MOUNTAINS AND DESERT

DAY 1

      Transfer Muttrah - Ar Rustaq

      Transfer Ar Rustaq - A hamlet in Wadi Sahtan

      Hike across villages in Wadi Sahtan, under the northern face of Jebel Shams

Wadi Sahtan is an impressive valley with Jebel Shams towering over it. Its noth face is a 2000m cliff which gives hymalayan feelings. We walk along centuries old paths linking remote villages built over the mountain. We pass 3 villages before arriving to our camp. The path sometimes goes through screes which might be a bit difficult.

- Level 3    
- Approximative length : 4 Hours
- Elevation gain/loss : +200m/-400m
- Walking time : 3 a 4 Hours

      Camping in Wadi Sahtan

A wonderful campsite with unbelievable views over the north face of Jebel Shams

Individual camping tent

DAY 2

      Hike across villages in Wadi Sahtan, in the heart of the bowl

We start hiking from our campsite and walk up and down several valleys. Almost each valley hosts a village which has its own charm. Palm gardens, aflaj, terraced fields, beehives... We hike in traditional Oman. Some few passages might be a bit difficult.

- Level 3    
- Approximative length : 6 Hours
- Elevation gain/loss : +700m/-800m
- Walking time : 4 a 5 Hours

      Transfer A hamlet in Wadi Sahtan - Bimah

      Mountain hut Bimah

A very nice and pleasant place to stay, located in the heart of Wadi Bani Awf, only a few steps from the Snake Canyon and 5 minutes drive (or 5 hours hike) from Balad Sit. It's a rustic but beautiful mountain hut with 4 dormitory (4 to 10 persons on bunkbeds), 2 private rooms, and 3 bathrooms with hot shower. Located in a natural and peacfull environment, you'll find in the garden many paces to chill and relax after hiking...

Dormitory
Dormitories from 4 to 10 persons with bunkbeds and A/C. Breakfast and dinner at the hotel

DAY 3

      Hike From Bimah to Balad Sit

We start in Bimah and walk up the wadi until the village of Selmah where only 3 families (3 brothers) are living. We then walk our way up through the palm gardens and go on util a very narrow path. From there we see Balad Sit, another bigger village. We walk down to the village and enjoy a tour in the gardens. We finaly find a very narrow gorge which we follow until we find the car.

- Level 3    
- Approximative length : 5 Hours
- Elevation gain/loss : +600m/-500m
- Walking time : 4 a 5 Hours

      Transfer Balad Sit - Misfat Al Abreyeen

We Cross the mountain through Sharaf Al Alamain Pass. That's th only pass whch allows to cross the Westrn Hajar by car. There is tarmac road on the southern slop, but on the northern side, a steep track goes down to Wadi Bani Awf offering stunning views...

      Guesthouse in Misfat Al Abreyeen

We spend the night in a traditionl omani house that was rehabilitated recently : we find here the ancient architecture and modern comfort. Located inside the palm garden, it is an enchanting place… The guesthouse is located a few minutes walk away from the parking ; so, please plan a small bag with only the stuff you need for that night. Also, to respect the inhabitants of the village, it is forbidden to bring alcool in the village and to smoke inside the house ; we thank you in advance for respecting these rules!

Standard Room
. Breakfast and dinner at the hotel

DAY 4

      Short walk along the gardens of Misfat Al Abreyeen

Misfat Al Abreyen is one of the most beautiful mountain village of Oman. It is located on the southern side of the mountain, on the slope of a canyon. The gardens were build all around the old village on man-made terraces. Laying at an altitude of 800 meters, we find their a wide variety of tropical fruits : bananas, papayas, oranges, limes, dates, pomogranates, etc... The old village is here still inhabitated.

- Level 1    
- Approximative length : 2 Hours
- Elevation gain/loss : +100m/-100m
- Walking time : 1 a 2 Hours

      Transfer Misfat Al Abreyeen - Khaluf's Desert, between rocks and sand

      Sunset between White desert and rocky hills

We walk up a small plateau next to our camp. On the one side we perceive the white desert which we will cross the day after. On the other side, the sun sets on rocky hills.

- Level 1    
- Approximative length : 2 Hours
- Walking time : 1 a 2 Hours

      Camping in the desert

We set up our camp at the start of the sand dunes.

Individual camping tent

DAY 5

      Hike across sand dunes and rocky outcrops

A very beautifull day : we walk across sand dunes and meet on the way many rocky outcrops. The sand is sometimes red, and sometimes white. We arrive at our camp around noon and enjoy some rest under the shade. Late afternoon, we walk to the top of the sand dunes to see sunset over this spectacular landscape with trees, rocks, and sand...

- Level 2    
- Approximative length : 6 Hours
- Walking time : 4 a 5 Hours

      Camping Desert

We set up our camp in the sand, in an 'acacia forest'. Around us are some rocky hills and Sanddunes

Individual camping tent

DAY 6

      Hike across White desert

We have a long hike in a wonderful and unexpected landscape. We start from our campsite where the sand is red. We cross several small plateau. Between them we find sand ; the more we walk the whiter is getting the sand. Finaly we discover wonderful wholy white sand dunes. Irreal landscape… We walk across the dunes and arrive to the sea around noon… We set up our camp, have lunch, and enjoy swimming in the indian ocean. Late afternoon, we start walking again across white sand dunes to enjoy sunset.

- Level 2    
- Approximative length : 6 Hours
- Walking time : 3 a 5 Hours

      Camping in the White desert, next to the sea

We set up our camp in the first dunes of the white desert, just 50 meters from the sea. This place is magical and unusual : on one side we have pure white dunes, whereas on the other side we have the Indian Ocean…

Individual camping tent

DAY 7

      Transfer White Desert on the sea - Khaluf

We go to the fishermen's vilage of Khaluf. On low tide we drive all the way on the beach and we see hundreds of seabirds

      Stop in Khaluf

Khaluf is a very picturesc fishing beduin village : feelings to be t the far end of the world where old 4WD cover with algaes and shells tow small boats coming back from fishing.

- Approximative length : 1 Hours

      Transfer Khaluf - Qihayd (village at the foot of the dunes and on seashore)

      Transfer Qihayd (village at the foot of the dunes and on seashore) - Our Camp in Wahiba sands

A spectacular crossing of the Wahiba desert by 4WD. The track is usually well marked, but sometimes sand blown by the wind covers it. We start at the sea and cross the desert towards the North. The more we drive, the higher are the longitudinal dunes.

      Sunset in the dunes

We start a walk across the dunes in late afternoon. The heat isn't too strong anymore and the sunlight is the more beautiful. The setting sun always gives changing colour to the sand and the shades. This a great unforgetable time.

- Level 1    
- Approximative length : 1 Hours

      Safari Desert Camp

A very nice camp which lays the middle of the sand dunes, in a quiet and wild area. There is no electricity, which makes this camp more authentic. Tea, coffee, water and soft drinks are complimentary. There are also some nice lounges where you can relax and smoke sheesha.

Arabic Tent with private bathroom
Arabic tent nicely equiped as an hotel room : bed, carpets, tabe, chairs. Private bathroom.. Breakfast and dinner at the hotel

DAY 8

      Transfer Our Camp in Wahiba sands - Bidiyah

      Aquatic hiking in Wadi Bani Khalid

An easy quatic hike in one of the most beautiful wadis of oman. We start from the village of Bidah. We walk across its luxuriant palm garden to reach he entrance of the garden. We then walk between large boulders to arrive to 2 wonderful pools with waterfalls. In one of these we can jump from 10 meters. We keep on walking in the water and the swim several long pools (until 300 meters). The valley then widens and we discover Seeq's garden which we cross to arrive in the village.

- Level 1    
- Approximative length : 5 Hours
- Walking time : 3 a 5 Hours

      Transfer Seeq (Wadi Bani Khalid) - Muttrah

      Mutrah Hotel

Mutrah Hotel is the first hotel built in Oman. It is only 20 minutes walking from the Souk and Corniche. This hotel offers comfortable rooms each with its own decoraction and character. The hotel has Wifi, Laundry service, minibar in the room, 4 bars, and a restaurant.

Standard room
Comfortable and well decorated room. In room facilities : minibar, 24 hours room service, Satellite TV, iron, hair dryer, coffe and tea making facilities.. Breakfast at the hotel

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