The Wild Road to Jebel al-Harim in Oman
Jebel al-Harim (Mountain of Women) is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 2.056m (6,745ft) above the sea level located on the Musandam Peninsula of Northern Oman, bordering the United Arab Emirates.
The peak, also known as Jebel as-Sayh is the highest mountain in Musandam. The road to the summit is totally unpaved and pretty rough with 9 switchbacks through limestone formations. The summit of the mountain is off-limits to the public as there is a radar station used for military purposes. The peak got its name from the days when local women would retreat to caves up here in order to avoid being carried off by pirates or rival tribes when men were going for hunting or fishing for a long time.
Starting at Jabal Sayh Road, the road is 3.2 km (1.98 miles) long. This route is not suitable for normal cars. 4WD only. At this height, temperatures can fall here at night to freezing point. Be sure to have spare water and tires with you if you intend to drive to Jebel Al Harim. The road to the summit, through spectacular mountain landscapes, is brutally steep, hitting a 37% of maximum gradient through some of the ramps. The drive offers stunning views back to Khasab and onwards towards Dibba.
Pic: shashank m