Sidab is a small town near Old Muscat, Oman. This weekend (12.Feb.21) we planned to Sidab coastal trek. Following google
directions we reached the starting point of the hike at 6.30 AM. Here is the link
https://goo.gl/maps/9G6d8F685skpwfkb8
Seeing the mountain, we thought it’s okay we can do it,
however as we progressed 10 min into it, there is a rugged and steep point with
a shaky ladder tied at one end to a big rock at the top which brought us
literally to quit then while we descend few steps down, like an angel a girl
with her friend came and said it’s her second time and we can do it. Then me
and my partner pulled out all the courage and started ascending.
Yes! We crossed the tough point, with
this sense of achievement, we further moved to the top and got our bonus, a beautiful
sunrise and its glitters on the layers of blue sea waters. The atmosphere is so
serene and placid with the surf sounds at the front and the beautiful calm village
at the back and we at the top of this mountain witnessing both in
tranquility....Worth taking risk to experience this beauty.
First tough point
From here we descended until the rocky shores of water
assuming it’s a too short trek and there might be an exit but we were wrong we
found the marked trial guiding us towards another mountain to hike and we continued
assuming we will find an exit....however, to our surprise instead of the way out,
we saw crystal clear waters and smoothy rocks which looks awesome but these
rocks are very slippery and one should be careful irrespective of wearing
proper hiking gear.
In between mountains we saw cemeteries of Portugese people who
dominated the Muscat region in 1600’s and paid respects. We reached ‘THE END’
but didn’t find the gateway. The only way out is either you trek back in the same
route to the start point else take a boat.
This complete trek took 1.5 hours for us and return may take minimum
1 hour, so we thought to take a boat and waited there for sometime.....finally an
Omani fisherman saw us and gave a lift in his boat. Twist in the story is boat got stopped
in the middle of the sea as he was out of fuel....but somehow he managed to get
a bottle of diesel from his stock and filled the tank. Meanwhile, we observed the
beautiful unruffled blue waters and as usual became busy in taking pictures..
...with a jerk, boat had started, we held the boat tightly keeping our mobiles
back into our pockets, he took us around and showed few other cemeteries and
one abandoned Hindu burial ground etc of 1930's time.
Finally reached the ship yard....when we asked about paying for the boat ride,
he simply denied and said with a smile,’ it’s a help so no money’. Omanis are truly
kind and helpful. Help means help no expectations of any return to their
favor...
Overall it’s a best hike so far....thoroughly enjoyed the
trek, early morning beautiful sunrise, rocky shores with blue waters , learnt little
bit history of Portugese and a boat ride. Had a great weekend!
Thank you to Ramya, my hiking partner, her never say NO
attitude always fascinates me.
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