Long contemplated and in February finally realized, a 12 day trekking and cultural trip to Oman certainly met my expectations. Although KE Adventure’s offering was not a continuous trek – featuring a mid-trip cultural stop in the ancient capital of Nizwa as well as daily 4×4 transport for our luggage (and us) to each campsite – nonetheless, it was a fine experience of a location that for me was a Blank on the Map.
One does not usually think of the Arabian Peninsula as mountainous. Indeed, the Empty Quarter and the holy cities of Mecca and Medina more often come to mind. However, in the Hajar Mountains (translated as the Rocky Mountains or the Stone Mountains), Oman boasts one of the highest mountain ranges in the Arabian Peninsula*, shared with the United Arab Emirates. They separate the low coastal plain of Oman, including its Capital, Muscat, from the high desert plateau, and lie 50–100 km inland from the Gulf of Oman. We explored some of the most dramatic sections of the Al Hajar range. Unfortunately, the high point, Jebel Shams (3009m), is closed due to a military installation, and though its slightly lower South Summit (2997m) is accessible to trekkers, it was not on our itinerary.
* – pub trivia question: what is the highest mountain on the Arabian Peninsula? Answer, Jabal an Nabi Shu’ayb in Yemen, at 3666m.
Enjoy this often overlooked outdoor destination in a safe, very friendly country!
Perhaps it was because of the early season, but the botanizing was disappointing on this trip. However, as we descended on Day 7 to more humid climes toward the Gulf of Oman, I finally had some limited success.
On the last morning we enjoyed the highlight of the trip, a walk/swim up the Wadi Shab. The three pools and waterfall at the end of the last one were absolutely amazing. Cleansing ourselves of the dirt, sweat, and salt (for those of us who swam in the Gulf) before our 4 hour drive back to Muscat was an added bonus. I did not bring my camera, choosing to live completely in the moment. Sorry.
I am now in Hastings, East Sussex, after more than 2 weeks walking in Malta. I was not planning on sharing any photos from that trip, but the wildflowers were far better than I had expected, so I will work on that post as I enjoy lovely spring weather here in the UK.
The Vagabond Hiker
Kent, what an interesting place to visit. The landscape looks spectacular with a variety of desert scenery including canyons, cliffs and plateaus dotted by areas of civilization. I especially like those views when glimpses of the Gulf of Oman are in the background. Your posts inspire me to learn more about places that I am unlikely to visit.
Thanks for sharing your posts for others to enjoy so we can share by proxy areas of the world most of us will never be able to experience.
Best wishes and safe travels wherever life takes you.
Thank you so much for your kind comments. I’m looking forward to continue posting this year from some cool places.
Thank you Kent for sharing once more. I second the previous comments about seeing up close areas where we are unlikely to go.
Take care & hello to Maggie.
Thanks! I just had lunch with Maggie on Sunday and will see her again in May.
All the best to you and Josh.
Once again, a wonderful trip! Reminds me of the southwest that I love. Just got back from 11 days under the rim at the Grand Canyon. Will share that report when it’s done.
I can’t wait to see your latest GC adventure!