The Best Hiking Trails In The Middle East

Adventure can be found in every nook and cranny. You just have to know where to look. The Middle East is probably not the first place you think of when it comes to hiking. But it has some fantastic hiking trails. You get to explore mountains, forests, historical sights, and canyons all within one hiking trail. So, grab your hiking boots and make your way to the Middle East for the most breathtaking treks you’ll ever endure.

 

Go hiking in the Middle East

 

Wadi Ghul Trek, Oman

Distance- 11km

Duration- 3 to 4 hours

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. Most of the trails here are for beginners, so it’s quite easy to complete. 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. Try the easiest trail, the W6 trail, which generally takes 3 to 4 hours for beautiful cliff-edge views of the canyon without much difficulty. 

 

Ihlara Valley Trek, Turkey

Distance- 30km

Duration- 2 hours to 1 day

The Ihlara Valley Treks in Turkey are one of the most popular treks in Turkey and is 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 is a green oasis. So expect to hike in the midst of colorful wildflowers, trees, and grassy meadows. You can choose from 4 different hiking trails, each with its stunning scenery and rock-carved churches. All the trails are on the easier side, which means you can complete it within a few hours. 

 

Mt. Sinai Trail, Egypt

Distance- 250km

Duration- 12 days

The Mt. Sinai trail is one of Egypt’s first long-distance hiking trail. A group of 8 Bedouin leaders started the 250km trail. The trail begins from the Gulf of Aqaba and ends in St.Katherine, a city south of Mt Sinai. The trail passes through canyons, the sea, and some of Egypt’s most famous sights like Mt. Sinai and the Monastery of St Katherine. Along the way, witness the desolate beauty of Egypt’s famous desert landscape. The trail is managed by a Bedouin NGO so that means you’re helping the community while having fun at the same time. 

 

Lebanon Mountain Trail, Lebanon

Distance- 470km

Duration- 1 to 3 days to 45 days

The Lebanon Mountain Trail is a 470 km long hiking trail that traverses the entire country of Lebanon. Pass through villages, cedar forests, snow-capped mountains, waterfalls, Roman ruins, and monasteries. See a different side of Lebanon. You can choose to hike one of the 27 different sections of the 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. 

 

Lycian Way, Turkey

Distance- 540km

Duration- 29 days

Lycian Way is known to be one of the most excellent long-distance hiking trails. It was created to preserve the ancient trade roads used by the Lycians and Romans. It starts from the city of Fethiye in Southern Turkey and ends in Antalya. Along the way, you’ll come across stunning coastlines, deserted beaches, beautiful pine forests, mountain peaks, and even ancient ruins. It’s the perfect hiking trail to experience Turkish and Mediterranean history and culture.

 

The Jordan Trail, Jordan

Distance- 650km

Duration- 1 to 3 days to 40 days

A 40-day hiking trail sounds like an immense task, but with the Jordan Hiking Trial, it goes by like a breeze. Every inch of this hiking trail offers a unique view of Jordan. Go through the diverse landscapes of Jordan, 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. Get a free pass to the hidden secrets of Jordan’s ancient historical sights like Petra and Jerash. If you don’t want to walk for 40 days, you can opt for some of the shorter hikes, which offers the same breathtaking views.

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