7 consecutive days. 7 hiking trails. Linked together by my hiking group, FOX.AE, this ambitious adventure took us on the 136-kilometer Ras Al Khaimah Traverse (RAKTRAV) back in 2020.
Traversing the Emirate of Ras Al Khaimah from north to south, RAKTRAV is considered the longest hiking trail in the UAE, SO FAR!
A quick clarification: RAKTRAV was a route linked together by FOX.AE in 2020, connecting seven hiking trails into a 136-kilometer traverse across Ras Al Khaimah. It was our group's own linked hiking route, not an officially designated or commercially operated long-distance trail. The βlongest hiking trail in the UAEβ description reflects how we viewed our achievement at the time, rather than a claim that RAKTRAV is the UAE's officially recognized longest trail.
Taking on seven different trails over seven consecutive days was no walk in the park. From rugged mountain terrain to the physical and mental challenge of hiking day after day, RAKTRAV was an adventure that pushed us beyond our comfort zones.
In this guide, I'll share our RAKTRAV route, hiking experience, and the trails we covered along the way. If you're looking for more outdoor adventures in the Emirates (or even outside the UAE), check out my Hiking Guides to explore for more trails!
Longest Hiking Trail Route in UAE
Over seven days, RAKTRAV 2020, in its first season, featured a series of diverse hiking trails, each with varying distances.
Starting from the northern region of Ras Al Khaimah at Wadi Litibah, also known as the Stairway to Heaven Right Bank, the journey progressed through the lower terrains of Jebel Jais. The following trails are the Hidden Oasis, Wadi of Giants, and Wadi Al Far, and boy they were my favorites! The challenging Awafi Trail coupled with a short distance on Jebel Qadaah followed next.
As the trail nears its end, longer trails await in the southern region of Ras Al Khaimah. We picked up hiking in Wadi Sal to Yanas Mountain, then followed by the full loop of Wadi Naqab through Jebel Yibir, Tala Village, and Baqal Village.
| Day: | Hiking Trail: | Distance: |
| 1 | Wadi Litibah β Bil Ays β Jebel Jais | 19.13 km |
| 2 | Jebel Jais β Hidden Oasis β Wadi of Giants | 9.52 km |
| 3 | Wadi Al Far | 11.75 km |
| 4 | Hidden Oasis (a different one) β Wadi Shah Ridge β Bilal Trail | 15.24 km |
| 5 | Awafi Trail β Jebel Qadaah | 19.75 km |
| 6 | Wadi Sal β Yanas Mountain β Wadi Naqab | 27.89 km |
| 7 | Wadi Naqab Loop Trail (Sheri Village β Jebel Yibir β Tala Village β Baqal Village β Wadi Naqab) | 33.27 km |
Strava records weren't my thing yet at that time, unfortunately. But the team saved the day! Sir Allan Tengonciang, our lead, was able to compile and record most of the distances and shared them on his Facebook Account. Thanks, Sir Al!
Camp Sites (or Checkpoints)
At the end of each day, campsites were set up between trails to provide refuge for the hikers at night. Originally, there were six planned camps in total. However, there was a slight change to Camps 2 and 3. Instead of having two separate campsites, we ended up camping at Wadi Shah (now known as Wadi Shehah) next to the Bear Grylls Adventure Camp.
The change of plan was decided upon securing a nice and quiet spot at Camp 2. Considering the short distance between Camp 2 & 3 from the main road, we decided to utilize the same campsite for both nights. After completing Day 3, we simply walked back to Camp 2 to spend the night.
Logistics & Support Team
Another essential factor of this successful event is our dedicated support team. This team is responsible for logistics, setting up camp sites, and attending to the basic needs of the hikers. They remained present at camp sites before, during, and after the climb to address emergencies and other requirements.
Shoutout to FOX.AE Support Team: Mam Dahay Tengonciang, Luckie Distrito, Anjan Morales, Gil De La Paz, Neil Andrew Calingasan, and Joseph Digma
Another source of support came from Sir Aries and Mam Lani of Mang Ariesyo's Bulaluhan, who provided meals throughout the entire event. Delicious Filipino meals were prepared and served for breakfast, lunch, and dinner for both the participants and the support group.
Last but not least, a heartfelt appreciation goes out to the lead team who meticulously explored and planned the trail, laying the foundation for this remarkable journey!
Hiking Experience
Collectively, the entire trail is not everyone's cup of tea. It is a combination of various types of hiking trails: established trails, not-so-established and close to none, a walk-in-the-park kind of trail, rugged jeep/offroad trails, narrow goat trails, and so forth. Each trail offers a distinct and unique experience, perceived and processed differently by each and every one.
Fortunately, no casualties happened during the event. The overall experience was pure bliss with a little bit of agony. Sorry knees! As physically and mentally exhausting as it was, pushing my limits felt like an ordinary adventure to me, compiled day after day. Nothing grand to brag about.
And as we go each trail day after day, I realize that no two hiking days are the same. The liberating feeling of what felt like an endless hiking trip, with its highs and lows, was quite addictive.
At the time of writing the original post in 2020, RAKTRAV was just an escape for me. An escape from the chaotic reality of COVID-19 and from the personal frustrations I had with my career at that time. I was too consumed by the fact that hiking had become my coping mechanism for life's frustration. And there's nothing wrong with that.
Unbeknownst to me, however, this experience was an amazing feat. An achievement that would leave its mark in our hiking books for a lifetime.
Another season happened the following year - RAKTRAV 2021. Although I only joined in 5 out of the 7 days, I still couldn't grasp the weight of this achievement. Not even to my name, nor the possibility of this trail to be an official long-distance trail of the UAE.
Looking back today, I believe it's only fitting to hope that this write-up does justice and brings a spotlight that this trail deserves. Until it becomes an official long-distance trail of the UAE, let me continue claiming this: RAKTRAV, our traverse, our challenge, our achievement!
RAKTRAV Hiking Guides and Resources
If you'd like to explore the individual trails that make up the Ras Al Khaimah Traverse, these hiking guides and trip reports will help you learn more about the routes and plan your own adventures in the UAE.
RAKTRAV Route and Event Stories
Individual Hiking Guides
- Stairway to Heaven Full Loop Trail (this is the full loop, and we only took the right bank trail during RAKTRAV)
- Hidden Oasis Trail
- Wadi Al Far Trail
- Wafi Trail in Ras Al Khaimah
- Wadi Naqab Loop Trail
For more outdoor adventures, explore my hiking guides and FOX.AE hiking stories.
Whatever decision you make, always remember to prepare beforehand, stay safe, and last but not least, enjoy the outdoors!! #happyhiking!
With lots of love,
PINAYHAKAWATI π
AND AS A GENTLE OUTDOOR ETHICS REMINDER:
LEAVE NO TRACE!
