Oman’s mountains offer unique opportunities to climbing enthusiasts looking to explore its diverse terrains.
Areas such as Hadath, Sharaf, Qantab, Jebel Misht, Black Mountain, Bousher, Qurba Thani, to name a few, offer hundreds of routes to explore using different types of climbing techniques at different levels of skill.
Fahmi Ali, avid mountain climber and instructor, has helped introduce this sport to over hundreds students of all ages. ‘This is a sport that is accessible to everyone,’ Fahmi explains, “it is a great way to make the most of Oman’s diverse mountainous climate.”
The sport of climbing requires 50 per cent leg strength, and 50 per cent upper body strength including forearms, biceps, triceps alongside finger strength and balance. ‘You need to hug the mountain,’ Fahmi explains. The reward is the thrill and adrenaline of the climb alongside the breathtaking views to follow.
Fahmi started the sport when he saw his brother climbing 10 years ago, when he was 19 years old. ‘My first climb was at Cobra Canyon in Nakhl. It was an incredible experience. We had the right gear so I always felt safe,’ he explains. In Oman, the sport of climbing is split into 4 categories, sport climbing, deep water solo, trad climbing, and bouldering. Outside of Oman, these categories also expand to include Ice climbing.
Sport climbing involves climbing routes with preplaced anchors and bolts; focusing on the physical challenge rather than the technical difficulty of the route. Deep Water Solo climbing is practiced on sea cliffs and without ropes and harnesses; making use of the safety of falling into the water below. Trad climbing (traditional climbing) involves placing their own protection (cams, nuts and hexes) as they climb. Bouldering involves climbing on small ropes and harnesses without the use of ropes and harnesses.
Fahmi explains how Oman’s unique landscape is best suited for all these types of climbing. ‘We have really good spots for all of these climbing types, including multi pitch areas, like Jebel Misht, where you can climb more than one route and experience different levels of climbing.’
The infamous Jebel Misht has 25 pitches, the highest of which peaks at a thousand meters. This is the biggest climbing wall in all the Middle East. Climbing up Jebel Misht specifically uses trad climbing, and needs two people, the belay and the climber, each one putting the nuts and cams to secure their next step up. Trust, attention to detail and focus alongside stamina and teamspirit are required for this adventure.
‘You cannot practice in Jebel Misht, you go there prepared,’ Fahmi explains, ‘your skillset and body needs to be already confident, there is no room for error’.
Jebel Misht was first climbed in 1982 by a french group. It has since become more popular, continuing to draw in hundreds of climbers looking to experience its unique terrain.
Oman offers a paradise for climbing enthusiasts with diverse terrains to explore. With passionate climbers like Fahmi Ali sharing their expertise and promoting this thrilling sport, climbing communities continue to expand with more routes explored, supporting Oman’s tourism goals in solidifying its reputation as a premier destination for climbing, and introducing the natural beauty of its landscape and the thrill of the sport to create unforgettable experiences.
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