Jebel Shams Balcony Walk: Guided Hike & Lunch from Muscat

Summary

Hiking the edge of Oman’s Grand Canyon with local guides

You’ll hike along Jebel Shams’ dramatic Balcony Walk with a local guide, tracing ancient paths above Wadi Ghul canyon. Explore Sab Bani Khamis village ruins, pause for lunch with mountain views, and discover hidden corners only locals know. Expect moments of awe — and maybe a little vertigo — before returning to Muscat by evening.

What’s the experience like?

“You’ll want to look down,” our guide Khalid grinned as we edged onto the Balcony Walk at Jebel Shams — but honestly, my knees were already arguing about it. The path hugs the cliffside above Wadi Ghul, and there’s just this wild drop-off that makes your heart thump. Early morning sun on the rocks, goats clattering somewhere below, and that dry mountain smell — like dust and thyme. I tried to ask Khalid how old the abandoned village was (Sab Bani Khamis), but he just shrugged and said, “Older than my grandfather’s stories.” Fair enough.

The hike itself isn’t hard if you’re used to walking, but it’s rocky and narrow in places. There was this moment when we stopped for water and all you could hear was wind scraping over stone — no cars, no voices except ours. We reached the old stone houses after maybe an hour? Hard to keep track because I kept stopping for photos or just staring out at the canyon. Some of us went further to find the hidden lake (which is more like a pool tucked into rock), while others hung back near the ruins. I didn’t expect to feel so small up there — in a good way.

Lunch was simple — wraps and fruit — but eating it sitting on a boulder with that view made it taste better than any restaurant meal in Muscat. On the way back, Khalid pointed out tiny fossils pressed into the stones underfoot; he said they’re older than Oman itself (I’m still not sure if he was joking). We stopped by the ruins of Ghul before heading back to Muscat in tired silence, everyone kind of lost in their own thoughts. I still think about that view sometimes when I’m stuck in traffic at home.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Jebel Shams Balcony Walk and Return

• Pick up from Muscat at 6:30 AM
• Drive to Jebel Shams, arrive 9-10 AM
• Start Balcony Walk along Wadi Ghul
• Explore Sab Bani Khamis village
• Hike to hidden lake
• Have packed lunch with views
• Retrace trail back
• Visit ruins of Ghul
• Return to Muscat by 7-8 PM

Top questions

How long does the Jebel Shams Balcony Walk take?

The hike usually takes 3-4 hours including stops for photos and lunch.

Is transport from Muscat included in this tour?

Yes, private transportation from Muscat is included with pickup early morning.

What is included in the Jebel Shams day trip?

The tour includes private transport, lunch, all safety gear, and a local guide.

Is lunch provided during the Balcony Walk hike?

Yes, a packed lunch is provided during the hike with mountain views.

Do you visit Sab Bani Khamis village on this tour?

Yes, you’ll explore the abandoned village of Sab Bani Khamis along the trail.

What fitness level do I need for this hike?

You should have at least moderate physical fitness for rocky paths.

Are infant seats available for transport?

Specialized infant seats are available upon request for transport.

When do we return to Muscat after the tour?

You’ll return to Muscat by 7-8 PM after visiting Jebel Shams and Ghul ruins.

What’s included

Your day includes early morning pickup from Muscat with private transportation out to Jebel Shams, all necessary safety gear for hiking along the Balcony Walk trail above Wadi Ghul canyon, a packed lunch enjoyed with mountain views near Sab Bani Khamis village ruins, plus a stop at Ghul before returning in the evening.