When you stumble across Wadi Naqab, its jagged peaks of Hajar Mountains, utter solitude and surreal views you will know immediately that you found an absolute gem.
THE ROAD TO WADI NAQAB
The road to Wadi Naqab is an off-road trail through a drastically transforming landscape. From the flat deserted land to tall and distant mountains featuring a few farms and houses and meadows covered by flowers and green grass in winter time. You will be able to drive with sedan car until some point, but to come through the last stage of the road you will need 4×4 car.
The trail mostly leads through the dry bed of valley so it tends to get damaged after rain. Depending on your plan, you can choose several places to park and head to explore the area. One of them is here: 25°42’57.2″N 56°06’33.3”E. However, nowadays the road has been extended long way into the inside of the valley, so if you are planning your activity around that location, it is better to drive forward and leave the car there.
VARIETY OF HIKING TRAILS
Once you get to Wadi Naqab, there are various hikes to enjoy the outdoors and impressive views, ranging from easy to more difficult or even whole day expeditions. Some of them are clearly indicated with signs sprayed on the rocks or by piles of stones left by previous hikers.
Most of the hikes lead to the villages at the top of the mountains, for example Sheri Village(25°42’00.4″N 56°07’21.7”E). But there are also hiking routes that feature natural lakes or water pools like Wadi Koub(25°43’21.7″N 56°08’41.7”E). Any of those surreal hikes is the best way to contemplate with the refreshing nature of Hajar Mountains, meditate and explore the mountain’s diverse flora and fauna.
WATCH EVERY STEP
As beautiful and astonishing as it is, it’s also quite dangerous especially when it rains. The water flow from the valley shuts down roads, sweep away cars and washes into local homes. Do not ever attempt to visit Wadi Naqab even during a light rain!
Additionally, due to many trails not being marked up well, many people tend get lost. There is almost no network coverage so it is advised to take a guide with you or a person who knows this area well. Also wild animals might be potential danger. Mountains are a natural habitat for venomous snakes and spiders. Especially during hot weather snakes like to cool down in the water.
It is incredible valley giving a lot of opportunities for outdoor activities for climbing, hiking and camping. However if you are looking for something less challenging, you might check Wadi Shawka that I wrote about in this article: Ultimate Guide to Wadi Shawka
In the videos below I documented a few of my trips to Wadi Naqab featuring spectacular mountain shots. You can watch my journeys to the cave and the mountain lake. And if you are interested to find out more off-road mountain trails, you can check this article: Top 5 Off-Road Mountain Trails in the UAE
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
