6 trails over 6 days, join ECC Adventures' Challenger Expedition, Jebel Jais to Sharia route, where we traverse over multiple paths that crosses over infinite landscapes of the Emirates.
We will cover approximately 115-120 km on this expedition which will test your physical strength, endurance capacity and possibly your sense of humour as you scale the UAE mountains, all under the Emirates' sun and glistening stars.
Full Expedition Itinerary
Day 1 – Jais Northern Expedition (Ghalilah to Shah via Summit)
Trail Type: One Way
Distance: 32.46 km
Elevation Gain: 1,865 m
Trail Time: ~12–13 hours (moving ~6h 30m)
Difficulty: Expedition Level 5 / 5
Overview:
The flagship opening leg of the Trans Emirates Trail, beginning in Wadi Ghalilah and climbing the right bank of the infamous Stairway to Heaven before pushing onto the summit ridges of Jebel Jais. The trail passes Julphar trade paths, ancient hamlets, and culminates at Wadi Shah near the Bear Grylls Explorers Camp.
Day 2 – Jais Southern Expedition (Shah to Wadi Bih via Wadi Al Far)
Trail Type: One Way
Distance: 22 km
Elevation Gain: 925 m
Trail Time: ~9–10 hours
Difficulty: Expedition Level 4.5 / 5
Overview:
A steep and rugged climb from Wadi Shah into Wadi Al Far, passing abandoned villages, terrace farms, and exposed limestone ridges. Hikers scramble through a cavern passage, discover fossils and quartz formations, and end with a steep scree descent into the gravel basin of Wadi Bih.
Day 3 – Sal Expedition (Wadi Bih to Qa’daa Village via Hebs Village)
Trail Type: One Way
Distance: 26.65 km
Elevation Gain: 958 m
Trail Time: 9–11 hours
Difficulty: Expedition Level 4 / 5
Overview:
From Wadi Bih, climb ancient donkey paths toward the highland villages of Ghabas, Shamal, and Hebs. This culturally rich route combines steep scrambles, terraced farms, and abandoned stone houses with panoramic views over Musandam and Ras al Khaimah. The descent into Qa’daa Village is steep, with scree and exposed ridges.
Day 4 – Yanas Expedition (Tafif to Naqab via Tabara)
Trail Type: One Way
Distance: ~17.55 km
Elevation Gain: 820 m
Trail Time: 8–10 hours (70% scrambling & technical descents)
Difficulty: Expedition Level 4 / 5
Overview:
A highly technical canyon route beneath Jebel Yanas, beginning in Tafif and descending into Tabara. Expect constant scrambling, narrow ledges, boulder hopping, and scree. Abandoned terraces and shelters mark the mid-point, while quartz and fossil-rich limestone characterize the upper ridges. The final push into Naqab requires focus, stamina, and hands-on climbing skills.
Day 5 – Mebrah Expedition (Baqal to Tala Village, Camp)
Trail Type: One Way
Distance: 6.68 km
Elevation Gain: 1,043 m
Trail Time: 6–8 hours
Difficulty: Expedition Level 5 / 5
Overview:
From Baqal in Wadi Naqab, climb steep switchbacks to Tala Village for an overnight camp. Along the way, encounter abandoned terraces, small settlements, and expansive views of the Naqab catchment. The camping stop offers cultural immersion and a well-earned rest under the stars.
Day 6 – Mebrah Expedition (Tala Village to Sheria Caves)
Trail Type: One Way
Distance: 15.12 km
Elevation Loss: 848 m
Trail Time: 8–10 hours
Difficulty: Expedition Level 5 / 5
Overview:
From Tala, ascend toward the summit ridges of Jebel Mebrah, the UAE’s 4th tallest peak, before beginning the long descent toward Sheria in Fujairah. The route is rugged, crossing wadis, limestone shelves, and seasonal villages. The caves of Sheria provide a fitting finale to the first six-day stretch of the Trans Emirates Trail.
Expedition Notes:
Fitness Prerequisite: This 6-day itinerary is suitable only for highly experienced trekkers with excellent physical conditioning.
Support: ECC Adventures guides provide navigation, safety, and cultural interpretation. Meals and overnight gear provided on Day 5 camp.
Risk Factors: Long exposure, scrambles, scree, high elevation gain/loss, and no resupply points along routes.
- 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).
