about us
  contact us
  sitemap
 MAIN MENU                                         CAVE EXPLORATION in Oman                                                                         SPONSORS
OMAN ATTRACTIONS
OMAN INFORMATION
History of Oman
Regional Information
Muscat Governorate
Al Batinah Region
Musandam Governorate
A'Dhahirah Region
A'Dhakilya Region
A'Sharqiya Region
Al Wusta Region
Dhofar Governorate
Heritage & Culture
Oman Geography
Useful Numbers
Embassies
Health & Fitness
Handicrafts
Shopping Malls
TRAVEL TIPS
General Guidelines
Location
Customs & Baggage
Airports
Flight Information
Inland Travel
Accommodation
Tour Operators
OMAN  WEB DIRECTORY
Related Links
Government Webs
PRIVACY POLICY

 
 
 
Oman offers some of the most hair-raising cave exploration in the world and should only be attempted by experienced, fit cavers, preferably accompanied by someone who has traversed the caves before.

One of the most famous caves is the 'Majlis al Jinn', which is the second largest underground chamber in the world. This is an extremely difficult cave to negotiate, and it is important that the expedition is not undertaken lightly and without professional guidance.

To enter the cave, one must initially be lowered down on a free-hanging rappel. There are two drops into the chamber: one of over 150m and the other of almost 120m. (Don't forget, you also have to climb back up these ropes when the expedition is over, so be honest about your fitness levels!). At the foot of these drops is a half-domed space around 120m high and covering an area of around 60,000m2. This is the Majlis Cave which is dwarfed only by the Sarawak Chamber in Malaysian Borneo.

A popular cave for the less intrepid (although this certainly must not be considered by unaccompanied amateurs) is Hoti Cave which comprises an underground cavern and subterranean lake system. Hoti Cave is a 2.7km tunnel which runs in a north-south direction through the Hajar Mountains. There are many offshoots to the main tunnel, but so far, only approximately 5km have been charted by experienced cavers. Do not attempt to wander from the main path.

There are two entries to Hoti Cave: the Al Fallah entrance, which is taken through a large gaping entrance below a cliff overhang; or the al Hota entrance which is strictly for experienced cavers. The latter entry must not be undertaken without ropes, safety equipment and a guide as it involves fairly perilous scrambles down slippery rock faces. Within the Hoti Cave is the subterranean lake which is home to unusual species of aquatic animals such as blind fish which sense their way around the lake with feelers. The main lake within the cave system is around 800m long, but please do not be tempted to swim in the waters and disturb the delicate eco-system.

The main chamber of Hoti Cave is around the size of the Al Bustan Palace Hotel's ballroom and contains some magnificent cave formations, stalactites, stalagmites, and columns which have evolved over millions of years. These beautiful structures are delicately coloured in shades of pink, yellow, gold, beige and grey.

What is possibly the largest sinkhole in the world, Teyq Cave, is located between Taqa and Mirbat. The sinkhole has two wadis, which replenish the pool when it rains. To find out more about this natural 'wonder', you may wish to contact Dr Samir Hanna of the Sultan Qaboos University Earth Science Department who is an expert on Oman's geology -squ@omantel.net.om 

If you are caving, do not forget your equipment. You will need:
1. Two heavy-duty flashlights - replace the batteries before your trip and ensure the torches are in perfect working order
2. Extra batteries and bulbs
3. Climbing helmet
4. Plenty of water and high-carbohydrate snacks
5. Good hiking boots and light-weight climbing clothing

Many caves in Oman are, essentially, underground wadis. Do not attempt any cave exploration if you suspect it may rain, or if it has recently rained in the area. Flash floods can be fatal.
 
 

 

  

 
 

www.touroman.com, Site Best viewed in 800 X 600 Resolution with more than 256 colors.

mail to webmaster@touroman.com with comments about this web site. copyright © touroman.com

All materials in this site is subject to the views and opinion of the developers who cannot be held responsible towards any misconception and misinterpretation.
All information on this site is only for general use and in the interest of the public

Oman tourism, Oman travel, Middle East travel & hotels, Oman hotels and resorts. Tourism services, facilities in the Sultanate of Oman. Oman destination guide, Discovering Oman. Camel racing.  Omani artifacts, Muscat, Salalah, Ubar, diving adventure, Gulf frankincense, Khanjar, omanair, gulfair, salalah, nizwa, batina, sohar, timeofoman. realestate in oman, Omani forts. CULTURE TOUR, MARINE ACTIVITY, DESERT ADVENTURE, ROCK CLIMBING, CAVE EXPLORATION, SUN KISSED BEACHES