Jebel Shams: Hiking the Mountain of the Sun

The events described in this post took place on or about April 29, 2010 in Jebel AL Akhdar, Oman. For those of you viewing this through Facebook 'Notes', the original post is available on www.henrickatlarge.blogspot.com. It will enable you access to photo galleries and other multi-media material which don't transfer into 'Notes'

In my last post, I talked about the hike I did in one of the most picturesque spots in the entire middle east, Al Jebel Al Akhdar.  Two weeks ago, I thought that would be hard to top.  That is, until I got a phone call from one of my colleagues (the same guy who organized the Akhdar hike), he was planning another hike.  This time it would be to Jebel Shams.  Jebel Shams is slightly further away from Nizwa (where I am) than Jebel Akhdar.  They are however in the same mountain chain (the Hajar mountains).  Shams is actually the highest point in all the Arabian peninsula.  Therefore it has long been on my list of places I must visit.  Coupled with the fact that it is only and hour-and-a-half away, well... I just had to.  Moreover, it is not only the highest point in Arabia, but it is also the second-largest canyon in the world (the first being the Grand Canyon in Arizona).  So I was totally psyched when I found out there was a hike planned for Jebel Shams this weekend.




View Larger Map


View Larger Map





The view was fantastic!!!  It was just as amazing as the Grand Canyon!  We took a terrace walk.  That is to say that we hiked down a trail that runs on the side of canyon, leaving the entire gorgeous landscape below us to be viewed.  To give you an idea just how massive this place is, I've embedded two video clips I took during the walk (please excuse the shakiness).


Beginning of the Hike




End of the Hike


In contrast to Jebel Akhdar, this was no pleasure-walk.  There were no roads, no pavement, and no amenities.  The trail was rough and rugged, and at some points it was only fit for a mountain goat (which there were plenty of up there)!  The path was just rock, and covered with scree.  At the mid point (which was only a place to turn back and do it again, this time in reverse), we ended up at a small pond partially under a over-cropping of rock. This was a beautiful place indeed, and provided a some much needed shade, under which to rest.  Along the way, we came across some ancient abandoned villages.  These were really cool! The were practically built in 'grooves' in the cliff face.  How people could live up there I have no idea.  On the way back we also got to stop by a beautiful wadi called wadi Al Goul.  I took a few pictures of that place as well. 

Well all in all, this was a fantastic hike.  Don't get me wrong, it wasn't easy. Though, it was certainly worth it.  So I hope you enjoy the pictures...

-H