Jebel Shams site
Jabal Shams, or as it is called the Grand Canyon, is located in the Dakhiliyah region of the Sultanate of Oman, amid a group of the western Hajar Mountains that also includes Jabal Al Akhdar. In addition to its mild climate, the mountain witnesses the organization of many events and activities, and the visitor can enjoy the view of the Palm River Valley while he is in the mountain. Jebel Shams was named by this name as it is the first spot in the land of Oman on which the sun shines due to its high peak.
How did Jebel Shams form?
It is said that the geological age of Jabal Shams reaches 25 million years, and the story of its formation was associated with the emergence of the Tethys Sea, which resulted from the divergence of Oman and Iraq. Rather, marine volcanoes also played an important role, and by doing so part of the limestone melted, and after the sea dried up, its sediments rose to the top, forming, with time, Jabal Shams.
Tourist activities in Jabal Shams
People who go to Jabal Shams can do many activities and sports, and go on fun and varied adventures, the most important of which are the following:
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It is possible to hike in the Jebel Shams area within trails, recreational tours, climbing, and other activities in more than one area of the mountain, including:
- Khitaim village: The path starts from the village of Al-Khitayim across the edge of the Nakhr River, and along the way there are beautiful landscapes, starting from the valley and the villages below to the deserted village of Sab Bani Khamis, full of ruins of gardens and dwellings.
- W4 road: It is possible to climb the mountain through this road to reach the permitted summit, which is at an altitude of 2.997 meters, where at the highest height of the summit there is a military site that is forbidden to be accessed, after which it is possible to continue walking through the path leading to the valley.
camping
Jabal Shams attracts many camping enthusiasts who enjoy the amazing sky lights at night, in addition to experiencing the first sunrise in Oman, and the edge of the canyon is suitable for this activity.
photographer
The picturesque nature of Jebel Shams stimulates the lenses of photographers and camera enthusiasts to enjoy taking the most beautiful pictures, especially at night, when the sky is adorned with stars, with the importance of taking into account the conditions and conditions of professional photography, in addition to choosing the appropriate location and time to take a distinctive picture.
Scenes on the way to the mountain
A visit to Jabal Shams does not only provide an opportunity to enjoy nature, as even the sites that visitors encounter on their way to the mountain also arouse curiosity and knowledge and delight the viewer, as the historical city of Nizwa, which is the cultural capital of the Sultanate, can be seen, and in it the ancient city, its ancient castle and its traditional market are recognized. It is also possible to pass through one of the villages that still preserves the original heritage of Oman, which is the village of Hamra, and it contains the ancient Omani mud houses, and the independent visitor in his private vehicle has the opportunity to enjoy the stunning views of Wadi Nakhr near Jabal Shams.
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Juniper trees grow in Jabal Shams, which are among the oldest of their kind in the world, and some of them reach two meters or more in width. There are also wild olive trees in the mountain, and one type of date palm tree. Christ’s thorn and Sidr are among the plants spread in the region And the locals eat its fruit, which is called buckthorn, and it is mentioned that Jabal Shams includes twelve villages, in which Omanis practice animal husbandry, carpet making, and agriculture.
