There’s plenty to do around Muscat. On this day, I chose to go hiking – you could even call it mountaineering. I decided to tackle the Sa’al Steps, a challenging hike up Jabal Khoneh mountain. It’s a demanding trail that takes you to a stunning viewpoint with 360-degree panoramic views over the Hajar Mountains in a short time.
So, do you have half a day in Muscat and are you up for some physical challenge? Then this hike near Muscat is exactly what you’re looking for!
Departure by Rental Car from Muscat
After a nice breakfast of a cup of coffee and a wrap with fried egg, cucumber, tomato, and sauce, I was ready to go. I left Basil Hostel where I stayed for a few nights with my rental car and drove out of Muscat towards the Dakhiliyah Highway. I also had Wadi Khoud on my list, so I drove there first.
Within half an hour I arrived at the wadi, which turned out to be almost dry. I saw some people sitting along the edge further ahead and walked a short distance. In the distance, I spotted a mountain with an old fort on top. To challenge myself a bit, I walked there. Briefly enjoyed the view over the surroundings and then headed back to the car to drive to Sa’al, the village where the Sa’al Stairs begin.
Arrival at Sa’al Steps Oman
Once I arrived, it wasn’t immediately clear where I needed to be. Multiple pins have been created on Google Maps and I ended up in the village. This wasn’t the intention, and three girls walking on the street kindly pointed me in the right direction when I asked. I had to be on the other side of the mountain, and to get there I drove through a kind of gorge with palm trees on both sides. These are the images and roads that I really love about Oman.
I asked another passerby where I needed to be and they also kindly showed me the way. I had to keep right, and when I was driving there I asked another man if I was going the right way and yes indeed. He told me that if I kept right I would come to a parking area where a Nissan Patrol was currently parked. And that was correct! So… this is the parking spot you need: Sa’al Stairs Parking Spot
Start of the Sa’al Steps Trail
Across the road was a sign indicating that the starting point was at 190 meters altitude and the endpoint at 545 meters. The distance I would cover was 1.8 kilometers, and behind it I could already see the large mountain of Jabal Khoneh.
I had a liter of water with me, a can of local cola, and some energy bars. That should be more than enough. The stairs weren’t visible yet, but I was at the Sa’al Stairs parking spot, so I just started. When I had just begun walking, I saw four women coming down. They belonged to the Nissan Patrol and also indicated that it was a beautiful hike and that it took about 45 minutes to reach the top.
After these women, I didn’t encounter anyone else until the top. I only heard birds singing, the few that still fly there. And every now and then I saw a beetle pass by.
The 600 Steps of Sa’al Steps
After about 20 minutes, I reached the stairs. The first part of the stairs has collapsed, but the rest was still in good condition. A bit further on, I saw that I had 600 steps to climb – the distinctive concrete staircase that makes this hike near Muscat so special. Every 50 steps or so, I took a short break to catch my breath and possibly take a sip of water. It had already gotten quite warm and there’s no shade to be found on this trail upwards.
The views became increasingly beautiful and broader. Every time I looked back, it looked different – a new mountain in sight or almost the sea in view. It was quite hazy, so I couldn’t really see that far. Or I saw cars driving past on the Dakhiliyah Highway, but none of them stopped to do this trail as well.
Reaching the Top of Jabal Khoneh
When I was almost between the two mountains, I felt the wind blowing. How wonderful that was. I had gotten really hot by then, and the higher I climbed, the more refreshing the wind became. A bit further on, the stairs ended and I walked around a bend to the other mountain where the satellite station stands. The endpoint of this trail. There it was still quite tough because it’s a rocky path and most stones are really loose.
At the top, a beautiful view over the Hajar Mountains and Sa’al Village awaited me, but what I was looking forward to even more was some shade. Wonderful! I sat down in the shade and drank my can of cola, which had become lukewarm by now. The wind cooled me down nicely and I enjoyed the view.
On one side, you look out over Sa’al village, and on the other side, you look into the enormous emptiness and mountains of Oman. What an immense landscape, it amazes me every time. Above me, suddenly a black and white bird flew by. I tried to film it, but it was riding the thermals nicely and it didn’t take long before it disappeared from my sight.
The Descent
After about fifteen minutes, I felt I’d had enough and walked back down. Carefully over the rocky path to the stairs and then down all the steps. I always find this harder than going up, on my knees. Now I didn’t get out of breath, but I did have to be careful not to walk too fast and let the impact hit my knees.
Practical Information Sa’al Steps Oman
How to Get to Sa’al Steps?
The Sa’al Steps hiking trail in Oman, which takes you to the top of Jabal Khoneh (Sa’al Mountain), is located approximately 30 kilometers southwest of Muscat, just past the Al Rusayl industrial area. The mountain is clearly visible from the Dakhiliyah Highway (Road No. 15) – look for the satellite dish on top that can be seen from the highway.
You can reach the starting point with a regular car; a 4×4 is not necessary. Navigate to the Sa’al Stairs Parking spot, where the trek begins. The last stretch is an unpaved road, but easily passable for all cars.
The Sa’al Steps Hike in Brief
- Distance: 1.8 kilometers (one way)
- Elevation gain: 355 meters
- Time up: approximately 45 minutes
- Total duration: allow 1.5 to 2 hours for the complete round trip
- Difficulty level: moderate to challenging – suitable for average fitness
- Cost: free access
- Starting point elevation: 190 meters above sea level
- Summit elevation: 545 meters above sea level
Best Time for Sa’al Steps
The Sa’al Steps can be climbed year-round, but timing is crucial due to Oman’s desert climate:
Best times of day:
- Early morning (before sunrise, from 6:00 AM) – ideal for spectacular sunrise photos
- Late afternoon (from 4:00 PM) – for sunset with less heat
- Best season: October to April, when temperatures are more pleasant (20-30°C / 68-86°F).
- Summer months (May-September): Only advisable early morning or late afternoon. Midday heat can be dangerous with temperatures reaching up to 45°C (113°F).
What to Bring to Sa’al Steps Oman?
Essential:
- Water: Minimum 1.5 liters per person (2 liters in summer!)
- Sturdy footwear: Hiking shoes with good grip and ankle support – the stone steps are uneven and partly damaged
- Sun protection: Hat or cap, sunscreen (SPF 50+), sunglasses
Recommended:
- Small backpack for your belongings
- Mobile phone (there is cell phone coverage for emergencies)
- Snack or energy bar
- Flashlight or headlamp (for early morning or late evening hikes)
- Camera of course
Note: Don’t wear flip-flops or open footwear. The visible staircase is only a small part of the entire hike. The rest you walk on paths with loose stones and rocky ground.
What Makes Sa’al Steps Oman Special?
The hiking trail combines a solid workout with breathtaking 360-degree views from the top. You look out over the surrounding Hajar Mountains, green wadis, Sa’al village below, and Muscat’s industrial area in the distance. On clear days, you can even see the Gulf of Oman.
The distinctive 700 concrete steps halfway up the route make this hike unique – although challenging, they make the steep climb more accessible than many other mountain hikes in the region.
Internet in Oman
If you want to stay online during your trip, you can do so with an eSIM. Buy it in advance and install it before arriving. I understood that once in Oman it no longer works.
Staying in Muscat?
This trip is easy to undertake from Muscat. Are you looking for a nice accommodation in Muscat? Check out the following options.
Mid-range Hotels (€70-200 per night)
- The Royal Tulip – Modern hotel with sauna, hot tub and hammam. Great location in Muscat with many restaurants nearby.
- Mövenpick Hotel & Apartments Ghala Muscat (Ghala) – Modern hotel in quiet neighborhood, family-friendly with apartments
- Crowne Plaza Muscat (Al Qurum) – Centrally located, perfect base for all attractions
Budget Hotels (€40-70 per night)
- Wyndham Garden Muscat Al Khuwair (Al Khuwair) – Central business district, close to Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque and walking distance to the beach. I found this a nice hotel with a lot nearby within walking distance.
- Fort Guesthouse (Mutrah) – Authentic guesthouse near Mutrah Souq, personal atmosphere. I haven’t stayed here myself but the area is lively and authentic.
- Royal Tulip Muscat (Al Ghubrah North) – Modern hotel in northern district, excellent value for money. Also a nice central location with many restaurants nearby.
Related Articles
- Packing List for Wadi Hiking
- Visit Bar Al Hikman – the Maldives of Oman
- Looking for the Ultimate Adventure in Oman? Canyoning in Snake Canyon
- Hiking in Wadi Shab – Sur, Oman
This article contains affiliate links. If you book or purchase something through one of these links, we may receive a small commission, at no extra cost to you.