121Jabal Shams Via Wadi Bani Awf

Drive North side way through the mountains towards the Batinah plain and visit the village of Bilad Sayt, a mountain village set on a stunning point of view and cross through Wadi Bani Awf, a beautiful wadi with plenty of spots for great pictures. Head off to Wadi Ghul, a spectacular deep canyon in the mountain range out of which rises Jabel Shams, the highest pick in Oman at over 3,000m. Jabel Shams, the mountain of the sun, is home to weavers of heavy woollen rugs in distinctive red, black and brown geometric designs. Along the steep and windy road leading to the top of the mountain, you will discover small villages hiding within the mountains rocks and then reach the incredible Grand Canyon, where you can enjoy a walk in the cool atmosphere of the mountain.

Drive through the Hajar Mountains to the town ship of Nizwa, the ancient capital of Oman. At Nizwa you will visit Nizwa Fort and the Traditional Souq.

From here you will travel through the deep Wadi of Ghul and arrive at Jebel Shams, ‘Mountain of the Sun’ the undisputed lord of the mountains. Jebel Shams is the highest peak of the Jebel Al Akdhar mountain range, soaring 3,000 meters above sea level. Spectacular scenery, ancient rock carvings and remote villages – this is the ‘Grand Canyon’ of Oman.

There will be time to experience some of the breath-taking scenery before continuing to the beautiful old village of Misfah. The village of Misfah is perched on the side of a mountain where narrow ancient stone pathways lead you into the valley below. You will explore this ancient labyrinth before your return trip to Muscat.