This 3-day expedition combines the most dramatic and challenging segments of the Trans Emirates Trail in Ras al Khaimah. From the legendary Stairway to Heaven ascent in Wadi Ghalilah, to the rugged corridors of Wadi Al Far, and the cultural immersion of abandoned mountain villages above Wadi Bih, this is the flagship ECC Adventures expedition for experienced trekkers.
Reserve your spot with us at ECC Adventures for this advanced hike that is part our of the Challenger Expedition series, created for the high-flyers of our commmunity.
Hike participation is strictly limited to advanced hikers and reserved for our Challenger Expedition members or via invite only.
Key Highlights:
- 3 day expedition
- Combination of Trans Emirates Trail segments 1-3
Day 1
Difficulty level: Expedition level 5/5
Trail type: One way
Distance: 325 Km
Elevation gain: 1865 km
Time: 12-13 hours
- Wadi Ghalilah, the “Grand Canyon of Ras Al Khaimah”
- Right Bank of Stairway to Heaven ascent
- High ridges of Jebel Jais, UAE’s tallest mountain
- Ancient Julphar trade routes & shepherd hamlets
- Hidden Oasis plateau views
- Finish near Bear Gryll's Explorers Camp, Wadi Shaha
Day 2
Difficulty Level: Expedition level 4.5/5
Trail type: One Way
Distance: 22 km
Elevation gain: 925 m
Time: 9-10 hours
- Strenuous stone staircase & scrambling ascents
- Historic terrace farms, ovens, and ruins of mountain villages
- Unique cavern passage through limestone rock
- Fossil & quartz-rich ridgelines
Day 3
Difficulty level: Expedition level 4/5
Trail type: One way
Distance: 26.6 km
Elevation gain: 958 m
Time: 9-11 Hours
- Historic abandoned villages of Hebs and Qaa'daah
- Traditional terraces, ovens, and irrigation systems
- Donkey paths, cliffside shelves, and boulder scrambles
- Seasonal Villages still used by mountain families
Inclusions
- ECC Expedition Guide Team (WFR Certified)
- Safety equipment & comms support
- Water refill points & trail snacks
- Permit coordination
Expect long days on foot (9–13 hours per day), sustained climbs, technical descents, and exposure to some of the UAE’s wildest and most remote landscapes. Suitable for highly conditioned hikers ready for a true challenge.
- Experienced and certified mountain guide (English speaking)
- Outdoor education, Assistant Guide/s
- First Aid
- Hat
- Backpack
- Sunscreen
- Sunglasses
- 1-2 liters of water (DEC – MAR) | 2-3 liters of water (for the rest of the months).
- Salted snacks and/or fruit for a few hours of hiking with a little extra.
- Hiking boots or trainers with good grip/not worn out.
- Shorts or comfortable hiking pants/leggings.
- T-shirt light pullover for sun protection/warmth in the morning/evening.
- Trekking poles (optional to help with balance or mitigate fatigue).
