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Two Days of Exploring Oman, Camping and Hiking in the Hajar Mountains

The Hajar Mountains are located close to Nizwa and South of Muscat down the middle of Oman. This is a large governate, and covers some of the most majestic mountains in the GCC and the highest mountains in Oman.  If you only have a short time in Oman, I recommend you to visit at least one of the mountains here (Jebal Shams or Jebal Akhdar). Below are some itineraries and a guide to get you there.

Trip start: Muscat, Oman

Take the Nizwa Road not far from the Muscat Airport towards Nizwa, then follow the signs to Jebal Shams. (Or Jabel Shams). If you go on a Friday, go early and head to the Nizwa Souq to see the auction before heading to the mountain.  (Jebal means mountain)

My Schedule: Day 1

Day 1: leave Muscat at 5AM- ouch!  (1 hour and 45 min. to Nizwa)

7:00-Nizwa animal auction, Nizwa Souq

8:30- Nizwa Castle

9:30-  Begin Journey to Jebal Shams (I hour and 45 minutes from Nizwa)

If you want to fit in the Misfit Al Abriyyin area, do it here after passing Nizwa (52 minutes away, spend 1.5 hours then head up the mountain)

14:30- Balcony Walk Hike (W3 hike trail) – easy hike with amazing views!

18:00- camping set up

18:30- sunset watch then dinner

Day 2:

6:30 -Up early! Pack and quick breakfast

7:30- heading down the mountain

8:00- Exit right to the cliff view, photos ¾ way down the mountain

Base of Jebal Shams- drive into the wadi to Al Nukr (45 min. drive down the mountain)

8:45- Hiking at the old village, Al Nukhr- rocky and some difficult terrains (W6a Trek)

10:30- Drive through the wadi for a short trip- it’s closed at the end now

11:00- Head towards Nizwa, exit left to Birkat Al Mouz (30 minute drive)

11:30- right side Birkat Al Mouz- flat area

12:30- left side Birkat Al Mouz- mountain side and easy hiking through the old village

13:30- lunch time!

14:30- Wadi Fanja fun- quick 4×4 time, cool off in the small water areas if there is any

16:00- Bid Bid souq- pottery, souvenirs, dried fish

16:45- head to Muscat

Nizwa Souq

Nizwa Oman www.gogoeverywhere.com Nizwa Oman www.gogoeverywhere.com Nizwa Oman www.gogoeverywhere.com Nizwa Oman www.gogoeverywhere.com Nizwa Oman www.gogoeverywhere.com

The Base of Jebel Shams Exploring

*Wadi Nakhr Canyon

This is Western Hajar Mountain chain, located in the Governorate of A’Dakhiliyah. The village called Al Nakhr village is located about 5 kilometers from Al Hajir village. Al Hajir is the village at the top on the right, on the other side of the wadi.  The Nakhr Village is full of greenery and farm lots you can see from the road leading to Jebel Shams.

 

*Birkat Al Mouz

There are two sides of this area, one on the mountain side, and one on the flat land across the street currently lined with shops. Most of these pics are on the shop side, or Left as you enter the village. Great for exploring and seeing some old parts of Oman still standing. 

Birkat Al Mouz Oman www.gogoeverywhere.com Birkat Al Mouz Oman www.gogoeverywhere.com Birkat Al Mouz Oman www.gogoeverywhere.com Birkat Al Mouz Oman www.gogoeverywhere.com Birkat Al Mouz Oman www.gogoeverywhere.com Birkat Al Mouz Oman www.gogoeverywhere.com Birkat Al Mouz Oman www.gogoeverywhere.com Birkat Al Mouz Oman www.gogoeverywhere.com  uscat: The number of European guests in Oman hotels registered a rise of more than 15 per cent at the end of November, 2017. Overall, the occupancy rate of hotels which come under three star and five star categories in the Sultanate by the end of November 2017 declined by 0.4 per cent to reach to 56.5 per cent compared to 56.7 per cent in the same period in 2016, while the revenue increased by 2.4 per cent to reach to OMR174,49,000 compared to OMR169,961,000 during the same period of 2016. The statistics released by the National Centre for Statistics and Information (NCSI) on the main indicators of hotels which come under the categories of three to five stars indicated that the total number of guests who occupied these hotels was 1,394, 942 guests by the end of November 2017, comprising a decline by 4 per cent, compared to 1,452,842 guests during the same period in 2016. These statistics also revealed the number of European guests increased by 15.4 per cent to become the largest segment of nationalities of guests with the total number of 518,629 till the end of November 2017, compared to 449,348 during the same period in 2016. Omani guests came the second with 348,161 at the end of November 2017, comprising a decline by 18.8 per cent when compared 473,159 during the same period in 2016. GCC guests came third with 199,342, the Asians fourth with 145,183, other Arabs from non-GCC countries came fifth with 59,880, American guests came sixth with 48,158, guests from Ocean countries came seventh with 13,421, African guests came eighth with 9,636 and 16,531 guests from other nationalities. uscat: The number of European guests in Oman hotels registered a rise of more than 15 per cent at the end of November, 2017. Overall, the occupancy rate of hotels which come under three star and five star categories in the Sultanate by the end of November 2017 declined by 0.4 per cent to reach to 56.5 per cent compared to 56.7 per cent in the same period in 2016, while the revenue increased by 2.4 per cent to reach to OMR174,49,000 compared to OMR169,961,000 during the same period of 2016. The statistics released by the National Centre for Statistics and Information (NCSI) on the main indicators of hotels which come under the categories of three to five stars indicated that the total number of guests who occupied these hotels was 1,394, 942 guests by the end of November 2017, comprising a decline by 4 per cent, compared to 1,452,842 guests during the same period in 2016. These statistics also revealed the number of European guests increased by 15.4 per cent to become the largest segment of nationalities of guests with the total number of 518,629 till the end of November 2017, compared to 449,348 during the same period in 2016. Omani guests came the second with 348,161 at the end of November 2017, comprising a decline by 18.8 per cent when compared 473,159 during the same period in 2016. GCC guests came third with 199,342, the Asians fourth with 145,183, other Arabs from non-GCC countries came fifth with 59,880, American guests came sixth with 48,158, guests from Ocean countries came seventh with 13,421, African guests came eighth with 9,636 and 16,531 guests from other nationalities.

The Top of Jebel Shams

*The Balcony Walk

at a very small village of Al Khatayam.  The hike around the cliffs continues until you get to the abandoned village. The total walk takes around 1hr 30 minutes on way. You must take the same way back as you left. It might be the most famous hiking path in Oman, with its breathtaking views and easy terrain. The path takes you around the cliffs and up part way to the edge of Wadi Nakhr and the abandoned village of As Sab. You can hike the W6 and W6A.  W6 is most popular as it has got the best view of the canyon.

There is a water pool accessible with a bit of climbing from the village, but it is not immediately obvious how to get there so make sure you follow the route markers. (http://www.omantripper.com/jabal-shams/)

Balcony Walk Jebal Shams Oman www.gogoeverywhere.com Balcony Walk Jebal Shams Oman www.gogoeverywhere.com Balcony Walk Jebal Shams Oman www.gogoeverywhere.com Balcony Walk Jebal Shams Oman www.gogoeverywhere.com Balcony Walk Jebal Shams Oman www.gogoeverywhere.com

*Jabal Shams Summit Hike (W4 Route)

See more information at www.omantripper.com/jabal-shams/.

The very top is off limits and used for the military. (~3,009 m high)  You can still walk up to the southern summit (2997m), known as Qarn al Ghamaydah, along hiking route W4, with marvellous views into Wadi Nakhr, Wadi Sahtan and Wadi Bani Awf en route. (http://www.roughguides.com/destinations/middle-east/oman/western-hajar/jebel-shams/wadi-nakhr-balcony-walk/ )

Between Nizwa and Jebal Shams:

*Misfat Al Abriyeen

The Al Abri tribe was the original inhabitants and they built this village area on top of solid rocks. A lot of it still stands and you can even see shelves built into the walls. The walls are traditional mud houses and a mix of grass with mud that now crumbles in your hands. The roofs are constructed from palm trees and leaves. The interesting part is that it was constructed on top of solid rock. You can also see a traditional water system called a falaj that still runs today.

Links:

Oman Trekking Guides  (great guides to follow the trails and know where to go for hiking or trekking)

Camping: I like to camp at Jebal Shams near the Jebal Shams Resort. It’s a beautiful place to see the sunset and there are a few options for some decent ground to sleep on. A lot of Jebal Shams is rocky for sleeping. Plus, you will make some new 4-legged friends. 

Jebal Shams camping Oman www.gogoeverywhere.com Jebal Shams camping Oman www.gogoeverywhere.com Jebal Shams camping Oman www.gogoeverywhere.com Jebal Shams camping Oman www.gogoeverywhere.com

Hints:

Waterfalls: During rainy days, you can see beautiful natural waterfalls in Oman. One of the more famous is Wadi A’Sab, which comes from the top of Jabal Shams and pours into the valley next to the village of Sab Bani Khamis.

33 Comments

  • Thanks for the wonderful post

  • Hi! I could have sworn I’ve been to your blog before
    but after browsing through some of the posts I realized
    it’s new to me. Nonetheless, I’m definitely delighted I stumbled upon it and
    I’ll be bookmarking it and checking back regularly!

  • This looks incredible! I’ve had Oman on my list for such a long time. And I love that you got to hike and camp there. I’m adding this to my list 🙂

  • So yes, want to know if there are around 1000 mountains in these areas?

    • GoGo Dee

      Honestly, I have no idea! The view from the two main mountains I have been too (Jebal Akhdar and Jebal Shams) Is breathtaking! I can see LOTS of mountains, you may be close in the number! There are very few that you can go up in a vehicle, the two I mentioned are the most popular. Maybe if you are a trekking person or love adventures you can come check them out!
      Happy to give you some guides!
      Safe travels!
      Gogo Dee

  • These mud castles in orange colour seem very fascinating. Not sure if its because of the intense heat there. Any reason behind the ‘hajar’ name in the mountains? Hajar in Indian( Hindi) means 1000

  • Seems like these mountains are lovely places to explore. Thanks for sharing this itinerary. With an adventure like this I’m sure it’s always best to plan ahead.

  • The Balcony Walk looks like you get to some great view points. The water pool would be so cool to see. I’ve never really thought much about Oman but this is an interesting post

  • I love how you managed to do so many cool things in two days. Hike with incredible views and surrounded with goats sounds like so much fun.

  • Beautiful area for sure. I don’t think enough people out there put guides and suggested trips together for people. This is a great itenirary for someone wanting to see Oman.

  • You have a really informative, laid out itinerary. Your pictures look wonderful, but they are all thumbnail size. Make some of them medium sized so they stand out and draw attention, helping to captivate the reader. Also, spread the pictures around. Change alignments. Don’t just place them all in groups at the end of of large word segments. It looks like a wonderful trip!!!

    • GoGo Dee

      Thank you for your advice!! Cheers!

    • GoGo Dee

      Thank you for the tips! Will figure this out! : )

      • GoGo Dee

        Happy to share! Welcome to Oman!

  • Always when I see Oman popping up, I really want to go there!! I have visited all the surrounding emirates, but I think I have skipped thé most beautiful of them all :/ Lovely photography!

  • Thanks for sharing. I may go to Dubai this year and would love the opportunity to see Oman as well. Although I doubt I’d have time to do the trekking you did it’s great to have options. The Bslcony Walk Hike might be the extent of my hiking since it seems close to Muscat and short, but I’ll check out that link on the Oman Trekking Guides to see what other options I have. Great pictures!

    • GoGo Dee

      Yes! It’s right next door and sooo worth it! I’m happy to send you information for your trip! If you are looking for some other hikes, there is on in Mutrah that is about an hour long and you still get a nice mountain view of the corniche. It’s right at the edge of Muscat and a nice short trek.

      Enjoy your trip!
      Gogo Dee

  • Very interesting destination. What made you pick to go here? It looks like it can be a rugged hike. But I am sure it is all worth those beautiful views, sunrises and sunsets!

  • I can definitely see why people say that’s the most famous hiking path in Oman … those views are amazing, and the ability to explore those villages is priceless! I never knew Oman had such incredible landscapes, so thanks for opening my eyes to that

  • These are indeed some amazing hiking routes in the Hajar Mountains. The landscapes look so different and the rocky terrain makes for an interesting adventure. The views too look spectacular. I would love to do the Balcony walk, it sounds really fascinating.

  • A wonderful 2 day itinerary, making the most of time. And thanks for breaking it down to hour level. But I would have loved to see your pictures in higher resolution. Particularly the place where you camped. Because the landscape seems to be very unique and beautiful as well.

  • Like the way you have given breakdown of timings in the post. It certainly helps to plan the day. Oman is undoubtedly beautiful. Thanks for sharing.!

  • I don’t expect to see mountains like this in Oman. I thought Oman is all desert. More reason to start thinking about visiting the area.

  • What a great guide. I like that you put down the times for everything for each day. It seems the hikes are not terribly difficult but very rewarding. What an experience to be amidst the old village and see how the places were built on solid rock with mud and leaves! I would love this plan for a visit because I love hikes and camping myself a lot!

  • Followingtherivera

    Wow, this is an incredible post! I’d love to see Oman one day. But honestly, I’d never consider camping there. But after this, I will re-consider my options!

  • I’ve never been to the middle east and I dunno if I ever will!
    The hiking trail looks splendid. I’d love to do this trek.
    The sunrise view is totally worth it!

  • I never even heard of the Hajar mountains but it sounds like my type of place to go hiking. Cant wait to get to Oman one day and do a huge Middle East trip.

  • hahah where was this post two days ago? Been hunting down a breakdown of how to hike in the area and ended up creating my own itinerary. We will also do the balcony walk – can’t wait. 🙂 Very helpful post and I very much look forward to getting there and exploring Oman.

  • oh, such a nice experience. I love photos from camping with sunrise and cute goats. reminds me of Kos island.

  • Aisha

    Wow this sounds like a remarkable journey. Oman has recently popped up on my radar and your photos are the perfect example of why. The country has such beautiful terrain and I’d love to spend some time camping in those mountains!

  • i;m not good at hike,s but i love to do it nevertheless. what a fantastic experience thus must be and the best part is that it doesn’t look crowded. this area must be filled with so much history too. looked great.

  • I love the sound of the waterfalls. I am generally a fan of them, and your post makes it sound so interesting!

  • One of the first posts I have read about Oman beyond Muscat. Thanks for the deets!

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