Rise Above the Heat in Oman!

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Oman's answer to the Grand Canyon lies at the base of Jebal Shams.

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If youʻre booking your trip to Oman last minute, we have you covered. Below are some of the top tours and experiences!
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Even dedicated sun-worshippers need to retreat from the heat on occasion, so where do the people of Muscat head for, to cool their blood?

Just two hours drive and 240km from the capital Muscat lies Jebel Shams (Mountain of the Sun), the highest mountain of the Al Hajar Mountain range, sitting a lofty 3009m above sea level. Temperatures near the peaks are typically 15 degrees cooler than at ground level, making a refreshing change from the city’s sometimes stifling heat and humidity. During the winter months, snowfall in Jebel Shams can even push the mercury down towards zero.  Yes, snow in the desert! 

Hikers and trekkers love to tackle the tracks over the undulating rocky terrain, interspersed with breath-taking views of cliff tops cascading down dramatically into the wadis. Multiple horizons in shades of blue and lilac fade under the setting sun of a blood orange sky.

Oman’s answer to the Grand Canyon lies at the base of Jebal Shams – Wadi Ghul, and is only second in size after the famous Canyon in Arizona, and one of the top attractions in Oman.

Getting to the summit used to be a mini adventure in itself, before the construction of the new black top road, which now takes you effortlessly to the plateau top in around 45 minutes. From here, you can view Wadi Ghul from a height of over 3000m.  If you are feeling adventurous, take the 4-hour trek (there and back) along the edge of the Canyon and catch your breath as each angle reveals a stunning new view of the mountains and villages far below.

Local talent has become an essential industry on the mountain paths; weavers offer you the chance to purchase unique souvenirs of goat hair rugs, key rings and bags.

Jabal Shams by Ahmed Al ShukailiJabal Shams by Ahmed Al ShukailiJabal Shams by Mct-EnigmaJabal Shams by Mct-EnigmaJabal Shams by Rud-grJabal Shams by Rud-grJabal Shams by HuliviliJabal Shams by Hulivili

The mountains are ideal for a spot of camping, or turn up the luxury at one of the local hotels. The Jebal Shams Resort is located on the Saiq Plateau at the top of the Wadi Ghul canyon, around 2000m above sea level, offering accommodation of individual chalets and Arabic tents. Food and firewood can be provided while you sit back with a cool drink to admire the sunset and cool breezes.  Just beware of hungry free-range goats trying to gatecrash your party!

The action/adventure type travellers out there might like to settle for the night at Jebel Shams Base Camp, which offers extreme outdoor sports and geology tours among its activities. Just don’t forget your sunscreen!

Jebel Akhdhar (Green Mountain) is so called because its higher altitudes receive enough precipitation to support the growth of shrubs, trees and a variety of agriculture. The most fragrant and exotic produce are cultivated on these terraced slopes and the wadis below, including pomegranates, peaches, figs, walnuts and wild olive trees. However, the most significant agricultural plant is the rose, the heavily scented petals from which are used to extract rose water, used in Omani cooking and to fragrance rooms and the hands.  Locals even use it as a tonic for headache or stomachache.

Jebel Akhdhar is about two hours drive from Muscat and features in the route for the 2011 Tour of Oman cycling race. The Jebel Akhdar Hotel and the Sahab Hotel are perfect for chilling out amongst the terraces and re-charging for another day’s trekking.

The surrounding areas of Bahla and Nizwa are worth adding to your itinerary, with ancient forts and souqs to explore and even more amazing photo opportunities; the cluttered pottery shops are particularly fascinating.

The Al Hoota Caves at the foot of Jebel Shams, near the town of Tanuf are not to be missed either. The spectacular underground cave system is the second largest in the world and runs for over 5km. Stalactites and stalagmites jaggedly frame the view of the underground lake containing shoals of blind, transparent fish, while bats observe from murky corners before swooping silently and eerily over your head.  An electric train connects the caves to a visitor centre, with interactive exhibits and a gift shop of local art and crafts.

Jebal Akhdar by Tom AllenJebal Akhdar by Tom Allen