Five reasons to visit Oman as soon as possible
From world-class hiking to Bronze Age tombs, from the weekly goat souk at Nizwa to beaches where sea turtles spawn, unspoilt Oman on the Arabian peninsula is much more than just its capital, Muscat
Although it’s fast becoming a hub for Asia-Europe flights, few tourists venture from Oman’s modern capital, Muscat. It’s just desert, right? Try again: a vast mountain landscape containing an irresistible canyon, excellent hiking and unbeatable stargazing, with mud-built villages and prehistoric sites – all these make a trip around Oman a hugely varied journey. There are labyrinthine forts at Nizwa, Jabreen and Bahla, while farther south are shifting sands containing luxury desert camps, and glistening Indian Ocean beaches visited more by giant turtles than by tourists.
Hike the ‘other Grand Canyon’ at Jebel Shams
Tourists flock to Arizona to gape at the Grand Canyon, but Jebel Shams is almost as impressive – and much easier to enjoy. Although the drive up from Al Hamra is best done in a 4WD, Al Khitaym on the 1,900m plateau of Jebel Shams – the Mountain of the Sun – is where to start an easy and eye-popping eight-mile trek. Clinging onto the sides of the canyon, the three-hour Balcony Walk, officially known as hiking route W6, gives regular views of the intricate canyon walls, as well as of a one-mile drop.
