Wadi Shah and the Knife Edge Ridge
near Shāh, Raʼs al Khaymah (United Arab Emirates)
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Trail photos
Itinerary description
Starting along the Wadi Shah route we followed the wadi most of the way before scrambling/climbing out as the wadi became vertical. We then followed a steep but easy route up to the ridge line. We headed north along the ridge and it became increasingly sharp before the crux which is shown in the photos, with mussandam to the left, and the UAE to the right. Sharp sides and loose rocks made it challenging initially but solid rocks made the climb up onto the Ghabib plateau an easy scramble once out of the gullies on the east side of the 3rd photo. We walked along the ridge which was easy terrain before taking the ridge line down west into the UAE side. a large step in the rock meant 3 abseils to get to inhabited plateau which in the end was the only part of the route with ropes. We followed the wadi down initially easily, but towards the last stages nearing the jebel jais road resulting in navigating through large boulders, however an easier route may have been missed from reading other peoples trail descriptions. Also around half way down the wadi is a very green farm with many trees. We walked on and had to loop around an old river bed filled with enormous boulders, so for future reference turn south at the farm.
Round trip took around 18 hours, with some elements recorded but poor quality and with gaps so I traced for clarity)
Round trip took around 18 hours, with some elements recorded but poor quality and with gaps so I traced for clarity)
Comments (2)
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Hey ben this is not traditional wadi shah route ? Can you share more details how long it took you finish it up ?
Hey Travelbug, this route took 18 hours, but I think with more exploration an efficient route could take a few hours less. Is there any specific part you want me to elaborate on?
If I or others redo this route, or parts of this route, it would be good to find walk-arounds just before reaching the ridge and just after leaving the ridge, as these are climbing/abseil sections adding a lot to the bag weight. Half way along the ridge on the 'loose spike' before the 'Ghabib step' it would be better to find somewhere to attach a safety line also for one specific section.