Jabal Shams an attractive destination to go hiking and escape summer heat

Oman Tuesday 09/July/2019 20:07 PM
By: Times News Service
Jabal Shams an attractive destination to go hiking and escape summer heat

Muscat: The cooler weather and hiking trails make Jabal Shams an attractive destination for those in Oman who want to escape the high summer temperatures.
Khaleel Al Toubi, Director of Tourism in Al Dakhiliya said in a statement: “Al Dakhiliya is one of the most important tourist destinations in Oman, as it is packed with natural, historic, and cultural draws for tourists. The first thing a tourist will think of when considering Al Dakhiliya is to visit Jabal Shams, thanks to its cool weather.”
On Tuesday, July 9, temperatures in Jabal Shams ranged between 20 and 28 degrees Celsius, compared to 30 to 36 in Wilayat Muscat and 32 to 48 in Wilayat Ibri. The mountain is about 3,100 meters above sea level and temperatures drop to below zero
in winter.
“Jabal Shams has been a remarkable opportunity for researchers of Geology to study rock formations as well as other natural components found in Oman’s mountains. Jabal Shams is special because it features the world’s second largest canyon. The mountain is also dotted with old villages with local crafts practised by the locals as well as different wildlife and native trees with perfumed scents” Al Toubi added.
Challenging hikes
Khalid, an Omani hiker spoke to Times of Oman about his journey to the mountain: “I went to Jabal Shams recently with my family. Travelling around the area on foot was amazing, and some of the hiking paths can be quite challenging, fitness wise but I enjoyed it”.
“We stuck to the safer paths and explored a group of old houses near al Hamra, by the foot of the mountain. It made me feel like a pioneer and being alone in Jabal Shams was also a very relaxing experience,” he added.
According to the Ministry of Tourism, there are 8 companies in the area that offer a total of 138 rooms for visitors, including hotels, traditional residences, resting areas and camps.
Asaad Al Maamari, Board Member of Al Samaa Heights Resort, said: “The resort has 46 luxurious rooms as well as a swimming pool and a large restaurant, in addition to other facilities.
Nasser Al Hatmi, the owner of Shurooq Al Shams Resort, said: “We see a good number of tourists during the summer, mostly Omanis who come for the beautiful weather.”