What’s all on your bucket list while planning a holiday in Qatar? Well, there are many adventures to try but the real thrill comes with hiking in Qatar. The dramatic terrains, highlands and lowlands, the dunes, and limestone formation, beaches have made Qatar heaven for adventure enthusiasts where they can face the real challenge. If you feel that Qatar is all about luxury, leisure, and culture, you must explore those hidden gems that offer some breathtaking adventures. Explore the undiscovered paths and beat the heat with some steep hikes you won’t find elsewhere in the world.
Top 6 Places To Hike In Qatar
Many of us believe that hiking is only possible on the hilly terrains, but Qatar is one of those places where you can hike on land. This peninsula is quite popular for its uneven landform where you can hike for miles and discover the hidden beauty of Qatar. Boasting the charismatic beaches and deserts, this country brings you the most enthralling adventure of a lifetime. Check out these best spots in Qatar where you can hike:
1. Umm Bab
Umm Bab, a hidden gem in Qatar is quite popular for its fascinating beauty. The beach is located in the Al Shahaniya region of Qatar, luring travelers to soak in its charismatic landscape. Hiking here can be fun as the beach boasts of uneven land, dominated by Palm Trees. The beach is isolated, offering solitude to soak in the beauty of nature. Not just hiking, there are many activities you can add to your bucket lists like night camping and a nice BBQ party. This is an offbeat spot so make sure you have all the essentials for the hike day.
Location: Al Shahaniya, Qatar
Hike length: 43 km
Time Required: 7 – 8 hours
Suggested Read: Top 5 Places To Visit In Shahaniya For A Fun-Filled Getaway
2. Zekreet Peninsula
Defined by the limestone escapements and the mushroom-like rock formation, the Zekreet peninsula is one of the most amazing hiking places in Qatar. Located on the western edge of Qatar, the peninsula has a dramatic terrain that makes hiking an enthralling experience. You can hike towards the beach, then the Zekreet fort, and the umbrella rock, which is famous for its unique shape.
Al Reem Biosphere Reserve is a part of the peninsula housing the rare and exotic wilderness. Lying towards the west of Dukkan, Zekreet has a number of attractions like Richard Serra's East-West/West-East desert sculpture, the film city, and more. The hike in Zekreet is about 44 km and would take approximately 5 hours.
Location: West Dukkan, Qatar
Hike length: 44 km
Time Required: 8-9 hours
Suggested Read: Zekreet Fort Qatar: A Popular Historical Landmark Nearby Dukhan
3. Qurayn Abu al Bawl to Abu Samra
If you are looking for a longer hike in Qatar, plan a tour to Abu Samra from Qurayn Abu Al Bawal. Lying towards the southwestern edge of Qatar, Qurayn Abu al Bawl is known to be the highest point in the country at 103 meters. Abu Samra is at a distance of 57 km, which will take approximately 9 to 10 hours.
Make sure you are packed well to hike as there might not be any facility in between. Carry enough water and energy drinks to stay hydrated throughout the way. Qurayn Abu al Baw is located somewhere near the Qatar-Saudi border.
Location: Qurayn Abu al Bawl and Abu Samra
Hike length: 56.3 km
Time Required: 9 - 10 hours
4. Ash Shaqra
Ash Shaqra is a settlement in Qatar, located in Al Wakrah, at a distance of 52 km from Doha. When it comes to a quick hike in Qatar, the city offers a perfect getaway to enjoy a day of adventure and fun. This quaint town in the country is 31 km long and will take approximately 1 to 5 hours. The time depends on your speed and skill. Ash Shaqra is one of the best hiking spots in the country that welcomes every enthusiast from beginner to advanced level. Discover the city life or the isolated spots enriched by the barren beauty of Qatar.
Location: Al Wakra Qatar
Hike length: 31 km
Time Required: 1- 5 hours
Suggested Read: Suburbs To Live In Qatar: The Best Localities In The Country
5. Fuwairit Beach to Al Mafjar
Fuwairit Beach in Qatar is an ideal spot for leisure and beach tours. The beach is quite popular for its rustic beauty, leisurely vibes, and fascinating vista. Now you can plan a hike in Qatar, starting from Fuwairit Beach to Al Mafjar. These two beaches are quite famous for their serenity, tranquil shores, and adventures in Doha.
Distance between Fuwairit Beach and Al Mafjar is approximately 11.8 km, which will take around 2 to 5 hours, depending on your speed. Carry your water and other refreshments to stay hydrated and energetic throughout the journey.
Location: Fuwairit Beach to Al Mafjar Qatar
Hike length: 11.8km
Time Required: 2.5 – 3 hours
6. Abu Samra to Al Mashrab
Enjoy hiking adventures in Qatar to discover the most serene and captivating offbeat places in the country. These areas in Qatar are not too popular among tourists, which makes them quite fascinating for travelers. The hike is long and may take more than 8 hours to cover the distance. The approximate distance between the two hiking spots is around 208 km. You can plan a stopover on the way to camping or finding any nearby hotel in Qatar if available.
The hike is on flat land but still requires enough stamina and energy to walk for such a long time and distance.
Location: Abu Samra to Al Mashrab in Qatar
Hike length: 208 km
Time Required: +8 Depends on the time
Suggested Read: Msheireb Downtown Doha: A Guide On The Smart City in Qatar
Other Famous Hiking Places in Qatar
Hiking is restricted to very limited spots in Qatar, making it a rare but thrilling adventure for all. For those who love hiking, but fear exploring the unexplored terrains, there are few well known spots. The deserts and the forts in Qatar are nestled at a relative distance from the cities, offering a perfect hike. From Al Koot fort in Doha to Barzan tower in Al Khor and some historical sites such as Zekreet Fort, Al Thaqab Fort, and the Al Rakayat Fort, you can pick your spot to cover the untamed land.
As much as hiking is fun, the extreme temperature of the country makes it quite difficult. Apart from a healthier body and challenging spirit, one needs a well-packed bag and a favorable climatic condition to enjoy hiking activity in Qatar. We have penned down some important points to help you plan better.
- Hiking in summer can be the worst time for your tour. Make sure you plan your holiday in Qatar during the winters.
- Your bag should have bottles, energy drinks, snacks, chocolate bars, and nutritional food to help you keep going for a longer time.
- Carry an extra pair of batteries, power bank, torch, and sunglasses to avoid the hassle. Sunscreen, glasses, and caps are a must to escape the sunlight.
- Sandstorms are common so make sure you have buffs to protect your mouth and nose.
- Do carry a sturdy pair of hiking shoes and scarf, an extra bag to keep the trash, and a light jacket for the evening.
Hiking In Qatar is one of the best adventures you need for a unique experience in the country. The country has always lured travelers with its amazing architecture and fascinating skyline, but hiking is one of those adventures that is quite new for many. The untamed lanes by the outskirts of the cities are not only rich in beauty and wilderness, but they make hiking fun and thrilling. Make sure you are hiking in groups and are with an expert to make the experience hassle-free. Plan your winter holidays in Qatar and get set for an adventure like never before.
Hiking In Qatar - FAQs
Hiking is a rare yet exciting activity to enjoy in Qatar. If you are an adventure enthusiast, looking for some adventure, try hiking at these famous places like:
- Umm Bab
- Ash Shaqra
- Zekreet
- Fuwairit Beach to Al Mafjar
- Qurayn Abu al Bawl to Abu Samra
If you are planning to hike the lesser-known regions, make sure you visit Qatar in winters when the temperature is moderate. Qatar experiences cold mornings and evenings and a warm day, making it easier to hike.
Hiking can be fun and thrilling, offering you a wild and serene beauty to discover nature at its best. The Zekreet peninsula in Qatar is best for hiking, offering you a beach view, fort, and the dramatic terrain that makes hiking an enthralling experience. You can hike towards the beach, then the Zekreet fort, and the umbrella rock, which is famous for its unique shape.
If you are looking for a longer hike in Qatar, Qurayn Abu Al Bawal to Abu Samra is the best you can plan for. Both the places are located at a distance of 57 km, which will take approximately 9 to 10 hours. Qurayn Abu al Baw is located somewhere near the Qatar-Saudi border.
Zekreet peninsula is one of the most amazing hiking places in Qatar that is located on the western edge of Qatar. Al Reem Biosphere Reserve is a part of the peninsula housing the rare and exotic wilderness. Zekreet has a number of attractions like Richard Serra's East-West/West-East desert sculpture, the film city, and more.
For planning a hike in Qatar, make sure you are well equipped and have every needed amenity. Carry a water bottle, energy drinks, snacks, chocolate bars, and nutritional food, extra pair of batteries, power bank, torch, and sunglasses to avoid the hassle.
For a short one-day hike, you can plan to explore Fuwairit Beach to Al Mafjar or Ash Shaqra. You can also add the best fort tours in your itinerary like, Zekreet Fort, Al Thaqab Fort, and the Al Rakiyat Fort.
Beginners in Qatar can add places like Zekreet Fort, Al Thaqab Fort, and the Al Rakayat Fort to their hiking plan. The hike from Fuwairit Beach to Al Mafjar or Ash Shaqra, or umm Bab beach hike is also favorable for beginners.
