VALLEYS OF WONDER

Jebel Shams is Oman’s version of the Grand Canyon, with its unique landscape and ecosystem.

- VIJAYA PRATAP

Toughened by weather and traversed by the Bedouin, the Al-Hajar Mountains in the northeast of Oman were formed millions of years ago by the rare geographical phenomenon of ‘obduction’ of the oceanic crust. The rocks were first formed beneath the surface of the ocean, and were then pushed up onto the land. The word ‘hajar’ means rock in Arabic and the Al-Hajar Mountains are nothing but solid rock—stark, with not even a blade of grass on their surface.

Located at a height of 9,777 feet within these mountains is Jebel Shams, one of the most stunning canyons in the region, with their lush valleys, ancient villages and fruit orchards. About 240 km from the capital city of Muscat, summers are pleasant here and winters sometimes snowy, making it a popular retreat for those wanting to escape the extreme heat of the plains.

The canyons offer the scope for a wide range of outdoor activities like trekking, rock climbing, canyoning, and off-road explorations. It is also true that reaching Jebel Shams by an off-road drive in a four wheel-drive vehicle is in itself quite an adventure.

Our driver-cum-guide Ahmed sports Prada sunglasses, six-pack abs—thanks to his Keto diet—and proudly wears his Bedouin heritage on his sleeve. The stomach-churning journey on the dirt roads through the canyons and hills is much fun, thanks to Ahmed’s continuous chatter that comes with a story with each twist of the road. Born and raised in these hills, Bedouins know every inch of Al-Hajar and they drive on its rough terrain with impeccable expertise.