By Vinod Raghavan*
Muscat’s Cool Dawn Sparks Hiking Fever
Muscat: As dawn broke over Muscat’s old city, a cool breeze defied the anticipated May heat, setting the stage for an inspiring morning of hiking at Riyam Park. Organised by the Embassy of Nepal under the visionary leadership of Ambassador Dornath Aryal, the Nepal-Oman Friendship Hiking event brought together over 50 enthusiasts, from seasoned mountaineers to school children, to celebrate camaraderie, wellness, and Oman’s rugged beauty.
The event, part of the Embassy’s annual Mount Everest Day festivities, was spearheaded by Nadira Al Harthy, the first Omani woman to conquer Everest in 2019. At 5 a.m., Nadira briefed the group—comprising Embassy staff, Nepali community members, Omani locals, and even social media influencers—on safety protocols and hiking etiquette. Among the eager participants were young siblings Abhinav and Ayeshi, Nepali children accustomed to scaling their homeland’s peaks, who marvelled at the Arabian Sea’s blue expanse framed by Oman’s brown mountains under a pastel sky.
Ambassador Aryal, joined by his wife, Swadesh Aryal, guided the group, ensuring even the youngest hikers navigated the rocky trails safely. The two-hour trek offered breathtaking views of Oman’s colourful rock formations and water-filled streams, with the north-facing route providing respite from the summer sun. For Erin Coyle, a U.S.-based teacher at the National Hospitality Institute and an avid global explorer, the hike was a thrilling addition to her adventures. “I was the first to arrive at Riyam Park,” she shared, “and the views from the top were absolutely worth the early wake-up.”
The event wasn’t just about physical endurance; it fostered environmental stewardship. Participants, including journalist and filmmaker Anirban Ray, collected plastic bottles and litter along the trail, reinforcing the hike’s ecological message. Fathiya Al Zadjali, another seasoned mountaineer who travelled 100 km from Mabellah, shared her expertise, adding a lively spark to the group with her tales of climbing Nepal’s peaks.
Safety was paramount, with an ambulance on standby courtesy of Oman’s Foreign Ministry. The diverse group, bonded by shared purpose, left the trail cleaner and their spirits higher. Ambassador Aryal, reflecting on the hike, praised the participants’ enthusiasm and the trail’s captivating scenery. “This hike symbolises the friendship between Nepal and Oman,” he said, “and reminds us to cherish both nature and community.”
The morning concluded with tired legs, full hearts, and a renewed commitment to cross-cultural connection and environmental care—a testament to the power of a shared sunrise summit.
*Senior journalist
