Jebel Shams, at the heart of the Hajar Mountains, is Oman's highest mountain, also known as the “Mountain of the Sun”. Its northern summit reaches 3,009 metres, but only the southern summit, at 2,997 metres, is accessible to hikers via a well-marked trail.
As the ascent unfolds, a spectacular canyon landscape reveals itself: high plateaus alternate with peaks overlooking vast wadis — riverbeds bordered by desert terrain — and lush gorges cutting deep into the massif. The route offers a fascinating glimpse into Omani mountain life, with its traditional villages, high-altitude communities, livestock herding, and terraced crops and palm groves.
Nearby, Wadi Ghul, nicknamed the “Grand Canyon of Arabia”, opens onto a grandiose panorama that captivates visitors.