Muscat , Oman

Jabal Stairway Trail

Active

5h - 6h

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Manual confirmation

Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

SAFETY
This is a serious mountain walk and needs to be treated with respect.The trail is very well marked but it is a long and safety precautions are advised. If in any doubt please hire a local guide.All trekkers should carry the route description, a day pack and have:
•⁠ ⁠Good walking shoes or boots, trekking poles
•⁠ ⁠Minimum of 3 lt of water/person & food for the day
•⁠ ⁠Spare clothing & swimming clothes
•⁠ ⁠Sun protection—sun screen, 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 & when you expect to be back

Available options

Jabal Stairway Trail

Pickup included

What's included

Drinking water (you can take and carry as much as you like)

Services of a professional Hiking Guide

First-Aid Kit

Picnic Lunch

Certified abseiling and climbing equipment

Detailed itinerary

This fantastic trek starts at the small village of Hulaylat,
5 minutes drive from Alila. Take the first turning on your right
into the village and at the end of the road is a parking place.
The trek starts on a newly constructed road on the right, just
before the parking area. Follow the trail at first along the new
road, around to hairpin bends, until 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, please take great care here,
but don’t let that put you off, as you soon you rejoin the
original trail which drops steadily on 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.

What's not included

Anything not mentioned in the Inclusions

Pick-Up Drop facility that can be arranged on request for an extra charge.

Available languages

Guide guide

AR EN

Important information

Public transportation options are available nearby

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Meeting point

About Muscat

Muscat, the capital of Oman, is a beautiful coastal city known for its stunning architecture, rich history, and strategic location along the Gulf of Oman. With a unique blend of traditional Omani culture and modern development, Muscat offers visitors a mix of historic forts, luxurious resorts, and vibrant souks.

Top Attractions

Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque

One of the most stunning landmarks in Muscat, this mosque is a masterpiece of Islamic architecture and a symbol of Omani heritage.

Religious/Architecture 1-2 hours Free (guided tours may have a fee)

Mutrah Souq

A traditional market offering a variety of goods, including spices, textiles, and souvenirs. The souq is a great place to experience Omani culture and haggle for bargains.

Market/Cultural 1-2 hours Free to enter, prices vary for goods

Royal Opera House Muscat

A world-class venue for opera, ballet, and other performing arts, offering a glimpse into the cultural richness of Oman.

Cultural/Entertainment 2-3 hours (depending on the performance) Varies by event (moderate to expensive)

Must-Try Local Dishes

Shuwa

Slow-cooked lamb or goat marinated in spices and wrapped in banana leaves.

Dinner Not vegetarian

Harees

A porridge-like dish made from wheat and meat, often served during Ramadan.

Dinner Not vegetarian

Halwa

A sweet dessert made from sugar, ghee, and spices, often served with tea.

Dessert Vegetarian

Popular Activities

Hiking in Wadi Shab Dune bashing in the desert Beach relaxation at Qurum Beach Spa treatments at luxury resorts Exploring Mutrah Souq Visiting the Royal Opera House Muscat Swimming in Bimmah Sinkhole Boat tours in the Gulf of Oman

Best Time to Visit

November to March

The best time to visit Muscat is during the cooler months from November to March when the weather is pleasant and ideal for outdoor activities. This period also sees the highest number of tourists.

18°C to 30°C 64°F to 86°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Arabic
Widely spoken: English, Urdu, Balochi
English: Widely spoken in tourist areas

Currency

Omani Rial (OMR)

Time Zone

GMT+4

Electricity

240VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Muscat is generally safe for travelers, with low crime rates. However, it's always important to stay vigilant and follow local customs and laws.

Important Precautions:

• Use licensed taxis or ride-hailing apps
• Be cautious of strangers offering unsolicited help
• Keep valuables secure

Getting there

By air

Muscat International Airport • 30 km from city center

By bus

Muscat Central Bus Station

Getting around

Public transport

The bus service is affordable and connects key points in Muscat. However, it may not be as extensive as in other major cities.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Uber, Careem

Rentals

Car

Neighborhoods

Mutrah Al Khuwair Shati Al Qurum

Day trips

Nizwa

160 km from Muscat • Full day

Nizwa is a historic city known for its fort, souq, and traditional Omani architecture.

Wadi Shab

90 km from Muscat • Full day

Wadi Shab is a stunning natural area with waterfalls, pools, and hiking trails.

Bimmah Sinkhole

120 km from Muscat • Half day

A natural sinkhole with crystal-clear waters, perfect for swimming and photography.

Festivals

Muscat Festival • January to February Eid al-Fitr • Varies (depends on the Islamic lunar calendar)

Pro tips

Visit the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque early in the morning to avoid the heat and crowds
Explore Mutrah Souq in the evening when it's cooler and more lively
Try traditional Omani coffee and dates at a local café
Book a guided tour for day trips to learn more about the history and culture
Carry a reusable water bottle and stay hydrated, especially in the summer