The Best Hiking Trails In The Middle East

When adventure calls, hiking is the prime answer. Adventure can be found anywhere around the world, but the destinations for hiking you meet in the Middle East region are thrilling adventures. Here, travel explorers can experience a diverse landscape that gives a hiking journey like no other. The Middle East offers all kinds of hiking trails, such as mountains, forests, deserts, and wild rocks waiting to be climbed. These adventurous trails will introduce you to hidden gems with breathtaking views that make your hike worthwhile.

Must have Essentials for Every Hiking Adventure

Hiking pack: backpack, hiking shoes, comfortable clothes, hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, hand gloves, and beanie.

Navigation and Safety equipment: map or compass or GPS, flashlight, multi-tool or knife, first aid kit, and emergency shelter.

Food essentials required: water bottles, boosting snacks,  food, and cooking equipment.

Camera gear Essential: camera bag, camera, memory cards, extra batteries, and charger.

Checkout Unique Hiking Trails in Middle East

Wadi Ghul Trek, Oman

Wadi Ghul, the ‘Grand Canyon’ of Oman, offers jaw-dropping views everywhere you look. No wonder there are a variety of hiking trails here. Each hiking trail is different in terms of difficulty and beauty it provides. Wadi Ghul is a mountain view hiking trail. You’ll get to see rock formations as old as the land you walk on, dramatic cliffs, abandoned villages, and a taste of Oman’s rich history.

Trail Length: 11km

Duration: 3 to 4 hours

Keep an eye out for these scenic viewpoints along the trail.

• Jebel Shams
• Wadi Nakhr
• Ancient Villages

Nearest city for comfortable stays/hospitals

Al Hamra, Oman

Ihlara Valley Trek, Turkey

The Ihlara valley treks in Turkey are one of the most popular and a must-visit for everyone. It’s located in the Cappadocia region, which is famous for its chimney-shaped rock formations and spectacular views. Ihlara Valley combines wild rock climbs and green forest trails making it a green oasis. So expect to hike in the midst of colorful wildflowers, trees, and grassy meadows. 

Trail Length: 30 km

Duration: 2 hours to 1 day

Keep an eye out for these scenic viewpoints along the trail.

• Rock caves
• Selime Monastery

Nearest city for comfortable stays/hospitals

Aksaray, Turkey

Mt. Sinai trail, Egypt

The Mt. Sinai trail is one of Egypt’s first long-distance hiking trails. The trail begins from the Gulf of Aqaba and ends at St. Katherine, a city south of Mt. Sinai. The trail interconnects four smaller trails that form a rough triangle. This trail takes hikers through mountains and valleys. Mt. Sinai hiking trail is a prime destination in Egypt.

Trail Length: 250 km

Duration: 12 days

Keep an eye out for these scenic viewpoints along the trail.

• Rock of Moses 
• Roman quarry
• Prophet Aaron's tomb

Nearest city for comfortable stays/hospitals

Saint Catherine, Egypt

Lebanon Mountain Trail, Lebanon

The Lebanon mountain trail is a 470 km long hike in Lebanon. This traverses the entire country of Lebanon, crossing more than 75 towns and villages. You can choose to hike one of the 27 different sections of this serene and peaceful trail, which will take a day or two. Or, if you are feeling more adventurous, you can choose to hike the entire way. 

Trail Length: 470 km

Duration: 1 to 3 days to 45 days

Keep an eye out for these scenic viewpoints along the trail.

• Chouwen Lake
• Annoubine Valley
• Qurnat as Sawda

Nearest city for comfortable stays/hospitals

Tannourine, Lebanon

The Jordan Trail, Jordan

A 40-day hiking trail sounds like an immense task, but with the Jordan Hiking trail, it goes by like a breeze. Every inch of this hiking trail offers a unique view of Jordan. One can go through diverse landscapes, from the rolling hills of the north to the rugged cliffs of the Jordan Rift Valley and the towering dunes of Wadi Rum and the deep turquoise waters of the Red Sea. If you don’t want to walk for 40 days, you can opt for some of the shorter hikes, which offer the same breathtaking views.

Trail Length: 650 km

Duration: 1 to 3 days to 40 days

Keep an eye out for these scenic viewpoints along the trail.

• Wadi Rum
• Dana Biosphere Reserve
• Petra

Nearest city for comfortable stays/hospitals

’Umm’ Qais in the north and ‘Aqaba’ in the south, Jordan

Umm Bab, Qatar

Umm Bab is a hidden gem in Qatar, offering a unique adventurous hiking experience. Popular for its stunning sunrise and sunset view, this trail introduces a rare blend of desert and beach landscapes to explore. Umm Bab destination is perfect for those seeking something different in hiking. Trail gives you an ever-after experience of beachside camping by creating a one-of-a-kind experience where golden sands meet sparkling waters. 

Trail Length: 80 km

Duration: 5 hours to 1 day

Keep an eye out for these scenic viewpoints along the trail.

• Umm Bab Beach 
• DRC-Umm Bab quarry explore
• Abu Samrah - Umm Bab

Nearest city for comfortable stays/hospitals

Doha, Qatar

Al Ula mountain trek, Saudi Arabia

Al Ula mountain trek, Saudi Arabia, is a unique destination for short-distance hiking trails. The trail combines mountains, deserts, and valleys. Al Ula is famous for its volcanic rocks and ancient petroglyphs. It is a one-stop destination for diverse experiences, breathtaking adventure, night stays, and cultural events.

Trail Length: 6 km

Duration: 2 hours

Keep an eye out for these scenic viewpoints along the trail.

• Heritage Oasis Trail
• Elephant Rock
• Hidden Valley

Nearest city for comfortable stays/hospitals

Medina or Tabuk, Saudi Arabia

Turn your visit to the Middle East into an unforgettable hiking adventure with the best destinations and breathtaking experiences. We offered you a hand to discover the best hiking trail in the Middle East. So, don't miss picking the best of the best we listed and booking your comfortable stay and flight tickets with us, and we make it an easier way for you to reach the excellent hike trip.