Oman: Wadi An Nakhar (Wadi Ghul) Loop

14 kms (7+7) actual hike from parking.

Hiking through Wadi Nakhur / An Nakhar, near Jebel Shams, Oman

Wadi Nakhur, also known as Wadi Ghul and unofficially referred to as Oman’s “Grand Canyon,” offers a spectacular valley-floor perspective in the al Hajar mountains. The massive vertical-to-overhanging cliffs rise hundreds of meters straight from the wadi bed, creating a breathtaking landscape. If you’ve been to the viewing points on Jebel Shams 1900 plateau or W4 hiking trail canyon view points, you’ll recognize the vista from a different angle.

Route Details:
Distance: 15.1 km (out and back)
Duration: Approximately 5 hours and 10 minutes
Highest Point: 984 meters
Lowest Point: 738 meters
Difficulty: Easy
Family-friendly: Yes

Geological Highlights: The massive cliffs and silent vastness of the surroundings.

Combine this hike as a side trip when visiting Jebel Shams or passing through the area.

Don’t miss the abandoned village at the start, it is visible from the asphalted road connection—it’s worth a quick wander around. And if you’re driving with a sunroof, remember to look up for an awesome view!
https://maps.app.goo.gl/8sZbpYXfzBYa1twT7

This trail is recorded to include initial 2.5 Kms of Offroading from the asphalted road till the trailhead at Hajir village.
You can park here, limited space available.
23.158095, 57.204612
https://maps.app.goo.gl/4dY7JHApEoqFQCKg7

From Hajir, you can start walking over damaged Offroad, wadi surface, medium bouldering and some trail here and there through a canyon.

Apparently the whole trail was made of a graded offroad in the past, but during every rain it gets damaged and washed out. You can not rely on driving this area.
If you decide to try to drive in, it is possible that you may have to stop the car and park and it would be difficult to maneuver the car back as the space is minimum for turning the car.

I suggest you to simply walk the distance to enjoy the views.

For hiking, there are no confusions, you just go along the valley.
You will find flowing water and clear pools all the time.
There are green farms at few places.

At the end point of our hike, we reached a green village named An Nakhar.
There is also a heritage village hotel with 4 rooms available to be rented out.
But it was closed and there was no information posted.

Then we turned back.

Some local Omanis informed us that about 1.5 Kms further in the wadi, there is a beautiful water pool named Al Madala pond (registered on Google Maps)
We did not visit there.

Please keep the area clean.
Please take your trash back with you.