Mountains, Forts, and Deserts of Oman Holiday Itinerary
MOUNTAINS, FORTS AND DESERTS OF OMAN 4X4 DRIVING AND TREKKING ITINERARY (10DYS/9NTS)
Day 1 Arrive Muscat 1 night Tulip Inn, Muscat BB
On arrival at Muscat you will be met and transferred to Tulip Inn, your hotel for the night. You will have time to relax subsequent to which you will be invited for an expedition briefing session, during which you will meet your expedition guide.
In the afternoon you will have a quick orientation tour of Muscat covering the main sights, including Jalali/Mirani forts, Zubair Museum, and the Sultan’s Palace. You will also have the chance to walk along the Mutrah Corniche and to visit the Mutrah ‘souk’, or market, before returning to your hotel in the evening.
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Day 2 Wadi Mistall Trek & Overnight Camping in Wadi Bani Awf
Pick up from hotel and drive by 4x4 vehicle to Barka and on to Nakhl, situated in the South of the Batinah region. Its most outstanding archeological feature is its pre-Islamic fort, which is located on a craggy hill about 200ft high. Another feature of this town is the “Ain Thura” springs, which comes from the Jebel Salad.
Overnight wild camping at Wadi Bani Awf. Wild camps are very simple using “igloo” style tents.
Day 3 Wadi Bani Awf – Bilad Seet – Sharaf Al Alameen
After breakfast trek for 2-3 hours in Wadi Bani Awf, before proceeding to Bilad Sayt.
Bilad Sayt is an idyllic oasis hamlet situated in the Wilayat al Hamra. Believed to date back over 3,000 years, its earthen homes, terraced gardens, and ‘aflaj’ irrigation system offer a stunning example of a traditional Omani oasis settlement.
After exploring Bilad Sayt, we drive to Sharaf Al Alameen in the Western Hajar Mountains, where we wild camp overnight.
Day 4 Sharaf Al Alameen – Misfat – Wadi Ghul – Wadi Nakhar
After breakfast, we trek for approx. 2 hours en route to the village of Misfat Al Abireen. Located at the foot of Jebel Shams, Misfat is a beautiful settlement, surrounded by stunning mountain landscapes and set among terraced plantations and date palms.
In the afternoon drive via Wadi Ghul to Wadi Wadi Nakhar where you will wild camp overnight.
Gane and Marshall Tel: +44 (0)1822-600-600 e-mail: [email protected] website: www.ganeandmarshall.com
Day 5 Wadi Nakhar – Jebel Shams
After breakfast proceed to Jebel Shams, the Grand Canyon of Oman. Today’s trek is long and tough. You will be carrying your own equipment, with the help of your guides, as donkeys cannot be hired here.
Starting at the Jebel Shams plateau the path follows the rim of the Saydram Gorge, a side wadi of the Grand Canyon, to a col at 2,700m. From here it is a steady ascent along rocky terrain to reach the southern summit of Jebel Shams at an altitude of 2,997m. The tour allows for spectacular views into Wadi an Nakhar, Wadi Sahtan, and Wadi Bani Awf, as well as fantastic views of Jabal Khawr and Jabal Misht in the distance. On clear days you can even see the sea in the distance.
Timing 5 - 6 hours with light pack 7 - 8 hours with camping equipment. Highest point: 2997 meter - Difference: 1000 meter - Degree of difficulty: Grade 2 – Distance: 9 km. Overnight Camping.
Day 6 Jebel Shams
After breakfast we return back to the starting point in Jebel Shams where we camp for the night.
Day 7 Jabal Shams – Al Hamra – Tanuf – Nizwa
Morning drive to via Wadi Ghul via via Wadi Ghul & via Wadi Ghul (short walk). Overnight stay at Hotel Falaj Daris, Nizwa.
Day 8 Nizwa – Jebel Akhdar – Wahiba Sands
After breakfast we explore Nizwa, before proceeding to Jebel Akhdar for a short trek.
Formerly the capital of Oman, Nizwa is one of the country’s oldest cities. The centre of the city is home to Nizwa Fort, Oman’s most popular tourist site, and Nizwa Souk, the largest market in the country besides that of Muttrah. Also of note is the Daris Falaj. This is the largest falaj (traditional water irrigation system) in Oman, and a recognised World Heritage Site.
From Jebel Akhdar we drive to Wahiba Sands. Overnight stay at Wahiba Sands, Al Arish Camp (wild camping also possible)
Gane and Marshall Tel: +44 (0)1822-600-600 e-mail: [email protected] website: www.ganeandmarshall.com
Day 9 Wahiba – Wadi Bani Khalid – Fins
After breakfast we visit Wadi Bani Khali, before continuing onto the ancient city of Qalhat for a photo stop. Formerly an important trading post of the Kingdom of Ormus, Qalhat was almost entirely destroyed in the sixteenth century by Portuguese invaders. All that survives today is a small mausoleum, understood to be the tomb of Bibi Maryam.
In the afternoon we visit Wadi Tiwi and Wadi Shaab, and then proceed onto Fins Beach, where we wild camp overnight.
Day 10 Fins Beach – Wadi Arbaeen – Muscat-London
After breakfast return back to Muscat via Wadi Arbaeen & Wadi Daiqa. Depending on your flight schedule, you should have time in Muscat city for shopping/sightseeing before transferring to Muscat Airport for your return flight home.
Gane and Marshall Tel: +44 (0)1822-600-600 e-mail: [email protected] website: www.ganeandmarshall.com