Snake Gorge

Hajar Mountains


Slithering through the heart of the Hajar Mountains, this narrow slot canyon doesn't give up its secrets easily: in fact, it is hard to get a sense of its beauty without becoming fully immersed in a full-day's adventure. Best accessed with a guide, a rope and an eye on the weather, the gorge is explored by leaping from pool to pool towards the exit point with no return possible because of the vertical drops and overhangs.

Adventure tour companies can arrange guides and transport, and there is accommodation or wild camping opportunities nearby. Husaak Adventures offer an overnight trip via Nizwa and Sharfat Al Alamayn for OR200 including camping gear, equipment, food and transport.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Hajar Mountains attractions

1. Bilad Sayt

1.36 MILES

Tucked into a limestone pleat in the mountains, Bilad Sayt is a beautiful traditional Hajar Mountain village. Trimmed with neat allotments of corn and…

2. Hatt

2.26 MILES

This traditional mountain village is something of a landmark along the remote off-road route from Wadi Bani Awf to Sharfat Al Alamayn. With the most…

3. Rock Arch

3.13 MILES

Referred to locally as a rock arch, this striking natural feature is in fact a fissure in the cliff. There is just enough space at the bottom of the crack…

4. Sharfat Al Alamayn Viewpoint

3.45 MILES

Marking the highest point along the paved road, this spectacular viewpoint overlooks the full reach of the Hajar mountain range. With little hint of the…

5. Thorn Tree Copse

5.27 MILES

Where the paved road through Wadi Bani Awf ends, a magnificent stand of trees comes into view. These are Ziziphus spina christi, or 'Christ thorn trees' –…

6. Misfat Viewpoint

7.01 MILES

For the best view of Misfat, turn right by the campground before entering the village. The ancient stone buildings, half buried in a thick date plantation…

7. Wadi Sahten

8.12 MILES

The exciting route through Wadi Sahten begins near Rustaq and winds through a narrow corridor that is often flowing with water. A paved road opens out…

8. Bait Al Safah

9.12 MILES

This quirky museum is more open house than historical display. Three ladies accompany guests around their traditional house in the aged and crumbling…