Jebel Akhdar and Jebel Shams

Jebel Akhdar and Jebel Shams are two cool summits of the Hajar Mountains, with panoramic views over canyons and wadis, ideal for hiking, adventure and camping. Jebel Akhdar is about two hours from Muscat, and only four-wheel-drive vehicles are allowed up the road.

On the Saiq plateau, at about 2,000 metres, stone villages cling above the wadis, with terraces of pomegranates, walnuts and mountain roses. In April the roses are picked and distilled into rose water in the villages in the traditional way, a season worth planning for.

Jebel Shams is Oman's highest mountain, overlooking Wadi Ghul, the canyon visitors call the Grand Canyon of Arabia. From the village of Al Khitaym, the Balcony Walk follows the canyon's edge.

At the foot of the mountain lies Nizwa, Oman's old capital, with its fort and souk. We suggest two nights on Jebel Akhdar; it is about 10 degrees cooler than the coast, and winter nights are cold.