~~oOo~~
The Sultanate of Oman is truly a splendid country with a variety of landscapes from white sandy beaches, flat rocky deserts, to high mountains and even the famous Salalah, an area almost as green as Ireland.
Rising about 3050m above sea level, Jabal Shams (Mount of the Sun), part of the Jabal al Akhdar (the Green Mountain) range of mountains is one of the jewels of the country.
Located only 2 hours drive away from the capital Muscat, this impressive 600km stretch of mountains is home to some exciting activities like canyoning in the Snake Gorge (yes it is called Snake gorge because there are many snakes on land and in the water), trekking in the wadis or climbing up to the highest peak only to be greeted by the most beautiful canyon in the Arabian Gulf region: Wadi Nakhr (also known as the Grand Canyon of the Middle-East).
The area is only reachable after a long sinuous road and a trek up the mountain. This actually prevents it from being overcrowded with tourists. It is also a good opportunity to meet some local shepherds living in small villages vertiginously hanging on the cliffs.
Oman remains my favorite country in the Arabian Gulf region.
mmm does remind me of the Grand Canyon, so the name fits for sure. Impressive pics as always Dan!
Dustin Main – Skinny Backpacker recently posted..Soaked in Iguazu
Thanks Dustin! Looking forward to see the photos of Antarctica :)
[...] This post was mentioned on Twitter by Cailin O'Neil, clickdottravel. clickdottravel said: Wadi Nakhr Canyon ~ Oman: ~~oOo~~ The Sultanate of Oman is truly a splendid country with a variety of landscape… http://bit.ly/ghUwdu [...]
Ah, you see one gorge, you’ve seen them all. =) Nice shooting, as usual, Dan!
Bubba recently posted..Gotpassport Photo- Donating at Temples
Thanks! Yeah they mostly look alike but it’s still beautiful :) (And I’ve never seen the Grand Canyon)
Just amazing!!! I hope to spend more time in the Middle East in the future.
Andi recently posted..Happy New Year!!!
Thanks Andi! There are really beautiful places in the M-E. Never listen only to what the media says.
Truly overwhelming. In the Gulf unfortunately I’ve only had the chance to visit the UAE, which I loved. However everybody kept telling me how gorgeous Oman is. I’m planning to spend a year or so in the Middle East and Oman is right on top of my list.
Angela recently posted..In China- where I wont get married
Thanks Angela!
I know the UAE well. I’ve lived there 23 years (and I hate it). But yes, Oman SHOULD be on your list. The people are much more humble, friendly and the landscaps are gorgeous! It’s Adventure Land!
[...] a shot of the beautiful Wadi Nakhr, also called the “Grand Canyon of the [...]
[...] Mai.In a few days I’ll be heading out to the Sultanate of Oman for 5 days to camp in the mountains and wadis and celebrateNew Year in the deserts of Sweihan back in the UAE.Hope you all had a good day. I [...]
[...] down to their village. Nowadays, this road is often damaged from continuous rain and water from the wadis and needs constant attention each year.The interesting part is that this village is completely [...]
[...] night in the rocky mountains near Jabal Shams, the highest peak of Oman and also the location of an incredibly beautiful canyon.I was awake pretty early (obviously) since I had a hard time sleeping in the cold with a strong [...]