Wadi Nakhur - at the feet of Jebel Shams

Jebel Shams is always a breathtaking and dramatic destination - no matter how you approach it, from the top or bottom. Stunning and mesmerizing. We have been to the gorge (Wadi Al Nakhur or Wadi Ghul) at the bottom of it before: it is a very dramatic drive with a mostly abandoned village at the end. Habitants moved out to easier locations but some of the old houses have been converted to guest rooms and the gardens are cultivated. 

The road is rough, needs proper 4x4 to navigate and after rains it gets washed away, so best to check with the guest house if drivable. Also, if there is rain in the forecast, do not drive in - it can be super dangerous. Normal weather apps are not too reliable, best to check mountain weather pages (like this one) or with locals.

To spend a night in  the guest house was on our wish list for a long time, especially after we learnt that there is a really nice hike leading to a pool inside the gorge. 

The guest house is very basic, you get a room with bed and a flush toilet. The bed and pillows had fresh sheets on them, but the cover did not so if you are picky, it is best to bring blanket or sleeping bag. There is no food offered, so we had to take our camping kitchen with us and we grilled. I feel it could be a very special place with a bit of service - it does not have to be anything fancy, but if they offered a grill dinner or Omani traditionally meal and Omani breakfast, it could make a huge difference, because the ambiance is simply unbeatable (to be fair, on Google maps I did see pictures with buffet style food prep, so maybe for bigger groups and more notice they can do it). It was very special to see how the sun set and rose from the bottom of the gorge when you have 1000m high vertical rocks walls around you. And silence, only the wind and animals made sounds and when they went silent, there was nothing else, just silence. It was magical.

The following day we took off to hike to the hidden pool with a local guide - it was not the plan, he was there to greet us when we arrived and offered to guide us so we said yes. The hike is marked and can be done without a guide but we did not regret having him - at parts the path is super exposed and while barriers and metal steps were installed, it was nice to have him around, giving tips etc. And he spoke a bit of English and talked about the village which is always interesting.

The hike is very dramatic, you literally walk on a very narrow rim and there is only a thin metal barrier between you and the abyss. And the pool is a well earned  price at the end!

Guesthouse location: 23.200698, 57.212682, WhatsApp +968 9251 2683
Start of the wadi: 23.149254, 57.204905. Strictly with 4x4 and it has to be high enough with low gear option. Casual SUV will not cut it. If you have time explore the ruins and gardens at the entrance. This is the start point of the W6 hikes, which leads up to Jebel Shams. The Oman Offroad book has chapter about the gorge (in ours it is rout 8).
Hike starting point: hike starts in the village at the end of the wadi. It is marked with the usual tricolor flags.

The pond: the location is marked on google map here. The path is marked. At parts it is very exposed, and sometimes bit steep.

The hike: it was bit less than 3km one direction and too us around 45min to reach the pond. So 1.5 hour back and forth, plus whatever time you spend swimming.

Other: not for toddlers. 4x4 is mandatory.

Scroll down for a short video !

The drive to the gorge is super dramatic - you have 100m high vertical cliffs next to you and the view of the peak of Jebel Shams

The guesthouse is nicely kept from the outside, bit basic in the inside. 

The hike starts out pretty flat

But soon the fun begins - even with the props we got a bit dizzy sometimes (those of us who not happy with exposed heights)

Towards the end the gorge got super narrow..

and views got better and better

And eventually the pool appeared!