The short but challenging trek of Sa’al Steps on Jabal Khoneh is a popular route for hikers in winter. Located just 35 minutes from Muscat, this hike offers a quick workout that is spectacular at sunrise or sunset, and can be done before or after work, or for a quick weekend getaway.
“Best way to do them: start climbing while it’s still dark and get to the top to enjoy the sunrise”, one trekker advised, while another trekker added that for them their preferred time was sunset “as you can see the colours fade away like a painting”.
Your landmark will be visible from the highway: look out for the satellite dish that sits on its peak. To reach there, a 4WD is not required. You turn into the Sa’al village and at the end you will find a gravel road and a board there. Follow the Google maps search for ‘Sa’al stairs trail’, as Raghu explains “the start board is there at the bottom, and you walk up the mountain.”
When it comes to challenges, it seems, preparedness is required. “My legs hurt,” one trekker complained. However, as with all things, repetition makes it easier. Another trekker, Vishal, observed, “I feel like it depends on how the person takes it, when I did it the first time I was exhausted and then next time onwards it was cool enough.”
For those who want to take it easy, allow an hour or even two for the trek. But for those who are fit and want to test their speed, it can even be done in 30 minutes.
Climbing up endless concrete steps allows for a good workout on your gluteal muscles, calves and hamstrings, and increases your heart health and stamina as well. Also count the mental peace that a mountain hike will bring.
“For me, if you want a challenge nearby, that’s the closest one. I used to go once every week. As far as I remember there are 626 steps.” Raghu, an avid trekker, reminisced. “It’s been a while since I’ve gone there as I tore my knee ligament in June and haven’t been there after,” he explains, stressing the importance of not straining body and only doing these hikes only when is fit and ready for it.
More than that, the reward for the trek is the breathtaking view from its peak. A whole package of the mist, the orange sunset or sunrise, the aerial perspective that brings you peace and clarity of mind, and a sense of achievement.
As one trekker, obviously smitten by poetry with Sa’al’s breathtaking ambience, said, “Sa’al steps was a transcendental ascent through ancient limestone escarpments, revealing the stratigraphic poetry of the earth’s geological narrative.”
Sa’al is but one of many trails that the Sultanate of Oman has to offer. As always, when hiking, it is best to come prepared. Bring a cap, sunscreen, water and snacks, and also a torch, just in case! If possible, it is better to go with a friend, although Sa’al steps are relatively safe and easy enough for solo hiking.
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