Trekking is easily a year-round activity, with Oman’s diverse and rich topography presenting both challenging and exciting opportunities for trekking enthusiasts to indulge in the sport. There is no trekking season as such. Whether it is the popular trekking trails in and around the cooler mountains of Jabal Akhdar and Jabal Shams or the uninhibited wadis that open up picture perfect treks or the myriad destinations of Dhofar during the khareef, the ones that are bit by the trekking bug will find nature carved landscapes to give vent to their trekking passion, any time of the year.
But like many a Muscat resident if one is wary of travelling long distances to find new trekking paths, the capital cityscape has several hiking lures to turn the weekend into a nature walk. While some are marked to keep one on the right path, most others are rambling hills that are easy to manoeuvre without getting lost. What adds to the fun quotient, rather the challenge of exploring newer vistas, more so for established trekkers, is the possibility of increasing the difficulty levels. There are many grade one paths that are not difficult to trek on if one is fit and has a strong interest to explore the outdoors. And, for those keen to take on newer challenges, there are trails that would require one to go on hands and knees too. Varying levels of difficulty make trekking an exciting proposition for residents seeking to savour their share of the outdoors in these pleasant climes.
The Ministry of Tourism has, in fact, marked several trekking trails and has also graded many based on the levels of difficulty to help enthusiasts find the one that is most suitable for their fitness and experience levels. On a general note, grade one trekking trails constitute shorter tracks that are more suitable for first timers or even those who are not generally active. These trails do not involve higher mountains or any steep ascents that might be seen as difficult.
Trekking trails that lead one up on to higher mountains are graded as two to apprise trekkers of the difficulty level in undertaking it. These trails take anywhere from 5 to 8 hours to complete, while offering picture perfect views of the mountains and the plains. Although it does seem doable, some trekking experience is must to undertake trekking on these paths. It calls for higher endurance levels to trek on for longer durations and that means top physical fitness. Trekking trails designated as grade three are specifically for experienced trekkers who are familiar with mountain hikes. The ascents are steep and some sections call one to be adept at scrambling too.
Most of the treks within the city precincts are grade one and can be completed in less than two hours; giving one enough time to stop and savour nature delights that the trek will throw up. One could expect panoramic views of the city and scenic vistas of nature from most vantage spots along the trekking trail. While the popular Muttrah Geo Trek is the easiest and the most well marked of all the trekking trails, there are similar zones for trekking in other places of the capital, like Hamriya, Wadi Kabir, Bandar Jissah and Al Khoud, among others.
Saal Mountain is one such. Located in the outskirts of Muscat, it is beyond the Rusayl industrial area, and can be reached from the internal road that takes one from Muscat to Rusayl. Referred to as a stamina trek, it is an unmarked trek and not an easy one at that. The spotlight here is on the steps that lead one up the mountain; it is more of a workout activity, requiring one to be relatively fit to climb the 600 odd steps in one piece. The trek itself begins much before one reaches the steps, presenting a mix of loose gravel and hard ground to trek; the concrete steps requiring a whole lot of stamina and big dose of fitness to climb all the way up and then descend. It is, literally, an uphill task with large concrete steps, many uneven, leading you up to the top of the mountain. The satellite dish on the top is a landmark, presenting a summit to stand and admire all that your eyes can see.
Like the Saal mountain, there are several hiking zones in and around Muscat to give this winter season a wholesome outdoors flavour.