6-Hour Jabal Stairway Trek in Wadi Nizwa with Abandoned Village

The journey

Trip highlights

• 01 Discover one of Oman's most beautiful abandoned villages in the wadi bottom
• 02 Trek from the charming village of Hulaylat through dramatic mountain terrain
• 03 Descend a challenging cliff-hugging rubble slope before rejoining the original trail
• 04 Take in breathtaking views into the gorge along a level scenic path
• 05 Experience a serious mountain walk on a well-marked trail in Wadi Nizwa

Embark on an exhilarating 6-hour trek from the charming village of Hulaylat in Wadi Nizwa, where stunning scenery and dramatic mountain terrain await. Follow a newly constructed road before descending a challenging rubble slope along the cliff face, then rejoin the original trail leading to one of Oman's most beautiful abandoned villages in the wadi bottom. Walk through the village's serene setting and continue along a level path with breathtaking views into the gorge. This trail offers a rewarding mix of adventure, striking landscapes, and a memorable mountain experience.

However, don't let that put you off, as you soon rejoin the original trail, which drops steadily down to perhaps the most beautiful abandoned village in Oman, in the wadi bottom.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 6 Hours

Tour type Private

Activity level Hard

Accommodation Not included

Transport Not included

Wheelchair access Not applicable

Languages Arabic, English, French

Day by day

The itinerary

1

Day 01

Trek from Hulaylat to the Abandoned Village and Gorge Views

• The trek starts at the small village of Hulaylat, a 5-minute drive from Alila Hotel. Take the first turning on your right into the village, and at the end of the road there is a parking place.
• The trek begins on a newly constructed road on the right, just before the parking area.
• Follow the trail at first along the new road, around two hairpin bends, until it drops steeply down a rubble slope, mainly hugging the cliff face on the right.
• Unfortunately, the original donkey path was destroyed in the attempt to build the road.
• The first few hundred metres of the trail are loose and challenging, so please take great care here. However, don't let that put you off, as you soon rejoin the original trail, which drops steadily down to perhaps the most beautiful abandoned village in Oman, in the wadi bottom.
• Follow the trail through the village, first on the left side and then crossing to the right.
• Continue on a level path, with spectacular views down into a gorge on the left.

The route

Where you'll travel

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

• Services of a professional hiking guide
• Certified abseiling and climbing equipment
• First-aid kit
• Drinking water (you can take and carry as much as you like)
• Picnic lunch

What's Not Included

• Anything not mentioned in the inclusions
• Pick-up and drop facility that can be arranged on request for an extra charge

What to bring

All trekkers should carry the route description and a day pack, and have:

• Good walking shoes or boots, trekking poles
• Minimum of 3 lt of water per person and food for the day
• Spare clothing and swimming clothes
• Sun protection - sunscreen, lip balm, sunglasses, hat
• A phone (although the signal is limited)
• Whistle and headlamp or flashlight
• First Aid Kit
• Spare food and high-energy snacks
• Leave word of your planned route and when you expect to be back

Know before you go

This is a serious mountain walk and needs to be treated with respect. The trail is very well marked, but it is long, and safety precautions are advised. If in any doubt, please hire a local guide.

Logistics

Meeting & route

Meeting point

Jebel Akhdar, Oman

Tour start

3MHF+QQC, Nizwa, Oman

Tour ends at the same location as the start point.