Yenkit - the hunt for the perfect view
If you have seen stunning photos of the emerald green fjord from Oman, there is a good chance that it was taken in Yenkit. Yenkit is a small village on the Eastern side of Muscat, a bit more than 30 min drive from the capital. Looking at the definition of "fjord", Yenkit seems to tick the boxes: a long, narrow inlet with steep sides or cliffs, created by a glacier. Not sure about the glacier part but there are articles around that claim there is evidence of ice age in Oman so might very well be that Yenkit is a true fjord - well, certainly looks the part.
As with many of our trips, it all started with photos from Instagram. This beautiful zig-zag view with the guy standing on that cliff. Or the girl with the butterfly-shaped fjord behind her. I knew that they were taken in Yenkit but it is a rather big area - could not find exact locations. I asked around, but the thing here is that often people are not willing to share the coordinates for sites. Or you find coordinates but when you are there it seems impossible, and you cannot really figure out how to reach the point.
This is what happened in this case. We drove up to Yenkit last year, and while it was nice, we did not find any of the stunning viewpoints. This time we hiked on the Eastern side - we had a coordinate for the zig-zag view, and to our biggest surprise, it turned out to be the also the butterfly view! There is an old dirt road leading up to this point, but the last part is pretty broken and also at the bottom there is a sign stating the road is closed... Clearly, the barrier is pushed aside, but we did not want to risk anything so left the cars there and walked. The first part is a bit steep until you climb up to the plateau but once up there it is only an easy walk and seems like a good place for mountain biking as well.
A few days later I went back with my daughter, and it turned out that it was possible to venture further in on the top of the ridge running parallel with the fjord - you basically have to skirt the ridge to the right (right when facing the fjord) and as you climb you will see flat parts, viewpoints. There is not much path, but as the rocks are not slippery, I felt pretty safe. We skirted NOT on the waterside, but on the other side.
Overall, it is a great area to explore and provides easy hiking once you are up. There is no shade, so it is a very much winter destination but even on a cooler winter day, make sure you have enough water with you. Since it is relatively flat beside the initial climb, it is certainly toddler friendly.
Notes for photographers: if you come too early, the sun is too low, and the ridge casts a shadow on the fjord. If you come too late, you will have the Sun opposite you. Just before noon (10-12) seems to be a good time. Before sunset seems to be good as well, as the sun will be behind you for the zigzag view. Also, check the tide-times - we were there at low tide, meaning the end of the fjord was pretty dry.
UPDATE
It seems that the road to the eastern side is closed down completely with a fence. You can explore the western side instead, here they have houses already and people live there, so it is doubtful that they will close the road. The views are stunning from the western side also and it is easier to reach if you have a 4WD - you can drive up right next to the viewpoint. If you have a salon car, you need to walk more.
Viewpoint coordinates: scroll down for the custom map
Car: Up to the parking it is all asphalt so salon car is OK.
Kids: Since it is relatively flat beside the initial climb, it is certainly toddler friendly. Do not recommend the zig-zag viewpoint for small kids though.
Other: make sure you have plenty of water and you wear a hat and sunscreen!
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