The Best Hiking Trails in Oman-Jebel Akhdar, Jebel Shams and the Hajar Mountains  

Jebel Akhdar

Jebel Akhdar which means Green Mountain is widely famous for its terraced orchards, rose gardens and cooler temperatures. The Village Trail is a favorite hike that connects ancient villages and provides key insights into lifestyles of traditional Omani life in an amazing mountainous landscape. The Wadi Bani Habib trail is another hike worth mentioning, taking hikers through abandoned villages and vibrant walnut trees that take you back in time with rich agricultural heritage. Many of these trails are marked , showing local organizations’ desire to encourage hiking tourism.

Jebel Shams

Jebel Shams which means Mountain of the Sun is the tallest mountain in Oman at around 3,009 meters. The famed Balcony Walk, a 4 kilometer hike, runs along the rim of Wadi Ghul often referred to as the Grand Canyon of Arabia. The hike provides spectacular views of the depth of the canyon and leads to the abandoned village of As Sab. This is a relatively moderate trail making it suitable for hikers of reasonable fitness levels.

The Hajar Mountains

The Hajar Mountains lie in North Oman and have many hiking opportunities. Similar to trails W24a and W9, our paths go from wild and rocky terrain to distant villages while displaying the pristine landscape of the region. The routes are a testament to many days of work to mark individual routes throughout the Hajar range, allowing enthusiasts to explore, hike and trek the mountains.

The best opportunity to commence these hikes is from October to April when temperatures are cooler and between the range of 15 degree celsius to 25 degree celsius for an enjoyable experience. The summer season can see temperatures rise above 40 degree celsius which is dangerous for hiking.