6 Days • 5 Nights
Oman Mountains & Wadis: Jebel Akhdar & Jebel Shams
Tour Includes
About the Trip
Trip Highlights
- The Green Mountain, Jebel Akhdar, with its terraced rose villages and cool air, is a beautiful highlight of this journey. Jebel Akhdar (the 'Green Mountain'), high in the Hajar range, is one of Oman's most beautiful regions, a cool, dramatic plateau where ancient stone villages cling to the slopes above deep canyons, surrounded by terraced gardens famous for their roses (from which precious rosewater is distilled each spring) and fruit. You explore its spectacular viewpoints over the canyons, walk among the terraced villages and gardens, and take in the cool air and dramatic beauty. The scenery and culture are captivating.
- The Grand Canyon of Oman at Jebel Shams, with its dramatic Balcony Walk, is a spectacular highlight. Jebel Shams, the 'Mountain of the Sun' and the highest peak in Oman, overlooks the spectacular Grand Canyon of Oman, one of the deepest canyons in the world, a breathtaking chasm plunging thousands of feet. You gaze into its immense depths from the dramatic rim, taking in the awe-inspiring scale and beauty, and walk the famous Balcony Walk, a spectacular trail along the canyon wall to an abandoned village, with breathtaking views the whole way. The scale and drama are breathtaking.
- Beautiful old mountain villages, such as Misfat al Abriyeen and Al Hamra, with their falaj channels and mudbrick houses, are an atmospheric highlight. In the mountains, you explore beautiful, atmospheric old villages that seem unchanged for centuries. At Misfat al Abriyeen, you wander lanes of ancient mudbrick and stone houses amid lush terraced gardens and date palms, fed by the traditional falaj (ancient water channels, a UNESCO-recognised system). At Al Hamra, you explore one of Oman's oldest villages, with its beautiful mudbrick houses and living-museum. The atmosphere and heritage are captivating. Exploring beautiful old mountain villages such as Misfat al Abriyeen and Al Hamra.
- Walking the dramatic trails and terraces of the mountains is an adventurous, beautiful highlight. The Hajar Mountains offer superb walking amid spectacular scenery. Beyond the Balcony Walk, you walk among the terraced villages and gardens of Jebel Akhdar, along ancient falaj channels and village paths, past abandoned villages clinging to the canyon walls, and to spectacular viewpoints, immersed in the dramatic beauty and cool air of the mountains. The walking and scenery are exhilarating and beautiful. Walking the dramatic trails and terraces of the mountains, from the Balcony Walk to the village paths and falaj channels of Jebel Akhdar amid spectacular scenery.
- The great fort and souk of historic Nizwa add culture and heritage to this mountain journey. At the foot of the mountains, Nizwa, the historic old capital, set amid a vast palm oasis, is one of Oman's most atmospheric towns. You explore its magnificent 17th-century fort, climbing its enormous round tower for sweeping views over the oasis and mountains, and wander its lively, atmospheric souk, famous for silver, khanjars, pottery, dates and spices, perhaps visiting Jabrin Castle or Bahla Fort. The history and atmosphere are captivating. Exploring the great round fort and lively souk of historic Nizwa.
- Above all, this journey immerses you in the spectacular, beautiful mountains of Oman, a dramatic and adventurous experience. The Hajar Mountains are among the most dramatic and beautiful landscapes in Arabia, and this journey immerses you in them. Over six days you explore the terraced rose villages of Jebel Akhdar, gaze into the Grand Canyon of Oman at Jebel Shams and walk its Balcony Walk, discover beautiful old mountain villages, and take in the fort and souk of Nizwa, guided by expert local guides and 4x4 and warmed by legendary hospitality. The combination of dramatic mountains, deep canyons.
Day by Day
A detailed day-by-day plan for this 6-day journey.
Your mountain journey begins as your flight arrives at Muscat International Airport, where you are met and transferred to your hotel in Muscat, Oman's gracious capital. Oman is one of the most beautiful and welcoming countries in Arabia, and the warmth of the Omani welcome is immediate. Spend the rest of the day settling in and relaxing after your journey, perhaps taking a first stroll along the beautiful Mutrah corniche or relaxing at your hotel. This evening, a welcome dinner introduces you to the delicious, aromatic flavours of Omani cuisine and to the dramatic mountain journey ahead through Jebel Akhdar, Jebel Shams and Nizwa. As you settle in, the elegance and warmth of Oman work their magic, and the anticipation of the spectacular Hajar Mountains builds. Rest well, for tomorrow you ascend the Green Mountain, Jebel Akhdar, into the beautiful high country of Oman.
Today you ascend Jebel Akhdar, the 'Green Mountain', into the cool, dramatic high country. You journey by 4x4 up the winding mountain road (a 4x4 is required) onto the high plateau of Jebel Akhdar, high in the Hajar range, where the air is cool and the scenery spectacular. You take in the dramatic viewpoints over deep canyons and terraced slopes, and explore the ancient terraced villages that cling to the mountainside above the gorges, famous for their rose gardens (from which precious rosewater is distilled each spring), fruit and pomegranates, fed by ancient falaj water channels. You might walk among the terraces and villages, taking in the beauty and cool air. As the day ends, you settle into your mountain accommodation, perhaps on the dramatic canyon rim. This evening, savour the cool mountain air and dramatic views. Rest well amid the beauty of the Green Mountain.
Today you explore the beautiful terraced villages and dramatic scenery of Jebel Akhdar. You take a guided walk among the ancient terraced villages that cling to the canyon walls, such as the abandoned village of Wadi Bani Habib with its ruined stone houses amid walnut trees, or the terraced rose gardens and villages around Al Ayn and Ash Sharaija, walking along ancient falaj channels and village paths past the famous rose terraces (spectacular in bloom in spring). You take in more of the spectacular viewpoints over the deep canyons, the cool air and the dramatic beauty of the Green Mountain, immersed in the timeless mountain culture. The scenery, walking and culture are captivating. As the day ends, you return to your mountain accommodation. This evening, savour the cool air, dramatic views and starry mountain sky. Rest well amid the beauty of Jebel Akhdar.
Today you journey to Jebel Shams to gaze into the Grand Canyon of Oman. You descend from Jebel Akhdar and journey by 4x4 towards Jebel Shams, the 'Mountain of the Sun' and the highest peak in Oman, perhaps visiting the beautiful old village of Al Hamra and the mudbrick village of Misfat al Abriyeen along the way, with their ancient houses and lush terraced gardens. At Jebel Shams, you gaze into the spectacular Grand Canyon of Oman, one of the deepest canyons in the world, a breathtaking chasm, and walk the famous Balcony Walk, a spectacular trail along the canyon wall to an abandoned village, with breathtaking views the whole way. The scale and drama are breathtaking. As the day ends, you settle into your accommodation near Jebel Shams, on the dramatic canyon rim. This evening, savour the spectacular views and starry mountain sky. Rest well amid the drama of the Grand Canyon of Oman.
Today you descend from the mountains to historic Nizwa. You take in a final spectacular view over the Grand Canyon of Oman, then journey down from Jebel Shams towards Nizwa, perhaps stopping at the mighty Bahla Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the magnificent Jabrin Castle, one of Oman's finest, with its beautiful painted ceilings. In Nizwa, the historic old capital set amid a vast palm oasis, you explore its magnificent 17th-century fort, climbing its enormous round tower for sweeping views, and wander its lively, atmospheric souk, famous for silver, khanjars, pottery, dates and spices. The history and atmosphere are captivating after the drama of the mountains. As the day ends, you settle into your accommodation near Nizwa. This evening, savour the peace of the oasis town, reflecting on the spectacular mountains you have explored. Rest well ahead of your departure.
After a final morning near Nizwa, perhaps a last look at the fort or souk, you journey back to Muscat International Airport for your onward international departure. You leave having immersed yourself in the spectacular, beautiful mountains of Oman, the terraced rose villages and cool air of Jebel Akhdar, the breathtaking Grand Canyon of Oman and Balcony Walk at Jebel Shams, the beautiful old mountain villages of Misfat al Abriyeen and Al Hamra, and the great fort and souk of Nizwa, all warmed by legendary Omani hospitality. The images stay vivid long after you land, the terraced villages clinging to the canyon walls, the breathtaking Grand Canyon of Oman, the ancient mudbrick villages, and the great round fort of Nizwa. The mountains of Oman offer dramatic beauty, ancient heritage and beautiful walking in abundance, and you depart already dreaming of a return to this spectacular and gracious land.
Where You Will Travel
What's inside the package?
Inclusions
- 5 nights accommodation
- Daily breakfast, a welcome dinner and some mountain dinners
- Airport and land transfers in air-conditioned 4x4 vehicles
- Touring and sightseeing as per itinerary with expert local guides
- Entrance fees to forts, sites and reserves as per itinerary
- private touring with an expert local guide and 4x4, a Jebel Akhdar rose-village and viewpoint tour with guided walks, a Jebel Shams Grand Canyon and Balcony Walk excursion, mountain village visits, a Nizwa fort and souk tour, and all entrance fees
Exclusions
- International airfare
- Visa or tourist card fees where applicable
- Travel insurance (strongly recommended)
- Some lunches and dinners not specified
- Optional experiences and tips for guides and drivers
- Meals not mentioned in the itinerary or inclusions
- Drinks unless specifically stated
- Optional excursions and experiences
- Personal expenses and gratuities
- Anything not specifically mentioned under Package Inclusions
Know when to go.
- Visa & entry: Most nationalities need a visa for Oman, easily obtained as an eVisa online before travel (some nationalities enjoy short visa-free stays); a passport valid for at least six months is required. Requirements can change, so we confirm the exact process for your nationality and arrange the eVisa where needed
- Currency: The currency is the Omani Rial (OMR), one of the world's highest-value currencies; cards are accepted in hotels, malls and larger shops in Muscat and towns, but carry cash for souks, small shops, tips, forts and rural areas. ATMs are available in towns and cities
- Best time to visit: October to April is ideal across most of Oman, with warm, sunny, comfortable days perfect for Muscat, the mountains, deserts and coast; summer (May to September) is very hot inland and on the coast, though this is the magical season to visit Salalah in the south during the green khareef monsoon
- Dress & etiquette: Oman is a welcoming but conservative Muslim country; modest dress is appreciated (cover shoulders and knees), and the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque requires long sleeves and trousers, and a headscarf for women. Omanis are famously warm, gracious and hospitable; respect for local customs is always appreciated
- Deserts, wadis & 4x4: Exploring the Wahiba Sands desert, mountain roads (like Jebel Akhdar and Jebel Shams) and wadis requires 4x4 vehicles, which we provide with expert drivers; desert nights are spent at comfortable to luxurious desert camps under brilliant stars. Bring layers for cool desert and mountain nights, and sturdy shoes for wadis
- Wadis & swimming: Oman's beautiful wadis (like Wadi Shab and Wadi Bani Khalid) offer stunning turquoise pools for swimming; wear modest swimwear (a T-shirt and shorts over swimwear is respectful), bring water shoes, and take care on rocky, sometimes slippery terrain. Your guide advises on the best and safest spots
- Safety & Ramadan: Oman is one of the safest, most stable and most welcoming countries in the region, and travel here is smooth and rewarding; we monitor conditions and follow official advice. During Ramadan, eating, drinking and smoking in public during daylight are avoided out of respect, though hotels cater to visitors; we advise on timing and etiquette
- Getting around & power: Touring is by private air-conditioned 4x4 with your guide, with some long but scenic drives across this beautiful, spacious country. Power is 240V with UK-style type G plugs, so bring an adapter. Arabic is the language, and English is widely spoken in tourism, making travel easy and rewarding
Frequently Asked Questions
How much walking is involved, and how fit must I be?
This journey involves scenic mountain walking, from gentle strolls among the terraced villages of Jebel Akhdar to the more sustained Balcony Walk at Jebel Shams (a spectacular but manageable trail along the canyon wall). The walks can be tailored to your fitness, and none requires technical skill, though sturdy shoes and a head for heights help at the canyon. We adjust distances and difficulty to you, so lovers of scenery of most fitness levels can enjoy the beauty of the mountains.
Is a 4x4 necessary in the mountains?
Yes. The roads up Jebel Akhdar and to Jebel Shams are steep mountain roads that require a 4x4 (and, for Jebel Akhdar, are restricted to 4x4 vehicles), which we provide with expert drivers who know the mountains well. This ensures safe, comfortable travel and access to the spectacular viewpoints and villages. The 4x4 journeys through the dramatic Hajar Mountains are themselves a highlight, with breathtaking scenery at every turn.
What meals are included?
Daily breakfast is included, along with any meals named in the itinerary (typically dinners at desert camps and some remote or half-board stays). Omani cuisine is delicious and aromatic, from shuwa (slow-cooked spiced lamb) and fresh seafood to fragrant rice, dates and Omani coffee, and we usually leave other meals free for you to explore, recommending the best local restaurants at every stage of your journey.
Are the tours private or in a group?
Your journey is private by default, with your own expert local guide and air-conditioned 4x4 vehicle, giving you flexibility, depth and a pace tailored to you; small-group options can be arranged if you prefer. Oman's knowledgeable guides bring the forts, souks, deserts, mountains and rich culture vividly to life, greatly enriching every visit, and the 4x4 is essential for the deserts, wadis and mountains.
Do I need a visa for Oman?
Most nationalities need a visa, easily obtained as an eVisa online before travel, while some enjoy short visa-free stays. We confirm the exact, current requirements for your nationality, advise on the best option, and arrange the eVisa where needed, so entry is smooth. A passport valid for at least six months is required.
Is Oman safe to visit?
Oman is one of the safest, most stable and most welcoming countries in the world, renowned for its warmth, graciousness and hospitality, and travel here is exceptionally smooth and rewarding. We continuously monitor conditions, use trusted local guides and drivers, and follow official guidance at all times. Oman's peaceful, gracious character and genuine welcome are among the great joys of a visit.
When is the best time to visit?
October to April is ideal across most of Oman, with warm, sunny, comfortable days perfect for the capital, mountains, deserts and coast. Summer is very hot inland and on the northern coast, but it is the magical season to visit Salalah in the south, lush and green during the khareef monsoon. We advise on the best timing for your interests and the regions you wish to see.
Can the itinerary be customised?
Absolutely. We can adjust the balance of Muscat, mountains, wadis, desert, coast and the south, add nights at a luxurious desert camp or the fjords of Musandam, include Salalah, extend beach time, and tailor the pace, comfort and focus to you. Every itinerary is a flexible starting point for your ideal journey through the beautiful and varied landscapes of Oman.
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