Bani Kahlid (Upper)

Also known as: Wadi Bani Khalid Upper. For other features with similar names, see Bani Kahlid (disambiguation)

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Difficulty:‌2C II (v1a3 III)

Swift water

Raps:‌

Metric

Overall:	4h
Approach:	30min
Descent:	3h	⟷0.4mi	↑164ft
Exit:	30min

Red Tape:‌

Shuttle:‌Optional

Rock type:Limestone

Start:

22.6298, 59.0916

Parking:

22.6156, 59.0939

Shuttle:

22.6327, 59.0897

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31 Dec 2016

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Introduction

Wadi Bani Khalid must be the most visited wadi in Oman (even more than Wadi Shab), a beautiful oasis with pools, a destination for tourists and Omanis alike with growing infrastructure (parking area, concrete walkways, concrete steps, bridges, shelters, cafes, changing tents). Tourist day-trips from Muscat often link Wadi Bani Khalid with Wahiba Sands. TripAdvisor ranks Wadi Bani Khalid as the 6th best thing to do in Oman.

You will share Wadi Bani Khalid with others - on weekends (Fri-Sat) you can expect 100's of people during the day.

While this is a beautiful oasis and certainly worth visiting, in respect to canyon sport, this is a lower quality canyon - it's a gorge with pools and a short-shallow slot.

Wadi Bani Khalid

Please avoid the area if rainfall is forecast.

Flash flood

Approach

The road is paved all the way and signed. Note - if using Google Maps you should search for "Wadi Bani Khalid Parking Area", by default Google will place "Wadi Bani Khalid" about 60km away in a dry wash. There are 100's of parking spaces along the road.

An estimated 100.0% (rounded to 1 decimal place) visit as an out-and-back return hike from below. It is possible to through-hike one-way from the top or vice versa. This is a relatively short hike, so out-and-back return works well.

Road Sign

Parking Area

Descent

This is described as an ascent... a return hike from the parking area, below the pools.

Walk north to the end of the parking area, then follow the concrete path north alongside the falaj (aqueduct) to the first pool (5 minutes) and cafe.

Seat

Cafe

First Pool

You can follow the concrete path on the right side (looking up-canyon) to the 2 bridges and middle pool.

Bridge

Middle pool

Then continue on the right (looking up-canyon) up concrete steps and along the top of the shallow slot. At the top of the shallow slot you'll often find changing tents for a fee. The main concrete walkway and steps end at this point.

Upper Slot

Chains for resting

Upper Pools

There will be some running water above this point on the gravel floor of the wadi. Cross over to the left (looking up-canyon) to walk through some boulders with the aid of concrete steps, then continue on the gravel wash. You will soon a note a set of concrete steps leading up to the right - this leads to Muqal / Mukal cave - torch needed.

The tall walls of the gorge continue for another 1km from the cave, with a large jumble of boulders midway that requires crawling and climbing through.

Muqal Cave

Upper Gorge

Exit

Retrace your steps to the parking area.

Red tape

Please dress modestly and respect Omani culture.

Sign

In Jan 2026, you can pay 100 baisas to use a change tent.

Change Tents

Beta sites

Canyon.Carto.net : Wadi Bani Khalid Upper
Descente-Canyon.com : Bani Khalid (supérieur)

Trip reports and media

Walk My World : Wadi Bani Khalid

Background

Incidents

Credits

Information provided by automated processes. Main photo by (unknown). Authors are listed in chronological order.

In all habitats live animals and plants that deserve respect, please minimize impact on the environment and observe the local ethics. Canyoneering, Canyoning, Caving and other activities described in this site are inherently dangerous. Reliance on the information contained on this site is solely at your own risk. There is no warranty as to accuracy, timeliness or completeness of the information provided on this site. The site administrators and all the contributing authors expressly disclaim any and all liability for any loss or injury caused, in whole or in part, by its actions, omissions, or negligence in procuring, compiling or providing information through this site, including without limitation, liability with respect to any use of the information contained herein. If you notice any omission or mistakes, please contribute your knowledge (more information).