Description
Hidden Oasis
View Point
Wildlife
Trekking
Heights
Intermediate+
Hidden Oasis, Jebel Jeis, Ras al Khaimah
The quintessential image of an Arabian Oasis: minus the sand, an imposing grey, dry limestone mountain range craddiling a secret field swathed in greenery and palm trees, like pearls amidst an oyster.
Welcome to the Hidden Oasis, one of the now known secrets of “Julfar”.
Locally known as “Sal Shuha”, the trail is located on the mountain of Jebel Jais in Ras al Khaimah and is an off shoot of Wadi Shaha, edging the border of Mussandam, Oman. Farming terraces and expansive vistas, tectonic folds and layers, multiple peaks and valleys, with boulders larger than a Nissan Sunni, this trek has definitely become a must visit destination to cross off the UAE hikers checklist.
The Hidden Oasis is situated nearby to the villages Baighit and Musaib. Through recent development by RAKTDA, the trail has become less wild, making it more accessible to the everyday leisure hiker, with railings and trail construction to help with safety and navigation. Accessibility to phone service has also dramatically improved, with cell phone towers silhouetting the mountainous backdrop. Nonetheless, the constant elevation, numerous “staircases”, and the cliff-side shelf pathways make the trek an experience like no other.
Along the way, you’ll encounter a variety of flora and fauna that have adapted to this rugged and somewhat barren environment, including the occasional lizards or the mountain goat, or even the Arabian red fox. The area is also dotted with historic villages that have preserved the traditions and way of life of the local Shehhi tribe for generations. Be prepared, as winter rains bring in the greenery upong the large farming terraces; expect drier viewpoints before and after the rainy season, though views remain stunning all the same!
Upcoming dates
DATE | TIME | ADULT | CHILD |
---|---|---|---|
Saturday, March 16, 2024 | 6:00 AM Meet-up | AED 220 | AED 150 |
Saturday, March 30, 2024 | 7:00 AM Meet-up | AED 220 | AED 150 |
Monday, April 8, 2024 | 6:00 AM Meet-up | AED 220 | AED 150 |
Saturday, April 27, 2024 | 5:00 AM Meet-up | AED 220 | AED 150 |
Trip Details
Schedule
6:00 AM: Meet at the designated parking on Jebel Jeiss Road (past the Bear Gryll’s Explorers Camp entrance)
6:30 AM: Begin hike
11:30 AM – 12:30 PM: Finish Hike
What’s Included
— Experienced and certified mountain guide (English speaking)
— Natural and cultural history education
— Outdoor education, Assistant Guide/s
— First Aid
What to Bring
— 1-2 liters of water (December – March) | 2-3 liters of water (for the rest of the months)
— backpack
— salted snacks and/or fruit for a few hours of hiking with a little extra — in case of delay
— 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
— hat
— sunscreen
— sunglasses
— trekking poles (optional to help with balance or mitigate fatigue)
Trail Info
Trail Type: One way (or Retrace)
Distance: 8.37 KM
Elevation Gain: 1154 M
Trail Time: 5-6 hours
Difficulty level
Difficulty: Intermediate+ (7/10)
(steady ascent, slippery areas, length of the trail, sun exposure, loose rocks, hazardous species)
[Beginners add 2, Experienced hikers subtract 2 to difficulty]
Not recommended for individuals who are not active, smoke heavily, have vertigo or fear of heights