Hiking is one of those activities that doesn’t need much, with enough water to hydrate and a good pair of shoes, one is able to access experiences that are multi-faceted!
Making your way to the top of the world, whilst exploring the nooks and crannies of the mountains is not a fun way to get that breath of fresh air and if timed right, hike up to these spots at dusk or dawn to experience a once in a lifetime experience.
Here are our top picks.
Jabal Akhdhar
At 2,000 metres above sea level, Jabal Akhdhar means “Green Mountain” and one glimpse of the region and you’ll know exactly why! A part of the Al Hajar Mountain range in the Al Dakhiliyah Governorate, Jabal Akhdhar’s locals have since the dawn of time used the fertile, moisture-rich mountains to their advantage, carving out terraces to create gardens of lush vegetation and flora.
Highlights will include incredible views of gorges and valleys, seeing some of the oldest Juniper trees on the Arabian peninsula, hikes through pomegranate fields, and visiting abandoned villages as well as witnessing life in local communities.
Wadi Shab
A very popular outdoor attraction for both locals and expats and people come here for nature, to swim in the fresh water pools or just to have a barbecue. Wadi Shab is located in the Al Sharqiyah Governorate in Oman, it is less than 2-hour drive from the capital city of Muscat. Inside you will have to walk along palm groves, on rugged rocky cliffs and swim through some pools to get to the main attraction, which the submerged cave with waterfalls. It will take you about 30-45 minutes’ walk to get to the caves, which is the perfect reward at the end of a hike.
Wadi Bani Awf
Another famous valley in Al Dakhiliyah Governorate in Oman. It runs through a big canyon and is famous for its limestone cliffs and various plantations of lemons, mangos and dates.
This spectacular wadi often flows year-round and looks particularly gorgeous when mountain rain causes the falaj to cascade over its walls. One of the region’s largest wadi’s, this is also home to the famous “Snake Canyon” — a picturesque part of the wadi also known as Snake Gorge, deriving its name from the colubrine effect created by the mountains that “snake” through it.
The gorge contains waterfalls emerging from its rocky walls, plenty of natural pools, and gigantic boulders all around.
Jabal Shams
Also known as “Mountain of the Sun”, It is the highest mountain in the country with a great view over Wadi Ghul — locally known as the Grand Canyon of Arabia, it has fissures abruptly between the flat canyon rims, exposing vertical cliffs of 1,000m and more.
Wadi Sahtan
Another interesting attraction for hikers and adventure lovers as one walks along centuries-old paths linking remote villages built over the mountain, Wadi Sahtan promises its visitors an amazing track which will create lots of emotions. Contains many quaint little villages, gardens and amazing paths, it gives all visitors plenty to explore and enjoy.
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