MUSCAT, NOV 30
As many as 67 climbers from 13 different countries, along with representatives from several tourism companies from Saudi Arabia and Lebanon took part in the ‘Oman Cliffs’ event in Hadash village at Wadi Mistal in the Wilayat of Nakhal in Al Batinah South Governorate, which showcased the beauty of adventure tourism in Oman’s mountains.
Held under the auspices of the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism (MoHT), Hadash Guest House and Coffee in collaboration with the Oman Climbers Team, Wadi Adventures, Rahal Adventures, and Compass Adventures, the event has, by now, been one of the highly sought-after cliff events in the region.
The challenge was open to all and there was an overwhelming response to the call that introduced the scenic beauty of the country to the outside world, according to the organisers. Mountaineers from, besides Oman, Kuwait, Bahrain, UAE, Britain, Austria, Algeria, Scotland and France made it to the top of the 1,500 metres high range of mountains braving the colder climate and the rough terrain and piercing rocks. The only resort on the Wakan mountain range, the Hadash Guesthouse played host to the guests making them feel at home and comfortable.
Participants expressed their great admiration for the experience of climbing Oman’s mountains and exploring its unique natural beauty, most of them, for the first time. They affirmed that Oman’s mountains are promising destinations for adventure and mountain tourism enthusiasts, thanks to their diverse geography and captivating landscapes, thus enhancing the Sultanate of Oman’s position on the global tourism map.
In the previous edition of the Oman Cliff Classic, 50 climbers, trekkers and hikers from various countries experienced the rocky mountains of Oman for the Oman Cliff Classic on the Hadash Mountain Range.
“The response to the Cliff Classic was amazing and we were not hosting many climbers due to logistical issues. However, this annual event would definitely be a must-to-participate or to watch for many tourists to come,” said Salim bin Mansoor al Hadhrami, one who runs the only guest house, Hadash Guest House under the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism (MoHT), a renovated version of a heritage home from their ancestral home.
Wakan and Hadash villages are two of the villages tucked up in the Western Al Hajar Mountains range and overlooking the barren landscape near Wadi Mistal. While Wakan village was shot to the limelight some four years ago when it was blanketed by snow, hail storm, greenery and drizzles making it an ideal location for a weekend outing, the Hadash village, the upcoming tourist destination is thriving to be a hotspot for the international tourists.
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