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Away from the busy city lights, and white sand beaches lies Oman’s craggy mountains beholding in its own mystic nature. Deep within the Arabian Peninsula, Oman is walled with a magical desert sojourn. Soil rich in agriculture, and seabase, the remaining 15 percent of Oman is mountainous. With landscapes ranging from miles and beyond, it is a beholding sight to witness. Among other deluxe adventures Oman offers such as cultural heritage and history, it is also known for its hiking destination. Hiking trails in Oman are recognised as daring but must-experience expenditure.
Well enclosed within the Hajar Mountains lie cliff-top villages, farms, and date plantations. All seemingly lost in its own time and space. It also houses barren valleys, peaks, – and natural springs, and wadis – valleys, and riverbeds. With well-maintained and marked trails, it is easier for hikers to trek along these valleys. Hikers travel miles just to visit Oman’s treacherous peaks and summits to get a taste of the challenge. The country provides varied hiking destinations for all kinds of travelling hikers and that is what makes it so beloved and well-versed.
Experience Best City Hike: The Muscat Riyam-Mutrah Hike
Distance: 2.5km
Time: 2 hours
Difficulty: easy
If you are tired of buildings and museums and looking to stretch your legs in Muscat, then the Riyam-Mutrah hike is an excellent route to take. The trail usually begins in Riyam and finishes in Muttrah, but it can be done either way. Although, it is recommended to get a start point in Riyam. The hike takes you along what was once an ancient overland route that linked Mutrah to Muscat. From Riyam, you may notice an old rusty pipeline, evidence of a period when the only power station in Oman was located in Riyam which supplied diesel oil through the pipeline from a ship anchored at Mutrah.
Once reaching the highest point, you are met with a picturesque view of the coast and sea. The trail continues to the abandoned settlement before descending to a wadi with steep walls leading to Mutrah. Approaching the graveyard, turn left to reach the end of the hike.
Experience Best Village Hike: The Four Village Walk in Jabal Akhdar
Distance: 4km
Time: 2-3 hours
Difficulty: easy
Jabal Akhdar, meaning Green Mountian, rests in the western Hajar Mountains and is home to verdant terraced slopes and valley villages that harbour temperatures lower than Muscat. The Four Village Walk is the best destination for a short walk along the Jabal Akhdar, passing traditional cliff-top villages. The hike takes about 2-3 hours to complete and is beginner-friendly for amateur hikers.
You will begin your hike from the village of Al Aqor to Sayg, but from either direction can be done. The trail passes along the terraced farms that formerly used the Falaj irrigation system to cultivate this mountainous region by dividing water among all the inhabitants slopping below. Further, you pass through the villages of Ash Shirajah and Al Ayn en route.
Along the way, you are met with leafy orchards that offer interludes from the sun. if you wish for a shorter walk, then talk the walking from Ash Shirrajah to Al Aqur or to just Al Ayn to one of the others. Blooming pink damask roses are an awe-splitting sight in April and May in the area. Rose water distillation takes place at Sayq, often used for traditional methods or personal use. If you get lost, ask a local for help. Omanis are friendly and welcoming and are more than willing to help.
Experience The Best Challenging Hike: The Wadi Bani Khalid-Wadi Tiwi
Distance: 28km
Time: 14-18 hours
Difficulty: challenging
The trail of Wadi Bani Khalid to Wadi is popular among those hikers looking for gruelling trekking adventures. It explores the rugged beauty of Oman as you traverse these trails, combining the allure of the wilderness and the grand satisfaction of salvaging this landscape. Situated in the heart of the eastern Hajar Mountains, this trek can either be done in a single day – a very long day – or split into 2 days as most hikers camp on the plateau overnight.
The trek starting point begins at the encapsulating emerald-hued natural pools in Wadi Bani Khalid, following an old donkey trail and ascending into a panoramic view which is the highest point of 2100m. The breathtaking view embraces the canyon below and its fertile date plantation.
The hike ends at the villages of Sooee and Al Aqur in Wadi Tiwi, where you are greeted with a welcoming cooling waterfall pool. It is recommended to take a guide with you or go as a group; you can book an arrangement here on our website or you can contact us and we will reach out to you!
Experience The Best Summit Hike: The Grand Canyon of Arabia, Wadi Ghul
Distance: 9km
Time: 10-12 hours
Difficulty: Moderate
Among the canyons and valleys, Oman’s deepest canyon, Wadi Ghul, also known as Wadi Nakhar or the ‘Grand Canyon’ of Arabia, lies dormant. Surrounding the canyon, located in the western Hajar Mountains, Jebel Shams which translates to “Mountain of the Sun” sits at Oman’s highest peak at 3009m (9872ft); The summit is both challenging and rewarding, and it has three marked trails encapsulating Jebel Shams trek.
The starting point begins at the Jebel Shams plateau, trekking along the rim of Saydran Gorge, with a jaw-dropping view of Wadi Ghul along the way. Continuing to Qarn Al Ghamaydah by passing through rocky terrain and past juniper trees. The highest peak you trek along is at 2997m (9833ft) on the southern summit.
For easy trekking adventure, some hikers take the Jebel Shams Balcony Walk which is known for their best canyon views. The trail offers you steep canyon walls, following the western rim of Wadi an Nakhur and continuing to the abandoned settlement of As Sab. The views of the canyon are grand in itself, with houses of villages in the depth and eagles soaring overhead. For summit hikes, it is recommended to not do it alone, so you can contact us to book a local guide here.
In Retrospect…
Visiting Oman is not merely a cultural experience — but a whole rounded diverse experience. From its golden desert dunes and soft sand beaches to its rugged vast canyons and valleys, Oman’s offerings are worth visiting. Outdoor activities and hiking destinations in Oman are getting recognized by several hikers and travellers around the world since it is rich in treacherous mountain peaks and canyons, allowing the hikers to feel the most rewarded.
Upon exploring Oman’s best hiking trails; you can now explore Oman’s other luxe offerings here such as the guide to Salalah and Dhofar, Oman’s capital of Frankincense!
