Oman Calling – Islamic New Year Long weekend

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  • Ajay “AJ”
    October 10, 2015 at 4:43 pm #2433

    Day and date: October 15-16 2015
    Drive Type: Wadi drive alongwith Trek/Hike/swim thru Chains trail and Snake Gorge
    Meeting Point: Parking area of Wajajah ( Omani side of Hatta) Border post
    Google maps users (just copy and paste in Google maps): https: https://www.google.ae/maps/place/Al+Wajajah,+Oman/@24.7964112,56.2262999,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m2!3m1!1s0x3ef4e06b7eb66789:0xdf6a7c97895f353
    GPS users:
    Meeting Time: 0600 hrs, October 15, 2015
    Drive Start: 0615 hrs
    Drive End: 1900 hrs, October 16, 2015
    Duration: 2 days
    Drive Route: Dubai – Sohar – Wadi Hawasnah – Wadi Sahtan – Snake Gorge – Wadi Bani Awf – Rustaq – Dubai
    Drive Terrain: Black Top and Mountain tracks

    Thursday, the 15th October is likely to be a holiday, thereby giving us a long weekend. We propose to do a trip to Oman. The tentative plan is as under:

    1. October 15, 2015: Departure from Dubai, early morning, so as to depart from Hatta/Wajajah border @ 6AM,
    2. October 15: Drive thru Wadi Hawasnah in the Batinah region of Oman,
    3. October 15: Trek/Hike to the Chains trail,
    4. October 15: Drive thru Wadi Sahtan and campout,
    5. October 16: Trek/Hike and swim thru the Snake Gorge. Those who wish to skip the adventure in the Snake Gorge, can EITHER:
    – drive thru the wadi BaniAwf and Wadi Haat, OR
    – trek thru the picturesque hill side village of Bilad Sayt and its plantations,
    6. October 16 afternoon: Drive back to Dubai, reaching back by late evening.

    The requirements for joining the trip as under:
    A. A 4×4 (or a quality Crossover with decent ground clearance) in good state of maintenance and insurance cover for Oman,
    B. All standard recovery gear,
    C. Good quality trekking shoes and appropriate swimwear in case you wish to join the trek or swim, as applicable,
    D. Regular camping gear,
    E. Food and beverages for 2 days,
    F. Check your eligibility to get Oman visit visa-on-arrival. In case you have a doubt, you may visit the Omani Embassy in AD or its Consulate in the Diplomatic area of the Dubai with copy of your passport and the UAE visa page, to procure an advance visa. They grant visas on the same day.
    In case you are interested this event, please out your name and the total number of people in your team.

    Checklist:
    a) Keep your emergency contact info at vehicle dashboard.
    b) Carry air compressor with you and ensure it’s in working condition.
    c) Ensure your 4×4 vehicle is in perfect condition and with enough fuel.
    d) Compatible Radio is a must.
    e) Carry all necessary off-road gear / recovery equipment in good working condition.
    f) Carry enough water / refreshments / re-hydration drinks for self & co-passenger(s).

    Ahmad Pervez
    October 10, 2015 at 6:21 pm #33914

    I am in, this is a not to be missed event!!! with Family (4 members)

    It is an official holiday, on Thursday the 15th of October, as well,
    http://gulfnews.com/news/uae/government/hijri-new-year-holiday-for-public-and-private-sectors-in-uae-declared-1.1598672

    Matteo
    October 12, 2015 at 8:28 am #33920

    This looks like an amazing trip Ajay. Unfortunately I need to be back in Dubai Friday morning and from what I can see on Google maps from the campsite back it is about 400Kms, is this correct? It may be a bit much for me to be able to get back in time. The trip looks fabulous, nonetheless!!

    Ajay “AJ”
    October 13, 2015 at 6:57 pm #33927

    Hi.

    There has been a weather prediction for most of the northern Oman and rains are predicted on Thursday and Friday. In view of the risks of traveling / hiking thru the wadis during the rains, this trip is being called off for the time being. It will be rescheduled at an appropriate time in due course.

    Ajay “AJ”
    October 13, 2015 at 6:58 pm #33928

    Hi.

    There has been a weather prediction for most of the northern Oman and rains are predicted on Thursday and Friday. In view of the risks of traveling / hiking thru the wadis during the rains, this trip is being called off for the time being. It will be rescheduled at an appropriate time in due course.

    Matteo
    October 13, 2015 at 8:01 pm #33934

    Thanks Ajay. I will definitely look forward to it next time. Can you guys join us in qudra lake for a drive and camping? It would be great to have a group!

    Boban
    October 14, 2015 at 6:22 am #33937

    HI,

    I am in. Total 3 people.

    Boban

    Matteo
    October 17, 2015 at 8:49 am #33969

    Great call on cancelling this trip Ajay. Tragic disasters in Gulf News this morning. Thanks for taking the call to keep everyone safe!

    http://gulfnews.com/news/gulf/oman/at-least-6-dead-as-heavy-rain-lashes-oman-1.1601642

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