Hiking · Muscat Governorate
Jebel Khoneh — Sa'al steps
HardFree entry📍 Fanja, Muscat outskirts
🗺️ 3.6 km⏱️ 1–2 hrs📈 Hard🌅 Best: Year round🚗 45 mins from central Muscat from Muscat
About this trail
An iconic Muscat hike featuring approximately 700 ancient stone steps hand-carved by local villagers — once used as a donkey path between mountain villages and the valley floor. A cave sits near the summit.
From the summit, breathtaking views of Fanja mountains and distant Muscat. The ancient steps and the history of the people who carved them are the real highlight.
Trail highlights
✓700 historic stone steps
✓Summit cave
✓Mountain panorama
✓Ancient donkey path
📅 Best time to hike
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🎒 What to bring
0/7 packed💧 1.5L water minimumMust
👟 Trail shoes or bootsMust
🧢 Hat and sunscreenMust
📱 Offline maps downloaded
🩹 Basic first aid kit
🍌 Light snacks
🔦 Torch if starting at dawn
📍 Location
Google Maps ↗Fanja, Muscat outskirts · 45 mins from central Muscat
Get directions →💡 Before you go
→4WD can save 2km of walking to the start
→Take the wadi route on return for variety
→Ancient stone steps carved into the hillside are the highlight
→A cave near the summit is worth finding
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Ready to hit the trail?
Free — no booking needed. Bring water, wear trail shoes, start early.
Get directions to trailhead →