Jebel Shams

جبل شمس

Oman's highest peak, overlooking the vast Wadi Ghul canyon known as the Grand Canyon of Arabia. Visit for spectacular cliff-edge views and the Balcony Walk trail hugging the gorge.

Things to do

• Balcony Walk (W6 Trail) — Hike the famous cliff-hugging path along Wadi Ghul to the abandoned village of As Sab and its cascade of terraces.
• View the Grand Canyon of Arabia — Stand at the canyon rim viewpoint and gaze down into the dramatic depths of Wadi Ghul, one of the deepest gorges in the region.
• Summit Jebel Shams (Sun Peak) — Reach the vicinity of Oman's highest point at around 3,000 meters for panoramic views, though the very top is a military area.
• Buy handwoven rugs at the rim — Browse colorful carpets and camel-wool weavings sold by local families at stalls near the canyon viewpoint.
• Explore Ghul village ruins — Wander the crumbling stone houses of old Ghul perched at the mouth of the wadi below the mountain.
• Camp under the stars — Pitch a tent or stay at a mountain camp on the plateau for cool nights and exceptional stargazing away from city lights.
• Detour to Wadi Nakhr — Drive into the wadi floor beneath the towering canyon walls to see palm groves and dramatic rock scenery.

Food to try

• Shuwa — Marinated meat slow-cooked underground for a day or more, traditionally served at celebrations and often available at mountain lodges.
• Omani harees — A comforting porridge of wheat and slow-cooked meat pounded into a smooth savory dish, ideal in the cool mountain air.
• Kahwa and dates — Cardamom-scented Omani coffee served with local dates is the customary welcome offered by hosts and camps.
• Mishkak — Grilled skewers of marinated meat, a popular quick roadside meal on the drive up from Al Hamra.
• Omani halwa — A sweet, sticky dessert of sugar, rosewater, saffron and nuts eaten with coffee and offered to guests.

Local customs & good to know

• Dress modestly — Cover shoulders and knees, as this is a conservative rural area and the mountain gets genuinely cold, so bring warm layers.
• Bring cash and supplies — There are no ATMs or large shops on the summit plateau, so carry water, food and cash for rug purchases.
• Use a 4x4 for the ascent — The road to the upper viewpoints and camps is steep and partly rough, so a high-clearance four-wheel drive is strongly recommended.
• Respect the military zone — The actual highest summit is a restricted military area, so stay within the public viewpoints and trailheads.

Nearby

• Wadi Ghul — 5 km
• Misfat Al Abriyeen — 6 km
• Bald Sayt (Al Batinah Coast) — 12 km
• Al Hamra — 14 km