Up High

Jebel Shams is  Oman's tallest mountain.  But, what it is better known for is the deep canyon on its flank.  It is sometimes called, "Oman's Grand Canyon" because of its 3000 foot vertical cliffs.  I recently went hiking with some friends along the "Balcony Walk," a path several miles long that runs along a ledge inside the canyon.  One false step will send  you sailing hundreds of feet down into the canyon.  Luckily,  we made all the right moves.  At the end of the hike we reached an abandoned village perched up on the ledge.  Walking around the empty houses and terraces was eery, but the views into the canyon were amazing.  We also camped on the rim of the canyon.  Our spot looking down into the abyss was humbling.  Our experience was augmented by a family of goats that inhabit the mountain and kept us company through the night. 

View from Jebel Shams.

Half-way up the mountain.  Village in the background.

From the top of Jebel Shams looking into the canyon.

Looking down into the canyon from the rim.

Our campsite on the rim.

Near our campsite.

Breakfast with the goats that slept outside our tent.

Sunset.

One segment of the hike went along this cliff.

Half-way through the hike.

Several houses in the abandoned village.

Press play to see a short video of the canyon and us on our hike.