About this experience
Most visitors see Jebel Shams from the Balcony Walk. This trip takes you to the top.
The W4 is Oman's toughest marked trail: 24 km return and more than 1,000 m of climbing to the 2,997 m south summit – the highest point in the country open to hikers. It's a full day on your feet, and every step of it is worth it.
We start the night before. After the drive from Muscat, you'll camp on the Jebel Shams plateau, eat dinner by the fire, and fall asleep under one of the clearest night skies in Arabia. Waking up on the mountain means we hit the trail at first light, while the air is cool and the canyon below is still in shadow.
The route crosses a high plateau of wild juniper trees, follows the rim of Wadi Ghul – Oman's Grand Canyon – and finishes on a rugged summit ridge with views across the entire Hajar range.
Your guide is a certified Omani mountain guide who knows this trail in every season. They set the pace for the group, handle navigation and safety, and share the stories of the villages and shepherds who have lived on this mountain for centuries.
This trek is for fit, experienced hikers who are ready for a real challenge. If that's you – the summit is waiting.
Next available dates
What’s included
- Food and drinks
- Hotel pick-up and drop-off in Muscat
- Air-conditioned 4x4 vehicle
- Certified Omani mountain guide
- Dinner at camp (Day 1) and breakfast (Day 2)
- Packed lunch and snacks on the trail
- Drinking water throughout the trip
- Standard tent, sleeping bag and sleeping mat
- All fees and taxes
Not included
- Gratuities for your guide (optional)
- Personal expenses
- Travel insurance
- Hiking boots and personal hiking gear
Itinerary
- 1
Hotel Pick-up
Your guide picks you up from your hotel in Muscat in an air-conditioned 4x4 and you head inland towards the Western Hajar Mountains.
- 2
Drive up Jebel Shams
The road climbs from the plains of Al Hamra to the Jebel Shams plateau at almost 2,000 m, with views over Wadi Ghul – Oman's Grand Canyon – along the way.
- 3
Sunset, Dinner & Camping
Set up camp on the plateau and, weather permitting, watch the sunset over the mountains. Enjoy a hot dinner at camp, then a short briefing from your guide on tomorrow's route before a night under the stars.
- 4
Breakfast & Departure
An early breakfast at camp, fill your water bottles, and set off for the W4 trailhead at first light while the air is still cool.
- 5
W4 Summit Trail (24 km)
Follow the marked W4 trail across a juniper-dotted plateau and along the canyon rim to the 2,997 m south summit – the highest point in Oman open to hikers. 12 km up and 12 km back, 24 km in total, taking 10–13 hours with breaks.
- 6
Return to Trailhead & Hotel Drop-off
Arrive back at the trailhead, then relax on the drive back to your hotel in Muscat.
Good to know
- Difficulty
- Challenging
- Minimum age
- 16+ years
- Guide
- Guided tour in English and Arabic
Know before you go
- This is a strenuous full-day hike: 24 km return (12 km each way), 1,000 m+ elevation gain, 10–13 hours on the trail. A good level of fitness and previous hiking experience are required.
- The trail is rocky and uneven, with some exposed sections along the canyon edge. Not suitable for people with a fear of heights.
- Minimum age: 16 years .
- Nights on the plateau are cold – temperatures can drop close to 0°C in winter (December–February).
- The trek depends on weather conditions. Your guide may adjust or cancel the summit attempt for safety. We will contact you before departure if conditions change.
- The highest point of Jebel Shams (3,009 m) is a restricted military area. The W4 trail ends at the south summit (2,997 m).
- Hotel pick-up is available in Muscat. Please share your hotel name when booking and we will contact you with the pick-up time.
- Hiking boots or trail shoes with good grip
- Daypack (20–30 L)
- At least 3 litres of water capacity
- Warm layers and a windproof jacket
- Hat, sunglasses and sunscreen
- Head torch with spare batteries
- Personal medication
- Camera
Cancellation policy
Free cancellation up to 1 day before the experience starts.
- 1 day or more before: full refund
- Less than 1 day before: no refund
Meeting point
View on map
Bun Al Qassab
- Address
- شارع المعبيلة, Sib, OM
- How you meet
- Meet on location
- Coordinates
- 23.62543, 58.09095
Illustrative map. Open it in Maps for the exact spot and live directions.
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Frequently asked questions
How long does this experience last?
It lasts 2 days.
Can I cancel this booking?
Free cancellation up to 1 day before the experience starts. 1 day or more before: full refund · Less than 1 day before: no refund
Is this experience guided, and in what language?
Guided tour in English and Arabic
Is hotel pickup included?
No — you make your own way to the meeting point.
Where does this experience start?
It starts at Bun Al Qassab, شارع المعبيلة, Sib, OM.
Is there a minimum age?
Travellers must be 16 or older.
From AED 919 per person (4–8 travelers)
