Jebel Misht

Description

Jebel Misht is one of Arabia's most imposing peaks. Standing in relative solitude at the heart of the Al Akhdar Range, its south-southwest wall rises vertically for over 1000 metres and presents some of the most sustained and demanding rock climbing on the Arabian peninsula. Still largely unexplored, the southern approach was first climbed in 1979 by a French party under the leadership of Raymond Renaud.

Routes from the north involve strenuous walking and occasional hands-on scrambling on sharp, abrasive limestone. Allow some four hours to reach the huge summit ridge which sweeps roughly east-west for more than 4KM.

Temperatures of 45 to 53 C are common throughout the summer, and for most of the year, making climbing anywhere in Oman a serious undertaking. There is no standing or running water on Jebel Misht. Flash-floods in the winter months, from November to February, can present risks - be careful where you pitch your tent!

Jebel Misht is also a recognised sanctuary for the Arabian Tahr, a rare breed of mountain goat.

Thanks to George Messo for this description.