Driving up Jebel Shams is a transition from the desert heat to crisp mountain air. The primary draw is the massive gorge that drops vertically for over 1,000 meters. Standing on the rim, the scale is so immense that the traditional villages on the valley floor below look like tiny toy sets. It is a raw, rocky landscape where silence is only broken by the occasional mountain goat.
Things to Do
The Balcony Walk (W6): This is the most famous hike in Oman. It is a relatively flat (but exposed) path that skirts the rim of the canyon, halfway between the top and the floor. It takes about 3–4 hours return and leads to an abandoned stone village called Sab Bani Khamis.
Stargazing: Because of the altitude and the lack of light pollution, the night sky at Jebel Shams is spectacular. On a clear night, the Milky Way is visible to the naked eye, and the stars feel close enough to touch.
Summit Trekking (W4): For serious hikers, the 10–12 hour round trip to the summit plateau offers the ultimate "top of the world" feeling. Note that the very highest point is a restricted military area, but the public summit provides 360-degree views of the Hajar range.
Via Ferrata Adventure: For adrenaline seekers, there is a "climbing path" with steel cables that allows you to ascend the vertical canyon walls under professional guidance.
Places to See
Wadi Ghul Viewpoints: Along the road to the top, there are several designated pull-offs where you can look straight down into the "Grand Canyon." Each offers a slightly different, equally terrifying perspective of the drop.
Al Khitaym Village: A tiny, stone-built settlement at the end of the road that serves as the starting point for the Balcony Walk. Local women often sell handmade woolen crafts and mountain honey here.
Sab Bani Khamis: An abandoned "hanging" village tucked into a cliff face. You can still see the stone houses and the terraced gardens where villagers once grew crops in total isolation.
The Hidden Lake: At the end of the Balcony Walk, there is a seasonal pool and a small waterfall (after rain) tucked away in a deep mountain fold.
2026 Trip & Itinerary Advice
Best Time to Visit
Season: October to April for hiking. In the winter, temperatures can drop to 0°C or below at night, so bring heavy layers.
Summer: It remains 10–15°C cooler than Muscat, making it a popular escape from the July heat, though it can be very windy.
Pro Tips
Vehicle: A 4WD is highly recommended. While much of the road is now paved, there is still a roughly 7–10 km stretch of unpaved, steep, and gravelly road near the top. Small cars can struggle, especially if it has recently rained.
Supplies: Beyond the mountain resorts, there are no shops or petrol stations. Fill your tank in Al Hamra before starting the climb and bring plenty of water and high-energy snacks for hiking.
Fear of Heights: The Balcony Walk is wide enough to be safe, but it is very exposed. If you have severe vertigo, you may find parts of the drive and the trail challenging.
Suggested Full-Day Itinerary
7:00 AM: Leave Muscat and drive toward Al Hamra (approx. 2 hours).
9:00 AM: Begin the 1-hour climb up the mountain road, stopping at the main viewpoints.
10:30 AM: Arrive at Al Khitaym and start the Balcony Walk (W6).
12:30 PM: Reach the abandoned village of Sab Bani Khamis, rest, and have a snack.
2:30 PM: Finish the hike and head to one of the mountain resorts for a late lunch with a canyon view.
4:00 PM: Visit the "old town" of Misfat Al Abriyyin at the base of the mountain for a coffee before driving back to Muscat.
