Trekking in the Al Hajar Mountains of Oman [Full Image]

Oman Adventure Trekking

This recently established trekking holiday in Oman, explores the most dramatic sections of the Al Hajar range of mountains which run the length of Oman's northern coastline, rising above the blue waters of the Gulf to a height of 3000 metres (9843ft). Starting out amongst the Western Hajar Mountains, we follow rugged trails between picturesque mountain villages, each with its groves of date palms and intricately terraced fields. Camping out on the high Sharaf al Alamayn Plateau and on the Sayq Plateau, we visit the high point of Oman at the summit of Jabal Shams and enjoy far-reaching views across a landscape of jagged ridge-lines and intervening canyons. A night in a comfortable hotel at the former capital of Nizwa, with time to explore the town's forts and market streets provides a welcome break, before we complete a 2-day trek across the Eastern Hajar Mountains - which ends conveniently at a camp on the beach. With its superb trekking, year-round sunshine and welcoming people, Oman is the Middle East's best kept secret.

Trip guide:
This is not a sustained trekking trip, but a combination of shorter and relatively easy walks combined with two classic 2-day routes, that are amongst the best treks in Oman. We will be following mountain tracks across sand, scree and bare rock, with sections of stepped pathway leading to ancient and sometimes abandoned villages. Walking for between 4 and 10 hours on 5 of the days, our route will take us into deep wadis and across airy ridges. We will usually be following routes that have been used for generations by the local people - villagers, hunters and shepherds. Some of the pathways are exposed and there is some easy scrambling on Day 5. The altitudes attained during this trip are unlikely to cause problems in respect of acclimatisation. Oman is prohibitively hot for much of the year and we choose to visit when it is at its coolest. However, we are still likely to find day-time temperatures of between 25°C / 77°F and 32°C / 90°F or even a little higher and sun protection and adequate hydration are important considerations. 4 wheel drive support vehicles carry all our equipment from camp to camp but, as we only have a small local crew, we will be expected to help put up and take down tents at campsites. We have graded the trip at the bottom end of our demanding scale because there are some long trekking days and also on account of the prevailing temperatures.