Despite the arduous journey, hiking and trekking add a new spice to life, giving innumerable memories, the scenic views and rolling dunes and the craggy mountains.
Only when we go out into nature, are we truly able to experience miracles and the beauty that arises from hardship.
Trekking not only reboots and detoxes both our body and mind. It gives us a much-needed break from our routine life. Nature has an immense power to heal wounds that we can’t even see, nature has this spell that binds us with amazement, it always leaves us wanting more.
UAE’s natural and scenic topography makes it the ideal location for adventure seekers. In this article, we travel vicariously through 5 different mesmerizing landscapes and trails for trekking that the UAE boasts of.
- Jebel Jais
At nearly 2,000 meters above sea level, Mount Jebel Jais in Ras Al Khaimah (RAK) is the tallest peak in the UAE. This popular weekend destination for residents boasts an enthralling sight and offers plenty of activities for the adventures like the Jaisflight, Jais sledder, or the Bear Grylls Explorers Camp. Whether you’re a thrill-seeker or looking for some outdoor fun, his day at Jebel Jais Ras Al Khaimah is just what you need to beat your boredom. Various designated mountain trails are suited to walkers of all experience levels. Six trails have a cumulative distance of 16km, each with its own challenges through the diverse mountain ecosystem. Jebel Jais is home to some of the most exciting adventures like ravines, canyons and through jagged peaks that lie 1680 meters above sea level. During your visit, make sure to also dine at 1484 by Puro, the highest restaurant in the country at 1,484 meters above sea level.
- Wadi Dahir
Some of the most popular and well-marked hiking and trekking trails in the UAE can be found in the breathtaking mountains of Hajar, Fujairah Emirate. Located in wadi Dahir, Fujeirah, it is also called the Al Henna-Sulphur hike. While walking on the trails, you can find diverse flora and immerse yourself in the beauty of the geology of the area. Mesmerizing pools of water with crystal clear and milky blue water and salt clusters are the highlights of the trail. The trail starts in the mountains and winds through hills and valleys, ending with banana and palm trees and a water-filled wadi.
- Wadi Shah
If you are up for an adventurous trail with scree slopes, high boulders, and narrow paths winding around the mountain edge, then the Wadi Shah trek in the mountainous Ras Al Khaimah of UAE is your best bet. This trek is suitable for intermediate level trekkers, and requires a good fitness level and experience of hiking in the UAE mountains or terrains similar to them. This route will keep your feet fully engaged both on the way up and down. Don’t be surprised if you find a herd of goats bleating on your way up.
- Hatta
This trail in the Hatta mountains of Dubai is a relatively easy trek and can be an enjoyable experience if you are a beginner. You will spot a lot of quaint villages, spectacular geological features, memorable terrain and an old falaj, as well as the gazelle enclosure. One can also spot animals like goats, wild donkeys and rare species of birds along the way. The remarkable sunset over the mountains is truly a sight to behold.
- Wadi Ghalilah in Jebel Jais
The “Stairways to heaven” trail in Wadi Ghalilah is one of the popular trails and is also rated as one of the toughest and demanding hiking trails in the UAE. The vigorous hike starts from Wadi Ghalilah Dam and the scenic route leads almost straight up to the Jebel Jais, with stunning views of Wadi Litibah, Wadi Ghalilah and Wadi Jais from atop, and also gives a memorable and breath-taking view of the main peaks of the Northern Emirates and Mussadam. The path is no doubt challenging but equally rewarding, with difficult terrain being made relatively easy with a well-planned and well laid out path, clearly understandable signage, dry stone embankments and stone-marked pathways. This trail needs to be embarked upon only with the help of a guide or someone who knows the trail well enough.
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