Jebel Shams - the Mountain of the Sun
is the highest mountain in Oman. Its elevation is 3,009m/9,872ft. From the mountain top you see the beginning of the Grand Canyon with its spectacular geological features caused by the Indian and Asian continental plates crushing together to thrust the bottom of the then ocean up at a sharp angle. This gorge and river bed is called Wadi Ghul.
The Grand Canyon of Oman
Yes, Oman does have its own Grand Canyon. Maybe not as massive as the one you will find in Arizona, but most certainly worthy of being called a Grand Canyon.
The Amazing Balcony Hike
The Balcony Hike is a spectacular path on the rocky rim of the canyon that leads to an old abandoned village called Al Sab. The path offers incredible views of the canyon, the surrounding magnificent mountains and the Wadi Ghul below. The path does offer some challenges as you hike the vertical sides of the mountain. There are points when you are extremely close to the edge and get a glimpse of the mile drop off to the floor of the river bed below. No barriers or caution signs here.
The Abandoned Village of Al Sab
After about two hours of hiking you come to the old village of Al Sab. Built into the rock face to protect the inhabitants from the direct sun, Al Sab shows how ancient dwellers lived hundreds of years ago. Great spot to stop and enjoy the view while eating some fresh fruit.
No hike along the Balcony Trail would be complete without a few goat sightings. Not sure how they get around the rocky cliffs, but they seem very comfortable in their environment.
The Drive Down from Jabel Shams
showed the beauty of the Omani countryside with quaint villages nestled in the rocky arid terrain. Look close enough and will will see the ever present Mosque
