Jabaling in Oman

During the summer with Eid holidays at hand, one of the best things to do is to explore cooler places within the Sultanate of Oman. With a well-maintained vehicle, preferably a four-wheel drive, you can embark on a journey to various destinations at higher elevations. Here are ten mountains, known as Jabals, that are worth visiting, with the Al Hajar Mountains playing a prominent role.

The highest mountain in the Sultanate of Oman is Jabal Shams, also known as the Mountain of Sun. Located north of Al Hamra, this majestic peak reaches an altitude of over 3000 meters. Jabal Shams offers breathtaking views, overlooking the scenic Wadi Ghul. It's important to have a four-wheel drive to reach this mountain, and a popular attraction is the four-kilometer-long balcony walk, which involves a change in elevation. One of the highlights of Jabal Shams is its weather, as it records consistently low temperatures during both daytime and nighttime. Additionally, Jabal Shams is a nature reserve and a favored destination for campers, hikers, and stargazers. The area of Al Hajar al Gharbi, where Jabal Shams is located, is designated as a starlight reserve, ensuring protection from artificial outdoor lights. Moreover, this area is home to the largest number of endangered juniper trees.

Jabal Akhdhar, also known as the Green Mountain, is part of the Al Hajar Mountain range. Rising to an elevation of 2980 meters, it is a popular destination for both domestic and international tourists. Visitors are drawn to the mountain's farms, rose water industry, and well-developed tourism infrastructure. Whether you prefer camping or seeking a leisurely holiday, Jabal Akhdhar offers something for everyone. Don't miss out on exploring the Sadiq plateau, which is a favorite spot among visitors.

Jabal Hatt is another notable mountain in Oman that can be accessed via an asphalt road leading to its summit. The pleasant temperatures on Jabal Hatt make it an ideal place to spend long hours. While there are areas to rest, some people prefer to relax in the shade of their vehicles. Recently, more motorists have been discovering this gem of a destination. Jabal Hatt is located in the eastern part of the Wilayat of Al-Hamra, and it is one of the mountain villages situated approximately 36 km from the center of Al Hamra. The villagers here primarily engage in agriculture, and the area is adorned with trees such as sidr, acacia, al-'atm, and sabbar.

For those heading to the Dhofar Governorate, the highest peak to explore is Jabal Samhain. What sets it apart is the absence of monsoon showers, creating a unique ecosystem. Jabal Samhain is also designated as a nature reserve and serves as a habitat for the endangered Arabian leopard. The reserve supports a diverse range of prey species, including Arabian gazelle, Nubian ibex, Cape hare, rock hyrax, Indian crested porcupine, desert hedgehog, several bird species, caracal, striped hyena, and Arabian wolf. Situated about 50 km from Salalah, Jabal Samhain reaches its highest point at 2100 meters.

Jabal al Kawr, according to those who have been there, is a stunning tourist attraction for walking and climbing. Standing at 2700 meters high, Jabal al Kawr is a haven for mountaineering enthusiasts. The mountain walls feature numerous established routes, but it is advised to visit in groups and, if possible, in the company of professionals. Rock climbing enthusiasts will find Jabal al Kawr to be a paradise, although caution must be exercised.