As an active traveller’s dream destination, Hatta is more than a mountain holiday hub for tourists based in Dubai. Here are 7 exciting activities and excursions every traveller should enjoy during a stay in this breathtaking hill station.
1. Horseback Riding
Ranked among the most rewarding things to do during a holiday in Hatta, horseback excursions are ideal for those who wish to explore the lakes and mountains lining the region at their own pace. Although the 2.5 km-long newly built equestrian track in Hatta offers tourists a smoother ride, travellers can also enlist horses from local stables to tackle more remote and rugged terrains of this mountain hideaway.
2. Hiking
With exquisite wadis( valleys) occupying the foothills of its largest mountains and the cascading mountain peaks at every turn, Hatta is also a hiker’s paradise of monumental proportions. Whether you’re based at the JA Hatta Fort Hotel Dubai or any similar hospitality hub, exploring the nature trails that crisscross these verdant hills is among the best things to do in Hatta. Beckoning those with a passion for the great outdoors to its sharp inclines and lush routes, Hatta provides challenging and easy-to-navigate trails suitable for travellers with varying skill levels.
3. Mountain Biking
Often considered the best way to explore the farmlands, wadis, and rocky hills of Hatta, mountain biking tours are organised by local resorts, tour operators, and the Hatta Mountain Bike Trail Centre. Boasting free trails with well-marked routes, the biking routes established by the Hatta Mountain Bike Trail Centre include paths that are perfect for those who are new to mountain biking, as well as those which are geared towards seasoned experts.
4. Camping
The Hatta Camp Site also offers visitors the chance to spend a night under the stars during a trip to the mountains. Featuring a designated barbecue area and other modern amenities, tourists can pitch a tent within these verdant grounds and enjoy the sights and sounds of the mountains after sundown.
5. Kayaking
Water sports enthusiasts, on the other hand, can meander down the Hatta Dam on a rented kayak and soak up the captivating natural beauty of its setting. As a slow-paced activity that offers visitors the chance to immerse themselves in their surroundings, kayaking tours along the Hatta Dam also acquaint tourists with local flora and fauna.
6. Birdwatching
Birders bound for Hatta will find that this mountainous terrain also provides idyllic conditions for their favourite pastime. Although winged beauties are known to make an appearance along popular Hatta hiking trails, Swan Lake is an area of the mountain town that’s perfect for birdwatching, as countless species occupy the area around this scenic lake and picnic hotspot.
7. Tour the Hatta Heritage Village
Holidaymakers in the mood for a cultural adventure, however, can always head down to the Hatta Heritage Village to understand the rich heritage and historical events that have shaped the 3000-year-old settlement. As a living museum complete with mud huts, ancient watch towers, and its own unique irrigation system, the Hatta Heritage Village takes visitors on a journey back in time to a simpler era in the Hajar Mountains.
