Al Jabal Al Akhdhar: Via ferrata, which in Italian means iron path, is somewhere between hiking and rock climbing. A via ferrata route is a metal rail bolted into the mountain, that you clip into and use as a safety line for the duration of the route.
It allows one to climb vertical and move horizontal with steel cable attached at the waist or chest, with feet and/or hands using steel rungs to move just as one would navigate a ladder.
One can dangle off an exposed cliff face and above a valley or a canyon to feel the thrill.
This popular adventure activity is now available and popular in Al Jabal Al Akhdhar. Top Adventure is one of the local companies organising it in Al Jabal Al Akhdhar.
Hiking enthusiasts find via ferrata an opportunity for challenge and adventure as Oman is home to various mountain ranges with Al Hajar Mountains extending to approximately 500 kilometres and rising above sea level by about 3,000 metres.
In Al Jabal Al Akhdhar, one of Oman's most important tourist areas, Top Adventure has been licensed by the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism to set up the track.
Maddad bin Hareb al Riyami, owner of Top Adventure, said: "These adventures have their lovers, and there is a large segment currently practicing this activity. There is an increase in fans of adventure sports in general. The Sultanate of Oman is rich in mountain ranges and valleys, so it receives many tourists from outside because of these adventures."
The team also provides other services, zipline, hiking, caving, canyoning, camping, and much more.
Top Adventure's zipline, the longest in Al Jabal Al Akhdhar, has a length of 116 metres.
Ahmed al Hosani, a mountaineering fan, said: "It was a unique experience. This is the first time I have tried this type of adventure. I was apprehensive at the beginning, but then I enjoyed it a lot. It was speedy. I wish I could do it again and advise everyone to try it."
Sami al Hinai, a participant in mountain climbing, said: "What made the experience more beautiful is the cool atmosphere in Al Jabal Al Akhdhar and the picturesque places that can be seen when climbing the mountain. It was an adventure worth experiencing."
The Via Ferrata Al Jabal Al Akhdhar was opened under the auspices of Hamdan bin Nasser al Rumaidhi, member of the Majlis Ash'shura and representative of the Wilayat of Nizwa, in June 2021.
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