Walking in Northern Oman

Depart the UK on an overnight flight to Muscat.

Once you arrive into Muscat we’ll transfer to the hotel where you can have breakfast and check in.

In the afternoon we’ll make our way to the pier for a two-hour cruise along the coastline, after which we can take in the sights and shops of Muttrah Souq in the evening.

Distance: 1.5 miles (2.5km) 

Ascent/Descent: 660 feet (200m)

We’ll start the day with a city tour of Muscat, visiting the Grand Mosque (note there’s a dress code to enter) and stopping for a photo at the Sultan’s Palace. We’ll make our way to the old city of Muscat and the Bait Al Zubair museum.

In the afternoon we’ll drive out to Al Riyam Park in Muttrah where we can set off on a walk up into the hills. The first part is steep (you’ll need to have a moderately good fitness level), but we’ll eventually reach the wadi (valley) where we can stop for a rest. You’ll have time to visit Muttrah Fort, too.

Distance: 2 miles (3km) 

Ascent: negligible

We’ll set off on a coastal drive via Quriyat, stopping at the Bimmah Sinkhole in Najam Park to take in its turquoise blue waters. Once we reach Wadi Shab (meaning ‘ravine between cliffs’), we’ll set off on a three-hour walk to take in the spectacular deep and narrow gorge that cuts through the mountains. We’ll see emerald pools, date and banana plantations, and gurgling falaj (springs).

After lunch at a local restaurant, we’ll drive through the Wadi Tiwi canyon before heading to Sur where we’ll spend the night.

Famous for building traditional dhow boats, Sur provides a fascinating insight into Oman’s history. As we explore the ancient city and its boatyards, you might be able to glimpse dhows being built by hand. Then we’ll set off towards Wadi Bani Khalid, a natural green pool where we’ll enjoy a 30-minute walk and a swim.

Next, we’ll venture to Wahiba Sands, an area of vast dunes. We’ll visit one of the Bedouin houses dotted along the tracks where we’ll have a home-cooked lunch followed by coffee and dates.

We’ll go on an exhilarating drive over the sand dunes and make our way to a desert camp where we’ll watch the sun set and settle in for the night.

Wake up to sunrise in the desert, which you can watch from the top of the dunes. Afterwards, we’ll head to Jebel Akhdar, known as the ‘green mountain’, stopping en-route at Birkat Al-Mawz – a village surrounded by plantations and the perfect setting for our picnic lunch. After a short walk here, we’ll make our way to Wadi Al Madeen where a scenic, winding road leads us to Jebel Akhdar (2,000m above sea level), famed for its fruit orchards and roses, which are in bloom during March and April. Then we’ll check in to our hotel.

Distance: 2.5 miles (4km) 

Ascent: 330 feet (100m)

Set off on an easy walk through villages and gardens, admiring the different crops that come with each season. We’ll have lunch at a local restaurant before driving to Nizwa – the once-upon-a-time capital of Oman. We’ll visit the fort and souq and check out the views from the top of the citadel. Enjoy dinner and a night in a heritage hotel in Nizwa.

After breakfast, our destination will be Jebel Shams, visiting Jabrin castle and the 17th century fort on the way. We’ll also have a photo stop at the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Bahla Fort and visit Bait Al Safah, an open house museum that displays juniper oil production, Omani breadmaking, and coffee bean grinding. We’ll have lunch here before heading into the mountains and the highpoint, Jebel Shams (Mountain of the Sun), Oman’s highest mountain and often called the ‘Grand Canyon’ of Oman, filled with hidden valleys and oases.

Distance: 2.5 miles (4 km)

Ascent: 330 feet (100m)

We’ll soak up the spectacular mountain landscapes of Jebel Shams, walking along the inner rim of a steep canyon to an abandoned village, Ghul. After taking in the views, we return the same way and have time this afternoon to enjoy the facilities at our unique hotel.

Distance: 2.5 miles (4 km)

Ascent/Descent: negligible

We’ll drive to Misfat Al Abriyeen for a two-hour walk to the oasis and old village where there’s a chance to see date cultivation using the falaj system of irrigation. Afterwards we’ll continue driving to Wakan through the dramatic Hajar Mountains along one of the most scenic off-road routes in the country. Then we’ll check in to Sama Wakan Heritage Homes, restored traditional homes, for the night.

This morning we'll enjoy a short walk that explores Wakan village before we drive out to Nakhl. Close to Nakhl Fort at the end of a palm tree-lined road lies the Ain Al Thowarah hot springs, still used by locals today. Next, we’ll enjoy a snapshot of 19th century life at Bait Al Ghasham museum and have lunch here. We then return to Muscat and enjoy a final dinner together this evening at a local restaurant.

Transfer to the airport for your return journey back to the UK.