Oman Hiking Adventure

Once you arrive into Muscat airport, you will be met at the airport and transferred to your wonderfully located hotel (about 20 minutes away). Your adventure begins with a free day in Oman’s capital city, the port of Muscat; a classic mix of modern living amongst historical architecture, and surrounded by mountains and desert. Accommodation: Al Nassem

This morning meet with your tour leader and start your journey. Your visit will start with the visit with the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, a glorious piece of modern Islamic architecture and its breathtakingly beautiful main prayer hall. Transfer to Wadi bani Khaled, where you will enjoy a swim in the crystal blue natural waterhole. The upper part of the Wadi bani Khalad, one of the most beautiful in Oman, offers an easy access with a short 20 minutes’ walk to its natural pools and is much loved by the locals who come to spend their weekend. It not only offers a refreshing stop during the hot summer months, but it is also a chance to be amongst the locals. So, put on your best (and most covering!) t-shirt & swimming outfit and enjoy this unique experience! Arrive in the afternoon to Wahiba desert, enjoy a walk through a landscape of never-ending silky sand dunes and appreciate the sunset (walk for 1 to 2h). Overnight in camp. Accommodation: Sama Al Wasil Camp

For those who wish, early morning (re) discover the desert by rising early and watching the sun rising through the sand dunes. After breakfast, hike through the sand dunes and ridges before hitting the road again (walk for +/- 3h) towards Jabal Akhdar. Stop at Ibra, where you will enjoy strolling in the old part of the city and discover the character of its old houses. Ibra is a town located in the Ash Sharqiyah region of Oman. It is known for its rich cultural heritage and historical significance. The town is characterized by traditional Omani architecture, including mud-brick houses and historic forts. Ibra has a well-preserved souq, where locals and visitors alike can explore traditional markets and experience the authentic Omani way of life. The town also features landmarks such as the Al-Harthy House Museum, which provides insights into the region's history. Depending on the progress of the day, have a stop at Birkat al mawz, a very charming village nestled between mountain and plain and a great place to explore if you want to see the simpler old Omani life. Its active irrigation system (falaj) which dates back centuries are listed by UNESCO. A walk through the palm gardens of this refreshing oasis and a stroll through the village are a must!You will reach Jabal Akhdar mid/late afternoon. Jebel Akhdar, also known as the Green Mountain, is a mountain range in the Al Hajar Mountains of Oman, located in the northeastern part of the country. The region is known for its stunning landscapes, deep canyons, and picturesque villages. Visitors to Jebel Akhdar can enjoy hiking trails, explore traditional villages, and take in breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains. Accommodation: Green View Hotel

After breakfast we will take full day hike: Rose hike & wadi bani habibAn easy and idyllic walk along the rose path is a great way to get started. Enjoy the view from the mountain height as you go through mountain villages. Your hike will begin in the village of Al Aqur and end in Sayq where you will double back using this ancient path made to link all the villages together (walk for 1h30 to 2h). The Rose Hike allows you to witness the breathtaking sight of terraced gardens covered in pink and white blossoms against the backdrop of the rugged mountains. The roses are traditionally used to produce rose water and various rose-based products, contributing to the region's economic and cultural significance.The trek offers not only a scenic experience but also an opportunity to learn about the traditional cultivation methods and the cultural heritage associated with rose farming in Jebel Akhdar. It's a unique and immersive way to explore the natural beauty and cultural richness of Oman's mountainous landscapes.The Wadi Bani Habib hike is a gentle loop through the wadi (vally) and abandoned village of Habib. Here you will see the lush wadi, walnut orchards, and ancient village wrapped around the bottom of the valley.Walk along the wadi along a dry river; climb a few large stone steps to the right to reach the lower part of the 1st village; particularly scenic, the latter is literally hung on the walls of the mountain! The walk continues by descending into the wadi; where you will see a mosque that has been preserved, and a second abandoned village, also perched, and from which the view of the first hamlet is worth the detour. Back to your hotel on the Jabal Akhdar. Accommodation: Green View Hotel

This day will be dedicated to the cultural discovery of the region. On the way to Nizwa, discover the fort of Jabreen and Bahla town. Jabreen castle is one of the best-preserved forts! It stands proud as a fine example of Islamic architecture with beautiful wooden inscriptions and elaborately painted ceilings.Continue to Bahla the first ever Omani town to be declared as a UNESCO world heritage site.You will then reach Nizwa where you will stay overnight. Once the capital of Oman, the city of Nizwahas kept its authenticity. It is home to a beautiful traditional souk, fort and unique cattle market held early morning on Fridays. Visit the Nizwa fort and souk.(Birkat al Mawz will be visited if not done on day 3) Accommodation: Al Diyar

Time to hike and explore the Jabal Shams and Grand Canyon. Start with the unmissable: the Balcony walk, an essential stop for any trip in Oman. The path is going to offer impressive views with the mountain on one side and a steep drop on the other where Oman’s Grand Canyon lies.Oman’s highest mountain, Jebel Shams (Mountain of the Sun; 3009m), is best known for its balcony walk with views into the spectacularly deep Wadi Ghul lying alongside it. The straight-sided Wadi Ghul is known locally as the 'Grand Canyon of Arabia', and is one of Oman's major highlights. You’ll walk along the rim of Al Nakhr and reach the abandoned village of Al Sab after approximately 4km (hike for around 3h to 4h). Before reaching your accommodation for the night, you will have a last stop at Misfah. Located 1000 meters above sea level the unique village of Misfat Al Abriyeen is a must if you find yourself in the area. Surrounded by mountains, lush agriculture terraces, palm tree oasis, this traditional village built on solid rock foundations is an attractive destination and makes for a great visit. Take a walk in the narrow streets of this picturesque ancient village for an enchanting stroll through its charming Yemeni style mud-brick houses. Short transfer and overnight in Al Hamra.Accommodation: Bait al Jabal guesthouse

Appreciate an enchanting stroll through the charming semi abandoned Yemeni style mud-brick houses of Al Hamra. You will also have the chance to enter a traditional house rehabilitated as a museum of traditions. It is here that the inhabitants of the village come and share their knowledge around a cup of coffee. On the way to wadi bani awf, you’ll pass through the Al Sharaf Pass, a mountain ridge. The trip is enriched by a short hike along the ridge with lots of pretty views of the surrounding depths and villages. You will then have an off-road ride on a gravel road to reach the Wadi Bani Awf a vast area home to many traditional villages and the famous Snake canyon. Take some time to discover the area, as well as the Snake Canyon. Narrow and winding, Wadi Bimmah or Snake Canyon reveals spectacular landscapes and villages. With its towering cliffs and plantation settlements huddled along the wadi banks, mature native trees and striking rock features, this snaking wadi offers a fascinating glimpse of rural life in Oman's hidden interior, beyond the populous plain. A major artery through the mountains, it usually flows year-round with spring water. It looks particularly gorgeous when mountain rain causes the falaj (irrigation channel), which parallels the entire lower reach of the wadi, to cascade over its walls. This is an unmissable place to hike. Overnight in Wadi Bani Awf. Accommodation: Guest house

Morning transfer to Wakan. In your 4x4 you reach the village of Wakan perched on top of a cliff, from there a lovely walk along its irrigation network awaits you: passing by small paths through mountain villages and offering a panoramic view of the Wadi Mistal and the surrounding mountains (walk for +/- 2h). Then time to head back to Muscat. Head to the corniche and soak up the atmosphere of a traditional Arab market, the Mutrah souk. This unique place offers not only an insight into local life but also there are many shops selling all the wonderful things you would expect. From incense and floral water to Khanjars (traditional curved knife) you are sure to find many wonderful things to gift or keep as souvenirs. Accommodation: Al Nassem

You will be transferred to the airport for your flight home. Leaving the stunning landscapes of Oman will be difficult but you will have incredible memories to take with you!