Salma Plateau Peak Overland Expedition

The Salma Plateau Peak Overland Expedition is a challenging 3-day 850 km journey across the elevated limestone tablelands of Oman’s Eastern Hajar range. Starting from the Qurayyat highway via Route 17, the convoy tackles the steep gradient ascent to the Salma Plateau, reaching heights of 1,400 metres above sea level. The terrain consists of sharp rock beds, off-camber ledges, and unmaintained trail tracks that demand constant vigilance and careful tire placement. Waypoints include ancient beehive tombs near Jaylah and deep canyon overlooks above Wadi Shab, providing technical driving across varied rock formats. Drivers must maintain precise momentum control over loose rock steps and narrow shelf passes where vehicle side clearance is minimal. Low range four-wheel drive engagement is required for the duration of the plateau transit, alongside lowered tire pressures to optimize grip over sharp limestone strata. Night stops are conducted at remote wild campsites with zero facilities, requiring full self-sufficiency regarding water, fuel, food, and camping gear. All vehicles must feature heavy-duty all-terrain or mud-terrain tires and solid underbody skid plates to prevent damage from sharp ledge strikes. The best operational season for traversing the Salma Plateau is between November and March when mountain temperatures are comfortable.