We Love Oman: The spectacular view of Jabal Shams

Oman Saturday 02/April/2022 21:04 PM
By: Times News Service
We Love Oman: The spectacular view of Jabal Shams

A cool summer weather, breathtaking peaks, the spectacular view of the deep wadis and the curvaceous road uphill makes Jabal Shams the most favourite place for all, especially nature lovers. Located in Wilayat Al Hamra, Al Dhakilya region, Jabal Shams is the highest peak in Oman and is located at about 3000 feet above the sea level and is a part of the Al Hajar Mountains range.

Among the best places to see the sunrise in Oman is Jabal Shams, which when translated into English means the Mountain of the Sun. The highest point in Oman, Jabal Shams overlooks a majestic grand canyon - where early morning sunshine seems to steadily cross the floor before determinedly climbing up its steep, rocky sides.

Visit the historical village of “Ghul,” which is entirely built with rocks and mud, uniquely sitting on the edge of Jabal Shams, overlooking vast areas of farms. The village is called “Oman’s Grand Canyon” due to the fact that it overlooks a towering canyon called “Shurfat Al Nakhr.” There are camping centres, an observatory, and places for hiking and balcony walks. Jabal Shams has a number of marked hiking routes, the most famous  being the Rim Walk to the abandoned village of As Sab, which was once home to about 15 families that built their homes into the side of the cliff.

The temperature up in the mountain are mild and are usually 10 to 15 degrees cooler than that at sea level in Oman, making it pleasant in the summer and cold in the winter with bouts of snowfall, the ministry says. To reach there take the Nizwa road from the Al Sahwa roundabout, then take the road to Wilayat Al Hamra and from there turn left to Wadi Al Ghul where you will see the mountain route. There are signs that will guide you all along the way. While taking the route to the peak, you will find the  Shurfat Al Nakhr canyon a few miles before reaching the peak. The view of the canyon from the peak is spect