Jebel Shams
(Hajar Mountains)
- Hundreds of settlements
- Average annual temperature: 20°C
- Area size: Approx. 30.000 km²
Jebel Shams
AKA Mountain of the Sun, Rising to just over three thousand metres above sea level, the Hajar Mountain range is the highest In the Arabian peninsula and is home to some of Oman’s most sensational scenery.
We usually set up camp within easy reach of the old capital city of Nizwa- a historical town famous for its souq, ancient forts and weekend cattle market. Our camp is also situated near the UNESCO-listed town of Bahla and a host of spectacular mountain villages and date plantations.
From here, guests can discover the local geology and flora, visit some traditional mountain villages and meet plenty of local people.
Romantics and keen astronomers won’t be disappointed either; the night sky is extraordinary thanks to the remoteness of our camp and minimal light pollution.
Explore the vastness of this rugged land by foot to truly soak up the energy and expansiveness that it has to offer. Or, if you’d prefer something lighter, you can take an easy meander through one of the many ancient villages and have lunch in the leafy shade of a date palm.
Whilst in the mountains, you can expect cooler temperatures and clearer air, which makes for very favourable trekking conditions.
Helen Keller,
Author
What your first day might look like
We will head out of Muscat after breakfast travelling along the Al Batinah coast before turning inland towards Nakhl, home to a restored fort surrounded by date palms and close to Ain a’Thawwarah hot springs.
From here we continue in the direction of Rustaq and into the entrance of the exposed and impressive Wadi Bani Auf. This route takes us over the Hajar Mountains, a climb of over 2,000 m and is considered by many one of the greatest and most memorable off-road drives of Oman.
We pass through some very rugged and extraordinary mountain scenery, through small jebel villages and often through plenty of water on the track.
We stop at the beautiful mountain village of Balad Sayt for a delicious and freshly prepared picnic lunch.
We continue on the breathtaking track up and over the spine of the Hajar, where the views are magnificent.
From here we continue to the foot of Jebel Shams to Wadi Ghul, where we can explore the old ruins of its abandoned village. This area is home to perhaps the highest concentration of traditional carpet weavers in Oman, and as we venture further up Jebel Shams we will see their works on display. The track takes us to the edge of the Omani Grand Canyon. Your camp will be set up nearby, offering magnificent views over the jebel.
Take a look at what else is possible during your trip to the mountains.
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Not your usual camping experience
Our exclusive temporary settlements are reminiscent of a traditional, luxurious Arabian campsite. Each is created in Hud Hud’s unparalleled style, designed to meld into the natural environment and evoke the timeless ambience of the region.
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