Hajar Mountains & Canyons Hiking
Cross Wadi Bani Awf by 4WD, hike the Jebel Shams Balcony Walk, and explore the villages of Jebel Akhdar.
An in-depth itinerary focusing solely on the Hajar Mountains. After crossing the wadi in a 4WD vehicle, use Misfat al Abriyyin, Jebel Shams, and Jebel Akhdar as bases for daily hikes of two to four hours. The route bypasses deserts and coasts, making it ideal for those with good physical fitness and off-road driving experience. If you lack 4WD experience, you can hire a driver or skip the off-road crossing by taking the Nizwa highway instead.
Frost can occur on mountain peaks in the early mornings of January and February; do not enter wadis after rain due to flash flood hazards.
Day by day
Day 1 · Nakhal Fort & Wadi Crossing
Muscat（Nakhal Fort、Ain Thowarah Hot Springs） → Nizwa & Jebel Akhdar（Wadi Bani Awf & Snake Canyon）
Drive from Muscat to Nakhal (approx. 1.5 hours), then take the gravel road through Wadi Bani Awf to Al Hamra (approx. 3 hours).
A 4WD is mandatory for the crossing; there are no gas stations along the way, so exit the valley before dark.
Stay: Al Hamra and Misfat
Day 2 · Mud-brick Village & Al Hoota Cave
Nizwa & Jebel Akhdar（Misfat al Abriyeen、Al Hamra Old Village & Bait al Safah、Al Hoota Cave）
Walk around Misfat al Abriyyin in the morning, drive mountain roads to Al Hoota Cave in the afternoon, and return to Al Hamra (approx. 40-minute drive).
Al Hoota Cave is often closed on Mondays and opening hours vary; call to confirm before setting out.
Stay: Al Hamra and Misfat
Day 3 · Jebel Shams & Balcony Walk
Nizwa & Jebel Akhdar（Jebel Shams）
Drive up Jebel Shams from Al Hamra (approx. 1.5 hours), with the final stretch requiring a 4WD; the round-trip hike takes 3–4 hours.
Some sections run along cliff edges, so avoid hiking in wet weather; temperatures drop in the afternoon, so bring warm clothing.
Stay: Jebel Shams
Day 4 · Jebel Shams to Jebel Akhdar
Nizwa & Jebel Akhdar（Tanuf Ruins、Birkat al Mouz）
Descend the mountain, skirt the foothills, and ascend Jebel Akhdar (approx. 2.5–3 hours), stopping at the Tanuf Ruins on the way.
The Jebel Akhdar checkpoint checks for 4WD vehicles; refuel at Birkat al Mouz beforehand.
Stay: Jebel Akhdar (Green Mountain)
Day 5 · Jebel Akhdar Villages & Abandoned Hamlet Hike
Nizwa & Jebel Akhdar（Jebel Akhdar Terraces & Diana's Point、Wadi Bani Habib）
Hike the W4 village trail for about 3–4 hours, then drive 20 minutes to Wadi Bani Habib in the afternoon.
Stay: Jebel Akhdar (Green Mountain)
Day 6 · Nizwa Fort & Return
Nizwa & Jebel Akhdar（Nizwa Fort、Nizwa Souq & Friday Goat Market）
Drive down the mountain to Nizwa (approx. 45 mins), then take the highway to Muscat Airport after midday (approx. 2 hours).