Hiking in Muscat, a capital city? Yes it is possible. One of the particularity of Muscat is that it is composed of neighborhoods separated by rocky hills. This means that you can climb those hills to get nice views, especially on trail C38 between Riyam and Muttrah.
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INFO & PLANNING TIPS - Muscat Riyam Hike
For those tired of museums, buildings and people with all the many things to do in Muscat, why not take a break and hike a little to get nice views of the city? Here is the information you need to do it.
TIPS FOR TRAVEL PLANNING ADDICTS
Getting to Riyam
- Riyam is located East of Muttrah and the corniche while driving on the main road. You cannot miss it, as it is located accross from the Giant Incense Burner statue.
- To find the beginning of the hike in Riyam, check the next section with photos
Hiking at Riyam
- Once you are on the path follow the yellow/white/red flags
- Wear good hiking shoes, the rocks can be slippery
- This is a desertic area, it gets hot, bring water!
- Plan 1h to 1h30min to the viewpoints with a steep section - should be rated as moderate
- This Track also goes all the way to Muttrah on path C38. Destination Oman has a map of the trail - 3 hours for the whole trail
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Finding the hike
As there are not signs to indicate the hike at the moment, here are some indications to reach the beginning of the hike.
When you enter thye Riyam area from the main street, go towards the right, find WAy 8804. Then find the house in the photo below.
Turn right before the house (where the car is). You will see a fuel pipe and stairs.
View of Riyam
As you get higher you first only see the Riyam section of Muscat, with the giant incense burner statue and the park. It is a mix of stairs and steep climb.
The hills are rocky and dry with deep and narrow wadis
Be careful it is so dry that some sections get slippery as the rocks roll under your feet.
View of the Corniche / city center
Then you can cross and walk towards to other side with views of Muttrah where the Corniche, the Souq and the Fish Market are.
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Very clear and sound guide 🙂
I will be 2 days in Muscat and I am planning to do some hiking from there.
Unfortunately the link to trail map doesn’t work. Will try to find it myself.
Thanks for sharing.
Thanks. I updated with another link to a PDF with the map.