Jebel Akhdar, Hajar Mountains

Beginner/intermediate level

A hike into the past, the trails through the ancient Hajar mountain range – known as the Grand Canyon of Arabia – offer a glimpse into another era. Abandoned villages perch on the edge of plateaus, falaj irrigation streams weave through date palms and emerald pools beckon. It’s vibrant and greener than most hikes you’ll find in the UAE. The Jebel Akhdar mountain is a fascinating area to trek, and there are hidden gems to be discovered along the way.

Expect serene walkways that take you far from the bustle of city life, with everything from blooming pomegranate trees to abandoned villages. Temperatures here, at an elevation of 2,000 metres, are at least 10 degrees cooler than in nearby Muscat.

That means it provides a welcome retreat from the summer heat, and hoodies, hats and gloves in the cooler months, when temperatures often drop to single figures at night. Don’t forget your swimwear, as natural pools are an inviting place to swim, and there are plenty of caves to explore. While this is not an easy stroll, the walk is more a day of exploration than a brutal challenge. Wandering through deserted villages and age-old date farms, meeting locals along the way, you’ll discover there is still much life in this rocky landscape. Though this is far from an advanced hike, expect a small amount of bouldering and a handful of steep ascents.

UAE Trekkers organises a two-day adventure exploring the flora and fauna of Jebel Akhdar. The trip takes in wadis, dams and plateaus. Day one is an 11-kilometre trek that takes about seven hours to complete and day two is a 5km trip, spread over three hours.

Only four-wheel drives are allowed on the mountain and this is enforced with a police checkpoint. Most hotels in the area can organise transfers.

Dh950, includes two nights in a stone house on a twin-share basis, plus meals and snacks; www.uae-trekkers.com