Mountains in Oman
Oman has a wonderful coastline, amazing deserts and also three wonderful mountain ranges. They are often forgotten in the promotion of the country. You will find traditional lifestyles. Many traditional habits are preserved.
They are great for adventure all year long. They are cool in summer and even cold in winter. These are wonderful areas for hiking, enjoying silence - meditation, and especially for camping.
The Hajar Mountains
The Hajar Mountains stretch for over 700 kilometers across northern Oman, from the Musandam Peninsula down to Sur. This range forms the backbone of the country and divides the coastal plains from the desert interior.
Jebel Shams, meaning “Mountain of the Sun,” is Oman’s highest peak, rising to about 3,009 meters. It is famous for the Wadi Ghul, known as Oman’s “Grand Canyon,” where dramatic cliffs drop into deep valleys.
Jebel Akhdar, or “The Green Mountain,” lies nearby and is renowned for its mild climate, terraced villages, and fruit farms. During spring, the mountain is covered with blooming Damask roses, used for traditional Omani rosewater.
The Hajar region is also home to ancient villages like Misfat al Abriyeen and Al Hamra, built from stone and mud, showing traditional mountain life that has existed for centuries.
The Western and Eastern Hajar Ranges
The Western Hajar includes peaks around Nizwa, Al Hamra, and Bahla, known for their dramatic cliffs and ancient forts. The Eastern Hajar stretches toward Sur and the Sharqiyah region, offering rugged terrain and beautiful wadis like Wadi Tiwi and Wadi Shab, perfect for hiking and swimming.
The Dhofar Mountains (Qara Mountains)
In southern Oman, near the city of Salalah, lie the Qara Mountains, part of the Dhofar mountain range. These mountains are unique because they are affected by the Khareef, the monsoon season from June to September.
During this time, the usually dry landscape transforms into a lush, green environment filled with waterfalls, mist, and cool breezes. Places like Wadi Darbat, Ayn Athum, and Jebel Samhan become popular tourist destinations for their greenery and scenic views.
