a minimum of two days to complete the summit section. Donkeys are recommended for the remote four day section at the end of the traverse because they can carry heavier local food. One donkey can carry food supplies for two walkers. There are several alternatives for organising delivery of meal packets for the first twelve days. The least expensive option is to purchase freeze-dried packages in your home country and post them using tracked delivery to your choice of hotel rendezvous at least a month before your trip. Include in your package a letter with your name and expected arrival date, and a request for an email confirmation when your package is received. To ensure your package is collected promptly by the hotel you should track it as it passes customs in Muscat, and email your hotel when it arrives at their P.O. Box in Muscat, Nizwa or Al Hamra. There are four hotels or guest houses at or near three campsites on the traverse to whom I have posted my freeze-dried food in advance for collection. A quicker but more expensive option is to use online shopping from desertcart , a company based in the Emirates who supply towns in Oman including Nizwa. Oman and the United Arab Emirates are part of the Greater Arab Free Trade Area so an Emirati online company such as desertcart has access to the Omani market. They sell the Mountain House brand of freeze-dried food. Your order should be in the name of the hotel manager, who will have to collect the package on your behalf from Nizwa. This works well for the restored village hotels because the hotel managers' names and mobile numbers required by desertcart for the Nizwa collection are known and listed . I have used this service for three hotels: The Cliff, Shorfet Al Alamin and Hospitality Inn. Bringing food parcels to Oman with your luggage and arranging a series of vehicle rendezvous with a tourist services provider is the most expensive alternative for food resupply, and at the date of publication there is only one Omani company that can deliver parcels in the mountains. They can also provide a more elaborate campsite service. The road network makes it possible to rely on friends and family if you are accompanied by non-walkers. They could hire a vehicle and meet you at some of the villages with your food supplies. Driving instructions to each road intersection are included in the daily track descriptions. It is recommended but not essential to use camping gas to boil water for your freeze-dried food. Camping gas is sold in the department stores in Muscat. Alternatively there are plenty of dry fallen branches for a fire, which is easily started but they should be used judiciously. Use existing fireplaces whenever possible and be aware that cutting live hard wood is illegal due to conservation measures. Open fires may become illegal on parts of the mountain range as part of planned measures to preserve the environment. The most efficient method of cooking using wood fuel is with a backpacking stove.

You do not need to carry a tent or bivy bag as only two campsites are low enough for mosquitoes, and the dew is not heavy. Wild camping is permitted in Oman and is the only choice for the five nights in the wilderness when you are not near a road or hotel. There are no fixed campsites. The terrain is mostly rock so you will need to choose a site carefully. Sleep under juniper trees on needle beds when at high elevations. Elsewhere disused goat enclosures have soft build-ups of dried droppings. Ledges under rock overhangs or caves often have comfortable layers of dust. Wild donkeys create stone-free dust bowls when they roll on their backs, which are conveniently sized for one person. There are a few natural pools in which to swim and it is not acceptable to bathe in the irrigation systems known as aflaj . For showering, plan to use hotels , of which some offer washing and toilet facilities for campers.

The main pests are mosquitoes but these only occur on the two nights where you sleep at low altitude near exposed water, 950m at Misfat Al Abriyyin and 1140m at Yisab. Mosquitoes can be avoided at Misfat Al Abriyyin by sleeping at one of the guest houses but bring mosquito repellent for the overnight stay at Yisab. Malaria tablets are not necessary. There are other noxious animals but it is very rare for them to cause problems. Scorpions live under rocks, which you may disturb when preparing fireplaces. You may encounter racers, which are non-poisonous snakes sometimes seen near or in water, but all other snakes should be considered venomous, although most are not and are rarely seen. None of the villages on this route keep dogs. Goats are determined to be fed but will not bother you at night, but do not leave edible belongings unattended during the day or they will be eaten. It is better not to feed them.

Sleeping in the cave, track Al Afyah to Hadash

Ledges under rock overhangs or caves often have comfortable layers of gravel, dust or dried goat poo to place a sleeping mat. The cave contents are for any traveller, but primarily intended for villagers from Al Afyah who choose to sleep here with their goats on the high plateau

Sleeping in a donkey bowl

Stone-free dust bowls are created by donkeys when they roll on their backs. They are conveniently sized for one person to sleep on a soft surface

Sleeping in the cave near Safih Abu Habshah

This cave is 200m east of the foot of the cliff with the chain ladder at Safih Abu Habshah. There are dusty but comfortable flat surfaces to sleep

Sleeping at Jabal Shams Summit

The large juniper trees near the summit provide wind shelter and soft dry needles for a good night's sleep. A rubber sleeping mat as shown in the photograph placed under a self-inflating Therm-a-rest protects it and provides double cushioning

Sleeping at Daan As Sanin

Sheltered shawawi campsite

Sleeping at Ghayl Shadhan

Sleeping at As Safa

Sleeping at Sinfat

Sleeping at Aqbat At Tariq

My wife asleep under a juniper tree. The needles made her a soft mattress. In winter above 1500m there are no mosquitoes, the dew is not heavy and it seldom rains so a tent is not required

The suggested packing list corresponds to the photograph of the contents of my pack. A 65-litre pack is big enough. A -20 ºC down sleeping bag is recommended. If you sleep wearing just light walking clothes in freezing conditions then you need this rating to remain comfortable. Therm-a-rest NeoAir mats are designed to be used inside a tent, so you need to provide the equivalent protection from thorns and sharp rocks, for example a rubber sleeping mat under it will protect it and provides more cushioning. With this double-mat combination you only need a flat surface on which to sleep; even sleeping on hard rock is possible. This rubber mat will not fit inside your pack; the ends will protrude when secured under your pack's top cover and will be ripped by acacia thorns probably necessitating its replacement after sixteen days, but they are inexpensive and available in Muscat in most large department stores. Spare mats should be included in your rendezvous food parcel. You need three clothing layers for cold evenings and a raincoat as a windbreaker. At night you will swap your sun hat for a woollen hat, both of which should cover your ears. Lightweight OMM insulation clothing is ideal, though expensive. Clothing layers should have front zips so they can be adjusted for changing temperatures. Hiking clothes and sun hats should cover as much skin as possible for cloudless days

A cooking pot to boil water for the freeze-dried food should be light. Collapsible water containers are preferable to bladders because water levels are easier to monitor. Purification tablets or a straw are for drinking stagnant ground reservoir and wadi dam water; an unlikely scenario. A back-up Garmin is recommended in case you drop and break one. To keep to within a few metres of a recorded track, which is sometimes necessary, you have to hold and continually monitor the Garmin except when climbing with both hands. It is a good idea to make a dry run of carrying all this gear in your pack. If you have arranged for a vehicle support team to meet you on consecutive evenings, give them your main pack and walk with just a 20-litre day pack. In this case bring the day pack with you to Oman as there are no quality camping shops in Muscat. If there is space in the support vehicle load it with a stretcher, pillow and camping gas cooker for comfortable roadside camping. Check that the support vehicle has a USB charge socket for recharging phones and cameras. An adequate standard of roadside camping gear is stocked at the Carrefour department stores in Seeb and Qurum.

Pack and Sleeping Gear

• Pack, 65 litres
• -20 degC down sleeping bag (in reality only comfortable at -5 degC)
• Rubber sleeping mat (spare with rendezvous supplies as they get ripped)
• Inflatable Therm-a-rest NeoAir upper body sleeping mat or equivalent
• Warm zipped jersey
• Insulation jacket
• Woollen hat covering ears
• Light raincoat with hood (provides extra layer for wind as well as rain)
• Head-torch, spare AAA lithium batteries
• Mosquito repellent
• Ultra light titanium pot
• Camping gas and cooker
• Freeze-dried food
• Omani Riyals, large and small denominations
• Toilet paper (also used for starting cooking fires)
• Dry wash soap
• Toothbrush and paste
• First aid kit
• Blister plasters
• Collapsible water bottle capacity 2.0 Litre (x 3 for summit, the campsite without water)
• Chlorine dioxide tablets or LifeStraw water filter with micro filter for treating water from open ground reservoirs or wadi dams
• Light quick-drying hiking trousers
• Light quick-drying long sleeved hiking shirt
• Leather boots, socks, underwear
• Sun runner cap with flaps for ears and neck
• Garmin and spare AA lithium batteries, two Garmin per hiking group
• Maps, either folded sheet or book
• Mobile phones for 4G (smart phone) and 2G (for example Nokia dual SIM)
• Power bank and leads for mobiles
• Optional Emergency Beacon (for example PLB1 from Oceansignal)
• Camera in soft case, spare batteries or rechargeable from power bank

Logistics Support

www.omansportszone.com

SportsZone can arrange your food delivery to mountain rendezvous if you did not organise an early postage or online delivery of freeze-dried camping food to any of the hotels, and if you are not being supported by family and friends. This will require a driver making a four-hour round trip in a 4WD from Muscat, which will be expensive. Freeze-dried camping food is not available in Oman so you either bring it with you, or make an online order from desertcart to be delivered to SportsZone. "SportZone LLC is a small Omani run company established in 2016 by two experienced Omani athletes, and specialises in organising a wide range of events. Our mission is to promote the Omani culture and present the most stunning parts of our beautiful country to visitors from around the world. We are able to support your trekking adventure in a number of ways."

• Transportation services
• Food and water delivered to your prearranged stopping points
• Set up of camps at each of your chosen stopping points
• Anything else you may need

Hotels and Dried Food Parcel Delivery

Hotels to give you relief from wild and roadside camping are located within walking distance of the end of seven of the sixteen days’ walks as shown on the hotel map . The distance from the end of the track to the hotel is in the fourth column of the hotel table. It is also possible to use a hotel on Day-12 finishing at Kurb if you phone for a hotel taxi for the 9.2km journey. Some of the hotels (The Cliff, Hospitality Inn, Bait Bimah and others) provide shower facilities for a reasonable fee if you are camping nearby, drinking water and they all have restaurants. The water in hotels that is delivered by tankers and piped desalination water is safe without treatment. The Alila Hotel and The View are expensive so most hikers will stay at the other hotels for a total of five nights, including the three restored village houses. Advance booking is recommended during the winter tourist season. This map and the table below do not include all hotels on the Western Hajar. At the end of Day 3, Day 5 and Day 6 are hotels who have received my posts from the UK of dried food parcels for collection; The Cliff in As Sawjrah, Shorfet Al Alamin at Ash Sharaf and Hospitality Inn and Misfah Old House posted via Canyon Adventures and Tours in Misfat Al Abriyyin. These hotels are highlighted with red in the table. The tracked postage took between fourteen and twenty-one days. Their postal boxes are in Muscat, Nizwa or Al Hamra that are some distance below the mountain villages and visited infrequently, accounting for these long postage times. It is recommended to use a parcel tracking service, and email the hotel when your package has cleared customs in Muscat and arrived at their Post Office Box. The village hotels are occupied throughout the year, regardless of guest occupancy, so summer postage to them will be successful. The contacts and addresses for postage for five hotels are listed below the table of hotels. As more walkers use their facilities it is likely all these hotels in future will accept posted dried food for their walk-in guests. Ordering Mountain House freeze-dried food from the online provider desertcart was successful for the same four hotels. Desertcart will send your order by courier to their office in Nizwa, from where your hotel is called to collect it. The delivery times were between eight and twelve days. To use this service you need to provide desertcart with a physical address, name and mobile number; this will be the hotel name and village, and the hotel manager's name and mobile number. This information is listed below the table of hotels.

• Sama Resorts are at Wukan and Jabal Shams plateau. Mail is driven up the mountain in a weekly journey, [email protected], Phone +968 2448 9853, Postal address: Golden Oryx Tours, 6th floor KFC building, Al Khuwair, Muscat, Sultanate of Oman
• The Cliff, [email protected], Mohammed Al Sheriqi, +968 9883 6356, Postal address: P. O. Box 1069, Postal Code 611, Nizwa, Sultanate of Oman. (Tracked parcel postage from London took sixteen days, online delivery from desertcart via Nizwa took eight days)
• Shorfet Al Alamin Hotel, [email protected], Ayetullah Sharif, +968 9026 8418, Postal address: P.O. Box. 3435, Postal Code 111, Muscat, Sultanate of Oman (Tracked parcel postage from London took fourteen days, online delivery from desertcart via Nizwa took twelve days)
• For both Misfat Al Abriyyin hotels, Hospitality Inn and Misfah Old House, contact Canyon Adventures and Tours, [email protected], Abdul Rahman Al Abri, +968 9941 2660, Postal address: P.O. Box 64, Postal Code 617, Al Hamra, Sultanate of Oman. (Tracked parcel postage from London took twenty-one days, online delivery from desertcart via Nizwa took twelve days)
• Jabal Shams Resort, [email protected], Postal address: P.O. Box 344,  Postal Code 617, Al Hamra, Sultanate of Oman.
• As Sawjrah The Cliff Hotel www.thecliffguesthouse.wordpress.com
• Wadi Bani Awf The Bait Bimah Hotel, www.baitbimahoman.com
• Misfat Al Abriyyin Canyon Adventures and Tours www.canyonadventurestours.com
• Yiqa and the last four days Abdullah Al Khambashi +968 9569 8833 who lives at Al Jammah 2.4km west of Yiqa. Guides for this long remote section will insist on bringing donkeys to carry their own provisions as well as yours.
• Some tracks www.omantrekkingguides.com

Donkey Owners

For the last four days finishing at Yiqa, Abdullah Al Khambashi +968 9569 8833 who lives at Al Jammah 2.4km west of Yiqa, will arrange guides and donkeys to carry their own provisions as well as yours. If you walk this section by yourselves you will probably drink water from Abdullah's tanks. Please forewarn Abdullah of this intention

Mountain Etiquette

Omanis are renowned for their hospitality, enthusiastically practicing their Arab generosity towards travellers. You will meet many Omanis on the mountains and experience their kindness. It is respectful to cover shoulders and knees to avoid embarrassing your hosts Drinking water is freely given and taken from a house tank even if the owner is absent. The water adjacent to village mosques is available to everyone, and it is considered offensive if payment is offered. Their generosity extends to coffee, dates and a full meal. If you are offered food you should accept as this is an important part of Omani culture, especially in remote areas. In the cool evenings you are likely to be invited into a majlis (pl. majalis ), which functions as a sitting room used for greeting and entertaining guests. Private houses have two majalis , one for men and one for women. Some villages, such as Ar Rus, have communal majalis next to the mosque. Shoes must be removed before entering a carpeted room, the walls of which are lined with cushions. Once inside you will be greeted with a bowl of dates, Omani coffee and water. The strong and bitter coffee is served in egg-shaped cups, which are thought to be a legacy of early trade with China. Cardamom was introduced to Oman centuries ago from the Malabar coast of India and is often used for flavouring coffee and tea. Traditionally you drink a few cups of coffee then shake it from side to side to indicate you have had enough. Whenever a newcomer enters a room everybody rises in greeting. At meal times a plastic sheet will be put on the floor with bowls of fruit and trays of meat and rice, and everybody leaves their seats to sit on the floor around the meal. The custom in Oman is to eat with your right hand and not to use cutlery. Most majlis have an adjoining washroom to wash your hands before eating. If you are served a full meal you must insist on paying for it. The cost of food such as goat meat in Oman is the same as the price of lamb in the UK, New Zealand or anywhere else, as Oman is part of the global food supply chain. Therefore pay as for a home cooked meal in your own country. While your Omani host will resist accepting payment, it is unreasonable for foreign guests to accept this extent of their generosity as the traditional mountain lifestyle is marginal. There is no need to pay for a place to sleep except if it is a commercial establishment. You are likely to sleep on a terrace or in a compound associated with a house, or under trees in a hala or diyar , which is a shawawi campsite. Purchasing the services of a guide or a donkey to carry your pack is a different proposition. The Omanis that offer these services are most likely to practice the shawawi (adjective) lifestyle, one of the two traditional mountain societies; the other being sedentary farmers. Shawawiya (noun) are semi-nomadic pastoralists who browse goats on natural vegetation. Traditionally they divided their time within their territory, called isbar , between their numerous campsites that, on Al Jabal Al Akhdar, are either called hala (a single stone storehouse, under a cliff overhang or under a large tree) or halil (multiple houses). Before roads were built between villages shawawiya led many of the long-distance donkey trading caravans on behalf of sedentary farmers, hence they have the most knowledge of mountain tracks and their donkeys are practiced on walking them. Nomadic people throughout the Middle East have always provided a transport service for settled people, historically in a barter system, now for cash. Consistent with this tradition will be their enthusiasm today to offer you commercial guide services and a donkey if they still have them. It is appropriate for you to bargain the price before you commit. The daily rate of a donkey and its owner is comparable to the daily rate of hiring a vehicle in Oman. If you see goats being shepherded on a track, move away to avoid disrupting them. A startled goat that becomes separated from the herd can go feral. The rules on not leaving litter are universal; what you take in you must take out.

Women in Oman

Oman has an impressive record of equal opportunity for women in both education and employment. Women science graduates outnumber men and many women hold professional positions in both the public and private sectors. These opportunities extend to women living in the mountains if they are prepared to migrate to one of the larger towns, but their lifestyle, as well as that of men, is more conservative. This is probably related to the cultural rhythm in the Middle East rather than being specific to Oman. Prior to 1970 the interior, including the Hajar Mountains, was a closed area and had been for a hundred years. There had been little exposure to outsiders until they were opened to tourism in 2005 after the military restriction on the road up Al Jabal Al Akhdar was lifted. This is the opposite of the coast where, in Sohar in 1982, a researcher recorded eight languages spoken by the resident souk traders. Despite this isolation, society in the mountains was not as conservative as it is now. In 1837 Wellsted quoted the desert Arabs who told him that the mountain people were not jealous of their women. In 1992, during a trek between villages, I was greeted by both men and women at the entrance to each village. The women wore their dowry of ornate silver jewellery and colourful clothes. Today they are more likely to be dressed in black. If you are a male visitor you will share coffee and eat meals with the villagers and shawawiya but may not see any local women. You should not initiate shaking hands with any women you meet. A female visitor will not normally join the men in the main majlis , instead if you are invited into a village house it will most likely be to the women’s majlis . There will be no men inside and the women’s heads may not be covered. You will receive traditional Omani hospitality and kindness, and should partake of any food and water offered. Should you meet an Omani man on the track he will probably offer to carry your pack and inquire as to whether you need anything. If he is carrying water he will offer it to you. La shukran , meaning “no thank you”, is what you should say if you wish to politely decline the offer. Omani men and women will treat you very courteously and will be thrilled that you have made such an effort to see their country. The respect offered to strangers is an Omani tradition and it is a very safe place for both male and female guests and residents.

History and Culture

This is a picture summary of the Culture and History chapters in the book Wilderness Trekking Oman . These are scenes you are likely to encounter during the traverse. There are video clips from 1992 of villages that you will pass on Day 4.

Shawawi hala, at Hayl Al Jawari

Semi-nomadic pastoralists called shawawiya divide their time within their territory, called isbar , between their numerous campsites that, on Al Jabal Al Akhdar, are either called hala (a single stone storehouse, under a cliff overhang or under a large tree) or halil (multiple houses). These campsites are called diyar on Jabal Shams. The goatskin water container hanging from the tree is called saqa

Making tea for a visitor

Omanis are renowned for their hospitality, enthusiastically practicing their Arab culture of generosity to travellers

Lunch at Dalil

The custom in Oman is to eat with your right hand not using cutlery from a communal dish

Hand twisting a thread

Preparations for a donkey caravan revealed a torn saddle bag, quickly stitched with this strand of goat hair that was made in a few minutes

Spinning wool at Naqa Ar Ruways

Said and Salim use a drop spindle with an angled notch at the top end around which yarn can be secured while the spindle is rotated. The tweezers attached to both their belts are to remove thorns

Ma’awil Cave

Inside the cave are six abandoned houses that was a shawawi halil

Bayt Karah in winter village of Al Karah

Interior of an abandoned house belonging to the farmers from the nearby village of As Sawjrah

Sarooj an ancient cement

Sarooj used as mortar between rocks to build foundations for the donkey track from Al Fayq

Falaj wall in Wadi Halfayn

This wall supported a falaj with a stone lid creating a donkey track that was built several hundred years ago. Compared to the rest of the caravan network this is relatively new. Now disused the falaj and donkey track continue down the wadi to the gravel plains in Sumail Gap

Disused wolf trap

The wolf is trapped when it disturbs bait tied to a small stone that dislodges the heavy stone trapdoor. There are no longer wolves living on Western Hajar, but a small number survive in Eastern Hajar

Disused beehives made from hollowed date trunks, Halhal gardens

Pre-Islamic pecked rock art

This art is on a boulder at the beginning of the traverse next to the Al Afyah falaj and shows a mounted figure with a lance

Hafit Tomb on a cliff edge overlooking Al Fayq

There are hundreds of Bronze Age tombs in the Western Hajar looking like mounds of rocks, however they have internal structure with typically two or three rings and one or two internal chambers. They were built during a relatively wet period in the Middle East when the rural population was higher than today

Bomb shelter near Ar Rus

Built during Al Jabal Al Akhdar War, 1957–59, for protection against British Shackleton bombers or De Havilland Venom fighters by the tribesmen supporting Talib, the brother of Ghalib bin Ali, the Imam and leader of the Imamate. He was resisting the coastal-based Sultan’s attempt to unite the country

Side Tracks and Loops

These tables of side tracks and loops are in addition to the traverse described in Days 1–16. The total length of the side tracks and traverse described on this web page and in the book and GPX files is 604km. Short excursions covered in some of the Day 1–16 chapters are not repeated in these tables. The best sidetracks for a family looking for a short walk to a swim are the 2km from Dukum to the pool at Wadi Al Kawr and the 2.3km from Al Alya to Ad Dar where there is a string of wadi pools. The side tracks do not overlap with each other or any of the traverse tracks. Many of them are branches from other tracks, and only a few have paint marks. Twenty loops have been created using these sidetracks and portions of the traverse, and are described in the second table following the side track table. GPX files of the traverse, sidetracks, loops and waypoints are available for download . It is possible to append track segments to make your own loops using Garmin BaseCamp software. The times provided for these tracks are one-way times without allowing time for breaks. They allow for some time spent referring to a navigation device, but this will depend on the hiker’s skill. It is recommended to employ a guide for your first walk to become familiar with the terrain, and to carry the paper map and a satellite navigation device. Several of the donkey tracks have man track short cuts not included in this table, but are shown on the maps and in the GPX files. Most of these short cuts are only marginally shorter and, due to their increased difficulty, may not save any time. They are included on the maps to avoid confusion when walking past the track branch. Until you are familiar with the terrain it would be prudent to stay on donkey tracks. The side tracks in this table include nearly all the donkey trading routes that intersect or are near the traverse, but it is not a complete list of all donkey tracks on the Western Hajar. Historically important tracks not included are the trading routes ascending the south side of the mountains from the interior, for example the tracks up Wadi Kamah, Tanuf, Muaydin and Imty, most of which have their own name. The track from Imty is called Alerurqub. These tracks are excluded because they are far from the traverse and being near the developed side of the mountain range are sometimes crossed by roads. Side tracks that need ropes are also excluded. For example the one out of Wadi An Nakhur to Jabal Shams is a 2200m climb with two exposed 15m cliffs. When it is surveyed and has chain ladders installed it will be added to the GPX file and digital maps on this web page.

Examples of Difficult Side Track Climbs

Aqbat Sofit Said to Hat, exposed and not an easy descent

Ad Dar to As Sawjrah via wadi, exposed 4m drop and not easy up or down

Dukum to Hayl At Turuq, exposed but easy

Ultra Marathon tracks in the Western Hajar Mountains

Four ultra marathon tracks have been created in the Western Hajar Mountains; 10, 50, 130 and 170km, which overlap with parts of Days 5 to 9 of the traverse and corresponding side tracks. They all have reflective green dots for night running so they can be followed without a navigation device. Red dots indicate incorrect routes. In places these marathon tracks take a less scenic but smoother route than all the other tracks, and portions of these tracks are on gravel roads. They are shown on the 1:50,000 maps as a dotted grey line. GPX files of these ultra marathon tracks are also available for download. These ultra marathon tracks were surveyed and marked by OmanSail in 2018 and 2019, an organisation responsible for bringing international sporting events to Oman. The 170km track uses the two chain ladders that were installed to make the Day 6 high route possible for a non-climber carrying a pack.

4WD Access Roads

The maps in the book and separate folded map show 4WD access roads on both the north and south of the mountains. These connect to many of the side tracks from the traverse. GPX files of these roads are available to download. They will be useful if you have a support team who are driving a 4WD vehicle.

Hiker Feedback Received

Summary of feedback received from hikers since my book and map was published in 2020. This feedback will be updated regularly. October, 2023. Hello John, thank you for the link to the e-book. We are back from Oman and enjoyed the country a lot! The hike was amazing! We ended up hiking from Misfat Al Abriyyin to the Sama Heights Resort. We took the high route via As Sharaf and Al Barbad to Jabal Shams and down to Sama Heights Resort. Thanks to your great information provided, we were able to follow the path and find the water reservoirs without problems. We were happy about the two tanks near the summit, as the water at Al Barbad was quite dirty. We then slept up at the summit and it was amazing to see the sun set and rise from there! Thanks again for all your information! We enjoyed it very much to hike there. May, 2023. Found no-one at Ar Ruways, and there was not a lot of water in the tanks. Following up on this revealed one of the three brothers who lives at Ar Ruways is unwell. They all left the mountains for his treatment and he may not recover sufficiently to continue living in such a remote location. What happens to their house and their water tanks if they do not return is uncertain as none of the three couples living there had any children. May, 2023. Your GPX files came in very handy on our trip to the Hajars. Some really beautiful country out there. Couple of quick updates: The descent to Wukan from the Gumra Bowl now has a solid set of planks over what obviously used to be a pretty sketchy short traverse.The climb out of Wukan to Sawjrah now has chains on the rock scramble, although that section is actually very easy and they are unnecessary. In As Sawjrah, the Cliff has now become the Suwgra. I doubt they'd be amenable to groups coming in and sleeping there if rooms aren't available, although they did give us some space in a cave for the night, but they seem to be focusing on visitors driving in (I say this also based on the fact that in two weeks in the mountains, we saw exactly 9 other foreign trekkers, 8 of whom were doing a day hike up Jebel Shams and 1 who was hiking out of Misfat...we saw nobody anywhere else). From Sawjrah to Al Rus, the route is now quite easy, there is new paint. In Ash Sharaf, there's a lot of new building going on. They are putting up a new hotel right near the antennas. We were able to get water here, rather than having to walk down to the Alameen hotel or whatever it is called. From Sharaf to Misfat, there is a lot of road building going on near Misfat, trail somewhat obliterated there although obvious where to go. Thanks for your pointers, beautiful country with some very rugged and challenging hiking. We thoroughly enjoyed it! January 2023. We started trekking from Ras Adh Dhahar. Our progress the first day in Wadi Yiqa was very slow, because even with the gpx the trail was not very clear. We were also fooled by the map. The map seems to indicate that the trail veers to the west side of the wadi. In fact it is the blue line of the river which drawn incorrectly on the east wall of the wadi, instead of in the lowest point of the valley, the valley floor. It took us awhile to notice the discrepancy. From Naqa Ar Ruways we hiked untill a hidden spring (wall drip). This one is not mentioned in the book. We camped at 23°18.351′ N, 57°10.696′ E, near a ruin. The wall drip is about 80 meters to the east. The trail between this campsite and Hayl At Talat was the only part of the trek that we can actually say that there are still parts clearly visible as a path. At Hayl At Talat there are now two Pakistani's living permanently. The route from Hayl At Talat to the road to Kurb is somewhat marked with cairns and ribbons and plastic bags attached to branches. There are a few exposed clmbs of about 2 meters along this 'marked' trail. December 2022. There are chains to help with the gentle cliff ascent at Aqbat Wukan, between the villages of Wukan and As Sawjrah. They are not really necessary. January, 2020. Traversing the Hajar Mountains was the most incredible adventure of our lives. For two weeks we were taken out of the 21st century and into our own magical world where we slept under the stars and drank water from ancient reservoirs while barely seeing another soul, except wild donkeys and fearless mountain goats. John has crafted a wonderful route taking in the best of the Hajar Mountains while ensuring you are never too far from water or a local settlement, where you might be fortunate to encounter the generous hospitality of the Omani people. We set off as newcomers to the Omani mountains without a local guide; navigating was a rewarding experience using occasional painted markers, GPS and John’s daily description of the route. The hardest and most exposed parts of the trek are comparable to the GR20’s famous Cirque du Solitude, however with consistently good weather the Hajar Traverse is more welcoming. Wild camping every night greatly contributed to our experience as it allowed us to cook during golden sunsets, fall asleep to shooting stars and rise with the morning sun. Before long our daily rhythm got in sync with the simple yet enriching mountain life. With time we learnt to distinguish between the unpredictable ‘man tracks’ and our preferred gently meandering donkey tracks. In a valley high among the mountains we drank coffee with a shawawiya (semi-nomadic pastoralist) sharing smiles and a few words of Arabic before we bid him goodnight to set up camp by a 3000 year old donkey track as the old decade faded into the new. If you are in search of an adventure with unexpected turns the Hajar Mountain Traverse will offer you a thousand and one. Anneke and James, January 2020, who also wrote a review for the Explorersconnect website.

Walking Holiday in Oman

Oman is one of the best trekking destinations in the Middle East, and there are a host of superb walks and hikes to be found.

Oman is one of the best trekking destinations in the Middle East, and our private Walking Holiday in Oman is a suggested itinerary that incorporates a range of superb day-walks. This suggested itinerary is just a starting point of what we can offer. This all depends on your expertise and how much you want to walk. You will be looked after by expert trekking guides throughout. You will also have your own private driver/guide on your journey.

We suggest finding a flight that lands into Muscat early in the morning, so you can be driven straight into the mountains. We recommend stopping at the Jabel Akhdar region first, where you find more of the leisurely walking trails where you can get used to the climate and cuisine. The superb two-hour Four Village Walk is your first day-trek, a delightful 2-hour walk through abandoned villages, overlooking picturesque orchards, jagged peaks, dramatic gorges, and lush green terraced fields.

You then head to the Jabal Shams region, a trekkers’ paradise. You can stop off in Nizwa for a cultural interlude, seeing the fort, souq, and possibly the Friday livestock market if your dates coincide.  

The next day, you will set off for Wadi Ghul, where you will set out on the Balcony Walk , overlooking the stunning An Nakhur Gorge. The ascent will take about 3.5-4 hours, where you will have a picnic lunch in Al Khitaym. The afternoon takes you north, again following the Canyon to the abandoned village of As Sab , taking about a 3 hour round trip. You then return to your hotel at night.

We then have the longest trek the next day, taking you on the Goat Herder’s Trail from Sharaf al Alamayn to Misfat Al Abyreen, a downhill walk of about 6 hours. For those more intrepid, we could do it in reverse, giving you an uphill trek, taking up to 7-8 hours.

You then are driven south, stopping at Wadi Bani Khalid for a series of short day treks in and around the wadi to more remote pools. You arrive in Wahiba Sands for a night in a tented camp.

Finally, return to Muscat for two nights of R&R, where you can rest your weary legs before returning home.

Any element of this itinerary can be tweaked. For those more adventurous, we could add on an optional ascent of Jebal Shams (Qarn al Ghamaydah), a 9-12 hour one-day trek. You start on the rim of the An Nakhur Gorge at 1,950m and trek up to the summit at 2,997m for the best views in Oman. This would mean another night at the View.

Guide Pricing

Starting at.

• LOCATION: GBP USD AUD EUR
• A private tour with expert trekking guides and personal drivers
• Explore both the Jabal Shams and Jabal Akhdar regions
• Set out on four superb day walks
• Include a walk around a remote wadi
• Explore the deserts of Wahiba Sands
• Conclude with some R&R in Muscat

The Sahab Resort & Spa

1000 nights camp, suggested hotels.

• Experiences

Muscat Airport - Jabal Akhdar

Arrive into to Muscat, and as most flights arrive in the morning, we suggest driving straight to the Jabal Akhdar region with your private driver/guide. We can take you along the remote Wadi Bani Awf if you like an off-road experience. If you would like the first night in Muscat, or two, we can add this on.

Four Village Walk

Your first walk is the leisurely 2-hour ‘Four Village Walk’ – a lovely introduction to the dramatic landscapes and stone villages that epitomize the mountains of Oman. Pass lush green terraced fields, stunning viewpoints and end with a visit to a Rose Distillery . Continue to Wadi Bani Habib , a picture-perfect Omani village.

Nizwa - Bahla - Jabrin

Drive to the Jabal Shams region, known for its more challenging trekking and views to match. You can stop in Nizwa on the way, and if it is a Friday, stop at the superb livestock market. We can also show you the impressive forts of Bahla and Jabrin to add a cultural and historical aspect to your walking holiday to Oman.

Balcony & Abandoned Village Trek

Today, your driver/guide takes you to Wadi Ghul where you set on the stunning Balcony Trek (3-4 hours), a walk that follows the rim of Oman’s Grand Canyon, or An Nakhur Gorge. The views are stunning as you look down into the Wadi en Nakhr. On arrival into Al Khitaym, you will have a picnic lunch and then set off on the Abandoned Village Walk (3 hours), again following the rim of the canyon as you walk to the old village of As Sad.

Goat Herder's Trail

Today, set out on the long Goat Herder’s Trail, a 6-hour downhill walk from Sharaf al Alamayn, at an altitude of 2000m to the village of Misfat al Abriyyin at 950m. For those with a more active outlook could do the ascent, taking about 8 hours.

Wadi Bani Kahlid - Wahiba Sands

Today, you will leave the Jabal Shams region and drive south, stopping at Wadi Bani Khalid where you will set off on some short trails around the wadi, getting away from the tourists who visit the main pools, and explore some of the more remote parts of this amazing oasis. Continue to Wahiba Sands, where you will enjoy a late afternoon walk to a dramatic sunset point.

Experience some off-road dune bashing as you leave Wahiba Sands and return to Muscat. You can again stop at some wadis on the way back, depending on how your legs are feeling. Spend the final two nights at the delightful W Hotel.

Farewell to Oman

Private transfer to the hotel to conclude your walking holiday in Oman.

The Sahab Resort & Spa overlooks a dramatic canyon in the Jabel Akhdar in Oman. The Sahab is a reasonably priced boutique hotel and is designed using local stone that blends seamlessly into the landscape.

The View is stunningly located on the slopes of Jabal Shams above the quaint village of Al Hamra, just outside of Nizwa in Oman.

The 1000 Nights Camp is an authentic desert camping experience located in the Wahiba Sands in Oman. 

The beachfront W Muscat is one of the newest luxury hotels to open in Oman’s capital. The W Muscat is located in the lively Shatti Al Qurum district. 

Itinerary Experiences

Wadi Bani Awf

Visit a Rose Plantation

Wadi Bani Habib

Nizwa Souq & Friday Market

Jabrin Fort

Balcony Walk – Oman’s Grand Canyon

Abandoned Village Trail

The Goat Herder’s Trail

Wadi Bani Khalid

Dune Bashing in Wahiba Sands

Camel Ride at Sunset in Wahiba Sands

Lunch with a Bedouin Family

Muscat to Sur Coastal Road

Tour of Muscat

Snorkel or dive in Daymaniyat Islands

Wadi Al Arbeieen

Customise your itinerary.

We can tweak and change any element of this itinerary and you can depart on any day you want, add nights here and there, and we can fully customise your day-to-day experiences depending on your interests. Here are just a few ideas of many that we can look at and discuss when we come to plan your tailor-made itinerary.

Ascent of Jebal Shams (Qarn al Ghamaydah)

This is a tough 9-12 hour one-day trek - so not for the casual walker. You start on the rim of the An Nakhur Gorge at 1,950m and trek up to the summit at 2,997m for the best views in Oman.

Skip the desert

We understand this is not for everyone - and we can do more treks in the Jabal Shams region

Further Itinerary Suggestions

Walking Holiday in Jordan

This private walking holiday to Jordan is designed for those who like to get out-and-about and see the country on two feet. We have designed a series of day-walks which allow you to see all the highlights, but also marvel at the natural beauty of Jordan's stunning landscapes.

Walking in Bhutan

Dust off your trekking boots and travel to one the most untouched and beautiful corners of the Himalayas in Bhutan, trekking through remote villages, off-the-beaten-track.

Remote & Heavenly Himalayas

Kumaon is truly one of the most remarkable and beautiful corners of India where you can get off-the-beaten track in style.

Druk Path Trek and Bumdra High Camp

The Druk Path Trek is the old historic trail linking Thimphu and Paro in Bhutan giving you the chance to escape the main road and into what the Himalayas is all about: the amazing mountains!

Nepal Trekking Holiday

This is the ultimate Nepal Trekking Holiday. The mountain scenery of Nepal is impossibly spectacular, combine Kathmandu with a five day trek in the Annapurna Range and some R&R in Pokhara.

Make an Enquiry

We arrange totally bespoke trips and design an itinerary that is designed around you. You may have seen a suggested itinerary that we can base your plans around, or we can start with a blank sheet and paper and design something from scratch. You can leave a phone number and suggest a time to call you back, and we can also arrange to do this during the evenings or at weekends if you are busy during the daytime. We can also meet up with you in you fancy a coffee and are based in and around London.

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THE 10 BEST Oman Hiking & Camping Tours

Hiking & camping tours in oman.

• 4WD, ATV & Off-Road Tours
• Hiking & Camping Tours
• Dolphin & Whale Watching
• Up to 1 hour
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• 4 hours to 1 day
• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 3.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 2.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• Bimmah Sinkhole
• Aryaf Jibreen Tourism
• Star Tours Oman
• Likely to Sell Out
• The ranking of tours, activities, and experiences available on Tripadvisor is determined by several factors including the revenue generated by Tripadvisor from these bookings, the frequency of user clicks, and the volume and quality of customer reviews. Occasionally, newly listed offerings may be prioritized and appear higher in the list. The specific placement of these new listings may vary.

1. Full Day - Snake Canyon Adventure Tour in Jebel Shams region

2. 3-Days Private Tour in Oman with Pick Up

3. Scuba Diving Trips to Dimaniyat Islands

4. Private Full Day Guided Balcony Walk Hiking to Jebel Shams

5. Visit wadishab full day from Musact

6. Nakhal Hotspring and Wakan Village Private Full Day Tour

7. Via Ferrata

8. Full Day Tour in Wadi Shab

9. Blue Waters of Wadi Houqain Hiking and Swimming

10. 5 Days 4 Nights Oman Package Tour Mohammed

11. Full Day Private Tour to the Snake Canyon

12. Jebel Shams summit W4

13. Wadi tiwi adventure with Local Guide

14. Full Day Tour from Wakan to Jebel Akhdar Trekking

15. Private Tour to Jebel Akhdar Al Suwjara Village

16. Via Ferrata

17. 2-Day Private Wahiba Sands Desert Camping Tour from Muscat

18. 2 Day Private Trip to Two Oasis with Overnight Desert Camping

19. Full Day Guided Tour to Balcony Walk and Hidden Lake With Pickup Included

20. Full Day Private Tour to Nizwa and Al Jabal Akhdar

21. Private Overnight Jebel Shams Camping Tour

22. The Lost Village Hike

23. Casablanca To Misfah Wadi Trekking

24. Sinkhole-Fins Beach & Wadi Tiwi Adventure

25. Half Day - Snake Canyon Adventure Tour in Jebel Shams

26. Private Desert Guided Overnight Camp Tour

27. Half-Day Private Experience in Tanuf Arch

28. Explore the beauty of Oman

29. Private 5 Days 4 Night Roundtrips Tour

30. A Mirage In The Mountain

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9 Day itinerary in Oman , Middle East

Oman Trekking Tour

09 Days Trekking Tour of Sultanate of Oman with highlights of Hajjar Mountains in Sultanate Trekking Guide from arrival till departure from Day 01 to Day 08 as per Itinerary / program with Full board. Short walk in the beautiful Snake Gorge, Photo stops at the villages of Bilad Sayt and Hatt, visit ... Read More

By Raviprasad

Physical Difficulty

Easy help_outline

Recommended Age

Operated in

English, Spanish, French, German, Italian

Driver as a guide.

starting point

trip attributes

Visit markets

Meet local people

Rural home stays

Indigenous culture

Historic & cultural landmarks

Beach & Sea

Short walk in the beautiful Snake Gorge, Al Hamra village the oldest mud houses up to 400 Yrs

learn about mountain water irrigation system (Falaj system), Explore Jebel Shams, the Grand Canyon

terrace plantations and old mountain villages in Jabal Akhdar.

Ras al Jinz Turtle reserve center', Omani Dhow (traditional Omani Boat).

standard Hotel expand_more

Accommodation Categories

• standard Hotel

03 Star Hotel

place Muscat Arrival & Muscat - Al Hamra drive

Our Trekking Guide will meet you at Muscat Airport and assist you to board 4WD car. Proceed to Al Hamra crossing the off-road track of Wadi Bani Awf. Short walk in the beautiful Snake Gorge. There will be photo stops at the villages of Bilad Sayt and Hatt . Later proceed to your hotel, check-in & overnight stay. Overnight Stay at Al Hamra

Guide: Included for the day

Meals: Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation:

• standard Hotel: Misfah Old House

place Al Hamra - Jabal shams

Breakfast at Hotel Proceed to visit Al Hamra village, one of the oldest villages & up to 400 years old mud houses is still occupied. Also visit the Al Hamra Falaj system. Later visit the famous Misfat Abriyeen village. Take a walk through the heritage village trail where you can see the old houses and beautiful terrace plantation in the tranquillity of a traditional Omani village. After visits, continue to Jebel Shams, the Grand Canyon of Oman. Check-in & Relax at Hotel Overnight Stay at Jebel Shams

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

• standard Hotel: Sama Heights Resort

place Jabal Shams

Breakfast at Hotel Explore the Grand Canyon. Jebel Shams is popularly known as the mountain of sun. Visit the canyon with a short walk through the balcony in the morning. After lunch, take a walk again through one of the popular walking trails in the Grand Canyon. Walking through the spectacular mountain trails is a thrilling experience. Evening relax at Hotel at and free time for independent activities. Overnight Stay at Jebel Shams

place Jabal Shams - Nizwa - Jabal Akhdar

Breakfast at Hotel Drive to Nizwa, the cultural capital of Oman. On the way, stop at Bahla, the mystical village, known for Arabian potteries. Visit one of the potteries making units. {Closed on public holidays and Fridays}. Later visit Jabrin to visit Jabrin Castle built in 17th century. It’s magnificent plasterwork, wooden carvings; painted ceiling makes this castle amazingly different. Later drive to Nizwa , visit the round tower fort of Nizwa, probably the best fort architecture in Oman and Nizwa Souq where potteries, gold & silver wares are sold. Continue to Jebel Akhdar by evening & check-in at Hotel. Overnight Stay at Jebel Akhdar

• standard Hotel: Jabal Al Akhdar Hotel

place Jabal Akhdar

Breakfast at Hotel Procced to explore Jebel Akhdar. Jebel Akhdar is known as the Green Mountains of Oman. Visit the beautiful terrace plantations and old mountain villages. Take a short walk-through Wadi Bani Habib to see the ruins of an old mountain village. Visit Saiq plateau to see the majestic canyons. Overnight Stay at Jebel Akhdar

• standard Hotel: Jabal Al Akhadar Hotel

place Jabal Akhdar - Wadi Bani Khalid - Sur - Ras Al Jinz

Breakfast at Hotel Drive to the fishing town of Sur. Not too far away is Wadi Bani Khalid one of Oman’s most beautiful wadis. The wadi has clear deep blue water and counts among the few wadis of Oman that hold water all year round. From the mountain springs, the water is led to the oases where it sustains the typical date palms. The pretty villages of Wadi Bani Khalid cling precariously to the rugged mountainside. After lunch, continue to Sur and check-in to the hotel. Later in the evening we will drive to Ras Al Jinz to see the endangered green sea turtles come to nest on the beach {2100 hrs – 23 00 hrs}. Overnight Stay at Sur.

• standard Hotel: Sur Plaza Hotel

place Sur - Muscat

Breakfast at Hotel Explore Sur, the eastern most town on the Arabian Peninsula, where until recently the famous Omani Dhows were built. Dhow building in Sur dates back centuries and is closely linked with the maritime heritage of Oman. From Sur too, in the old days, the Omanis were sailing the seas, mainly to India. We pass by and chance of photo stop at Wadi Tiwi, a picturesque fishing village, Bimmah Sinkhole, a spectacular limestone crater and Fins Beach with its beautiful white sand. Upon arrival check-in at Hotel. Overnight Stay at Muscat.

• standard Hotel: Al Falaj Hotel

place Muscat City Tour

Breakfast at Hotel Proceed to city and visit Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, one of the largest mosques in the Middle East. Visit the Bait Zubair Museum, exhibiting the wealth of Oman’s Cultural history and thus imparting knowledge about the country’s rich culture and traditions to the visitor. Later you drive along the picturesque Corniche to the once walled district of Old Muscat. Photo stops at the residence of his Majesty Sultan Qaboos, the Al Alam Palace & stroll through Muttrah Souq Overnight Stay at Muscat.

place Departure

Breakfast at Hotel In time, transfer to Muscat International Airport for departure.

Meals: Breakfast

What’s Included

Accommodation expand_less

• Sama Heights Resort
• Misfah Old House
• Jabal Al Akhdar Hotel
• Jabal Al Akhadar Hotel
• Sur Plaza Hotel
• Al Falaj Hotel

Meals expand_less

• Breakfast (8)

Transport expand_less

• Air-conditioned vehicle with comfortable seating

Activities expand_less

• Hiking and trekking activities

Extras expand_less

• VAT , Taxes, 01 Ltr. Water Bottle per person per day

Not Included expand_less

• Visa / Insurance / Flight Ticket / Other meal / Other Service / Tips money for chauffeur & Guide

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Hiking In Oman: Guide To Best Hiking Trails In Oman

Oman is the land of mountains and without any doubt a hiking paradise for the avid adventure seeker. The country is home to the largest peak in the Arabian Peninsula and the second-largest Grand Canyon and cave in the world.

To remain connected throughout your trip to Oman – Get your  Tep Wireless  Portable pocket-size WiFi now!

Telling from my personal experience, there is hardly any terrain in the country where you will not find mountains as a part of the landscape (except the desert, obviously!). Advanced hiking skills are not required for hiking in Oman as most trails are straight muddy or rocky paths in the mountains taking you to incredible views and giving a perfect taste of adventure within nature!

See prices and read reviews of the best places to stay in Oman:     Hotels Combined I Booking.com

This article will help you to explore all the off the beaten hiking trails in Oman . As Oman is a hot and humid country, hiking in the summer days is not advisable. Keep reading to know the best time to plan your hike in Oman. But first, here are the best places for hiking in Oman

View Contents

Jebel Akhdar

Location :  115km from Muscat in the city of Nizwa

Known as the ‘Green Mountain’ and a nature reserve due to its unique bio-diversity, Jebel Akhdar is the main source of agriculture and one of the most promising mountain peaks of the Al Hajar Mountain range. Hiking in Jebel Akhdar is relatively easy as well as paved roads and paths have been constructed by the government with many small local shops, cafes, boards and markers to help the visitors and hikers alike. All the visitors have to pass through a police check-post to reach the mountain (Note: it is just a basic check post and no license is required to visit the mountain).

Jebel Akhdar is famous for its extensive pomegranate farms, which is the biggest highlight of the hike. Hikers will walk through many small villages and pomegranate farms. Locals are very welcoming and you can get a free pomegranate drink in exchange for a smile with the local farmers! Apart from the natural bio-diversity, Jebel Akhdar offers incredible views of the valleys and the smaller mountains in Al Hajar mountain range. It is a must-do hike for any adventure seeker hiking in Oman!

Note: To reach the start point of the hike, it is mandatory to travel by a four-wheeler. If you have not hired one while coming to Nizwa, you can hire a local driver with a car available at the police check post

Jebel Shams

Location : 243km from Muscat, near the city of Nizwa

Jebel Shams, or ‘Mountain of Sun’, is the highest peak in the Gulf region standing tall at 3000 meters above the sea level with two summits; north and south. It also happens to be the second-largest Grand Canyon on earth. Also a part of the Al Hajar Mountain range, Jebel Shams offers an incredible yet a bit challenging hike for the adventure seekers hiking in Oman. There are three main viewpoints at the top of the mountain, which can be reached by crossing many unpaved rocky paths in the mountain. It is important to note that these paths are basically paved for the cars and not hikers, therefore, extreme cautions will be required while hiking.

Hikers will pass through different rocky terrains going uphill and downhill with views of small villages and valleys. Unlike Jebel Akhdar, there are no shops or cafeterias along the hiking trail, so you have pack lots of water and a bunch of snacks for hiking in Jebel Shams. The sunrise and sunset view at the top of Jebel Shams is something that is not to be missed! Overnight camping at the top of the mountain is very popular among local visitors and tourists alike. Who wouldn’t like to witness the sunrise and sunset from the top of the ‘Mountain of Sun’!

Location : 150km from Muscat, near the city of Sur

Wadi Shab in Oman is one of the most popular and easily accessible hiking trails located in the Sharqiyah region. Meaning oasis in Arabic, Wadi Shab offers a rocky hiking trail going in between the mountains and eventually leading to a waterfall, cave and numerous pools of turquoise water where you can take a dip to beat the heat. It is an easy hike, however, due to extreme summers in the country; it is highly advisable to carry lots of water while hiking. The Wadi has been a popular spot for sports such as cliff diving in Oman.

The hiking trail goes through mighty rocky mountains with small and big pools of water where mules and donkeys can also be spotted relaxing in the water pools, therefore it should be in your list of hiking in Oman. Camping is possible but not really recommended as the place gets very deserted after the sunset.

Also Read: The Top 10 Wadis To Visit In Oman With Location Map

Al wakan village.

Location : 135km from Muscat

Al Wakan Village is undoubtedly a hidden paradise in Al Batinah governorate of Oman located 2000 meters above the sea level which makes it is a unique spot for hiking in Oman. This mountain village offers mesmerizing views of terraced gardens overlooking the mighty mountains in the surroundings. Al Wakan Village is an agricultural village and hikers will get to see vast plantations of pomegranate, apricots, and grapes on the hike (Note: do not try to pluck any fruit without the consent of the local gardener). There are three hiking trails that take you from the bottom all the way to the watchtower at the top of the village.

These trails are marked with markers facilitating the hiker to move in the right direction. The easiest and the most accessible trail is a 700 steps hike which will take you directly to the watchtower. As the trail passes along many small houses of local farmers who are very friendly and will also offer fresh juice drinks to ensure you remain hydrated for the hike! A stream of freshwaters from the mountains also runs along the path. Feel free to fill your water bottles with the pure mountain waters. The sunset scenes from the highest end of the village are really dramatic and something which is not to be missed after the hike!

Riyam-Muttrah hike

Location : Lies in the heart of the capital city of Muscat

The Riyam-Muttrah hike is a short and sweet hike lying just in the city center of Muscat; this hiking trail is a perfect spot for anyone looking for hiking in Oman but on short notice. It is a relatively easy hike and very popular among the residents so you will not be alone on the hiking trail particularly on the weekends. The hike starts with a series of rocky uneven steps which will gradually take you to the view of the old Muttrah Souq ( Old Market ), the main local shopping district in Muttrah. As you will climb further, views of the beautiful Arabian ocean with the corniche road running along it starts to become visible.

The steps eventually end at a viewpoint from where a sight of Mina Al Falah is visible. The view of houses constructed in the lap of mountains overlooking the Arabian ocean is indeed a refreshing sight. The hike then descends to an abandoned village where nothing except some fallen walls here and there can be seen. The hiking trail is managed by the Ministry of Tourism but you will not find any markers guiding the way throughout the hike, therefore it is advisable to keep your GPS turned on or accompany someone who is familiar with the hike.

Best time to hike in Oman

Oman is an extremely hot, humid and sunny country, which makes hiking in Oman very challenging. Hiking during the peak summer months from April to June is highly not advisable as the heat can get extremely dangerous and there is a big probability of getting a heat stroke while doing any outdoor physical activity. The months of July to September are very humid but hiking is surely possible.

However, do not forget to carry lots and lots of water and juices to keep you hydrated during the hike. The winter months of October to March are the best time for hiking in Oman.  However, during the winter months, the temperature at Jebel Akhdar and Jebel Shams can drop below zero at the highest points on the mountains so it is advisable to wear a warm jacket and gloves while hiking to the higher altitude places.

Book These Hiking Tours In Oman Before They Sell Out!

This guide by Oman Tourism will help you in planning the appropriate time for hiking in Oman.

Planning on what else to do around Oman, check out my guides:

• Guide To The Best Beaches In Oman
• Ultimate List of Best Diving Sites In Oman
• 10 Amazing Things To Do In Muscat
• Best Day Trips To Take From Muscat

Disclaimer: Some of the links in the article are affiliate links, meaning, at no additional cost to you, I will earn a small commission if you click through and make a purchase. However, I only recommend products and services I trust.

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25 comments

Beautiful trail. Due to time constraints we did not do the whole trail to the ancient village. Its really moderate, but we hiked the trail on december.

Great article! We are linking to this particularly great content on our website. Keep up the good writing.

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[…] of the most unique adventures to do in Oman is to hike Jebal Shams, the highest peak in the Arabian Peninsula. Jebal Shams (meaning ‘The Mountain of Sun’ in […]

Such beautiful trails in such a magical country. Love the views from the Riyam-Muttrah trails. Love the sound of the Green Mountain and pomegranate farms. Really appreciate your tips about the best time of the year to hike. Detailed post. Thank you.

Thank you, Rosemary!

All those trails look incredible especially Riyam-Muttrah, your photographies are so beautiful! I never really thought about Oman before, but it seems to be an amazing place to visit now that I read your post. Definitely adding it to my bucket list.

Thank you so much, Lyne! I am glad you found my post helpful

I am not a very big fan of hiking and certainly didn’t think of Oman as hiking place but thank you for opening my eyes. All this trails are beautiful and inspiring.

Awesome to know that you got to know something new about Oman through my post!

Wow, I had no idea that Oman was so mountainous, or beautiful! I bet hiking here would be amazing. A hike through pomegranate fields?! THat sounds so cool!!

I look forward to seeing you visiting Oman soon, Maggie 🙂

Wow, I had no idea Muscat was sort of in a valley of mountains, but that photo you have from Riyam-Muttrah is just stunning. I love when big cities are located in such proximity to the mountains because I love doing city things and outdoorsy things equally! Wakan Village sounds fascinating, and that photo you included looks like something out of the Land Before Time or another children’s movie on dinosaurs or something!

Thank you so much, Diana! I’m glad you found this post useful. Muscat is a wonderful city and the landscape here is simply mindblowing! Ocean, mountain, desert; you name it, we have it here!

The Riyam-Muttrah hike seems easy & beautiful as well. It is in Muscat only, so is there any option of Gondola ride? I am not much of a hiker but Muscat is on my list, I can give the Riyam-Muttrah hike a try 🙂

Ahh, unfortunately there is no gondola ride to reach the top, however, it is a short and sweet hike and totally worth trying atleast once 🙂

I’ve been really curious to look into traveling in the Middle East, so it’s good to know about these hikes! Oman isn’t a place you run across many articles about. But dang, hiking through pomegranate fields? That doesn’t sound bad.

Awesome Dylan! I look forward to seeing you visiting Oman super soon 🙂

This is eye-opening! I had no idea that Oman is so pretty, has mountains and so many hiking opportunities! I thought it was a complete desert. I always wanted to visit this country but now I am even more intrigued!

Oman has a lot more than just deserts. Ocean and high rocky mountains can be found everywhere in the country!

I heard that hiking is supposed to be beautiful in Oman. I really like the view from the Riyam-Muttrah hike, it looks so picturesque. Thanks for sharing your experience!

You’re welcome, Elisabeth!

This is absolutely fantastic article. Never even knew how many options are there to hike in Oman. Would absolutely love to hike up to Jebel Shams. I am sure that the views are spectacular. Maybe I should plan something for next April!

Thank you so much, Polly! I am so happy to know you liked my article. I would absolutely love to see you visiting Oman very soon! April could be a bit warmer for a hike at Jebel Shams. Feb or March would be a better option though.

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THE 10 BEST Oman Hiking & Camping Tours

Hiking & camping tours in oman.

• 4WD, ATV & Off-Road Tours
• Hiking & Camping Tours
• Dolphin & Whale Watching
• Up to 1 hour
• 1 to 4 hours
• 4 hours to 1 day
• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 3.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 2.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• Bimmah Sinkhole
• Aryaf Jibreen Tourism
• Star Tours Oman
• Likely to Sell Out
• The ranking of tours, activities, and experiences available on Tripadvisor is determined by several factors including the revenue generated by Tripadvisor from these bookings, the frequency of user clicks, and the volume and quality of customer reviews. Occasionally, newly listed offerings may be prioritized and appear higher in the list. The specific placement of these new listings may vary.

1. Full Day - Snake Canyon Adventure Tour in Jebel Shams region

2. 3-Days Private Tour in Oman with Pick Up

3. Scuba Diving Trips to Dimaniyat Islands

4. Private Full Day Guided Balcony Walk Hiking to Jebel Shams

5. Visit wadishab full day from Musact

6. Nakhal Hotspring and Wakan Village Private Full Day Tour

7. Via Ferrata

8. Full Day Tour in Wadi Shab

9. Blue Waters of Wadi Houqain Hiking and Swimming

10. 5 Days 4 Nights Oman Package Tour Mohammed

11. Full Day Private Tour to the Snake Canyon

12. Jebel Shams summit W4

13. Wadi tiwi adventure with Local Guide

14. Full Day Tour from Wakan to Jebel Akhdar Trekking

15. Private Half-Day Hiking Tour in Jebel Shams

16. Private Tour to Jebel Akhdar Al Suwjara Village

17. Via Ferrata

18. 2-Day Private Wahiba Sands Desert Camping Tour from Muscat

19. Full Day Guided Tour to Balcony Walk and Hidden Lake With Pickup Included

20. Full Day Private Tour to Nizwa and Al Jabal Akhdar

21. Private Overnight Jebel Shams Camping Tour

22. The Lost Village Hike

23. 2 Day Private Trip to Two Oasis with Overnight Desert Camping

24. Casablanca To Misfah Wadi Trekking

25. Sinkhole-Fins Beach & Wadi Tiwi Adventure

26. Half Day - Snake Canyon Adventure Tour in Jebel Shams

27. Private Desert Guided Overnight Camp Tour

28. Half-Day Private Experience in Tanuf Arch

29. Explore the beauty of Oman

30. Private 5 Days 4 Night Roundtrips Tour

What travelers are saying.

Oman Trekking Tours

Nomad Tours provide Car Hire, Roof Top tents, oman trekking tours, trekking tours, camping equipment for rent, oman camping equipment, camping equipment muscat, Tours Camping in Oman, Tours in Oman, 4WD cars, Muscat city Tours, Overnight Tours, Adventure Tour, Dolphin watching & Dhow Cruises etc services.

Camping Equipment For Rent

The size of the car you should select depends on the number of people and on the type of Car Hire and Roof Top tents camping gear you choose. If you go for standard tours camping equipment, you have the option of using a roof rack. We have two types of Roof Top tents service. Type One is the smaller one and is good for two Adults. We can actually fit a Type One is onto a 2.0 Litre Renault Duster, but this is a small car so along with all the camping equipment we supply this option is really only good for two people.

Oman Camping Equipment Muscat

Over the years, we’ve discovered that a “Dual Skin” Pop up Tent is the finest form of Ground Tent for Oman’s temperature and terrain. These can be set up in seconds and taken down in two minutes once you’ve become used to them.

Oman Camping Equipment

Also note the Duster can be taken on “some” Mountain Roads but it must not be taken into the Wahiba Sands or the Empty Quarter. The car does not have sufficient ground clearance.

oman trekking tours

Trekking in Oman  

Some treks in Oman are extremely arduous, be very careful picking a trek from the published trekking maps. There are some relatively easy and thereby safe treks such as the Jebel shams balcony walk and Wadi Shab,  which are fine to DIY but for some other treks such as the one to the South summit of Jebel Shams or the 2-day trek from Wadi Bani Khalid to Wadi Tiwi must be undertaken with extreme caution.

At Nomad Tours we have selected Treks and Canyon adventures which we consider not too arduous but are fun and offer a great variety. None the less you should be medically fit and should be able to swim. If you are not a strong swimmer ask us to take lifejackets. Nothing is considered as being very dangerous (See Note)  but slips sprained ankles knocks and bumps can occur. So you must have comprehensive medical insurance.

We support all of our trekking tours with a minimum two 4WD cars, one car driven by a Trekking guide and the other by a Driver. It is our policy to employ Omani guides. The cars will transport your personal gear and all camping equipment. So all you have to carry on the trek is water and food. At the end of your trek cars will be waiting to transport you to the campsite.

The trekking guide will always trek with you, the driver will be responsible to shuffle and reposition cars. To do this we will at some pints require local taxi drivers to assist.

As we require two cars our trekking tours are really only economical for “larger groups” please see the costs per person in the Price table below and see the most economical group size.

Note as stated above we consider that none of our treks or canyon adventures are very dangerous but we must always be very cautious about the weather. In 1997, 8 people lost their lives in Snake Canyon when there were a rainstorm and flash flooding. The great thing about our tours and the fact that we always plan to have a minimum two car is that in the event of bad weather we can make alternative plans and still make an adventure out of your tour.

Trekking Tours  

• 4 Day Tour 4T1
• 5 Day Tour 5T1
• 7 Day Tour 7T1
• 7 Day Tour 7T2

4 DAYS / 3 NIGHTS Tour No 4T1

MUSCAT + NAKAL + LOWER SNAKE CANYON + SHARAF AL ALAMAIN to MISFAT AL ABREYEEN (W10h + W9) + JEBEL SHAMS BALCONY WALK (W6) + NIZWA + JEBEL AKDHAR (W18b) Tour No 4T1

Muscat – Nakal – Wadi Bani Awf – Lower Snake Canyon – Camp site

The adventure starts with your trekking guide driving one 4WD car and your driver driving the second car, they will pick you up from your hotel at 0800 hrs (the Lucky ones will be staying at the Nomad Guest house).Your camping gear will be on the roof racks. Please travel reasonably lightly when booking we will send you a recommended list of what to bring. Before setting off we will ask you for a copy of your Medical Insurance and ask you to sign an indemnity statement.

We will be driving past Nakal and we really cannot drive past without seeing the impressive Nakal fort set among Jebels and date plantations the views from the top of the castle are magnificent. From Nakal we drive towards Rustaq and turn off to head down Wadi Bani Awf this is a spectacular drive and just gets more awesome the further along you go. We will stop to view Snake Canyon from above, this should start the Adrenalin flow!

We will stop at the entrance to what we call Lower Snake Canyon where we will have a picnic lunch. After lunch your trekking guide will lead you on your first jump into the canyon. Yes the entrance is a small jump but we will have ropes to make access easier. We have selected the lower canyon rather than the upper canyon because the upper canyon requires some abseiling and is altogether more technical. You should have a waterproof bag and a water proofcamera is ideal you are going to get wet and some swimming is required in the cave. The trek – jump – swim – slide (and laugh) through the canyon should take about 3 hours. For those that survive (only kidding) you will be met at the exit by the driver of the second car who will drive you back to the starting point. Depending on numbers in the group two transfers might be necessary so please be a little patient.

At the entrance to the canyon we will gather the group and in two cars and we will and head off up Wadi Bani Awf. The drive takes us near to Bilad Sayt, so we make a small detour stopping to see this beautiful village. We then back tracka little before driving on to Hat and then Wooooow just look at that Jebel ahead of you and ponder how you can drive up there. We drive up this incredible track to the top, the views all around are truly spectacular. We will camp at Sharaf Al Alamain and we will have dinner at the al Hoota Guest House.

Sharaf Al Alamain – Misfat Al Abreyeen – Jebel Shams Camp site

Today we must get up and strike camp early. Today is our longest day we pack up camp and we prepare for the trek down to Misfat Al Abreyeen. This is the longest Trek on this tour and daylight hours are short so we have to walk at a reasonable pace, you only have to carry water and snacks for the day and of course sun protection. You are high up here so the sun’s rays are strong. We leave the driver of the second car behind, he now has the task of getting both cars to Misfat. The views along this trek on both sides, looking over Bilad Sayt one side and the other over Al Hamra are breathtaking. After descending from the Jebel you will end up walking through lush date plantations in an almost jungle like environment to the village of Misfat Al Abreyeen The cars should be waiting for you to take you up to Jebel shams and our camp site for the night.

It’s time to get a B-B-Q going a camp fire and check out some awesome photos of the canyon and Uh don’t forget those duty frees ! Cheers !

Camp site – Jebel Shams Balcony walk (W6) – Nizwa – Jebel Akdhar Camp site

It might be cold this morning make sure you bring warm clothing for camping in the mountains you do not have to carry this with you, your  gear will be transferred  by car. We drive a short distance to the village of Al Khitaym and the start of the balcony walk, on the way we will stop to view Oman’s Grand Canyon. This walk is a very relaxing 3 hourjourney to an abandoned village and back the views are wonderful but you need a head for heights. When I used to walk with my kids along this path I used to have them tied on a piece of rope (22 years later I sometimes wonder should I have had that rope!)

After our short Trek we will drive back down the Jebel and stop for lunch at Al Hamra before driving to Nizwa. At Nizwa we can make a quick visit of the fort this is entirely optional, as again we will be short of time, your guide will explain to you the pros/cons of visiting. Nizwa. From Nizwa we drive to Birkat Al Mawz and the entrance to Jebel Akdhar once again we go high to around 2200m to our overnight camp spot.

Camp site – Jebel Akdhar walk (W18b) – Muscat

After breakfast and striking camp we drive to the village of Seeq to start our trek, known as the four villages Trek. This is an easy 4Km trek with great views over Wadi Muhaydin From Seeq we trek to A“Sheraija then to Al Ain and finally to Al Aqor where the driver should have positioned the two cars.

We will now drive down the Jebel and have lunch at Birkat al Mauz before driving back to Muscat and dropping you off at your hotel.

5 DAYS / 4 NIGHTS Tour No 5T1

MUSCAT + NAKAL + LOWER SNAKE CANYON + SHARAF AL ALAMAIN to MISFAT AL ABREYEEN (W10h + W9) + JEBEL SHAMS BALCONY WALK (W6) + NIZWA + JEBEL AKDHAR (W18b) + WADI SHAB 

The adventure starts with your trekking guide driving one 4WD car and your driver driving the second car, they will pick you up from your hotel at 0800 hrs (the Lucky ones will be staying at the Nomad Guest house).Your camping gear will be on the roof racks. Please travel reasonably lightly when booking we will send you a recommended list of what to bring. Before setting off we will ask you for a copy of your Medical Insurance and ask you to sign an indemnity statement

After our short Trek we will drive back down the Jebel and stop for lunch at Al Hamra before driving to Nizwa. At Nizwa we can make a quick visit of the fort this is entirely optional, as again we will be short of time, your guide will explain to you the pros/cons of visiting. Nizwa. From Nizwa we drive to Birkat Al Mawz and the entrance to Jebel Akdhar once again we go high to around 2200m to our overnight camp spot

Camp site – Jebel Akdhar walk (W18b) – Fins Beach Camp

After breakfast and striking camp we drive to the village of Seeq to start our trek known as the four villages Trek. This is an easy 4Km trek with great views over Wadi Muhaydin. From Seeq we trek to A“Sheraija then to Al Ain and finally to Al Aqor where the driver should have positioned the two cars.

We will now drive down the Jebel and have lunch at Birkat al Mauz before driving back towards Muscat. From Muscatwe will drive towards Quriyat and along a beautiful coast road to our camping spot on a white beach at Finns

Camp site – Wadi Shab – Muscat

Today we trek and swim the very popular Wadi Shab. This can get crowded particularly at weekends but we are camping at Fins so we should be enjoying this beautiful Wadi early in the morning before the crowds arrive. It is about an hour’s walk to the Swimming Pools be sure to have some decent trekking shoes in fact two pairs of shoes are advisable one for trekking and the other for swimming and a bit of rock climbing.  Do not bring any valuables unless you have a waterproof case

 The highlight of this trip is to swim and climb over some rocks and to swim through the keyhole (See Video).

Inside the cave there is a waterfall and the whole cave sparkles with sun light. We advise you not to climb the rope beside the waterfall a friend of ours once fell off and nbroke his leg.

We will have lunch at a restaurant in the quaint seaside village of Tiwi. After lunch we will head back to Muscat along the way, time permitting, we will visit the Bimmah sink Hole and the Wadi Dayqah dam and reservoir.

7 DAYS / 6 NIGHTS  Tour No 7T1

MUSCAT + NAKAL + LOWER SNAKE CANYON + SHARAF AL ALAMAIN to MISFAT AL ABREYEEN (W10h + W9) + JEBEL SHAMS BALCONY WALK (W6) + NIZWA + JEBEL AKDHAR (W18b) + DESERT CAMP + WADI BANI KHALID + SUR + WADI SHAB + BIMMAH SINK HOLE + WADI ARBEIEEN  

Camp site – Jebel Akdhar walk (W18b) – Desert Camp

We will now drive down the Jebel and have lunch at Birkat al Mauz. After lunch we drive towards Ibra and shortly afterwards we enter the Wahiba sands and head for the Desert camp which is hidden away deep in the Wahiba sands to escape all light and noise pollution from the nearby town of Badiya, enabling you to have an authentic desert experience. We will plan to arrive before sunset to ensure we witness the sun setting over the golden sand dunes and afterwards, enjoy a traditional Bedouin dinner possibly followed by a camp fire, with a magical sky full of stars.

Please note we use one of two camps that we have carefully selected one of the camps chosen by the BBC travel show when Ade Adepitan and the team stayed there and filmed December 2016 it can be seen on the BBC travel show website search for “Experiencing life in Bedouin camp”

Desert Camp – Wadi Bani Khlaid – Sur – Fins Beach Camp

After an unforgettable night in the wilderness of the Wahiba sands and breakfast, the camp staff will offer optional camel rides for an additional fee. Please inform your guide if you would like to participate the night before.

The Drive to Wadi Bani Khalid is about 1 hour we will first visit the popular tourist area and the beautiful rock pools at Maqal before we drive to the village of Bidah where we park and prepare for our aquatic trek through Wadi Hawer to the village of Seeq. You will trek over large boulders and swim through rock pools and waterfalls to emerge in the lush garden of Seet. The trek will take about 4 hours, while you are trekking your driver must re-position the cars so that from Seet we can then drive to Sur. Sur historically was a center of shipping trade to East-Africa it is also famous for boat building. Dhows can still be seen being built in the traditional way that has not changed for hundreds of years (Except the engine of course). From Sur we drive along a magnificent Coast line to hopefully choose our own private white beach near Fins. We will camp here for two nights.

Wadi Shab – Tiwi

The highlight of this trip is to swim and climb over some rocks and to swim through the keyhole (See Video).

After exiting the Wadi you will be driven the short distance to have lunch at a restaurant in the quaint seaside village of Tiwi. This restaurant is near the entrance to Wadi Tiwi. After lunch you can walk at your own time and own distance through Wadi Tiwi and back to the restaurant where we will arrange to pick you up and transfer you back to the camp site.

Beach Camp – Bimmah Sink Hole – Wadi Arbeieen – Muscat

Today our first stop is at Hawiyat Najm Park where the popular Bimmah Sink Hole is located. The Sink Hole is a lovely place to swim and jump off the rocks or just dip your feet in for a fantastic free fish spa as it contains many “doctor fish” (not for the ticklish). After drying off we head back along the coast rad to turn off at Dibab on the way to the magical Wadi Arbeyeen

We park at the village of As Suwaih and prepare for our Aquatic trek to the secret waterfall of Al Hail. The trek will be about 2.5 hours to the waterfall, we must come back the same way. Note this trek is quite arduous please see video if you choose not to do this trek, near to the parking area there is a wonderful pool and waterfall where it is very nice just to relax and enjoy the tranquility of this place.

After our trek we drive through a geological wonder land and then through Wadi Dayqah to visit the new Wadi Dayqah Dam and reservoir. The Dam was built in 2012 its quite an engineering marvel, the Dam holds back a reservoir that can store up to 100 million cubic meters of water. The reservoir is surrounded by a nice park so a great place to relax and maybe soak up some sun before returning to Muscat.

http://www.theduncanadventures.com/2016/11/secret-waterfall-wadi-al-arbeieenarbaeen/

High Season Supplement over Christmas period per person R.O- 10/-

7 DAYS / 6 NIGHTS  Tour No 7T2

MUSCAT + NAKAL + LOWER SNAKE CANYON + SHARAF AL ALAMAIN to MISFAT AL ABREYEEN (W10h + W9) + JEBEL SHAMS BALCONY WALK (W6) + NIZWA + JEBEL AKDHAR (W18b) + AL MANAKHIR to WUKAN (W25) + DESERT CAMP + WADI BANI KHALID + SUR + WADI SHAB + BIMMAH SINK HOLE   

We will stop at the entrance to what we call Lower Snake Canyon where we will have a picnic lunch. After lunch your trekking guide will lead you on your first jump into the canyon. Yes the entrance is a small jump but we will have ropes to make access easier. We have selected the lower canyon rather than the upper canyon because the upper canyon requires some abseiling and is altogether more technical. You should have a waterproof bag and a water proof

camera is ideal you are going to get wet and some swimming is required in the cave. The trek – jump – swim – slide (and laugh) through the canyon should take about 3 hours. For those that survive (only kidding) you will be met at the exit by the driver of the second car who will drive you back to the starting point. Depending on numbers in the group two transfers might be necessary so please be a little patient.

At the entrance to the canyon we will gather the group and in two cars and we will and head off up Wadi Bani Awf. The drive takes us near to Bilad Sayt, so we make a small detour stopping to see this beautiful village. We then back trackalittle before driving on to Hat and then Wooooow just look at that Jebel ahead of you and ponder how you can drive up there. We drive up this incredible track to the top, the views all around are truly spectacular. We will camp at Sharaf Al Alamain and we will have dinner at the al Hoota Guest House.

Camp site – Jebel Shams Balcony walk (W6) – Nizwa – Jebel Akdhar Camp sit e

It might be cold this morning make sure you bring warm clothing for camping in the mountains you do not have to carry this with you, your  gear will be transferred  by car. We drive a short distance to the village of Al Khitaym and the start of the balcony walk, on the way we will stop to view Oman’s Grand Canyon. This walk is a very relaxing 3 hourjourney to an abandoned village and back the views are wonderful but you need a head for heights. When I used to walk with my kids along this path I used to have them tied on a piece of rope (22 years later I sometimes wonder should I have had that rope!)

Camp site – Jebel Akdhar walk (W18b) – Jebel Akdhar Camp site

After breakfast we drive to the village of Seeq to start our trek known as the four villages Trek. This is an easy 4 Km trek with great views over Wadi Muhaydin. From Seeq we trek to A“Sheraija then to Al Ain and finally to Al Aqor where the driver should have positioned the two cars.After lunch we will explore this mountain area by car and then return to our camp site

Jebel Akdhar Camp site  – Al Manakir to Wukan (W25)  – Desert Camp 

This morning you will be driven the short distance to the village of Al Manakhir to start the trek down from the Sayq plateau and into the Gubrah bowl. The first part of the trail is unmarked but leads to the marked trail W25 which ends in the village of Wukan. This is one of the prettiest villages in Oman. Hopefully your driver who was left behind on the Sayq plateau has re-positioned the two cars so that you can be driven to the Desert camp

we drive towards Ibra and shortly afterwards we enter the Wahiba sands and head for the Desert camp which is hidden away deep in the Wahiba sands to escape all light and noise pollution from the nearby town of Badiya, enabling you to have an authentic desert experience. We will plan to arrive before sunset to ensure we witness the sun setting over the golden sand dunes and afterwards, enjoy a traditional Bedouin dinner possibly followed by a camp fire, with a magical sky full of stars.

Day 6  

Desert Camp   – Wadi Bani Khlaid – Sur – Fins Beach Camp  

The Drive to Wadi Bani Khalid is about 1 hour we will first visit the popular tourist area and the beautiful rock pools at Maqal before we drive to the village of Bidah where we park and prepare for our aquatic trek through Wadi Hawer to the village of Seeq. You will trek over large boulders and swim through rock pools and waterfalls to emerge in the lush garden of Seet. The trek will take about 4 hours, while you are trekking your driver must re-position the cars so that from Seet we can then drive to Sur. Sur historically was a center of shipping trade to East-Africa it is also famous for boat building. Dhows can still be seen being built in the traditional way that has not changed for hundreds of years (Except the engine of course). From Sur we drive along a magnificent Coast line to hopefully choose our own private white beach near Fins. 

Wadi Shab –  Bimmah Sink Hole  – Muscat

The highlight of this trip is to swim and climb over some rocks and to swim through the keyhole 

Inside the cave there is a waterfall and the whole cave sparkles with sun light. We advise you not to climb the rope beside the waterfall a friend of ours once fell off and broke his leg.

After exiting the Wadi you will be driven the short distance to have lunch at a restaurant in the quaint seaside village of Tiwi. and after lunch we head back to muscat on the way we stop at  Hawiyat Najm Park where the popular Bimmah Sink Hole is located. The Sink Hole is a lovely place to swim and jump off the rocks or just dip your feet in for a fantastic free fish spa as it contains many “doctor fish” (not for the ticklish). 

Press “Get In Touch” and fill in the contact form and tell us:- Tour number & date of Tour, Number of people.  And where to pick you up and drop you off. We will recomend any hotels/ resorts for your chosen tour.        Finally we will  ask you to pay a 25 percent deposit.

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BIKING AND HIKING TOURS IN OMAN

Most Popular Adventure Tours

Immerse yourself in & discover the best that has to offer. Browse our wide range of tours online today!

Village Hike at Jebel Akhdhar

4 hours Jebel Akhdhar Intermediate

From: OMR 105

Balcony Tour

5-6 hours Al Hamra Easy

From: OMR 100

Mountain Oasis Hiking Tour

5 to 6 hours The View Oman Intermediate

From: OMR 75

Misfat Cultural Tour

2.5 Hours Western Hajar Beginners

Jabel Akhdhar Village Walk

4 hours NA Beginner

Downhill Cycling Adventure

1-2 hrs. Al Hamra Intermediate (Should have good control on breaks while riding downhill)

From: OMR 96

The company was established in 2012 with the goal of promoting professional cycling and hiking tours in the country. From the beginning the focus was on maintaining the highest standards of safety as we introduce our guests to the Omani countryside and its marvels. Now offering a range of guided adventure, leisure, and cultural tours Bike and Hike Oman has since become the leading name for cycling or hiking tours in Oman.

Customer Reviews

Excellent two days hiking with a very competent guide We had an excellent two days hiking with Srikanth who was an excellent guide. Extremely knowledge about routes, area and Oman generally, Srikanth is also extremely qualified and you know your in safe hands. Couldn't recommend more. We did the Grand Canyon hike and the a W8,9,10 combination (the latter being around 20km so a good challenging walk).

Amazing hike in Jebel Shams We went to the Jebel Shams for the Balcony Hike with Srikanth from Bike and Hike Oman. We loved it, we would highly recommend him! The view was stunning, and even though it poured with rain most of the way (the first time he's done it like that!) we still had a great time. We took a packed lunch with us from The View Hotel and enjoyed the sunset on the way home. We felt we were in very safe hands and would not have found our way without him, especially to the old houses in the cliffs and the pond above. The hike is relatively flat for novice hikers, but it is quite rocky.

What an amazing way to explore Oman’s beauty by bike Dear Nikhil, Thank you again for the amazing tour we did with you? The downhill gravity was amazing. As guest you have the option to go for a portion of the route via dirt road. We did not do that though. The downhill, the views the nature and tranquility are amazing. It is safe to do even for less experienced cyclists. The second leg of the tour is through the valley of Al Hamra village. Which is a true green oases in the middle of the mountains around Al Hamra. By bike this absolutely the best way to explore the dades plantages . Small roads, ancient buildings and beautiful nature. Final part of our day was the visit to the last cal museum, where we could get a feel how the locals live , eat and sleep . Oman tribes are very beautiful and kind and hospitable people, everywhere you go people wave at you and offer you coffee dades of tea. Nikhil is a very nice and excellent guide. He made our trip unforgettable and we will be back next year for a multiple day hike. Chukran!! Irene and douglas