DISCLAIMER

*All trails are subject to change based on the authority’s instructions and decisions of the Organizer. The final route will be published in October 2025, however the description shared above summarizes the trail selection.

Key words to learn in Arabic:

Jebel means mountain

Hajar mountains means rocky mountains

Wadi means valley/canyon

New Route for HIGHLANDER Pegasus Day 1

Highlander
3day
Pegasus
Our HIGHLANDER Adventure will take place at the UAE’s highest peak, Jebel Jais, which is part of the spectacular Hajar mountain range that was formed over 70 million years ago in the eastern part of Ras Al Khaimah, United Arab Emirates, and Oman. Towering at 1,934 m above sea level, Jebel Jais boasts breathtaking vistas and thrilling adventures that will leave you in awe.
Jebel Jais Mountain is home to a number of mountain goats, camels, foxes, and wildcats as well as hundreds of bird species. After the early winter rains of November, the mountains of Ras Al Khaimah burst into color with purple lilies, wild irises, and white daisies. The Sidr tree, highly appreciated for its medical use, can also be found in the Wadis. Its pollen also attracts bees that produce excellent mountain honey.
  • DAY 1: On the first day, the first meeting point will be at the bottom of Jebel Jais at the finish point area where all participants will park their vehicles and jump on the shuttle bus provided by the organizer. The shuttle bus will transport participants toward the Check-in area at Wadi Ghalilah Dam. This is where our participants will meet to check in and receive their HIGHLANDER event kit.

    You have two route options which you already chose when registering:
    Wadi Latibah Trail (Stairway To Heaven Right Route) | 13km | Very Challenging
    Wadi Ghalilah Trail | 10km | Challenging

    After checking in, from the trail you registered for, you will start your hike from Wadi Ghalilah Dam uphill towards Camp 1 at the Observation Deck at the top of Jebel Jais.

    Option 1 | For Wadi Latibah Trail:
    After checking in, the trail will start with a gentle walk from Wadi Ghalilah Dam towards the trailhead of Wadi Latibah. From there you will continue along the trail passing through the wadi before you reach a T-junction and start you ascend along passing through the famous SWTH balcony and waterfall overhang. This is where the steep elevation gain starts and you will continue on a zigzag path with steep ascend until you reach Woh Village at the top. At this location, will be your First checkpoint. You can refill water at this checkpoint.

    From the wadi up until CheckPoint 1 (CP1), there is almost no telecom signal.

    The trail continues from CP1 gradual uphill until you reach the top of Jebel Jais, just below the summit before you start your descend towards Camp 1 at the Observation Deck.

    This trail is steep, long and requires a lot of endurance and high fitness to complete specially when carrying heavy backpack. There are no exit points until you reach Camp 1. We recommend this trail for veteran HIGHLANDERS and experienced backpackers who are confident enough to push their limits.

    The total distance for DAY 1 on this will be approximately 13km.

    Option 2 | For Wadi Ghalilah Trail:
    After checking in, the trail will start with immediate steep uphill from Wadi Ghalilah Dam towards the junction 1km away from Camp 1 at the Observation Deck. From the junction, you will continue on the popular Ghaff summit trail for a few kilometers untul you reach Camp 1. Wadi Ghalilah trail is similarly challenging, however it is shorter than Wadi Latibah by a few kilometers. This difference allows you to take longer stops for rest and stage your hike uphills over several parts. We recommend this trail to participants, as it allows you to reach Camp 1 on time to enjoy the Camp programs and catch more rest & recover to take on day two.

    The total distance for DAY 1 on this will be approximately 10km.

    For Both Trail Options:
    The pace and time will vary depending on the participant’s fitness, the weight of the backpack, and rest time. It is important to monitor your pace and make sure you reach before sunset. However, the route itself is not technical as you follow a well-marked trail with the availability of several resting stops. The reward is the majestic views that will offer a new perspective of experiencing Jebel Jais.
  • DAY 2: From hereafter, the over trail on DAY 2 is a descent towards the lower parts of Jebel Jais. This part of the trail will take us through terrains navigating across the rocky ridges of the western side of Jebel Jais overlooking the coastal side of Rams popular for its mangroves, beach, and the old city. Views from an altitude of 1,400m that is sure to leave you in awe. DAY 2 is a long day and requires endurance and time management. Timing your rest stops will allow you to reach CAMP 2 before dark. The total distance of DAY 2 is approximately 20km.

    IMPORTANT: On DAY 2 there are two points in which you can exit if you wish to discontinue the challenge. The first point is at Jebel Jais Viewing Deck Park which is approx. 4.5km from the start of DAY 2 at the Observation Deck. The second point will is at CHECKPOINT 2. For safety reasons, all participants are expected to reach CHECKPOINT 2 no later than 1:30 pm. Any participant reaching after 1:00 pm will not be allowed to continue. The reason for this is to guarantee that all participants have enough time to reach CAMP 2 on time. From CHECKPOINT 2 there is a newly developed exit trail, which is 5km towards Jebel Jais Parking Number 3. The exit trail is well-marked and has 2 shaded rest areas along the way. There will be a shuttle bus operating at fixed hours that will take discontinuing participants towards the parking at the finish point to collect their vehicles.

    Those who continue along the HIGHLANDER Trail passed CHECKPOINT 2 will carry on towards CAMP 2 which is located within a series of terraces nestled between the mountains to experience that wild connection with nature camping at Sal Haqeel surrounded by mountain tops.
  • DAY 3: On day 3 we continue our hike through the rocky mountains on a donkey trail used by the mountain tribes of Ras Al Khaimah used to connect the lower parts of the wadi to the upper terraces. The newly developed last stretch of the trail is a ridge hike descending towards the finish area bottom of Jebel Jais. At the finish area, you will receive your HIGHLANDER Certificate and pin and continue to the celebration area with a live DJ, food, and drinks.
Highlander
2day
Orion
Our HIGHLANDER Adventure will take place at the UAE’s highest peak, Jebel Jais, which is part of the spectacular Hajar mountain range that was formed over 70 million years ago in the eastern part of Ras Al Khaimah, United Arab Emirates, and Oman. Towering at 1,934 m above sea level, Jebel Jais boasts breathtaking vistas and thrilling adventures that will leave you in awe.

Jebel Jais Mountain is home to a number of mountain goats, camels, foxes, and wildcats as well as hundreds of bird species. After the early winter rains of November, the mountains of Ras Al Khaimah burst into color with purple lilies, wild irises, and white daisies. The Sidr tree, highly appreciated for its medical use, can also be found in the Wadis. Its pollen also attracts bees that produce excellent mountain honey.
  • DAY 1: On the first day, the first meeting point will be at the bottom of Jebel Jais at the finish point area where all participants will park their vehicles and jump on the shuttle bus provided by the organizer. The shuttle bus will transport participants toward the Check-in area at the top of Jebel Jais at the Observation Deck. Here participants of the HIGHLANDER Orion will meet other participants from HIGHLANDER Pegasus. Upon arrival at the Observation Deck participants of the HIGHLANDER Orion will check in and receive their HIGHLANDER event kit and meals for the day. After checking in the hike will start with a gentle hike down the Ghaf Summit Trail towards the Viewing Deck Park then back up towards the ridge. This will be the first step ascent for the day.

    This part of the trail will take us through terrains navigating across the rocky ridges of the western side of Jebel Jais overlooking the coastal side of Rams popular for its mangroves, beach, and the old city. Views from an altitude of 1,400m that is sure to leave you in awe. DAY 1 is a long day and requires endurance and time management. Timing your rest stops will allow you to reach CAMP 1 before dark. The total distance of DAY 1 is approximately 20km.

    IMPORTANT: On DAY 1 there are two points in which you can exit if you wish to discontinue the challenge. The first point is at Jebel Jais Viewing Deck Park, which is approx. 4.5km from the start of DAY 1 at the Observation Deck. The second point will be at CHECKPOINT 1 which is approximately 10km away from the start at the Observation Deck. For safety reasons, all participants are expected to reach CHECKPOINT 1 no later than 1:00 pm. Any participant reaching after 1:00 pm will not be allowed to continue. The reason for this is to guarantee that all participants have enough time to reach CAMP 1 on time. From CHECKPOINT 1 there is a newly developed exit trail, which is 5km towards Jebel Jais Parking Number 3. The exit trail is well-marked and has 2 shaded rest areas along the way. There will be a shuttle bus operating at fixed hours that will take discontinuing participants towards the parking at the finish point to collect their vehicles.

    Those who continue along the HIGHLANDER Trail passed CHECKPOINT 1 will carry on towards CAMP 1 which is located within a series of terraces nestled between the mountains to experience that wild connection with nature camping n the middle of nowhere.
  • DAY 2: On day 2 we continue our hike through the rocky mountains on a donkey trail used by the mountain tribes of Ras Al Khaimah used to connect the lower parts of the wadi to the upper terraces. The newly developed last stretch of the trail is a ridge hike descending towards the finish area at the bottom of Jebel Jais. At the finish area, you will receive your HIGHLANDER Certificate and pin and continue to the celebration area with a live DJ, food, and drinks.
Highlander
1day
Lyra
Our HIGHLANDER Adventure will take place at the UAE’s highest peak, Jebel Jais, which is part of the spectacular Hajar mountain range that was formed over 70 million years ago in the eastern part of Ras Al Khaimah, United Arab Emirates, and Oman. Towering at 1,934 m above sea level, Jebel Jais boasts breathtaking vistas and thrilling adventures that will leave you in awe.

Jebel Jais Mountain is home to a number of mountain goats, camels, foxes, and wildcats as well as hundreds of bird species. After the early winter rains of November, the mountains of Ras Al Khaimah burst into color with purple lilies, wild irises, and white daisies. The Sidr tree, highly appreciated for its medical use, can also be found in the Wadis. Its pollen also attracts bees that produce excellent mountain honey.
  • On the first day, the first meeting point will be at the bottom of Jebel Jais at the finish point area where all participants will park their vehicles and jump on the shuttle bus provided by the organizer. The shuttle bus will transport participants toward a newly developed trail connecting jebel Jais Road with the HIGHLANDER trail. Upon arrival at the Trailhead, participants of the HIGHLANDER Lyra will check in and receive their HIGHLANDER event kit and meals for the day. After checking in the hike will start with a 2km steep uphill hike towards the ridge connecting to the HIGHLANDER trail. There is a shaded rest area 1km after start point. At the ridge junction, starts the descent towards the event finish line passing through Sal Haqeel.

    IMPORTANT: In this format there is no exit point once you start the hike as the trail is not connected to any road access.

    Sal Haqeel is located within a series of terraces nestled between the mountains before continuing to rocky mountains on a donkey trail used by the mountain tribes of Ras Al Khaimah used to connect the lower parts of the wadi to the upper terraces. The newly developed last stretch of the trail is a ridge hike descending towards the finish area at the bottom of Jebel Jais. At the finish area, you will receive your HIGHLANDER Certificate and pin and continue to the celebration area with a live DJ, food, and drinks.

    The total distance of this format is approximately 13km.

TRANSPORT TO THE CHECK-IN

A car park will be designated at a specific location at the finish point. Shuttle buses will be arranged to transport participants from the designated car park at the bottom of Jebel Jais towards the start area which is different for each format. However, all participants will finish their hike at the same designated car park at the finish line. There is no space for parking personal vehicles at the start area.

Alternatively, participants can take a taxi straight to the start area. At the finish area, there will be an option for a private transport hire if you wish to book a return ride. All fees are to be borne by participants. "Careem" taxi is available in Ras Al Khaimah but might take time to reach Jebel Jais area.

*There will be a shuttle bus transfer organized for all participants. The buses are assigned on a first come first serve basis. Each bus will mobilized at specific timings which will be published in Event Handbook.

Once at the start, you will receive your ID number, food for the first days, HIGHLANDER ID, and maps. You will have sufficient time to go through your gear, make final preparations, and plan the first day’s route.

**To the star, you have to arrive fully loaded with all your hydration/water needs. No water available at the start points.

Closer to event date a more detailed itinerary description of the logistics and a map will be shared with all confirmed participants for better planning of your mobility.

START

HIGHLANDER Pegasus hikers start their backpacking adventure on Friday 6th of February 2026.
HIGHLANDER Orion hikers start their backpacking adventure on Saturday 7th of February 2026.
HIGHLANDER Lyra hikers start their hiking adventure on Sunday 8th of February 2026.

As your safety is our number one priority, we reserve the right to check your equipment at the start.

 

Hikers exercising

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245 Park Avenue, New York

info@highlanderadventure.com