Mountains of Oman

The climatic conditions of Oman are so unique that this makes the country universal in the tourism business. It can be visited with a variety of purposes: to visit the ancient fortresses at the foot of the mountains, to engage in water sports on the shores of the Indian Ocean. Fans of extreme sports will be interested in riding a quad bike along a serpentine road or hiking in the mountains of Oman.

The origin of the mountains of Oman

Approximately 700 million years ago, the entire territory of the present Arabian Peninsula was much more southerly and was one with modern Africa. This huge continent slowly rotated, and after a few million years it moved northward, and afterwards - sank into the sea. Later he rose from the depths of the sea, but not completely. The edges of the continent remained under water: the Red Sea and the Persian Gulf formed like this. The process lasted about 200 million years. During this time, underwater volcanoes poured out huge streams of lava. So there were stone mountains of Oman - Jabal al-Hajar.

Where are the mountains of Oman?

The Al-Hajar mountain range stretched out half a moon for 450 km in the north-east of Oman. On the Arabian Peninsula, it is located east of the UAE border with Oman and up to the Indian Ocean. The highest peak of the mountain is located at an altitude of 3017 m. From the coast of the Oman Gulf, Al-Hajar is separated by 50-100 km.

Al-Hajar Mountain Ecosystem

Despite the fact that the mountains occupy a small area of ​​Oman (only 15%), they strongly affect its climate. Oman is the most greened and provided with water sources part of the Arabian Peninsula. The humid and cool climate forms in the mountains an important ecosystem of the region. In addition, Al-Hajar Range is the only one in the region with habitats of flora and fauna above 2 thousand meters above sea level. The world of plants is diverse. Here grow olive trees, apricots, pomegranates, juniper, etc. The animal world is also impressive: the mountains are inhabited by vultures, vultures, gazelles, leopards, various species of lizards and geckos.

Mountains of Oman - the best place for hiking

In this area, many hiking routes have already been laid for a long time. It is recommended to start your journey through the mountains from the city ​​of Nizva . The best period of visit is October - April. In these months, the least probability of precipitation. Interesting hiking routes are laid along the dried up riverbeds ( wadi ), which in the dry period turn into deep canyons. The most interesting facts about the Al-Hajjar mountains:

1. Stone mountains. The largest mountain range stretches along the coast from the strait in northern Oman to Cape Ras al-Hadd in the center of the country.
2. Layered black rocks. The only place on Earth where underwater reefs that have risen from the ocean are not covered by any vegetation. This mystery is of great interest to geologists.
3. Area of ​​the peninsula of Musandam . Here the mountains abut the Persian Gulf and have a very bizarre shape. In these places, they abruptly break off into the sea, forming coves that are cut by the shores. Because of the incredible picturesqueness, these places are called Arabian Norway . Oman fjords tourists like to travel on pleasure boats.
4. Passage of Wadi Samail. Located 80 km west of Muscat and forms a rift between Al-Hajjar. The northern part is called Al-Hajar al-Gharbi, the southern part is Al-Hajar al-Sharqi. Thanks to this passage, the coast is connected with the inner regions of Oman.
5. The eastern part of Al-Hajar. In this area, the height of 1500 m gradually decreases, especially in the Muscat area. Further descent of the height goes along the coast to the city ​​of Sura .
6. El-Akhdar. The central and highest part of the mountains of Oman. The most picturesque landscapes open in the Al-Hajar mountains, called El-Akhdar or "green mountains". In the upper regions, sediments reach more than 300 mm, which makes it possible to engage in agronomy. This part of the mountains is the most populated. All the slopes are covered with terraces of fields, on which practically everything is grown: from wheat to apricots, from corn to roses.
7. Mountain peaks. In the mountains of Al-Hajjar is the highest point in Oman - Ash Sham, or the mountain of the Sun, the height of more than 3 thousand meters. The second highest point of Jabal-Kaur is also here, its height is 2730 m.
8. Gorges. The mountains share deep gorges, dug by seasonal rivers-wadi. Rusla rivers flow either towards the Rub-al-Khali desert or towards the sea. The most impressive gorge is Nahr, located in Jebel Shams. Many tourists wadi Nahr equated to the Great American Canyon.
9. Lady Dee. In 1990, Princess Diana came to these places, which was incredibly impressed by the beauty of the landscapes of the El Ahdar Mountains. After her visit, the observation platform on which the princess stood was called "Princess Diana's Point".

The Al-Hajjar Caves

The long impact of water and winds caused the erosion of the mountains of Oman. Thus, a huge system of mountain caves was formed. Caves of the Oman Mountains:

1. El Huta is the most accessible for tourists, its length is 2.7 km. It is located near the city of Nizva. El-Huta is interesting with giant stalagmites, stalactites and columns, formed millions of years. Also in the cave there is a lake 800 m long.
2. Majlis El Jinn is the largest cave in the world. Its size is 340x228 m, the height is more than 120 m. It is located in the region of Ash Sharqiyah. Traveling on it is not easy and will suit experienced tourists.
3. Hoshilat-Makandeli - the most famous cave is located in the eastern mountains. Its cave is also called Mejlis-al-Jinn, which means "Jinn Council."
4. Magarat-Khoti and Magarat-Araki are located in the western mountains.
5. South Dhofar. The most impressive caves of Wadi Darbat are located in the area of ​​Thiuy-at-Teyr.
6. The city of Salalah . In its vicinity there are a lot of caves. The most visited are: Take, Razzat, El-Merneif and Etteyn.

Holidays in the mountains of Oman

Many tourists like to travel independently, Oman for travel with a tent fits perfectly. In addition to freedom of choice and privacy, you get an excellent opportunity to see the most interesting places. At the same time, in a radius of many kilometers you will not see a single person. The two most popular options for independent rest in the mountains of Oman:

1. Overnight in the mountains of Oman. A tent can be installed in any place, except for private lands. It's better to take a gas burner, a table and chairs, a bar grill. All this can be purchased in supermarkets for little money. For such a trip, tourists hire a car , usually an SUV.
2. Jeep safari. Fans of motor rallies will appreciate a safari on a jeep on the palm-covered picturesque canyon wadi. The mountains of Oman are created for exciting adventures that alternate with swimming in the cool lakes. It is also fascinating to ride along the roads leading along the mountain villages, which are surrounded by green terraces.