Jebel Shams Oman (also written as Jabal Shams and in Arabic as جبل شمس) is one of the most popular tourist destination in Oman and a year round attraction. There is so much to write for Jabal Shams and I am trying to cover as much as possible in this post. If you want more info, you can contact me here.
This Post Contains
The Highest Mountain of Oman
Located at Ad Dakhiliyah Governorate in the Sultanate, Jebel Shams is the highest mountain in Al Hajar mountain chain and in Oman. Jebel Shams height is a little over 3000 meters.
There are two summit on Jabal Shams, the North Summit and the South Summit. The North Summit is the highest point of the mountain but it is not accessible for tourists. The summit is a military base and is a restricted area.
The South Summit, a few meters below 3,000 meters, is publicly accessible for trekking via the W4 Trail (trail details is covered below in this post).
Jebel Shams means the Sun Mountain
In Arabic, Jabal Shams literally means the “Sun Mountain” or the “Mountain of the Sun”. This mountain is called Sun Mountain because in Oman it is the first place to receive sunrise due to having the highest peak.
Jebel Shams – The Grand Canyon of Arabia
Jebel Shams is known as the Grand Canyons of Arabia. Just for those who don’t know what is a Canyon, let me make a brief introduction about these. A Canyon or Gorge is a deep narrow valley with steep sides formed by erosion from a plateau.
How to Reach Jebel Shams?
From any part of Oman and UAE, Hajar mountains are accessible by road. The drive is memorable with stunning views of the nature and cliffs.
Drive from Dubai to Jebel Shams
The journey from Dubai to Jebel Shams is around 6 hours and is via Al Ain. After crossing the Al Ain Border for UAE and Oman, proceed to Ibri on Highway 21. Continue the journey till Kubarah on the same road, before turning towards Jebel Shams. If you are using the GPS or Google Maps, you can set it for Jebel Shams Resort or GPS Coordinates 23°12’29.1″N 57°11’51.3″E.
It is very important to note that if you select any random Jebel Shams location on Google map, you will not reach to View Point, or W4 and W6 Treking area or Camping area. Jebel Shams Resort is the right point to select.
Drive from Muscat to Jebel Shams
When you are traveling from Muscat to Jabal Shams, you can also set Google Map or GPS to Jebel Shams Resort or GPS Coordinates 23°12’29.1″N 57°11’51.3″E. You have to drive on Highway 15 and pass through Rusayl, Fanja, Samail, Izki, Birkat Al Mouz, before making a turn to Highway 21. You can proceed via Nizwa or can skip Nizwa. You will pass through Al Hamra to reach Jebel Shams.
Drive from Nizwa to Jebel Shams
From Nizwa to Jabal Shams, the driving route is quite simple. Proceed to Jabal Shams via Highway 21. Make a right turn (1st exit) from the round about at 23°01’20.8″N 57°19’58.8″E.
Recommended Hotel to Stay in Jebel Shams
There are couple of hotels and resorts in Jebel Shams, but I have found the following 2 better for the tourists to stay:
- Jebel Shams Resort Oman, near the starting point of the Balcony Walk (details covered in the post below)
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Sunrise Resort Jebel Shams, awesome location
In Jebel Akhdar, there are two five star resorts – Alila Resort Jabal Akhdar and Anantara Al Jabal Al Akhdar Resort. Anatara is the highest resort in the Middle East. You can visit Jebel Shams while staying in Jebel Al Akhdar.
Jebel Shams Weather
Jebel Shams temperature is relatively lower than Muscat, Sohar, Nizwa, and Seeb, in Oman and Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, and other areas in UAE throughout the year. Jebel Shams Weather makes it a perfect choice for the residents of these cities, which are not very far, to come by driving of few hours and see the mercury drops.
Check the temperature before leaving for Jebel as you may need to pack warm clothes.
The Basic Difference Between Jebel Shams and Jabal Al Akhdar
Both Jebel Shams and Jebel Akhdar are on Al Hajar mountain range. The basic difference is on views and plantation. In Jebel Shams the terrain is dry and the canyons are present. While in Jabal Akhdar, as the name literally means Green Mountains, there are plantation of roses and Pomegranate and other flowers and plants.
In Jebel Shams, there isn’t any 5 star resort but in Jebel Akhdar, there are 2 resorts – Alila Resort Jabal Akhdar and Anantara Al Jabal Al Akhdar Resort.
Things to Do at Jabal Shams
Jabal Shams has a view point, trekking, star gazing, camping, hiking and other activities.
Jebel Shams View Point
There’s a nice viewing point at Jebel Shams, from where tourists can view the amazing landscape. The wire rope runs at the edge, for the protection of the visitors. This is one of the most visited spot on the mountain and an ideal place for those who don’t want to camp or trek.
Check: Jabal Shams View Point Google Map Location
Jebel Shams Camping
Many visitors come to Jabal Shams for an overnight camping experience by the edge of the canyon. Camping in Jebel Shams is a great experience. However, many people just prefer to stay at hotel, like me. So I am mentioning where to stay in Jebel Shams if you are not into camping.
Jabal Shams for Star Gazing / Night Photography
Please also visit Jabal Shams for Star Gazing and stunning Night Photography. As you are away from the lights of the cities and at an altitude, this is an amazing combination that makes star watching memorable. If you are staying in a camp, you can just gaze stars from there. If you are staying in hotel, you can drive to any spot nearby and watch the stars.
Jebel Shams Balcony Walk and Trekking
Balcony Walk on Jabal Shams is trekking on the part of W6 route. Along this route, you can have great views of the canyon. you can see the Canyon on one side. But beware, this is not for those who have fear of height. Below is
Jebel shams Balcony Walk Map
Trekking at the Famous W4 Trek
Trekking Route W4 is path to the southern summit of Jabal Shams from “The Plateau”. However, this needs you to be medically fit. The trek will take 10 to 12 hours. The ascent time is 5 to 6 hours with light pack, which can increase with camping equipment. The decent time is around 5 hours. Distance covered by this trek is around 9 kilometers and its rocky and partly steep.
You can download Jebel Shams Trekking Maps in PDF format.
Off-roading Experience
While ascending, there are non-asphalt parts on the road. The drive on this off-road to the highest mountain in Oman is a great experience. Although you can go in Saloon car up till Jabal Shams Resort, but 4×4 is still better to have. The off-roading to Wadi Nakhur and Wadi Ghul is also possible with 4×4 vehicle. I visited with Toyota Rav4, which was rent a car. You can book your vehicle online
Wadi Nakhur – View of the Canyon from the Bottom
An off-road track will go to Wadi Nakhur, from where you can view the Canyon from the bottom. At that place you can even walk on foot and explore in a different way.
A Natures First Hand Experience
Before going to Jebel Shams, I read some blog posts and found that most of them have mentioned about the goats roaming in the mountain. We were also greeted by these Goats. Hello Mr. Goat 🙂
See Abandoned Houses and Old Structues
We were surprised to see 3 pillars on the top of a cliff, which is seemingly left over for an old structure.
There are some old houses along the way to Jebel Shams and near Jebel Shams resort.
