Stairway to Heaven | Hike to Ras Ash village
Event Date
November 7, 2026
Event Time
7:30 am
Event Description
Explore one of the Hajar Mountains’ most iconic trails, where dramatic scenery, a sense of wilderness, and a serious endurance challenge await.
Stairway to Heaven is more than a hike – it’s a test of stamina, pacing, and determination. Not everyone will reach Ras Al Khaimah village, but every step is an opportunity to discover your limits, challenge yourself, and see what you’re capable of in the mountains.
Challenge yourself. Learn your limits. Take the next step.
Stairway to Heaven – one iconic trail, two groups, your own challenge. Starting from the northern face of Jebel Jais near Wadi Galilah, we’ll ascend the right bank of Stairway to Heaven, a must-do trail for outdoor enthusiasts seeking dramatic mountain scenery and a rewarding physical challenge.
We’ll start the adventure together before splitting into two groups based on participants’ experience and fitness levels. This allows us to tailor the pace and challenge to each group, helping everyone make the most of the experience while being guided by the AFT team. With demanding terrain and significant elevation gain, this is an opportunity to test your endurance, build confidence on mountain trails, and develop your mountain skills. Along the way, our team will share practical guidance and individual recommendations to help you prepare for future adventures.
Please note that reaching Ras Al Khaimah village is not guaranteed for everyone. This hike is an endurance test, and your progress will depend on your fitness, pace and ability to manage the sustained ascent. To ensure we complete the route safely and within the planned timeframe, we’ll have a designated turnaround time and point at approximately 650 m of elevation gain. If your pace doesn’t allow you to reach the village within the allocated time, you’ll turn back with the guide from this point.
This is not about reaching the top at all costs. It’s about understanding your current endurance, recognising your limits and identifying what you can work towards next. You’ll leave with a clearer picture of your current abilities and practical goals for future mountain adventures.
Whether you’re looking to push your limits or take on a new mountain challenge, come ready to discover more about yourself and what you’re capable of.
Challenge yourself. Learn your limits. Take the next step.
This hike is located in the Emirate of Ras al Khaimah. Drive time from Dubai to the hike start point is 1hour & 40 minutes.
INTERMEDIATE 5/10 This hike is suitable for physically fit hikers of AFT, those with basic local hiking experience. Participants should be active and comfortable with hikes lasting upto 6 hours. No technical skills are required, although participants must be able to carry a backpack weighing up to 6 kg for the duration of hike.
Physically active beginners and children aged 12 and above are welcome to join (must be accompanied by an adult).
INTERMEDIATE PLUS 7/10 level hike is suitable for those who hike regularly in the UAE (and with AFT) and those who have complete hiking kit, including hiking-specific boots, backpack. The attendees must be able to carry up to 8 kg pack for the duration of the event. NOT suitable for any first-time joiners! NOT suitable for any first-time joiners.
Suitable for physically active teens aged 14+ with previous experience on AFT hikes of a similar difficulty level. Teens under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.
To learn more about AFT’s hiking difficulty levels and find the level most suitable for your fitness and experience, please follow the link.
| LEVEL: | Intermediate & Intermediate Plus |
| DIFFICULTY: | 5 & 7/10 |
| DISTANCE: | ± 12 & 14 km |
| DURATION: | ± 7,5 & 7 hours |
| ELEVATION GAIN: | ± 650 & 1100 m |
| TERRAIN: | Off-road track, developed hiking trail, plenty of loose rocks |
| NOTE: | The route profile reflects the planned route. Actual distance, elevation gain and duration may vary depending on trail conditions, weather and the group’s pace and ability. The hike leader may adjust the route during the hike when necessary. |
– Insurance coverage
– Professional mountain guide(s) and assistant guide(s)
– Certified Wilderness First Aiders
– Gear advice, hiking tips and local knowledge about UAE flora & fauna
– Carpooling assistance, subject to available space
– Hiking Gear
– Vehicle insurance
The list below is a general guide to help you prepare for the hike. Final recommendations may vary depending on the route and weather conditions and will be shared with confirmed participants before the event.
Please make sure to bring the following essentials:
– A small backpack with cushioned shoulder and waist straps
– Mid- to high-cut hiking boots or hiking shoes with good grip (strictly NO joggers/trainers)
– Comfortable, loose-fitting hiking trousers and a shirt
– Hydration bladder (mandatory)
– Energy bars and snacks
– At least 4 litres of water, plus electrolytes/hydration drinks
– Hiking poles (highly recommended)
– Sun protection: hat, sunglasses and sunscreen
– Headlamp with spare batteries (not mandatory – recommended)
Although any car can reach also the hike start point, 4×4 and SUVs are recommended. If you have a normal car, we would accommodate you for any off road stretch of the drive (if you would like to). We’ll do our best to organize carpooling between all available 4x4s and SUVs, and we’d be grateful if you’re also willing to give a ride to fellow participants on the way from meeting point to the hike start point.
A WhatsApp group will be created 24-36 hours before the event for confirmed participants, where you may be able to find a ride partner. If you are unable to find a suitable carpool option, the full cost of the hike will be refunded.
All first-time participants must complete the AFT Waiver & Emergency Information Forms, which will be sent after payment is received.
Participants must carry their Emirates ID or a copy of their passport with them during the hike.
Bookings are accepted exclusively through the AFT website: www.aftadventures.com.
Signing up or expressing interest through social media, messaging apps or any other platform does not guarantee your spot. Your place is confirmed only after completing the booking and payment through the AFT website.
Registration usually closes approximately 24 hours before the hike starts. However, as spaces are limited, registration may close earlier once the hike reaches full capacity. We strongly recommend booking early to secure your place.