Apply to Join the hike!
This is a challenge that will will humble even the most fit hikers especially in December, when we have only 9 hours of daylight.
Jabal Shams stands 3,009 metres above sea level in Oman's Al Hajar Mountains, the highest point in the GCC. UAE Trekkers takes you to the summit and back in a single push. No camping, no half measures, just one long, hard day on the mountain.
Apply to Join the Event
This is not a beginner trek. It should not be your first trek, nor one if you are not fully eqiupped and ready to participate.
If you have not hiked with us before, you will need to complete one hike with us prior to Sham and complete the application
Why do we climb Jabal Shams in one push with no camping?
We climb it this way for three reasons.
First, it trains your body for Kilimanjaro. The elevation gain and loss on summit day mirrors what you'll face on Kili's final push: long hours, thinning air, legs that have to keep moving after they want to stop.
Second, there's no water on the mountain. Every drop you drink, you carry. Keeping your pack light isn't a preference here, it's the only sensible option.
Third, camping means carrying tents, stoves, and sleeping gear up a mountain that already has no water to support you. We'd rather skip the extra load and sleep well instead.
So we do it differently. Drive out from Dubai on Friday morning and do one short hike on the balcony in the afternoon just before sunset. This ensures that you have tested all of your kit, are ready to carry the weight, and have the right gear.
We spend two nights in a hotel, and start the climb early on Saturday morning while the mountain is still cool and quiet. A guide stays with every hiker for the full route, up and down, with support the whole way.
It's tough. It's not casual. But if you're training for something bigger, Jabal Shams is exactly the mountain you need.
If you would like to join for FREE - we are offering 3 SPOTS FOR applicants who can DRIVE their car over the border and take 3 people with them.
A tough but rewarding challenge!
Details of the Trek:
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We cannot sufficiently describe how hard Jabal Shams is. This is our best shot: First timers should be plan to reach the campsite 2850 M for a 10 hours trek. Only staying at the pace of the guide will allow you to reach summit and return in time for sunset.
5-6 hours to reach summit
5-6 hours to descend
Steep inclines
Rocky steps
Markers are not always easy to spot and you can get lost easily. Descent is harder than ascent for knees and endurance reasons
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Friday morning:
Leave by 6 am
Arrive by 2 pm
Balcony Hike from 3-5 pm
Saturday Morning:
4:00 am Start
10:00 am Summit Cut off
4:30 pm Down to Hotel
Sunday Morning:
7:30 am Return to Dubai
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Click on the complete brochure at the top for all details.
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Backpack with water bladder (camelback)
HIKING BOOTS MANDATORY
Fleece jacket, wooly hat, light mittens for the start and the summit, even in May. Rain jacket and backpack cover.
Snacks! Lots of them
5 liters of water and electrolytes
Whistle
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750 Dh for the trek: Hotel Rooms are. charged separately and paid on check in with the person you drive with.
We do not. charge extra for the rooms and get a discount.
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Minimum to run the hike: 5 joiners
Maximum: 14
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NO VISA REQUIRED
Just stamp in and out at the Mezyad Border
Rental cars cannot cross into Oman.
Carpoollng is recommended.
You must be ready to pay the person that drives you 300 Dh for petrol.