HIKING IN OMAN

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 - 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 4

      Canyoning in the lower Snake Canyon

The Snake Canyon is a very narrow canyon located in Wadi Bani Awf. In some parts of the canyon, you can touch both sides at the same time… We'll start from the secondary entrance. No abseiling is required. You'll just have fun by jumping (max 4 meters), sliding, walking in the water and short swimming! For thoses who don't want to jump, we install short abseils.

- Level 2    
- Approximative length : 3 Hours

      Transfer Zamah - Sharaf Al Alamain

This drive off-road let us climb some 1000 meters in less than 10 km. It provides us with stunning views over Wadi Bani Awf.

      Transfer Sharaf Al Alamain - Misfat Al Abreyeen

      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

      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 5

      Transfer Misfat Al Abreyeen - Nizwa

      Souq of Nizwa

Nizwa is a major city of Oman located at the foot of the mointains in the interior. In the past it was the capital of the country and remains the cultural center of the country for mountain people. The Souq was rehabilitated some 15 years ago. Friday is the market day, called 'Souq Al Jumaa', and brings visitors from the nearby mountains as well as bedous from the desert side. The livestock souq is particularly worth a visit. But you find also the fish souq, vegetable souq, meat souq, as well as some people saling moutain honey, dates, incense, and anything you might need.

- Approximative length : 1 Hours 30

      Transfer Nizwa - Al Ghaba

      Transfer Al Ghaba - Jebel Kobra

      Short walk in the rocky chaos of jebel Kobra

We stop at the foot of the cliffs made of white lime stone. We then walk across the many small gorges which. It is a very exclusive place with unbelievable landscapes. Rocks are having very particular shapes...

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

      Camping at the fottom of the cliffs

We set up our camp at the bottom of the cliffs, just at the beginning of a small gorge.

Individual camping tent

DAY 6

      Transfer Jebel Kobra - 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 7

      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 8

      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 9

      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 10

      Transfer Our Camp in Wahiba sands - Bidiyah

      Transfer Bidiyah - Bidah

      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 Bidah - Sur

      Al Ayjah Plaza Hotel

Standard Room
. Breakfast at the hotel

DAY 11

      Visit of the city of Sur

Sur is a big city living quietly. It is built on the seashore and extends along a wonderful lagune. It was famous in the past for the naval construction. This traditional industry is declining but there is still one factory which produces wondeful traditional arabic dhows. We stop to visit it. We then walk up to a watch tower from which we have the best view over the city.

- Approximative length : 2 Hours

      Transfer Sur - Tiwi

      Walk and unforgettable swim in Wadi Shab

We start from the sea and start hiking in the wadi. After 45 minutes or 1 hour walk in this beautiful wadi we'll go to the water : we swim from pool to pool to discover a incredible place. But we don't tell you more about this, since it has to be a surprise!

- Level 1    
- Approximative length : 3 Hours
- Walking time : 1 a 2 Hours

      Tiwi Sunrise Motel

A nice small hotel very well located, just before the village of Tiwi, in front of the sea, and at the entrance of Wadi Tiwi. The hotel has a swimming pool and a garden.

Standard Room
Modern and comfortable room with private bathroom. Breakfast at the hotel

DAY 12

      Transfer Tiwi - Saymah (Wadi Tiwi)

      Hiking and swimming in Wadi Tiwi

We start from the village of Saymah. We follow an old donkey path above palm trees until we arrive to another village. We then walk at the bottom of the wadi, on the falaj, along the river or between boulders. We stop for a delightfull swim surrounded by cliffs and palm trees. Then we start to climb across terraces until we reach the village of Mibam. We then use another way down to the second village. We finally come back using the same way and make a last stop before we arrive for another refreshing bath in a lovely turquese pool.

- Level 3    
- Approximative length : 6 Hours
- Elevation gain/loss : +450m/-450m
- Walking time : 4 a 5 Hours

      Transfer Saymah (Wadi Tiwi) - Tiwi

      Transfer Tiwi - Dibab

      Camping near Wadi AlArbeyeen

We camp in the wadi or in the near rocky plateau

Individual camping tent

DAY 13

      Transfer Dibab - As Suwaih (Wadi Al Arbeyeen)

      Walk and swim in Wadi Al Arbeyeen

We start with a refreshing swim in the vast pool down the village of as Suwayh. We then walk up the wadi around large boulders and across water pools until the canyons narrows to form very long pools. We swim there and go back the same way. Attention : in some places, you might have to step in the water ; you shoes and pants might get wet…

- Level 2    
- Approximative length : 4 Hours
- Walking time : 2 a 3 Hours

      Transfer As Suwaih (Wadi Al Arbeyeen) - Dibab

      Transfer Dibab - 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

DAY 14

      Muttrah fish and vegetables souq

It is a very lively and typical place that is worth a visit. We only rarely see such a choice of fishes : many spieces of breams and groupers, tuna, swordfishes, kingfishes, sharks, squids, crabs, shrimps, and even parrot fishes and other multicolor fishes. Next to the fish market is the vegetable market where you'll find fruits,vegetables, dates, honey, thyme, etc…

- Approximative length : 1 Hours

      Transfer Muttrah - Al Khiran

      Short walk between the coves in Bandar Khiran`

We walk along the coast from cove to cove. We sometimes walk on the ridge, pass low passes. All the coves are lovely. From the top we have the best possible view on them.

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

      Swimming and Snorkeling in Bandar Khiran

The water is clear, the sand is white, and the suroundings rocky. What else do we need for a wonderful swim together with tropical multicolor fishes? Among other fishes, you'll see here : surgeon, tiger, parrot, trunk, anemone, butterfly, horn fishes, groupers, and even sometimes green turtles or squds… ATTENTION : When the sea is rough, this cove is not suitable for snorkeling ; we go to another one which is also nice and suitable for snorkeling, but the seabed is not so rich.

- Approximative length : 2 Hours

      Boat Trip back to Khiran

We come back to Khiran by boat. We have a round in the lovely bay of Bandar Khiran and enjoy the wonderful landscapes of this place. We see many small coves, mangrove, seabirds, and sometimes also turtles…

- Approximative length : 0 Hours 30

      Transfer Al Khiran - Muttrah

      Visit of Muttrah Souq

The main building of the Souq is beatifuly decorated : painted wooden roof and stained glass windows. Some smaller streets start on all sides and are full of small shops. You'll have a round in this labirynthe in search of what you want to bring back home. The souq is organized by product type : there is a place for gold, one for silver, one for gifts, one for carpets, one clothes, etc…

- Approximative length : 2 Hours

      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

End of Our Services

www.omantrekkingguides.com, Webiste of AL MAALAM TOURS , Comercial Omani Company Registered under number 1087801, and authorized by the Ministry Of Tourism.
(SEE TOURISM LICENCE)
AL MAALAM TOURS - PO BOX 917 - Post Code 611 - NIZWA - SULTANAT D'OMAN

EASY WALKING IN OMAN - HIKING & TREKKING IN OMAN - CLIMBING IN OMAN - CANYONING IN OMAN - GEOLOGY OF OMAN - CULTURAL TOUR IN OMAN - BOTANY IN OMAN - SNORKELING IN OMAN - CAMEL TRIP IN OMAN - SEASIDE TREK IN OMAN - MOUNTAIN TREK IN OMAN - BOAT TOUR IN OMAN - SWIMMING IN OMAN - SEA OF OMAN - DESERT OF OMAN - MOUNTAIN OF OMAN - WADIS OF OMAN