Balcony Walk in Oman
The Balcony Walk in Oman: Everything You Need to Know About the Famous Hike in Jebel Shams
Oman is known for its deserts, forts and wadis, but did you know the country also has an impressive mountain landscape? In the northeast you will find the Hajar Mountains, where the highest mountain in Oman is located: Jebel Shams. With more than 3,000 metres in height and a massive canyon cutting through the mountain, the area is often called the Grand Canyon of the Middle East.
The best way to experience this place is by hiking the Balcony Walk. During this hike you look 1,500 metres straight down into the canyon – a view you will not forget anytime soon!
What to Expect from the Balcony Walk?
The Balcony Walk is a relatively easy hike of about 7 kilometres in total. You follow an unpaved trail that is clearly visible, so a guide is not necessary. Along the way, you sometimes see the flag of Oman painted on the rocks to mark the path, but in reality this is hardly needed: there is only one trail.
From a distance the path sometimes looks scary, as if you are walking right along the edge. In reality, this is not the case, and even if you are afraid of heights the hike is very doable. The first part of the trail goes slightly downhill, which means the way back involves a bit more climbing – but it is not heavy.
Apart from a few goats and some other hikers, you will not encounter much along the way. Make sure you bring enough water and snacks. The path ends at a small water pool and some old stone huts. After that, you follow the same route back.
- Distance: 7 km
- Duration: 3–4 hours
- Altitude: almost 2,000 metres
- Difficulty: easy
Start Early: The Magic of Sunrise
Jebel Shams literally means “Mountain of the Sun”, and the name fits perfectly. There are always rays of sunlight shining into the canyon. We started our hike just before sunrise and watched the sun slowly rise above the mountains. It was completely silent – except for the soft bleating of a goat – and the first golden rays made the early wake-up call more than worth it.
In February we left around 6 in the morning. By the time we returned around 9:30, we were glad we had not started later. The temperature had already risen a lot and the trail was getting busy. Because the path is narrow, this often means walking in a “train” of people – and that takes away some of the magic. Our advice: start as early as possible.
How to Reach the Balcony Walk?
To reach the start of the Balcony Walk, you need to drive up Jebel Shams. Most of the road is paved, but the last few kilometres are unpaved and steep. A 4×4 is officially recommended, although our rental company told us it was possible without one. And honestly: we managed with a regular car, but it was not pleasant. The car struggled, and so did we. Our advice: take a 4×4 for comfort and safety.
Also, make sure you have a full tank, because you will not find petrol stations on the way. There are also no shops, so bring your own water and snacks.
Staying Overnight at Jebel Shams
If you want to start the Balcony Walk at sunrise, it is smart to stay overnight on the mountain. The options are limited. We stayed at Sama Al Khutaim Heritage, which is located literally at the start of the trail. Perfect in terms of location – you can roll out of bed straight onto the path.
But to be honest: the price (almost €200 per night) was far too high for what you get. The room was small and basic, the wifi only worked at the reception and our boiler barely gave warm water. Dinner was fine, although the meat did not sit well with Sander (luckily Tessa skipped it).
A useful tip: at check-in you can order a breakfast package to take with you on the hike. Make sure to do this straight away, because later in the evening it might be too late. We ended up with a very small package containing a boiled egg, a soggy sandwich, a muffin, an apple and a bottle of water – not really a strong hiker’s breakfast. Other travellers we spoke to had an extensive breakfast in the restaurant, but that was only available from 6:30, which meant they could not start their hike until late.
Our conclusion: the location of Sama Al Khutaim is fantastic, but the value for money is not great. If you don’t mind driving a little to the trail, definitely look at alternative accommodation nearby.
Our Tips for the Balcony Walk
- Start at sunrise: it is cooler, quieter and much more magical.
- Bring enough water: there are no facilities along the way.
- Consider renting a 4×4: especially for the last steep kilometres.
- Check your accommodation carefully: location is convenient, but quality and prices vary a lot.
Our Takeaway: Balcony Walk in Oman
For us, the Balcony Walk was one of the highlights of Oman. The combination of breathtaking views, the morning silence and the simple but beautiful trail makes it a hike you should not miss during your Oman roadtrip!