Wadi Ghul - Oman's Grand Canyon
Wadi Ghul - Oman's Grand Canyon
Wadi Ghul - Oman's Grand Canyon
4.5
Tours & experiences
Explore different ways to experience this place.
Full view
What is Travelers’ Choice?
Tripadvisor gives a Travelers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travelers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
Top ways to experience Wadi Ghul - Oman's Grand Canyon
The area
Best nearby
Restaurants
2 within 3 miles
See what travelers are saying
- KimGalesLondon, United Kingdom465 contributionsAmazing drive through the canyonAmazing drive through the canyon by 4x4, something I've never done before in any part of the world. I don't drive but found Ali, an excellent young English-speaking guide, online. He picked me up in Bahla (I got the bus to there from Muscat) and took me to Misfat al Abreyeen, Jebel Shams, Al Hamra and Wadi Ghul. Highly recommended. His number if you need a guide is +968 9015 0577Visited February 2024Traveled soloWritten February 27, 2024
- Brittany_11_10Los Angeles, California1,779 contributionsGreat place for hikingCalling outdoor enthusiasts! Wadi Ghul is a great place to go hiking. We greatly enjoyed the Balcony Walk--with our toddler in a backpack carrier. Rocky/sandy terrain, but easy enough with decent shoes on, and not much elevation change. There are no facilities (aside from a guy at the beginning selling beverages), so bring all you need: food, water, and sun protection. Highly recommend checking out Wadi Ghul if you're at all into hiking and the outdoors.Visited March 2024Traveled with familyWritten April 26, 2024
- Arabian Nights GlampingMuscat, Oman70 contributionsA Breathtaking Adventure at Wadi GhulWe are proud of one of our tourist destination in Oman called Wadi Ghul, often hailed as Oman’s Grand Canyon, is an extraordinary destination that offers a truly awe-inspiring experience. Situated in the heart of the Hajar Mountains, this natural wonder is a must-visit for any nature enthusiast or adventure seeker. Book your trusted travel agent in Oman with professional guides to discover Wadi Ghul.Visited September 2024Traveled on businessWritten September 17, 2024
- SuperpearNew Plymouth, New Zealand1,324 contributionsWorth a visitBe warned, it is a long drive to teach the lookout point. And while the view is spectacular, there was a brief thought on was the drive worth it. Some signage would be nice to give you some facts and figures, but all there is at the lookout is a lay-by and some people trying to sell the usual tourist stuff.Visited September 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten September 23, 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Contribute
Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
379 reviews
Excellent
253
Very good
110
Average
16
Poor
0
Terrible
0
Brittany_11_10
Los Angeles, CA1,779 contributions
Mar 2024 • Family
Calling outdoor enthusiasts! Wadi Ghul is a great place to go hiking. We greatly enjoyed the Balcony Walk--with our toddler in a backpack carrier. Rocky/sandy terrain, but easy enough with decent shoes on, and not much elevation change.
There are no facilities (aside from a guy at the beginning selling beverages), so bring all you need: food, water, and sun protection.
Highly recommend checking out Wadi Ghul if you're at all into hiking and the outdoors.
There are no facilities (aside from a guy at the beginning selling beverages), so bring all you need: food, water, and sun protection.
Highly recommend checking out Wadi Ghul if you're at all into hiking and the outdoors.
Written April 26, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
KimGales
London, UK465 contributions
Feb 2024 • Solo
Amazing drive through the canyon by 4x4, something I've never done before in any part of the world. I don't drive but found Ali, an excellent young English-speaking guide, online. He picked me up in Bahla (I got the bus to there from Muscat) and took me to Misfat al Abreyeen, Jebel Shams, Al Hamra and Wadi Ghul. Highly recommended. His number if you need a guide is +968 9015 0577
Written February 28, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
valerieOhio
Zoetermeer, The Netherlands320 contributions
Dec 2021 • Couples
This kinda hard to find gem is a must to visit! I tried making pics of the signs near the exit “ramp”. Coming from Al Hamra. If you follow google maps you are close and should follow the sign to the village called Nakhur. Nowhere there are signs with the name wadi Ghul! You can also put in Valley necrosis in google maps, this is the start of the path ( either car or hike)
The path is a trail with white stones you can only take with a 4x4! It drives you next to the wadi ( or through sometimes) to the village.
We didn’t go all the way to the end since we didn’t know if this was the right spot. We only found out afterwards this was wadi ghul. You can find movies in you tube as well to help you find it.
The viewpoint is totally somewhere else, a Mike or two after you pass hevel shams resort.
The path is a trail with white stones you can only take with a 4x4! It drives you next to the wadi ( or through sometimes) to the village.
We didn’t go all the way to the end since we didn’t know if this was the right spot. We only found out afterwards this was wadi ghul. You can find movies in you tube as well to help you find it.
The viewpoint is totally somewhere else, a Mike or two after you pass hevel shams resort.
Written December 22, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
cutelady Baluch
Muscat Governorate, Oman3,536 contributions
Sep 2022 • Friends
It's called Al Nakher ,not Ghul....
The Oman’s Grand Canyon
Or Grand Canyon of Arabia
From 3,000 meters at the top of Oman’s tallest mountain, Jebel Shams, to the flat area just below the summit, you can see 1 kilometer straight down into Wadi Nakher, Oman’s Grand Canyon. From this area, called “the balcony,” the drop is so far and the canyon so vast it is hard to get a sense of scale. Rock formations and layers in the ancient rock give the canyon an almost other-worldly feel. It is the deepest canyon in the Middle East, and the second deepest in the world after Arizona’s Grand Canyon.
The Oman’s Grand Canyon
Or Grand Canyon of Arabia
From 3,000 meters at the top of Oman’s tallest mountain, Jebel Shams, to the flat area just below the summit, you can see 1 kilometer straight down into Wadi Nakher, Oman’s Grand Canyon. From this area, called “the balcony,” the drop is so far and the canyon so vast it is hard to get a sense of scale. Rock formations and layers in the ancient rock give the canyon an almost other-worldly feel. It is the deepest canyon in the Middle East, and the second deepest in the world after Arizona’s Grand Canyon.
Written September 14, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Pioneer140503
Bucharest, Romania14 contributions
Dec 2022 • Couples
Pleaee do not miss this canyon. In my opinion one of the most beautiful places I have ever seen . The trip to the peak and than the foof trail have been an amazing experience. The top view is breathtaking. You can get there with a 2x4 vehicle if you drive really slow and carefully, am 4x4 would make the journey a bit more relaxed.
Written July 20, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Superpear
New Plymouth, New Zealand1,324 contributions
Sep 2024 • Couples
Be warned, it is a long drive to teach the lookout point. And while the view is spectacular, there was a brief thought on was the drive worth it.
Some signage would be nice to give you some facts and figures, but all there is at the lookout is a lay-by and some people trying to sell the usual tourist stuff.
Some signage would be nice to give you some facts and figures, but all there is at the lookout is a lay-by and some people trying to sell the usual tourist stuff.
Written September 24, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Arabian Nights Glamping
Muscat, Oman70 contributions
Sep 2024 • Business
We are proud of one of our tourist destination in Oman called Wadi Ghul, often hailed as Oman’s Grand Canyon, is an extraordinary destination that offers a truly awe-inspiring experience. Situated in the heart of the Hajar Mountains, this natural wonder is a must-visit for any nature enthusiast or adventure seeker. Book your trusted travel agent in Oman with professional guides to discover Wadi Ghul.
Written September 17, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Flat_Planet
New York City, NY311 contributions
Apr 2014 • Solo
I spent the night in Nizwa and at 6AM drove north on Route 21, the Nizwa-Ibri road. It banks left (westward) and its about an hour to the turn off on the right to Al Hamra, just past a petrol station. Head north a few kilometers and go left at the rotary. The key is to follow the signs to Jebel Shams Resort (JSR) because it is located right at the gateway to Wadi Ghul. Note that that there is another resort called Jebel Shams Heights Resort that is along the way, you will pass it on your way to JSR. Just don’t get confused.
The road is paved for a while and then it turns to a hard packed dirt track. It was a little challenging in my two wheel drive rental car and I would have felt better in a 4x4. But, to be honest, I have driven on worse roads in other countries and I made it back and forth without any extra drama. I just advise you to go SLOW.
I got to JSR around 7:30AM and popped in to their dining area and paid for the breakfast buffet, used the restrooms, and then checked in at their main office for final directions. Despite the fact that I was not staying at the hotel or using their guide services they were still very helpful. In fact, this was a common theme in Oman – people were routinely gracious.
I drove the final 15 minutes to Khatayam. It is not really a village but simply a collection of small houses. There are no facilites or food here, just a few women selling crafts. I geared up and hit the trail shortly before 8:30AM heading to the rim and then making a left to go on W6, the Balcony Walk winding around the cliffs halfway up the rim of Wadi Nakhr to Wadi Ghul (if you turn right, you are on the W6A walk). Here is map from JSR
http://jebelshamsresort.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/travelling-map-w6.pdf
The scenery was amazing and I was the only one out there. I took my time and ambled along, taking mini breaks and such. And I met a few goats! The one issue is that while the trail is well marked with the red, yellow and whit flag, it is not fenced off. If you are not careful, you can walk right off the edge! When I was done, I headed back the way I came and by now it was getting into late morning and I ran into a steady stream of hikers heading into the Wadi. I am glad I had gotten out there first thing in the morning before it got too hot and too many people showed up.
I combined this with a visit to Bahla Fort and Jabrin Castle all in the same day.
Overall, it was a great experience and if I can make it back to Oman someday I would like to take the other hike, the W6A.
The road is paved for a while and then it turns to a hard packed dirt track. It was a little challenging in my two wheel drive rental car and I would have felt better in a 4x4. But, to be honest, I have driven on worse roads in other countries and I made it back and forth without any extra drama. I just advise you to go SLOW.
I got to JSR around 7:30AM and popped in to their dining area and paid for the breakfast buffet, used the restrooms, and then checked in at their main office for final directions. Despite the fact that I was not staying at the hotel or using their guide services they were still very helpful. In fact, this was a common theme in Oman – people were routinely gracious.
I drove the final 15 minutes to Khatayam. It is not really a village but simply a collection of small houses. There are no facilites or food here, just a few women selling crafts. I geared up and hit the trail shortly before 8:30AM heading to the rim and then making a left to go on W6, the Balcony Walk winding around the cliffs halfway up the rim of Wadi Nakhr to Wadi Ghul (if you turn right, you are on the W6A walk). Here is map from JSR
http://jebelshamsresort.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/travelling-map-w6.pdf
The scenery was amazing and I was the only one out there. I took my time and ambled along, taking mini breaks and such. And I met a few goats! The one issue is that while the trail is well marked with the red, yellow and whit flag, it is not fenced off. If you are not careful, you can walk right off the edge! When I was done, I headed back the way I came and by now it was getting into late morning and I ran into a steady stream of hikers heading into the Wadi. I am glad I had gotten out there first thing in the morning before it got too hot and too many people showed up.
I combined this with a visit to Bahla Fort and Jabrin Castle all in the same day.
Overall, it was a great experience and if I can make it back to Oman someday I would like to take the other hike, the W6A.
Written May 4, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Stacey P
London, UK40 contributions
Oct 2014 • Couples
We were lucky enough to visit during a storm so got to see the Wadi dry and then half an hour later with water gushing down the ravines and through the wadi....and isolating the adjacent village. Spectacular site.
We visited the next day (river was drive) to do the Omani Tourism Trek 6A.
To access the walk, follow the road/track into the Wadi sticking to the left hand side when you cross the river bed, approximately 200m along from the white garden wall corner you will see a large brown sign set up under the date palms on top of the white wall. The contents are all burned (??) off but in front of that are stairs set into the wall. Those stairs are the start of walk 6A. Climb the stairs and look to the right for the first of the orange, white, yellow painted flags/sign that indicate the 'path'. Follow those for the W6A Trek.
You could drive into the wadi and park at the bottom of the stairs but after seeing the water powering through there the previous day, despite blue sky, we parked up on the road at the look out and walked down.
Whilst the painted flags lead the way, there is no path. The walk involves a lot of scampering over loose rocks on steep incline and declines. Sturdy shoes are a must as is strong ankles and knees as there was no relief from the loose and jagged rocks at any point. The guide suggests 3 hours to the end of the trail but locals we met along the way said it is five to the camp. I would believe the latter as it was not easy walking and certainly not a leisurely walk, particularly in the sun.
We made it to the ridge overlooking the start (end?) of An Nakhur Gorge. The scenery was spectacular and the silence so peaceful. The geology is fascinating .....geologist will cringe here: the sounds of the stone was metallic and the seams and pockets of I assume bronze and quartz and what appeared to be fossilised coral made the challenging walking fascinating - lucky as you can't take your eyes off the ground in front of you when walking.
I do not wish to put people off the trek because it is simply stunning scenery and very interesting as you walk through the abandoned stone village - just don't go expecting a clear trail so plan for plenty of stops to look around and take it all in. It is really beautiful.
We visited the next day (river was drive) to do the Omani Tourism Trek 6A.
To access the walk, follow the road/track into the Wadi sticking to the left hand side when you cross the river bed, approximately 200m along from the white garden wall corner you will see a large brown sign set up under the date palms on top of the white wall. The contents are all burned (??) off but in front of that are stairs set into the wall. Those stairs are the start of walk 6A. Climb the stairs and look to the right for the first of the orange, white, yellow painted flags/sign that indicate the 'path'. Follow those for the W6A Trek.
You could drive into the wadi and park at the bottom of the stairs but after seeing the water powering through there the previous day, despite blue sky, we parked up on the road at the look out and walked down.
Whilst the painted flags lead the way, there is no path. The walk involves a lot of scampering over loose rocks on steep incline and declines. Sturdy shoes are a must as is strong ankles and knees as there was no relief from the loose and jagged rocks at any point. The guide suggests 3 hours to the end of the trail but locals we met along the way said it is five to the camp. I would believe the latter as it was not easy walking and certainly not a leisurely walk, particularly in the sun.
We made it to the ridge overlooking the start (end?) of An Nakhur Gorge. The scenery was spectacular and the silence so peaceful. The geology is fascinating .....geologist will cringe here: the sounds of the stone was metallic and the seams and pockets of I assume bronze and quartz and what appeared to be fossilised coral made the challenging walking fascinating - lucky as you can't take your eyes off the ground in front of you when walking.
I do not wish to put people off the trek because it is simply stunning scenery and very interesting as you walk through the abandoned stone village - just don't go expecting a clear trail so plan for plenty of stops to look around and take it all in. It is really beautiful.
Written October 6, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Maryam A
Los Angeles, California, United States30 contributions
Jun 2014 • Friends
The grand canyon of Oman did not disappoint. The view was fantastic. After we left the grand canyon we decided to take another route that our ipad showed to get home. We thought it would be a flat road and out of the mountains. We were so wrong. The road took us into an off-roading adventure into the canyons of Oman. An unexpected adventure along a narrow, dirt road with a steep so deep to our side it was as if we were driving along the grand canyon. This was the best part of our trip and for the adventurous types, I highly recommend it. If you are not from Oman you will fall in love with the Canyons, seeing the locals, goats and view was something else. We stopped and bought some little trinkets from the locals selling handmade bracelets and such at the top of the mountain. Great time. Oman is one amazing country!
Written June 15, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hallo, kann das Wadi Ghul wieder befahren werden? VG
Written March 20, 2019
j'y suis allé en octobre... aujourd'hui je ne sais pas .. mais s'il n'y a pas eu de pluies importantes certainement
vous allez vous régaler...
Written March 22, 2019
Is Wadi Ghul and Snake Gorge canyon at the same place? Which is a better trekking experience among the two?
Written November 20, 2018
Jebel shames guid
Al Hamra, Oman
Hi
For trekking Jabel shames Grand Canyon better for adventure snak canyon you can contact me WhatsApp dubul zero nine sex aight nine two one zero seven duble four tow
Written November 22, 2018
Christine C
Hamme, Belgium
can jou drive to jebel shams resort bij normal car (no 4/4?
Written March 31, 2016
Yes you can go by normal car, but keep in mind that about 7 km is unpaved gravel road , in good condition but steep.Not far from the resort starts one of the most beautiful walks ( W6 )of Oman .
Written April 1, 2016
Showing results 1-4 of 4
Is this your Tripadvisor listing?
Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.
Claim your listing