Adventure travel in Oman: Towering Mountains

Oman is a sublime destination for serious climbers. More than 160 ascents – from beginner’s grades to technical ascents – have been established throughout the country.

The highest mountain range in Oman, Jabal Akhdar (“Green Mountain”) takes its name from the year-round vegetation that covers its slopes. The range’s tallest peak, Jabal Shams (“Mountain of the Sun”), stands at 3,009 metres, over double the height of Britain’s Ben Nevis. Sheer rock faces provide thrilling climbs, while Jebel Misfah features ascents that vary from 120 to 500 metres. Perhaps the best-known climbing site is nearby Jebel Misht. It remains the largest and most challenging rock face on the Arabian Peninsula. Climbers must be in top physical condition; engaging a local guide is also advised.

It was British RAF pilots who pioneered rock-climbing in northern Oman in the 1960s. British climbers have continued to set up and promote routes in Oman since the 1980s, including Derbyshire-born climbing legend John Gregory. Climber and author Alan Stark describes the Omani trekking route Stairway to Heaven (built by the local Shihu tribe and connecting the Wadi Litibah in Oman with Ras Al Khaimah in the UAE) as "a five-star expedition with over 2,000 metres of ascent and descent”. Neil Gresham, currently one of Britain's best all around climbers and a top climbing coach, enthusiastically recommends Oman for deep water soloing, or rock-climbing on cliff-faces along the Arabian Sea.

For canyoners, the sublime Wadi Bimmah (“Snake Gorge”), 145km southwest of Muscat, is a 200-m deep canyon, approximately three kilometres in length. It boasts its own Via Ferrata, a vertiginous route lined with steel cables and bridges. Equally exhilarating is Bandar Khayran’s Via Ferrata, which skirts cliffs above the Arabian Sea. Be sure to pack your own climbing gloves.

Discover more about Oman: www.omantourism.gov.om