Tilal Al-Qattara

A trip to the highest point of Oman and the Arabian Peninsula. Not technical, but at those temperatures easy things become problematic . On the ascent, chose your own route across a few small wadis, downhill follow the rim of the Saydran Gorge  - a side wadi offering truly spectacular views into the Wadi an Nakhur - Oman's Grand Canyon. Except for the goats, lizards and birds not a living soul on the way.

Really great trail. Better known as Balcony Trail (maybe change the name?). Well maintained, lots of clear markings, good path. Trail ends at a deserted village, do yourself a favour and continue to the lovely lake: go to the terraces (cross a mossy stream - watch out for slippery stones) and follow the cairns up to higher ground. Trail moves to the left and ends after 5 minutes at a beautiful lake underneath a rocky overhang. Great place for a picnic! Route was reasonably busy in February....

A fun trail, though it isn't marked as well. There are trail markers that look like tri color “flags." Don’t make the mistake by going south at the dam towards the higher, abandoned village. Despite the trail markings, this is not the correct route and requires light scrambling. The important thing to do is backtrack and follow the trail marking headed up from the wadi to the village in the west. This trail and its views (especially at sunset) are beautiful and worth the hike.

It is required to have 4x4 vehicle to reach the trailhead. This is a great hike through three mountain villages nestled on the edge of the Saiq plateau. Painted flags mark the route until you hit the falaj (small irrigation canal) between Al Ayn and Al Shuraiqa. You can follow the falaj to the final village. This route also takes you up steep stone steps.