Discover Oman’s Top Hiking Trail: Your Guide to the Balcony Walk at Jebel Shams
- Alanna Gabbett
- Apr 17
- 13 min read
Updated: Apr 22
Nestled in the stunning Hajar Mountains of Oman, Jebel Shams, meaning "Mountain of the Sun," is the highest peak in the country, reaching an impressive height of 3,028 meters (9,334 feet). This beautiful region is a magnet for adventure enthusiasts and nature lovers, offering breathtaking scenery and a rich cultural heritage. With its dramatic landscapes and diverse wildlife, Jebel Shams stands as a testament to Oman's unique geography and ecological wealth.
Surrounding Jebel Shams, you will find charming villages, terraced farms, and a vibrant display of Omani culture set against stunning backdrops. The area features spectacular canyons and incredible gorges and is home to fascinating wildlife such as the Arabian Tahr and various bird species. For hikers and outdoor lovers, Jebel Shams is a true playground waiting to be explored.
The Balcony Walk at Jebel Shams stands out for its incredible views and accessibility. Whether you are an experienced hiker or enjoy leisurely strolls, this guide will provide all the essential information you need to make the most of your hike.
In This Guide:
a. Location
b. Where to stay
a. Difficulty
b. Distance
a. What to wear
b. What to pack
a. An overview of the hike
b. What to expect
c. What's at the end?
a. Is it suitable for children?
b. Is it dangerous?
c. Is it popular?
d. Do you need a 4x4 to reach the start point?
e. Do you need a guide?
f. What should you wear?
g. Are there restrooms along the trail?
h. Is there food and drink along the trail?
i. Can you hike year-round?
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What is the Balcony Walk?
The Balcony Walk (also called the W6) is the most popular hike in the country of Oman, offering hikers amazing views of Wadi Nakhr, often hailed as one of the deepest gorges in the Arabian Peninsula and named "The Grand Canyon of Oman." This scenic trail unveils several breathtaking viewpoints that showcase the rugged mountains and deep valleys below. At some points on the trail, you can expect to experience elevations of more than 2,500 meters (8,200 feet), making for unforgettable panoramic vistas at sunset, with the sky painted in brilliant shades of orange and purple.
The main trail stretches about 4 kilometers (2.5 miles) and traces the mountain’s contours, providing hikers with stunning visuals and relatively gentle terrain. Adventurous souls can explore additional trails leading off the main walkway. For example, you might choose to tackle the rugged trails towards the nearby town of Al Hamra, known for its ancient stone houses and terraced farms.
How Long It Takes
The Balcony Walk is classified as a moderate hike, making it accessible for most hikers, including those newer to trekking. The trail is well-marked and well-defined, though caution is essential on narrow sections with steep drops along the sides.
The main trail is about 2.5 to 3 miles each way and takes the average hiker somewhere around 3 to 5 hours to complete. Although it only took my husband 3 hours, it took me a bit longer - about 4 1/2 (although I did go all the way to the pool and he didn't). The trail starts HERE and ends at a beautiful viewpoint, or just a bit further will take you to a vast pool where goats can often to found lounging.
The trail is out and back so you'll have to venture back on the trail you came once you reach the end. Take note that the way back was considerably more difficult as it was mostly uphill.
We suggest taking tons of water, some snacks, and maybe a packed breakfast or lunch, and make sure to take plenty of breaks to enjoy your surroundings.
When To Go
The ideal time for hiking the Balcony Walk is between October and April. During these months, average daytime temperatures range from 15°C to 25°C (59°F to 77°F). This comfortable weather makes hiking much more enjoyable.
In contrast, summer temperatures can soar above 40°C (104°F), posing challenges that may make hiking not just uncomfortable but also unsafe. Remember to check the weather forecast, as conditions in mountainous areas can change rapidly.
We recommend December to February for the most pleasant temperatures.
It's important to note that Oman has fewer cloudy days than many other places in the world, meaning that the direct sunlight can make even the cooler days feel pretty warm. Keep this in mind when you plan your hike as you will be hiking in direct sunlight, with very little shade for the entirety of the hike.
With this said, make sure to wear sunblock, and a hat, and take plenty of water to stay hydrated. Additionally, try to start your hike early to avoid the blistering midday sun.
How to Get There
The trailhead is located HERE
To reach the start point of the Balcony Walk, you will drive approximately 240 kilometers (150 miles) from Muscat, Oman's capital city. The drive typically takes about 2.5 to 3 hours via the Sultan Qaboos Highway (Route 15).
The trailhead can be reached by car and involves traversing over unpaved gravel and rocky roads. While it's recommended to drive up to Jebel Shams in a 4x4 vehicle, you can get there just fine in a standard car (our standard rental car did just fine). Most of the road is well-paved, with just the last few kilometers being pretty rough. Just drive slowly and avoid any potholes or large rocks in the road. There's ample parking by the trailhead.
You should not attempt to drive to the trailhead in a standard car if there's been heavy rain. The police may even stop you before the road turns to gravel.If you don't have a rental car, there are plenty of guides for hire that will take you to the trailhead. In addition, you could always opt to park before the road turns to gravel and walk the rest of the way (or hitch a ride with a local the rest of the way). The host of our guesthouse also offered to drive us to the trailhead for a fee so that may be an option for you.
Places to Stay Nearby
If you want to extend your stay and explore the natural wonders of Jebel Shams, you'll find several accommodation options in the area. Here are a couple of excellent choices:
If you want to be right next to the trailhead, check out these hotels and guesthouses - be sure to book in advance as rooms do sell out quickly.
Other options nearby:
Jebel Shams Sky - *where we stayed
Jebel Shams Resort - breakfast and dinner included
What Gear to Take
Although the Balcony Walk is manageable, preparation is key. Here are some essential items to carry with you:
Hiking Shoes: A good pair of sturdy hiking shoes is vital for navigating rocky surfaces safely.
Water: Staying hydrated is critical, especially in warm weather, so bring at least 2 liters of water.
High-Energy Snacks: Carry nutritious snacks to keep your energy levels up throughout the hike. Consider bringing a packed breakfast or lunch as well to enjoy at the endpoint.
Sun Protection: Sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses are indispensable for shielding yourself from the strong sun. Also consider a long-sleeve shirt with UV protection as well.
First-Aid Kit: A basic first-aid kit can help address minor injuries that may occur during the hike.
Map or GPS Device: Ensure reliable navigation by carrying a map or GPS device, even though the trail is marked.
Camera: Capture breathtaking landscapes and special moments along the route.
As you hike, keep an eye out for local wildlife, such as Arabian Tahrs and the curious goats that roam the rocky trails. Be careful as the goats tend to knock rocks loose from the cliffside, sending them tumbling onto your path. The sound alone can be a bit scary, especially when it's otherwise quiet in the canyon.
The Route
An overview of the hike
The Jebel Shams Balcony Walk (also known as the W6 route) is an easy-moderate hike that captures some of the most impressive views in the country of Oman. Known as the "Grand Canyon of Oman," Jebel Shams is the highest peak in the country, standing at over 3,000 meters. The balcony walk gives families a chance to experience breathtaking views of the canyon while being safely positioned along a well-marked trail.
The trail does feature some narrow, rocky, and uneven paths, so it's best to keep children close. If you have toddlers, we highly recommend carrying them on your back (we saw many families doing this here) and older children can walk, however, just be sure to keep them close. There are no fences, barriers, or rope, and some areas may have steep drops and narrow pathways, so take your time and always stay on the marked path.
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While we chose not to take our children on this hike, we believe we could have safely taken them, although it was a pretty exhausting hike.What to expect
As you begin the hike, you'll notice the arid terrain, filled with rocks and mountain peaks in the distance. Along the trail, you will encounter towering cliffs surrounding the canyon, creating an awe-inspiring backdrop that will leave both kids and adults in disbelief. Keep your eyes peeled for the endemic flora and fauna that call this region home and be mindful of the many wild goats that reside here. They will frequently lie on the path or kick up rocks from above ledges and cliffs.
There are limited services on the trail, however, toward the beginning (maybe 5 minutes in) there's a shop with drinks, snacks, and coffee, and even a primitive restroom you can use (for a small fee - cash only).
The trail is marked fairly well with red/white/yellow markers and it's nearly impossible to get lost as there's only one way to go around the canyon.
What's at the end?
After approximately 1-2 hours or 2.5 miles, you'll arrive at a breathtaking viewpoint overlooking the canyon. This is a perfect spot to pause and enjoy a packed breakfast or lunch while taking in the stunning scenery.
At this juncture, you can choose to turn back or, if you're feeling adventurous, continue onward, climbing over large rocks toward a beautiful hidden lake. Although people do swim in the lake, it didn't appear suitable for swimming during our visit. However, we were greeted by many adorable goats around the lake, making it a wonderful place to conclude the hike. The additional hike to the lake adds about half a mile in total and is more challenging, as it involves scaling rocks and navigating very narrow ledges.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it suitable for children?
Yes, the Balcony Walk is generally suitable for children, but supervision is crucial because of steep drop-offs. Assess your child’s hiking experience to ensure they can manage the terrain. While we did see many parents carrying young children on their backs (which we usually do on our hikes), we chose not to take our children on this one. The path is quite narrow in places, with steep drop-offs and loose gravel and rocks. Toward the end of the hike, the trail involved scaling large rocks. The hike takes you into the canyon where the sun can be brutal at most hours of the day - it's crucial that you take sunscreen and hats for your children and bring plenty of water. The way back from the endpoint is more difficult because it's all uphill. We were glad we chose to hike separately rather than taking our children because we were pretty exhausted toward the end of the hike.
However, if you do choose to hike this trail with children, consider these tips:
Start Early: Begin your hike early in the day to avoid the scorching midday heat. Even during the cooler months from December to February, midday temperatures can surpass 70 degrees Fahrenheit (21 degrees Celsius). The entire hike can take around 4 hours roundtrip, so we recommend starting as early as possible to be done by midday.
Encourage Exploration: Allow the kids to explore the area safely; teach them about the local environment and how important it is to remain on the marked path.
Safety Precautions: Keep a close eye on younger children when near cliffs or steep drop-offs. There are a few narrow areas of the path and sections with large rocks to step over so make sure kids are close by.
Bring Water: The hike may take an excess of 4 hours to complete and can be physically exhausting. Make sure to bring plenty of water and snacks for energy. We each brought a liter of water and even that didn't seem to be enough. Bring extra water for children to ensure they don't get dehydrated.
Bring Sun Protection: Ensure you have sunblock, hats for the kids, and UV-protective clothing.
Bring a First-Aid Kit: As with any hike, it's important to take a small first-aid kit in case someone gets hurt. In addition, a small emergency kit containing a flashlight and portable GPS may be of use as well.
Don't Stress: Don't stress about completing the entire trail. If hiking with children, set a realistic goal - maybe doing half the hike before turning back. Any part of this hike is amazing and well worth it, so don't worry if you can't finish it. Listen to your body and your children and know when to turn back for comfort and safety.
Is it dangerous?
While the trail is safe for moderate hikers, caution is necessary due to steep edges and loose rocks. Stick to designated paths and be mindful of your footing. We did step on quite a few loose rocks and there are no ropes or guardrails on this trail. Also be careful not to attempt the trail in rainy or wet conditions as the rocks can become slippery, making the hike much more dangerous.
Is it popular?
Absolutely. The Balcony Walk has gained significant popularity among both local and international hiking communities. Weekends and holidays see larger crowds, especially during peak seasons. We noticed only a handful of hikers in the early morning hours, with vastly larger crowds toward noontime. We recommend starting the hike around 7:00 or 8:00 in the morning like we did. This allowed us to enjoy cooler temperatures and less crowded paths. We also noticed many large groups being led by local guides toward the end of our hikes (11:30 - 12:30). Note that a guide is not needed for this trail - me and my husband each did it solo and didn't get lost.
Do you need a 4x4 to reach the start point?
This is one of the biggest questions asked and was a main worry of ours. If renting a car in Oman, we found that renting a 4x4 vehicle was about double the price of a standard 2WD. After speaking with the car rental agency, they informed us that it's not required or necessary to have a 4x4 to reach the balcony walk.
Although a 4x4 vehicle is recommended for the last stretch of the drive to the trailhead due to bumpy roads, it's not required, and we didn't find it necessary. Some of the road is paved, with the last few kilometers being unpaved gravel and rock. Some sections are a tad steep but honestly, we have driven on worse roads and as long as you drive carefully and slowly, you and the car will be just fine. There is free parking by the guesthouses near the start of the hike.
If you aren't renting a car, you can hire a local guide or transfer to take you to the start of the hike. There's no public transportation in this area.
Do you need a guide?
While we did notice quite a few people being led on the trail by local guides, we don't believe this is necessary. If you don't hike often or find trail navigation difficult, you can absolutely opt for a guide, however, the trail is well-marked and it's almost impossible to get lost. Me and my husband each did this trail solo and had no issues.
What should you wear?
Wear comfortable clothing suited for hiking. Layer your attire to adapt to changing temperatures and opt for breathable fabrics. Don’t forget your sun protection gear. The morning hours see cooler temperatures and we saw a few people hiking in winter coats. I wore a thin long-sleeved shirt to protect me from the sun and I was very warm by the end of the hike. We don't recommend wearing a winter coat or too many layers. Wear something thin and lightweight or bring a light jacket that can easily be taken off and stashed in your bag. We highly recommend a hat or head covering to protect yourself from the beating sun.
And don't attempt to hike this trail without the proper footwear. I wore hiking boots and was very glad I had them as the trail requires good grip due to uneven and rocky terrain. There's a combination of loose gravel, small rocks, and larger rocks to climb over. Shoes that are durable with good grip are essential to staying safe on this hike.
Are there restrooms along the trail?
No, there are no restrooms available along the trail, so plan accordingly before starting your hike. At the start of the hike, you'll find a paid and very primitive toilet nearby, so make sure you use it before you start the hike.
Is there food and drink along the trail?
There's a cafe selling Omani coffee, drinks, and snacks at the start of the trail, however, it's located about 5 minutes in and there's nothing else located along the trail. There are a few tables to sit at at this cafe and we saw many people stop here at the end of their hike to grab a drink. Other than this, there are no services on the trail.
Can you hike year-round?
While hiking is possible at any time, avoid the summer months due to extreme heat. Cooler months provide a much more enjoyable experience. We hiked in January, and we found the weather pleasant and breezy, although any time of year it will become warm midday due to the sun. The cooler months include October to April, although December to February are some of the best for outdoor activities. May to September can see daily temperatures above 100 degrees Fahrenheit, so best to avoid visiting in these months if you plan on hiking.
The Balcony Walk at Jebel Shams is a Must-Do in Oman!
The Balcony Walk at Jebel Shams is more than just a hike; it’s an enriching experience for anyone who loves the outdoors. With its stunning landscapes and thrilling adventure, it truly ranks among Oman’s top hiking trails. After many hikes around the world, this remains one of our top 5 hikes and we can't wait until our next visit to Oman. Each moment spent here, from exploring vast gorges to taking in crisp mountain air, is one that will stay with you long after your journey ends.
So, gear up, invite some friends or family, and embark on a memorable hiking adventure at Jebel Shams, where every step unveils nature's breathtaking beauty.
Happy hiking!
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