Rim Walk, Wadi Nakhur

In the far west of Jebel Akhdar, the finest and highest region of the Western Hajar Mountains, is Wadi Nakhur, also known as Oman’s Grand Canyon, a huge and truly spectacular hole with vast cliffs dropping to its deep and, in its lower reaches, lush bottom.

The Grand Canyon rim walk  (W6a in the Explorer guide) follows old donkey trails linking Wadi Ghul at the canyon’s base to Al Khitaym on the high rim plateau, taking  in a couple of abandoned villages en route. It has superb canyon views, and wider ones southward toward the desert.

This is a village to village trek, so you could stay overnight (Al Khitaym only) or arrange drop off/pick-up at each terminus.

Despite its stony ground and over 1,000m of climb (or descent if you head north to south) this trek is actually fairly easy going, although Oman's standard heat warnings apply. 3-5 hrs depending on whether you climb or descend.

You can link this with the Grand Canyon Balcony Walk to make a long but marvellous day.

Oman Trekking (Explorer) and Adventure Trekking in Oman (Anne Dale and Gerry Hadwin) have worthwhile sections on some of these walks. Recommended. Find relevant books on Amazon.

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For more information and photos, including detailed practical information and some warnings, see our Western Hajar Mountains walk page. See also our Jebel Akhdar page.