The Balcony Walk
Along the canyon rim.
Bernhard Dunst — CC BY-SA 4.0 · CC BY-SA 3.0 · albinfo — CC BY-SA 4.0 · albinfo — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Albinfo — CC BY 4.0
Wadi Ghul is a vast gorge in the western Hajar Mountains near Jebel Shams, popularly known as the «Grand Canyon of Oman». Its limestone walls drop about 1,000 m to the canyon floor, giving one of the widest natural views in Arabia. The gorge joins Wadi Nakhr, part of a system of valleys cut into the mountain. The abandoned village of Ghul stands at its foot, with old stone houses on the rocks, while the tiny hamlet of Khateem clings to the upper rim. Locals there sell traditional black and red rugs and goods woven from goat hair. Several viewpoints line the Jebel Shams road, one of which Lonely Planet calls the most expansive. From Khateem starts the famous Balcony Walk, a path along the canyon rim about 4 km long. Down below you can drive about 7 km into the wadi, a local picnic spot by pools of water. It is 44 km in a straight line from Nizwa and about four hours by car from Muscat. The upper road needs a 4x4 in places, so ask before setting out. The rim has no barriers, so keep well back, especially with children. Bring a jacket, as it is much cooler than Nizwa, and start any walk in the morning.
Along the canyon rim.
Stone houses at the foot.
On the Jebel Shams road.
Western Hajar Mountains, near Jebel Shams
In parts of the upper road, yes, so ask about conditions before setting out.
It runs along the rim with no barriers, so it suits those comfortable with heights, in proper shoes.