Stairway to Heaven Hike, UAE:
The Stairway to Heaven hike in Wadi Ghalila, Ras al Khaimah, UAE (near the Oman border) is the country’s most renowned and toughest day hike, offering a challenging adventure with breathtaking views of the Jebel Jais mountains.
Stairways to Heaven Trek Left Bank (Technical,the actual Stairways to heaven Hike)
The challenging Stairway to Heaven Left Bank Hike, a 17km full loop trek that requires 8-12 hours to complete.
The route involves basic scrambling and navigates through scenic landscapes, including Wadi Litibah, the scree slope, and Jabal as Sayh. However, GPS tracking may be unreliable in the canyon.
While some sections are well-marked, others require careful navigation. Making it advisable to hike with an experienced guide or group of no more than 12 people. Avoid attempting this hike alone or during the summer months. The rewarding views of Wadi Ghalillah, Wadi Litibah, and Jabal as Sayh make this challenging hike a must-do for experienced adventurers. This long hike offers stunning views of Wadi Ghalilah, Wadi Litibah, and Jabal as Sayh. The route includes:
1. Wadi Litibah: This part is well marked and doesn’t require description.
2. Scree slope: Start at the stone marked with red paint (P-01). Pass a huge block with a crack (P-02), a fenced tree (P-03), and reach a tree almost at the top of the scree slope.
3. Stairways to Heaven: This section has multiple small stairways and one big one at the end. It’s the hardest and riskiest part with high exposure. Go with someone who has done the route.
4. Peak of false Horizons: Head to “a peak” keeping the drop off to your right. This ascent requires good stamina.
5. Traverse: This part is mainly flat and easy.
6. Alwoh Village Descent: The descent has a lot of zig-zagging and sometimes steep parts. Pass farms and flat cliff ledges.
Distance and Elevation Gain
– Distance: 17kms roughly
– Elevation Gain: 1500-1700m (depending on guide/route)
– Duration: 8-12 hours (depending on participants pace and level)
– Level: Intermediate+ to advanced
– Best time: Early morning in winter (November to March)
For experienced hikers looking for a real challenge, this adventure offers a strenuous hike with spectacular views and a high level of difficulty. This hike is not suitable for people with fear of heights and any health condition.
Stairways to Heaven Right Bank (Non technical hike)
The Right Bank hike is a 14 km trail from the starting point to the summit at a local Emirati farmhouse.
Alpine Trekkers Team can organize this hike to suit different fitness levels:
– Beginners/Moderate: Hike 7 km with a 500 meter elevation gain to the dry waterfall (halfway point) and return.
– Intermediate: Continue to the summit at the farmhouse and return.
The Right Bank hike follows the same route as the Stairways to Heaven hike until it diverges at the broken fossil stone and marked stone for the Left Bank. This section is known as Wadi Litibah. Continuing upwards, the trail reaches the dry waterfall area, Alwoh Village, and finally reach at the local Emirati farm house, marking the summit of the Right Bank.
This hike shares the same route as the Left Bank hike but splits off at the marked stone. The route includes:
1. Wadi Litibah: This part is well marked and doesn’t require description.
2. Dry Waterfall: The dry waterfall is halfway to the summit. Beginners plus to moderate hikers can return from this point.
3. Alwoh Village: Pass farms and flat cliff ledges.
4. Farm House Summit: The final destination offers stunning views.
Distance and Elevation Gain
– Distance: 7-14 km
– Elevation gain: 500-1,200 m
– Duration: 3-8 hours
– Level: Beginner+to Moderate and intermediate
– Best time: Early morning (winter) or late afternoon/night hike (summer)
Note: The hike statistics vary depending on the level and distance chosen.
How to get to the Hiking Start point
1. From Dubai, take E311 or E611 towards Ras Al Khaimah
2. Merge onto E11 and continue until the cement factory area
3. Pass the cement factory area and navigate through the roundabout
4. After the roundabout, take the right road with the Wadi Ghalila signboard and Al Sayl Rd
5. Continue on this Al Sayl road for 8kms, passing by Wadi Ghalilah
6. Take the 3B Street exit and drive for 650 meters to the parking area at the dam, where you can park your vehicle
Preparation and Safety
Before attempting this hike, make sure you’re well-prepared and experienced. The trail is steep and rocky, with loose rocks and steep cliffs. It’s recommended to hire a guide, especially if you’re new to hiking.
What to Pack
– Proper hiking shoes
– 4 liters of water
– Packed lunch
– Power snacks and chocolate bars
– Sugar drinks or electrolyte drinks
– Sunhat, bandana, and UV sunglasses
– First aid kit
– Headlamp and lighter
– Safety blanket
The Hike
The trail starts at the Wadi Ghalila dam. If you have a 4×4, you can drive further to the farm house where the hike begins. The trail on the left is more challenging, so it’s recommended to take the right bank, which is less difficult and less dangerous.
Key Landmarks
– The Broken Boulder: A distinctive landmark with a large crack down the middle.
– The Stairs: A series of stone stairways with exposure and minimal handholds.
– The Horizon View Walk: A scenic walk with stunning views of the surrounding landscape.
– The Summit: The highest point of the hike, offering breathtaking views of the UAE and Iran.
– Voh Village: A historic village with worn paths and stone pavement leading to the farm.
Descent and Return
The descent from Voh Village to the Wadi is well-developed with stone pavement and yellow markers guiding the way. Be cautious of worn-out leg muscles and take your time to enjoy the scenic views.
Remember to always pack light and be prepared for a challenging hike. Enjoy the stunning views and scenic landscapes of the Stairway to Heaven hike!
Join Alpine Trekkers
Join Alpine Trekkers for an unforgettable adventure to Stairways to Heaven. With our expert guides, you’ll have a safe and enjoyable hiking experience. Book your spot today and get ready for an adventure of a lifetime.
Looking for more local hiking adventures or international expeditions?
– Explore our UAE Schedules Hikes for more local adventure options
– Discover other International Expeditions that await you!
