Famed world over for its steep ravines and golden gorges, Oman’s scenic mountain range boasts of a quintet of spectacular peaks that draw in visitors from near and far, no matter the season! Running from the Musandam Peninsula in the north to the Al Sharqiyah Governorate down under are the magnificent Hajar Mountains, home to the renowned peaks of Jebel Shams and Al Jabal Al Akdhar, while the magical southern Governorate of Dhofar houses the pristine Jebel Samhan, part of a biodiverse mountain range that extends off the Al-Hallaniyah Islands.

Listed below are our pick of five such awe-inspiring peaks home to the Sultanate; indeed they make for adventurous hikes and trekking trips, and for those of you who prefer things a little more relaxed, they make for excellent camping out and sightseeing spots as well!

JEBEL SHAMS

Location: Jebel Shams, Al Dakhiliyah
GPS Co-ordinates: 23.2376° N, 57.2649° E

Aptly named the ‘Mountain of the Sun’, Jebel Shams is Oman’s highest mountain, standing erect at an altitude of 3,004 meters above sea level, and renders a breath taking vista at all times of the day. Each versant opens up to another versant, finally ending with the peak, close to which lies the infamous Wadi Nakhar, Balcony walk , a deep ravine with chiselled formations that is best viewed from atop the rocks. Tourist guest houses have been built where tourists can spend time enjoying the serenity of this scenic mountain.

Tips: Drive through the Grand Canyon of Arabia through the
Wadi Nakhar, Balcony walk to witness spectacular displays of
soaring mountain walls and imposing, rugged cliff edges.

AL JABAL AL AKDHAR

Location: Al Jabal Al Akdhar, Al Dakhiliyah
GPS Co-ordinates: 23.1856° N, 57.3714° E

With a temperature that is up to 20 degrees cooler than at land level, Al Jabal Al Akdhar rises as a grand spectacle of rocky slopes and sandy, barren ridges,
which could cause some confusion in regard to its name, which means ‘Green Mountain’. Once the winding road finally stretches across the summit and the Saiq Plateau comes into view, Al Jabal Al Akdhar is a hidden paradise full of gardens, vegetation, and orchards that are secreted from view among the mazes
of flowing wadis and terraces. The cool mountain air and high level of rainfall provides ideal conditions for cropping of all kinds of temperate fruit.

Tips: Only four wheel drives are permitted up the steep, twisting
road of Al Jabal Al Akdhar. Make sure to carry a light sweater
or shawl even during summer months, as the mountain gets
chilly when dusk falls.

JEBEL SAMHAN

Location: Jebel Samhan, Dhofar
GPS Co-ordinates: 17.1355° N, 54.7915° E

Jebel Samhan is famed for being one of the more popular touristic destinations of the Governorate of Dhofar, especially during the Khareef (July – September), when its slopes and plains are lush with greenery, twisted frankincense trees, flowing streams and lively animal reserves. With a stunning peak standing tall at 2100 meters, Jebel Samhan makes for a rewarding day trip from neighbouring Salalah, through Tawi Attair, a deep sinkhole known as the ‘Well of Birds’. Landscapes of varying flora and rocky fields of leafless desert roses greet the eye as the road to the summit opens up to a panoramic view of the Dhofar
coast.

Tips: Follow the signs to Mirbat from Tawi Attair to
pass a stunning wadi of tall, bulbous baobab trees.
Legend has it that these are the only such trees in all
of Arabia!