Duration 3 days
Difficulty CHALLENGING
FROM ...

Jebel Shams Summit & Snake Canyon | Summit of the GCC | Top 100 hikes in the world | First timer Abseiling | Perfect between May & October | Grand Canyon of Arabia

Why come with us to Jebel Shams & Snake Canyon?

  • Jebel Shams: 
    • Home to the largest gorge in the Middle East and second largest in the world after the U.S.' Grand Canyon
    • One of the highest mountains of the GCC with its peak at 3009m
    • It is known as Jabal Shams or "The Mountain of the Sun" because it is the first place to receive sunrise in Oman due to its high peak and the last to see the sunset
    • It is 12 degrees less than Dubai/Muscat making it an idea location to go to from May to October
    • Accessible primarily by 4x4 vehicles (unless you're willing to damage your sedan), the absence of asphalt adds to the charm of this destination.
    • Home to the abandoned village of Al Khitaym, providing a glimpse into historical architecture and cultural heritage.
  • Snake Canyon: 
    • Considered one of the top 100 hikes globally.
    • Ideal for trying abseiling for the first time.
    • Best time to visit Snake Canyon: between May and October. Despite the scorching temperatures prevalent in much of the GCC region during this period, Snake Canyon's shaded waters offer a refreshing respite year-round.
    • Sleeping at an altitude of 2000m in Jebel Hatt, with temperatures 12 degrees cooler than at sea level.

  • 7 meals: 2 dinners, 2 breakfasts & 3 lunches
  • Accommodation at Jebel Shams villas and Season Inn Hotel (or similar) in twin-share rooms of the same gender
  • Jebel Shams Summit Hike
  • Snake Canyon 5-hour adventure with equipment (helmets, safety harnesses, life jackets, abseiling equipment, and a first aid kit)
  • Balad Sayt Village tour
  • Adventure leaders - multi-cultural & fun guides who know the ins and outs of Oman
  • Visa - Free on arrival for most people. Please check "Important Notes" section for more info
  • Flight ticket
  • Health and travel insurance: It is mandatory to have a health and travel insurance in the country where this experience is happening. If you don't have insurance or your current insurance doesn't provide coverage, you can obtain it from dnata or any similar insurance provider.

Available Extra:

  • Single supplement is available for 500 per night (subject to availability) if you’d prefer not to share a room on this trip. Please contact us for further information.
  • Group size: small group experience (min. 8, avg. 10, max. 15)
  • Physical rating: Advanced. To climb the Jebel Shams Summit, you need to have hiked within the last 2-3 weeks before the trip, able to hike for 8 hours or more with a 5kg bag, regularly train (run/walk/hike).
  • Solo & women friendly: Solo and female travelers are more than welcome; 70% of our participants are usually solo adventurers and women.
  • Visa requirements:
    • It is your responsibility to ensure that you have a valid visa or are eligible for a visa on arrival. Please visit https://evisa.rop.gov.om/ for the latest updates on visa requirements for Oman. The information provided below is for general guidance only and is subject to change:
      • Most nationalities (excluding certain African nationalities) holding a UAE work visa with more than 3 months of validity remaining and a passport valid for over 6 months can enter Oman visa-free or obtain a visa on arrival.
      • If you hold a dependent visa and your dependent meets the above criteria, you can also enter visa-free or obtain a visa on arrival, provided your dependent is traveling with you.
  • Health and travel insurance: It is mandatory to have a health and travel insurance in the country where this experience is happening. If you don't have insurance or your current insurance doesn't provide coverage, you can obtain it from dnata or any similar insurance provider.
  • Meeting point & time: Muscat International Airport at 10:30 am . Make sure your flight arrives earlier to allow yourself time to cross passport control and collect your luggage. Please do not book your flights until we request you to pay the balance amount.
  • Important details if you are driving to Oman:
    • A 4x4 vehicle is needed to reach Jebel Shams. Please book our 4x4 transport if you don't have one.
    • If you have a loan on your car, you will need to get a NOC from your bank/dealership to be able to cross the border to Oman. You will also need Oman insurance for your car which you can get on the border if you don’t have one.
    • You are not allowed to take a car that is not under your name unless you have a RTA permit.
    • Please make sure you check with the Omani border for the latest rules as the rules keep changing and we are not responsible for the border crossing part.
  • Tipping Information: If you'd like to show your appreciation to your guide, please bring cash in OMR for tipping.
  • Single Supplement: A single supplement is available for AED 500 per night if you’d prefer not to share a room on this trip (subject to availability). Please contact us for further information.
  • Jebel Shams Summit Hike Details:

Duration: ~10-12 hours

Distance: ~12km

Elevation gain: ~1000 m

Difficulty level: Advanced

  • Balcony Hike Details:

Duration: ~3-4 hours

Distance: ~4km

Elevation gain: 200 m

Difficulty level: Intermediate

  • Instagram: Follow us on Instagram for our latest adventures: arabian.wanderers
  • Disclaimer: By joining the hike, you confirm that you have voluntarily, freely, and expressly chosen to incur all risks associated with the hike.

Good vibes! (& the below)


Essentials:

  • Passport (& visa if you are not qualified to get it at the border or arrival)
  • Cash (AED or Omani Riyals) for snacks or souvenirs

Clothes:

  • Sportswear for the hikes
  • Light Jacket/Sweatpants for the nights
  • Change of Clothes
  • Hiking shoes for Jebel Shams & hiking water shoes for Snake Canyon
  • One more pair of shoes/flip flops as your shoes will get wet 

Accessories:

  • Backpack suitable for hiking (that can fit water & snacks) - Ideally waterproof
  • Beach Towel
  • Earplugs (for light sleepers)
  • Water Bottle or hydration pack (Min. 2L) - to reduce plastic usage
  • Waterproof Phone Cover (optional) 
  • Snacks

If Driving to Oman:

  • Vehicle license
  • Driving license
  • Orange card

Can't find the dates you're looking for?


Visit our Private Trips page to explore customized options for your group.


You can also call us on +971 52 206 7219 or email info@arabianwanderers.com

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Itinerary

Day 1

Journey to Jebel Shams

Meeting at 1:30 pm at Muscat International Airport.

On our way, we take a culinary pitstop at a traditional Yemeni restaurant for an authentic lunch. 

Reaching Jebel Shams, we'll enjoy the breath-taking views of the grand canyon. As the sun sets, painting the sky in hues of red and orange, we'll huddle around the campfire. A friendly game of cards, dinner, and toasting marshmallows on the fire complete our day before retiring for the night.

Day 2

Climbing Jebel Shams Summit and Journey to Jebel Hatt

We begin our day early, starting the hike at 4:30 AM to witness the sunrise while making our way up Jebel Shams, Oman's highest mountain.

As we ascend, we'll pause for a light breakfast, allowing us to refuel while soaking in the morning light.

The summit hike is a challenging 10-12 hour journey up and back, offering breathtaking views and an unforgettable experience.

After completing the hike, we'll return to the hotel for a well-deserved meal before journeying to Jebel Hatt, another of Oman's highest peaks, for dinner and an overnight stay.

Day 3

Adventure in Snake Canyon and Visit to Balad Sayt Village

The adventure continues with a hearty breakfast followed by an exhilarating day at Snake Canyon. 

Trekking, abseiling down cliffs, swimming, jumping into pools, and sliding on smooth rock surfaces make for a thrilling day. We'll then head to Balad Sayt Village, a picturesque settlement that feels like a scene from a storybook. 

We enjoy another Omani home-cooked lunch before returning to Muscat International Airport at 6:00 pm.