Where to experience hiking in Muscat?

MUSCAT: Despite the rough terrain, hiking remains the best way to enjoy the Sultanate’s wonderful mountainous nature. One can make different excursions of varying degrees of difficulty. 

This weekend we tried the easiest of all, classified as Grade1. What that means is that we don't have to be an experienced hiker to complete the route. This path will take on average 2 hours But with a 3-year old preschooler that can extend up to 3 hours including the photos and breaks in between.

It just rained 3 days before our trek so this added color to our experience. Next time, I will definitely take a deep in this crystal clear waters.

It is obvious from the start that we are not experience trekkers and that includes myself! It is only halfway through that I realized that these painted striped of yellow, red and white are trek markings that will guide us through the trail, see the photo below. I thought in the beginning that these are one of the nationalities that has been here and thought that I might just make one for our beloved country, the Philippines.

Dangerously as it looks but it is more fun than it appears.

One can either start the route from Riyam Park or Muttrah. I recommend to start at Riyam park as you will be rewarded within 10 minutes of ascend. Follow the coloured markers from the parking area at Riyam. In the old days the only way to get to Muscat was by sea or over this path. Once you have reached the higher parts of the route, turn around to enjoy the amazing view over the coast and sea.

Breathtaking scenery of Riyam Park. The first step of the trail is just behind that beautiful yellow house.

These well-placed stone slabs leading up the hill have been used by countless generations of visitors from Mutrah and the interior, to help them climb the last hills before they entered the gates of Muscat. 

Few ascends and the magnificent view of the Muttrah corniche will unveil like a kingdom in bedtime stories. Upon reaching this point, take more photos as much as you can because the next course to follow is an unforgettable experience for the "acrophobics".

If not the best, it is the recommended spot that one have to spend most of the scenic reminiscing.

You might just be lucky to befriend some of the trekkers both young and old.

When you are hiking with your kids, I would advise that you do all the pep talk that can enable the children to cooperate. As for my case, I told my daughter that a pool of water was waiting for her to play.

Pep talk with my daughter just before we hit the wadis.

And just as you promised, give them the reward. Well, at least we were ahead of her mom otherwise, she would be the first one to object.

Une asking if I had brought with me her pair of swimwear.

Trekking along the wadi is the easiest part but most enjoyable as you have to navigate your way through the boulders. Ladies, let the gents head the pack as we are best at it :)

My born-ready wife in action.

Afternoon walk offers shady parts in this part of the trek

Enjoy the scramble that is sometimes necessary to pass the wadi leading to Mutrah. Take care to turn left when arriving at the graveyard just before Mutrah, otherwise you might walk through.

This is us and our 3-year old daughter overlooking Riyam Park.

If you are going to do just one walk in the capital area, this should be the one.

Oh look at that smile! How happy she was to be allowed to play in these waters.

These ladies are the toughest... at least in our pack. Well done girls! From left: Anen, Honey, Jan and Aching.

Would you consider bringing your kids on this type of trekking?


Mabuhay!