Explore the Wadis and Canyons of Oman. Ancient cities hidden in the cleft of the mountain cliffs, tumbling streams, breathtaking mountain views, local cuisine and friendly Omani culture. Depart from Muscat to Wadi Bani Auf, hiking through a narrow canyon to the charming village of Bilad Sayt. Continue into the Hajar mountains to Misfah Al Abriyyin, one of the most historic town in Oman with centuries of ancient tradition. Onward to Wadi Ghul and hike down to Wadi An Nakhr where you will see ancient weaving techniques and share a cup of Arabic coffee with the locals. Climb the summit of Jebel Shams, and hike across to the rim of Wadi An Nakhr, known as Oman's "Grand Canyon". Descend through the abandoned village of As Saab with spectacular views into the canyon, and arrive at Al Hamra. This itinerary includes three nights of rough camping, with hot local food cooked up by your guide, and a selection of desert treats. It is an active tour and requires a moderate to high degree of fitness. Finish the tour in the comfort of your luxury hotel in Muscat, with a sunset dhow cruise, and dinner at one of the top restaurants in the country.

Note: Dress code – Women should wear attire covering their arms and legs and should cover their head with scarf. Men should wear normal shirt and trousers.

Bilad Sayt is considered one of Oman's most picturesque mountain village's.  Traveling along this extensively fertile route towards the little mountain village, a 4X4 vehicle is recommended as the terrain is rugged and bumpy.  Negotiating a vehicle through the mango, lime and oleander trees is no easy task, whilst having to be aware of pools of muddy water potentially leaving your vehicle paralysed in the muck.  Bilad Sayt's name came to be, and translates to "the town I forgot" as a result of a not so knowledgeable Mogul general whom overlooked the village while sacking all the other villages around the wadi.  An area of 3 kilometre’s in length named "snake gorge" is one of the alternate routes of travel used to reach Bilad Sayt, but can become extremely narrow, and twists along a path filled with pools, rocks, and waterfalls.

Board 4WD air conditioned vehicles and drive along the Batinah Coast. We stop at the camel breeding farm for a while and see the numerous camels that are bred in this farm. From here, we drive to Wadi Bani Awf, one of the most spectacular wadis in the country and a perennial favourite.

Wadi Bani Awf is one of the most spectacular wadis in the country and a perennial favourite. As you drive into the wadi, after 1km, a deviation to the right will bring you to an impressive gorge, ‘the Snake Canyon’. The first half kilometres is fun hiking in a narrow section of the canyon. The canyon opens up into a wide wadi and then, the next kilometres and so is easy hiking among boulders. The Canyon narrows to less than 5 meters wide and eventually gives way to a pool. Feel free to enjoy a swim in the pool. Later we drive further to the charming village of Bilad Sayt. After parking the vehicle near the mouth of the narrow “V” shaped gorge, you will set out on foot. The first view of the town will come after you emerge from an improbable canyon cleft. It is like discovering a lost city, or seeing Petra for the first time.

Set up camping tents for the night. Dinner cooked by your guide with portable stove and local food. Relax by a campfire in the clear mountain air under starry skies.

Overnight at Rough Camp.

Misfat Al-Abriyyin is a Garden of Eden, a jewel nestled in the heart of the mountains, perched on the edge of a cliff. Ancient buildings surrounded by palm trees, with narrow paths ascending steeply between houses and shops. 

Drive in 4WD air-conditioned vehicle.

We drive further on to Sharf Al Alamayn, one of the most spectacular viewpoints in the Hajar Mountains. The sudden drop makes a beautiful photographic moment. Start your trek to Misfat Al Abriyyin. Misfat remains one of the most historical towns in Oman where not much have changed throughout the years. The trek affords some of the best views into the wadis on the northern side of the western Hajar Mountains.

Set up camping tents for the night. Dinner cooked by your guide with portable stove and local food. Relax by a campfire in the clear mountain air under starry skies.

Overnight at Rough Camp.

Al Hamra is a 400-year-old town in the region Ad Dakhiliyah, in northeastern Oman. It is home to the mountainside village of Misfat Al Abryeen. Al-Hamra is also known as Hamra Al-Abryeen with reference to the Al Abri tribe who live there. Some of the oldest preserved houses in Oman can be found in Al Hamra, a town built on a tilted rock slab. Many of the houses have two stories, with ceilings made of palm beams and fronds topped by mud and straw. Visit the nearby souq and watch a halwa maker at work in the only halwa shop still operating in the old souq.

Drive to Wadi Ghul in 4WD airconditioned vehicle.

We drive to Wadi Ghul and begin the trek. Here you will see the abandoned village on a ledge of an outcrop where two wadi’s converge. The village is that of Ghul. Up on the right is where the current village lies. The old village goes back to antiquity. Further down is Wadi An Nakhr where we will meet with weavers. Over a cup of “Arabic coffee” (Kahwa) you will get a demonstration of the weaving process. Arrive at the summit of Jebel Shams, also known as the “Al Khatim plateau”. Enjoy lunch near the rim of the Canyon or the Nakhr Gorge. After lunch we continue our trek on an ancient donkey path, which follows the West flank of Wadi An Nakhr known as the “Grand Canyon”, and leads to the abandoned village of As Saab. The walk allows spectacular views into Wadi An Nakhr the “Grand Canyon” and down to Al Hamra.

Set up camping tents for the night. Dinner cooked by your guide with portable stove and local food. Relax by a campfire in the clear mountain air under starry skies.

Overnight at Rough Camp.

Drive to Muscat through the Sumail Gap via Izki and Wadi Fanjah.

Enjoy a private transfer to Marina Bandar Rawdha and embark a traditional Omani Dhow for a 2 hours Dhow Cruise. While on board, you can enjoy some Kahwa and dates. On the cruise, you will pass the Yacht club of Muscat and fishing village of Sidab. Pass by the harbor of historic Muscat, the Sultan’s Palace flanked by Jalali and Mirani forts and then sail past Al Bustan Palace, Oman’s premium hotel. From here you go by Qantab and at Bandar Jissah you can have a glimpse of the Shangri-la Resorts before returning to Muscat where you will be transferred back to your hotel.

Pick-up at your hotel and transfer to Bin Ateeq Restaurant (Omani Restaurant) for a sumptuous Omani Dinner. Bin Ateeq is acclaimed for serving some of the finest Omani cuisine in Muscat. Diners congregate on woven rugs at low tables and cushions to savour the finest Omani food in private rooms. After dinner return transfer to the hotel.

The Grand Hyatt Muscat (4*) is located on the sandy beach of Shatti Al Qurm, overlooking the azure waters of the Gulf of Oman and right in the heart of the diplomatic and government district of the city. The property is one of the largest and most opulent hotels Muscat has to offer. The interior includes many gold and stained glass features and facilities include concierge service, fitness centre, parking, and shops.

Overnight at Grand Hyatt Muscat (4*).