You may have heard about Khatt mountains in south-east of the city of Ras Al Khaimah in the United Arab Emirates, famous for hot water springs rich with minerals. But besides this unique feature, this village at the foot of Hajar Mountains offers spectacular scenery, whether it is for hiking, off-roading or camping during winter time or providing a perfect escape from high temperatures during summer.
THE HIDDEN PLATEAU IN KHATT MOUNTAINS
Khatt mountains are in the large part flat hills spreading over the horizon of Ras Al Khaimah. The off-road trails leading through this landscape will allow you appreciate the raw beauty of nature. The terrain can require some 4×4 driving skills (you will not be able to venture on this journey with sedan car, unfortunately), but it is worth the reward for what I consider to be the adventure destination in Ras Al Khaimah emirate.
This trail is significantly longer than other trails in this region. The difficulty level is rather easy, taking into consideration well paved stone roads, steep at times, often attended by owners of the heritage houses hidden deep in the mountains. The route does not really get gravely damaged after rain so it rather stays in good condition. The highlight of this journey is flat plateau (25°36’50.9″N 56°03’47.6″E) in the valley between the Khatt mountains. Previously used as farming fields. Nowadays those fields turn green during winter months, beautifully strewn with grass and are amazing place for setting up your camp, giving you a lot of space and stunning scenery around. Check more off-road mountain trails in the UAE here: Top 5 Off-Road Mountain Trails in the UAE
THE UNIQUE WILDLIFE
The hills of Khatt are wilderness areas giving a unique opportunity to admire flora and fauna of this region. Besides as usual goats meandering around, you will most likely come across wild Arabian mountain gazelles and Arabian tahrs in their wildlife habitat. Obviously, these areas are protected and it is forbidden to hunt for any wild animals.
The roads of Khatt mountains will provide you will different options of routes. The main entrance to Khatt mountains is here: 25°36’52.8″N 56°00’56.7″E.
At this point: 25°36’37.1″N 56°03’08.6″E you will reach the crossroads and the other route on your left is going to take you down back to Khatt village and you will exit the mountains at this point: 25°37’25.7″N 56°01’12.5″E.
However, if you continue driving ahead, you will come across another crossroad. Turning right you will get to the private farm. Turning left you will continue your journey through the mountains, reaching significantly big mountain village (not inhibited by local people nowadays but only being used as a weekend getaway from the city). The road continues after you will pass the village until the point it is no longer possible to go further and you will have to return or proceed further to discover the area hiking.
HISTORY AND HERITAGE OF KHATT MOUNTAINS
Besides outstanding and unique wildlife, hills in Khatt are rich in history and heritage. It is very common to come across ruins of building made out of rocks and the last of households, especially in the area of plateau mentioned above in the article. You can also notice paths leading through the mountains, formerly connecting remote farms and other villages with each other.
Khatt hills are rather unpopular off-road site. The Internet signal might be weak in some areas. Still, for the outstanding and unique wildlife it is a place you must visit at least once. But once you do it, I promise you will want to come back!
There are other places around you make like: WADI SIDAQA: FORGOTTEN VALLEY, DISCOVER EVERGREEN TAWYEEN LAKE, HIDDEN OASIS UNDER THE RED MOUNTAIN.
UAE OFF-ROADER GUIDE
If you are looking for more off-road trails to discover about United Arab Emirates, I can recommend this ultimate guide that is packed with many routes, giving very detailed information and answering all questions you could have.
You can get it from Amazon: https://amzn.to/2UrKZdo
