Sustainable Hiking Trails in Omani Mountains
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Fatima Saif
- . September 24, 2025
- . Update: September 24, 2025 1:22 am
For adventure lovers and hiking enthusiasts, the desert terrain and rocky cliffs of Oman provide a unique landscape to enjoy the great outdoors. It is a wonderful location for both long hiking in Oman and short-day hikes because of the beautiful mountain ranges like Al Hajar, which provide the much-needed breeze and coolness in the hot weather of the country.
Here are some of the best places that provide sustainable hiking in the mountains of Oman.
Jebel Shams
Jebel Shams in the Al Hajar mountain range is the highest mountain in the country. The North Summit is a restricted area normally used as a military base. It is the South Summit that has been opened to the public. Hikers rave about the expansive rocky terrain that makes it a competent trek, especially because of the lack of shade throughout. The view, however, is impressive as it overlooks Wadi Ghul, also known as the Grand Canyon of Oman.
Wadi Ghul
This majestic canyon has rock walls with multiple small fissures that provide various routes into the mountain for some memorable hiking in Oman. The stunning scenery goes as far as the eye can see with sparse shrubbery and complex topography. It leads down to the abandoned city of Sap Bani Khamis, which still contains ruins of stone houses. Being here, you will enjoy a taste of ancient village life in Oman.
Jebel Akhdar
Jebel Akhdar mountain range features challenging Persian steps that are believed to have acted as a barrier from ancient armies. Its lush greenery includes fruit trees such as apricots, pomegranates, peaches, and grapes. It still houses ancient tribes such as the Bani Riyam. It was because of its beautiful flora that it was made a nature reserve in 2011 by the Sultan.
Majlis Al Jinn
Majlis Al Jinn, roughly translated as a place for genies”, offers a truly magical trek into the second largest cave on Earth. It is a short distance from Wadi Arbaeen and is located on the Selma Plateau. Majlis Al Jinnn, which is followed by a steep, winding road can be accessed through holes on the top of the cave created by rainwater dissolving the limestone roof. It requires special rope and equipment, and in recent years has become a popular BASE jumping site. There are training sessions of almost 6 hours before you can embark on this adventure hiking.
Best Time for Hiking in Oman
Trekking seasons begin in September and typically end in May when the summer sets in. However, the best time to go hiking in Oman is between October and April, when the winter chill enhances the thrilling experience of reaching the mountaintop. There are new hiking trails that are marked each season to meet the rising demands of hikers, both domestic and foreign, in the country.
Top Hiking Clubs and Operators in Oman
The country has numerous hiking clubs that explore Oman’s hiking trails. Although it is possible to go on self-guided treks, these clubs have seasoned guides who are experts on the terrain and will help you have a great and safe time in the country. Some popular clubs are:
- Wadi Walkers
- Oman Mountain Club
- Canyon Adventures
Tips When Hiking in Oman
- Remember to travel with plenty of food and water on your treks. Oman is a fairly hot country, and it is easy to get dehydrated when trekking.
- Most trails are well-marked with flags, but some can be fairly slippery with loose rocks, so it is important to wear good shoes.
- It is because of the fauna in these mountain ranges that it is advised to wear long trousers to avoid getting snapped by thorns. In some situations, snakes have been known to bite hikers as well.
