T H E
A U T H O R I T Y
O N
A D V E N T U R E
OMAN
23.5859° N, 58.4059° E
JEBEL SHAMS, VIA FERRATA
Oman›s authority on adventure. We ensure you have a safe, fun and, of course, extreme experience on one of our many outdoor adventure activities, There are no excuses! BE SAFE.
Our internationally certified and highly experienced instructors will ensure your adventure meets international standards for safety. All we ask is that you listen to them.
ACT RESPONSIBLY.
We operate a ‘no trace’ policy for all our activities. So make sure that anything you bring with you, goes home with you. We will be interacting with local people in their villages and so we ask that you respect the local culture and traditions. Please dress and act responsibly.
EMBRACE THE ADVENTURE.
We ask that you embrace each of our activities with an open mind and a sense of adventure. We have designed each of them to challenge you, whether you are a complete novice or an experienced adventurer.
internationally qualified instructors certified first-aiders fully insured local expertise customer experience focused full ground handling 10+ years in adventure industry flexible itineraries
LOOKOUT FOR THESE SYMBOLS min group size: 2 people max group size: 12 people large groups & private tours available mountain biking & kayaking on request
wildlife & bridwatching on request
Our adventures are not for the faint hearted and require some level of courage, stamina and fitness. To let everyone experience the thrill, our adventures are designed to cater to different levels. Look out for these symbols in the document to keep you informed.
Open for everyone.
Good fitness level & training required.
Experience & good fitness level required.
CAVING
CLIMBING
TREKKING
SWIMMING
CAMPING
CYCLING
VIA FERRATA
JEBEL SHAMS VF. If you are in Oman, you have got to do it! Climb the top 200m cliffs of Oman’s highest mountain, Jebel Shams. This adventure is not for the faint-hearted! Our adventure commences with a hike along the edge of the canyon, the famous Balcony Walk, to the recently abandoned village of Sap Bani Khamis where we have a quick stop for photos and a look at a lake above. We then continue climbing up the scree to the start of the villagers’ old sticks stairway, now the Via Ferrata. The route is protected with a steel cable that reaches all the way up the 200m cliffs, providing assisted climbing for the adventurer with little experience. With the 2,000m deep canyon just over your shoulder, the views are exceptional, and a head for heights is most definitely required.
WHERE
Up Jebel Shams in the Western Hajar, this is the highest mountain in Oman with a summit just over 3000m. The climate is cool, and the views over the edge of Oman’s own Grand Canyon are exceptional.
WHEN
cliffs: 200M distance: 4KM days: 1 | nights: 0
With a 3-hour drive from the capital, we aim to leave Muscat by 6 am. It will take us about 2 hours to reach the abandoned village and another two hours to complete the climb up the mountain where the cars will meet us. With a break for lunch some time midday, we should be back in Muscat by early evening.
CLIMBING & ABSEILING
intro to climbing This adventure is for all ages and abilities. Our instructors will be there to teach you the basics and give you the opportunity to climb some introductory rocks. Learn about the harness, safety, climbing and belaying techniques on this one-day training that will get your feet off the floor. No fitness level or skills required.
WHERE
There are multiple climbing spots scattered around Western and eastern Hajar. We will choose the right one depending on the group. Once on location we will do a brief introduction and the split into groups and start climbing, coached by twenty3 extreme instructors.
WHEN
We aim to leave Muscat by 8 am, to make sure we have the whole day to spend on the ropes. With a break for lunch some time midday, we should be back in Muscat by early evening.
cliffs: 30M distance: 1.5KM days: 1 | nights: 0
small abseil This adventure is a perfect way to experience Jebel Shams and get some adrenaline going for the less adventurous ones. With an abseil of 35m followed by a short section of Via Ferrata, this is a brilliant way to get your less adventurous friends trying out something amazing. As we reach the edge of the canyon, you can feel the wind pick up and your heartbeat raising. Enjoy the views while your instructor sets the ropes. Our descent doesn’t take too long but enjoying the scenery is well worth it, as well as having a play around the lower ledges. Once we are all safely down the 35m abseil and enjoyed the view, it is time to start thinking about the ascent. Following the Via Ferrata, protected by a steel cable route up the villager’s old way up, we make our way back to where we started. The canyon behind is a whopping 2000m deep, and up to 4000m wide in places making the exposure on this trip incredible.
WHERE
On Jebel Shams in the Western Hajar, this is the highest mountain in Oman with a summit just over 3000m. The climate is cool, and the views over the edge of Oman’s own Grand Canyon are exceptional.
WHEN
With a 3-hour drive from the capital, we aim to leave Muscat by 6 am. It will take us 3-4 hours to abseil and then climb back up. With a break for lunch some time midday, we should reach Muscat by early evening.
descent: 35M distance: 1KM days: 1 | nights: 0
big abseil This two-pitch abseil will test your nerves as you step off the edge and make a 200-meter controlled descent on to the lower ledges below. With a 2000m canyon below your shoulder, The adrenaline is pumping, and the views are breathtaking. After a short hike down the wadi to reach the edge, we gear up, man up and leap off the edge. The first abseil is a shorter 35m and acts as a warm-up for what’s coming next. Take a peek down, on a 150m sheer rock face you are about to abseil with kilometres of space below. This abseil is so big it’s hard to take it in. It takes some mental toughness not to lose your cool here. It is still just the beginning, once down we have the next task ahead, and that’s to get back up. For this, we will follow the Via Ferrata route all the way up to reach our starting point.
WHERE
Jebel Shams is the highest mountain in the Sultanate of Oman, at Up on Jebel Shams in the Western Hajar, this is the highest mountain in Oman with a summit just over 3000m. The climate is cool, and the views over the edge of Oman›s own Grand Canyon are exceptional.
descent: 150M distance: 1.5KM days: 1 | nights: 0
WHEN
With a 3-hour drive from the capital, we aim to leave Muscat by 6 am.The adventure will take us about 4-6 hours to complete. With a break for lunch some time midday, we should be back in Muscat by the evening.
CANYONING
snake canyon 1.0 This adventure is a perfect introduction to canyoning in Oman. The canyon is stunning with its narrow and winding pathway and steep walls rising 100m above. Our route is full of obstacles, expect small abseils, slides and scrambles at every turn. As we approach the second half of the canyon, get ready to traverse through the pools of water in the dark, as we enter the cave. Your adventures don’t end there, swim through the pools, scramble through stone or use a few awesome jumping opportunities to get your adrenaline going. Don’t forget to save some energy for our final 40-minute hike out of the canyon.
WHERE
One of the most famous canyons in Oman, Snake Canyon, locally known as Wadi Bimmah is a two-hour drive from Muscat. Today we explore an easier left-hand fork of the canyon.
WHEN
descent: 150M distance: 1.5KM days: 1 | nights: 0
We aim to be on site, all kitted-up by 8 am. It means leaving Muscat at 6 am. The adventure will take us about 3 hours to complete. It is essential to get an early start, firstly to beat the heat of the midday sun but also minimise the chance of getting caught out in the afternoon showers.
al hayer falls It is a fantastic day of swimming in turquoise pools of the Al Hayer section of Wadi Bani Khalid. Away from touristic pools, this canyon is a great adventure for everyone who enjoys water fun. With multiple long swims, impressive jumps and plenty of route finding, this is a fun and less travelled route in Oman. The canyon boasts a remarkable waterfall with great jumping points from the timid meter high to the really big stuff. The length of this canyon means that you certainly won’t be left wanting more out of the day! It is an excellent adventure for the novice and less experienced canyoneers out there.
WHERE
This adventure takes place in the Eastern Hajar Mountains in the village of Al Bidah. This is a rarely explored by the most exciting section of famous Wadi Bani Khalid. Once out of the canyon we enjoy our lunch and head back to arrive at the capital in the evening.
WHEN
We aim for an early 8 am start to make sure we have safely climbed up before it dawns. This means leaving Muscat at 6 am. The canyon is not technical but quite long; the adventure takes about 5 hours to complete.
descent: 180M distance: 5.8KM days: 1 | nights: 0
snake canyon 2.0 It is a fantastic entry-level adventure for those looking to get a good adrenaline rush and try out some rope work. The challenges start right from the start with a 6m abseil or a jump for more courageous right at the canyon entrance and don’t end until we start our hike to exit the canyon. As we keep following the canyon down, get ready for a 30m abseil, multiple slides, jumps and scrambles. Every turn has a new obstacle for you to figure out. We take a quick break to warm up in the sun as we reach the fork where the two sides meet and head towards the cave. Traverse through the pools in the dark and come out to face more slides, swims and a few BIG jumps, if you are ready for this, as we make our way towards the exit. Our last challenge is a 40-minute hike out of the canyon, and we take our well-deserved rest under the shade of the palm trees.
WHERE
One of the most famous canyons in Oman, Snake Canyon, locally known as Wadi Bimmah is a two-hour drive from Muscat. The canyon’s right-hand fork is a more challenging and fun adventure.
WHEN
descent: 200M distance: 3.2KM days: 1 | nights: 0
We aim to be on site, all kitted-up by 8 am. It means leaving Muscat at 6 am. The adventure will take us about 5 hours to complete.
ta’ab 50/50 A truly world class canyoning trip that starts as hardcore as it ends. Starting with a few smaller abseils to get into the flow of things we then hit multiple drops of 50m followed by another few smaller abseils between 10 and 30m along the way. With swims through crystal clear pools, the canyon is a fantastic playground for the more demanding out there. Upon exiting, we have a climb up the wall of the wadi to reach the car park.
WHERE
Situated on the road up to the Selmeh Plateau above Tiwi in the Eastern Hajar Mountains.
WHEN
Wadi Ta’ab is about a 2.5 hours drive from Muscat. We will be heading out of Muscat around 5.30 am to get on site before the morning heat increases. After kitting up, it is straight into the action with a 30-minute walk into the start of the canyon. This trip can take up to 8 hours from start to end making for a long day.
TRAINING
2-hour training is a pre-requisite for this adventure. Usually done the evening before the adventure in an indoor climbing facility in Muscat.
descent: 300M distance: 2.6KM days: 1 | nights: 0
tiwi 1.0 This place has it all as far as canyons go, hot springs, waterfalls, caves, jumps, slides and plenty of water. It has got to be one of the best-looking canyons we have on offer, the one that is truly worth visiting given a chance. After a long trip to the cave, we abseil down the waterfall inside and swim out into a pool of turquoise water on the other side. Here we find calcite formations pouring hot water like shower heads. A perfectly unique spot for lunch. Once fed we are going to make the journey back up through the canyon.
WHERE
Located down in the Eastern Hajar Mountains towards Sur, near to the Umq Bi’r.
WHEN
descent: 400M distance: 4.5KM days: 2 | nights: 1
Leaving Muscat in the afternoon, we make our way south, turn off the main Sur road by Qalhat. From here it is another three hours off-road driving to reach our high-level camp above the canyon entrance. We enjoy our famous BBQ and a night under the starts. After breakfast, we gear up and make the walk down into Umq and beyond into the canyon to head for the majestic cave for lunch. After a bite to eat and some water, we return up the same route heading for the cars and eventually onto Muscat. We will be reaching the city in the evening.
tiwi 2.0 For the hard-core amongst you, we drop from camp through the Valley of the Giants passing huge squared boulders that dwarf the villagers’ huts crowded underneath them. We now descend into the narrow and steep walls of the canyon, passing hot springs, abseils, huge clear pools, waterfalls and jumps along the way to the clear turquoise cave waters which boasts fantastic calcite formations pouring water like giant elephant trunks. Once we have refilled the fuel tanks with a light lunch, we continue down the canyon passing more huge pools, up to three hundred meters long with plenty more scrambles and challenges along the way towards Sayma’ where the cars will be transferred to meet us.
WHERE
Located down in the Eastern Hajar Mountains towards Sur, near to the Umq Bi’r.
WHEN
Leaving Muscat in the afternoon, we make our way south along the coast all the way to Umq Bi’r where we will camp for the evening. After breakfast, we gear up and make the walk down into Umq and beyond to the canyon entrance which leads us all the way 8000m to Sayma and the cars beyond. We will be reaching Muscat in the evening.
descent: 500M distance: 8.3KM days: 2 | nights: 1
caving
the cave explorer It is an awesome adventure into the pitch-black underground cave system of the Western Hajar Mountains. It is open for everyone ready for the challenge, no previous experience required. The cave has never been touched, and offers us a fantastic natural section of the cave to explore. A short hike down the wadis and a 6m abseil later, we are at the bottom, standing next to a dark hole in the ground, natural entrance into the cave. A 10-meter roped abseil gets you down into total darkness, like very few other places on earth. We start expedition through the cave’s large chambers and narrow passages, scaling huge boulders the size of cars and columns of calcite that dwarf the few spectators who come to visit. Following the watercourse, we reach the first lake which is home to the rare and protected blind cave fish. Our exit route follows the old passageway as it winds back up through some impressively large chambers and well-decorated sections towards our 10m-entrance pitch and the first glimpse of daylight.
WHERE
A largely unexplored Al Hoota cave system in the Western Hajar is a great introduction to the caving world.
WHEN
We aim to be on site, all kitted-up by 8 am, which means we leave Muscat at 6 am. This way we head underground before the temperatures start to rise. The adventure will take us about 4 hours to complete.
descent: 160M distance: 2KM days: 1 | nights: 0
seventh hole 1.0 If you want to do something world class that you will remember forever, this is it. Our trip starts with a huge 120m descent into the Canyon Room where we get the chance to explore this vast chamber and take some amazing photographs. We then progress into a fossil passage high above the watercourse that brings us to the second descent of 40m. After another short hike, we begin our ascent making our way up the ropes towards the wadi above. We do this in a series of climbs the first being 40m in height and the second being 30m with a few shorter scrambles in the middle.
WHERE
Situated on the Selmeh Plateau above Tiwi in the Eastern Hajar Mountains and at an altitude of 1,300m, it is a wonderful place to both camp and cave. It takes roughly 3 hours to get here from Muscat.
WHEN
We head up the mountain after completing the last training session on the morning of day 1 and camp in the evening. We rise with the sun and kit up for the big drop. We exit the cave after lunch, de-rig and head back to Muscat.
descent: 120M distance: 1KM days: 2 | nights: 1
TRAINING
Being such an extreme adventure, the trip requires some pre-planning which is done in Muscat over 3 x 3-hour sessions. Usually done the day before the adventure at an indoor climbing facility in Muscat.
seventh hole 2.0 The seventh Hole through to Khaf Thary is another worldclass adventure on offer here in Oman. This one is for the truly hard-core out there. For 3,600 meters we traverse through the largest surveyed cave system in Oman. En route we pass huge formations, multiple small climbs and abseils, roped traverses with the possibility of some swimming along the way to reach the stunning Crystal Chamber. Then we still have another 90mins before breaking into the open air once more. But that’s not the end. It is another 90min trek back up an old donkey trail to the waiting cars.
WHERE
Situated in the Eastern Hajar Mountains and at an altitude of 1,300m, it is both a wonderful place to camp and cave.
WHEN
We leave Muscat after the last training session has been completed. We descent into Seventh Hole late afternoon/ early evening and continue all the way through to Khaf Thary. You can expect to traverse for about 8-12 hours, excluding breaks. Then add on the journey back to the top and a well-deserved sleep before we go back to Muscat.
TRAINING
Being such an extreme adventure, the trip requires some pre-planning which is done in Muscat over 3 x 3-hour sessions. Usually done the day before the adventure at an indoor climbing facility in Muscat.
descent: 385M distance: 6KM days: 2 | nights: 1
TREKKING
riyam walk This old route is an ideal day out for those who do not want to travel too far. With a short transfer to the starting location by Riyam park, we load up with some water before starting a ten-minute ascent up into the foothills that lead around some fantastic views overlooking the port. We then descend to an abandoned settlement and have a break in the shade of an old tree taking the opportunity to look for some of the local wildlife before we continue our walk down the wadi past the water pools that lead to the flood control dam. A short climb over and we descend into the back of Mutrah, winding through the narrow roads to find the sea front where we walk the corniche back to the cars and lunch in the park.
WHERE
This scenic walk takes place in Mutrah, the old port in the capital city of Muscat. It runs from the old village of Riyam to Muttrah, now connected by reclaimed land and a road.
WHEN
An early start is recommended to avoid the afternoon heat, but with a short drive, we usually aim to be on site at 8 am. The walk should last for about 3 hours in total, and after that, we enjoy lunch in the park before departing.
ascent: 500M distance: 5KM days: 1 | nights: 0
balcony walk With a panoramic view of Oman’s ‘Grad Canyon’, this is an incredible adventure for all. The hike is not extremely difficult, but the views are breathtaking. We follow the old route around the inside of Oman’s own Grand Canyon towards the recently abandoned village of Sap Bani Khamis. Above the village is a spring fed lake where we can have a refreshing dip if you wish, or just sit in the shade provided by the cave behind and enjoy the views over lunch. The route back is the reverse route, so now we get those spectacular views from another angle. The gentle descent we enjoyed in the morning makes us work a little harder on the way back.
WHERE
On Jebel Shams in the Western Hajar, this is the highest mountain in Oman with a summit just over 3000m. The climate is cool, and the views over the edge of Oman’s own Grand Canyon are exceptional.
WHEN
descent: 500M distance: 5KM days: 1 | nights: 0
With a 3-hour drive from the capital, we aim to leave Muscat by 6 am. It will take us about 2 hours to reach the abandoned village and another two hours to hike back. With a break for lunch some time midday, we should be back in Muscat by early evening.
bilad sayt to sharaf This trek is tough, but the experience and views are well worth the effort for those looking to push themselves. We start off with the hidden gem of Bilad Sayt and start the ascent of 1000m. As you look up from the foothills, the mountain looks like an insurmountable wall. The route is not long, but it will take us about 6 hours to complete the trek as we conquer the mountain step by step. The route is steep and open in places giving an airy and exposed feeling as you look back onto the wadi stretched far below. We stop to rest quite often so you can truly enjoy the views of the valley, cracks of the Snake Canyon and tiny houses of the Bilad Sayt village below you. A final push we reach the ridge on top, the feeling is absolutely out of this world, and the scenery is stunning! We have made it!
WHERE
This adventure takes place in the Western Hajar Mountains. We start from the Bilad Sayt village and head up onto the ridge high above that overlooks Wadi Bani Awf and across to Al Hamra.
WHEN
We aim for an early 8 am start to make sure we have safely climbed up before it dawns. This means leaving Muscat at 6 am. The adventure takes about 6 hours to complete, with lunch on the route we ought to be finishing by evening.
ascent: 1000M distance: 5KM days: 1 | nights: 0
wakan village trek Explore the lush gardens of bananas, papayas, lemons, pomegranates and grape wines and climb all the way up majestic Jabal Akhdar. The route between the villages of Wakan and Hadash, is a solid day walking. The route is steep and quite exposed in places, getting you to work harder on the ascents. The airy feel and the views of local villages nestled in the cliffs are spectacular. We walk through the grape plantations, explore ancient irrigation system, Falaj and observe local lifestyle. This trek is an absolute gem full of amazing views, local spirit and fresh air.
WHERE
Famous villages of Hadash and Wakan nested in the Ghubrah Bowl at an altitude of approximately 1000m. The views are simply stunning.
WHEN
The starting point is about 1.5-hour drive from Muscat. The adventure will take us about 6-8 hours to complete. With a break for lunch some time midday, we should be back in Muscat by the evening.
ascent: 2000M distance: 9KM days: 1 | nights: 0
fisherman’s trail A long and hot walk for the keen adventurers amongst you. The hike takes two days and one night camping on a deserted and secluded beach that is only accessible by boat or foot. There are only a few short and steep ascents and descents. However, the heat of the day and the humidity of walking by the sea can take its toll. Don’t let that put you off though as it is a fantastic opportunity to enjoy the rugged coast of Oman. The first day will finish at Ras Abu Daud, a secluded beach only accessible by boat and foot where we enjoy a night under the stars and fantastic swimming. Rising with the sun, we have a relaxed breakfast and swim before making tracks along the beach and up over the hills for the next part of our walk that will lead us into Quriyat.
WHERE
This adventure runs along the coast between As Sifah and Quriyat. It is a stunning walk with some swimming spots and the chance to see Gazelle and the elusive Arabian Tahr.
WHEN
We depart Muscat late afternoon and make our way to As Sifah to have a swim and camp out on the beach. The first day often takes about 8 hours and the second, about 6. Quriyat is about a 2-hour drive from Muscat.
ascent: 130M distance: 24.1KM days: 2 | nights: 1
qashah circuit It is a breathtaking route. We start with a steep climb of about 30-40 degrees for the first 500m of ascent. It is a gruelling climb but very much worth it. We continue to follow around the edge of wadi Qashah gently climbing as we go. Stopping for lunch in an abandoned village hidden under a rock ledge and continuing up towards our camping area for the evening, an old helipad once used for supply drops before the roads that now cross the mountain was here. The views down into the canyons below and across the deep ravines are incredible. The second day does not disappoint either with more stunning views and abandoned villages along the way.
WHERE
We start the hike near to Wadi Tanuf, a stunning area on the edge of the impressive Jabal Akhdar mountain.
WHEN
We leave Muscat early morning. The first day will usually take about 6 to 8 hours, including a lunch break, to walk up to the campsite. The second day is similar in time, but can often carry on a little longer, so another early start is recommended to be back in Muscat by the sunset.
descent: 1960M distance: 23KM days: 2 | nights: 1
bani khalid to tiwi It Is a great trek aimed at the more experienced walkers out there. It kicks off with a long day climbing the false summits of the mountains to a height of over 2,000m, before making camp on the barren plateau under the clear skies. Rising early with the sun, we enjoy breakfast and gear up for the walk across the plateau before it starts to descend steeply towards Wadi Tiwi and the lush green villages below. We arrive at the bottom of the wadi and have a chance to cool our feet in the waters before we make a final push along the trail to the cars for a transfer back to Muscat.
WHERE
This adventure starts in the Eastern Hajar mountains and traverses from the interior by the Wahiba desert across to the coast.
WHEN
With this adventure having such a long and hard first day walking we will be starting at 6 am. It is often about a 9 hour walking day including lunch and a few breaks along the way. After a night’s camping and an early rise again we set off on the second-day trail, finishing the final leg of the plateau and commencing the steep descent down into the wadi below. It is often a good 7 hours to get to the cars. We then head to Muscat to reach the city by the sunset.
descent: 2000M distance: 15KM days: 2 | nights: 1
the experience what to expect
• Local experiences off-the-beaten-track. • Physical and mental challenges. • Coaching and guidance. • Getting wet and muddy.
what is included
• Top of the range equipment. • Internationally certified instructors. • Water and soft drinks. • First-aid kit.
optional add-ons
• Transportation. • Picnic lunch. • All-inclusive camping. • Private advenutres.
what to bring
• Closed toe shoes. • Comfortable clothing with knees and shoulder covered. • A small backpack. • Hat, sunscreen and sunglasses.
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