HIGHLANDER Ras Al Khaimah is the kind of adventure that immediately throws you into motion: pushing through rocky paths, climbing ridgelines, and crossing raw mountain terrain over one, two, or three days.
Designed as a supported, non-competitive challenge, this hiking event lets you focus on the adrenaline, the rhythm of the trail, and the freedom of moving through the Hajar Mountains with nothing but your backpack and your pace.
In this guide, you’ll find everything you need to prepare: the different route formats, what’s included in the experience, how to register, packing tips, and essential FAQs to help you take on this adventure with confidence.
Key Takeaways
- HIGHLANDER Ras Al Khaimah is a multi-day, non-competitive hiking event designed for nature lovers who want to explore the Hajar Mountains at their own pace.
- You can choose from three route formats (1-day, 2-day, or 3-day), each suited to different fitness and experience levels.
- Registration includes meals, navigation tools, campsites, and safety support, making it a fully exciting adventure.
- Early booking offers the best rates, plus more time to prepare your gear, training, and overall hiking plan.
What is HIGHLANDER Ras Al Khaimah?
HIGHLANDER Ras Al Khaimah is a multi-day, non-competitive hiking event that takes participants through the rugged Hajar Mountains as part of a series of global trekking adventures. It’s an experience focused on endurance, self-reliance, and moving respectfully through the environment, without the pressure of racing or competition.
Originating in Croatia in 2017 and now held in more than 20 countries, HIGHLANDER is built around the idea of making long-distance hiking accessible, structured, and deeply connected to nature.
The Ras Al Khaimah edition embraces this ethos by guiding hikers across dramatic mountain landscapes at their own pace, supported by clear trail markings, safety teams, and sustainable practices.
Why Ras Al Khaimah?
Ras Al Khaimah is one of the most compelling mountain destinations in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). It is also home to Jebel Jais, the country’s highest peak, where dramatic ridgelines, steep trails, and sweeping views create a naturally challenging environment for hikers.
Beyond the summit, Ras Al Khaimah offers a rare mix of desert plains, rocky canyons, and elevated plateaus, allowing the terrain to shift in ways that keep the journey visually and physically engaging.
The region is also known for its Jebel Jais adventures, such as Jais Flight (the world’s longest zipline), giving hikers plenty of ways to extend their outdoor experience before or after the event.
Choose Your HIGHLANDER Hiking Adventure
HIGHLANDER Ras Al Khaimah offers three distinct routes, each tailored to different fitness levels and adventure ambitions.
1-Day: Lyra Route (8 February 2026)
Lyra covers roughly 20 kilometers of mountain terrain in a single day, giving beginners and moderately fit hikers a rewarding challenge without overnight camping. While the exact elevation details for 2026 are still to be confirmed, the Lyra route has consistently offered a balanced entry-level mountain experience during previous HIGHLANDER hiking events.
Best for: Beginner to intermediate hikers
Price: USD 81 (AED 297), subject to change
2-Day: Orion Route (7 to 8 February 2026)
Orion’s 23.5-kilometer trail spans two days, with a moderate ascent of 440 m and a long descent of 1,800 m. It’s ideal for hikers who are comfortable with longer distances and one night of camping at altitude. Perfect for those seeking a deeper nature experience without committing to a full multi-day expedition
Best for: Intermediate hikers
Price: USD 166 (AED 610), price changes after 31 December 2025
3-Day: Pegasus Route (6 to 8 February 2026)
For the full HIGHLANDER immersion, the Pegasus route offers the flagship experience: three days, roughly 36 km of trail, a total ascent of 1,800 m and descent of 2,000 m. With excellent trail markings offering a great challenge, this trek is about endurance, scenery, and fully embracing the mountain environment.
Best for: Experienced or highly fit hikers
Price: USD 323 (AED 1,186), price changes after 31 December 2025
How to Register for the HIGHLANDER Hiking Event
Signing up is simple. Visit the official HIGHLANDER Ras Al Khaimah event page and follow these steps:
- Choose your route and format.
- Select your registration category.
- Fill in your details.
- Agree to the terms and conditions.
- Proceed to payment and confirmation.
- Prepare for the event.
Pro-tip: Register early to lock in the lowest price and secure your preferred route before categories fill.
What’s Included in the HIGHLANDER Experience
From start to finish, the event provides essential logistics, so hikers can travel light, stay safe, and enjoy the multi-day experience without any worries.
Navigation Assistance
Every hiker receives a detailed map, GPX track, and access to preparation webinars. Trails are clearly marked, and support staff remain at key points along the route.
Meals
Breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks are included. You can specify dietary preferences during registration so the organizers can align your meals with your needs.
Campsites
Orion and Pegasus hikers stay at designated mountain campsites. Bring your own tent and sleeping gear; the organizers will handle on-site logistics and safety.
Entertainment
Evenings may include workshops, live music, yoga sessions, and group activities, creating a relaxed camp atmosphere after long hours on the trail.
Transfers and Luggage Storage
Secure parking is available at the starting point. Extra luggage can be stored until the event ends, but it won’t be moved between camps. Hikers carry only their backpack with all essentials needed throughout the adventure.
Finisher Rewards
Upon completing your route, you’ll earn a HIGHLANDER pin, patch, certificate, and enjoy a lively finish-line celebration.
Is HIGHLANDER Right for You? Requirements and Checklists
HIGHLANDER Ras Al Khaimah is designed to be accessible to different fitness levels. However, choosing the right route means understanding what’s expected from you physically, logistically, and gear-wise.
Fitness Requirements
HIGHLANDER is intentionally non-competitive, meaning you can hike at your own pace. Even so, each route still requires a reasonable level of stamina.
- Lyra (1-Day): Suitable for beginners with moderate fitness; expect a full day of continuous hiking.
- Orion (2-Day): Best for hikers with some experience, comfortable with elevation changes and back-to-back days of activity while carrying a backpack.
- Pegasus (3-Day): Ideal for experienced hikers or fit adventurers ready for multi-day endurance, long climbs, and carrying a backpack for extended periods.
To prepare, organizers recommend practicing long walks, hill climbs, and carrying a light pack to get accustomed to the physical demands of the activity.
Gear
Gear requirements vary slightly depending on your chosen route format, but all hikers should arrive with:
- A durable backpack (sized for day or multi-day use)
- Comfortable, broken-in hiking shoes
- Weather-appropriate clothing (layers strongly recommended for February)
- Headlamp with spare batteries (required for safety)
- Water bottles or hydration system (2 to 3 liters minimum)
- Trekking poles (helpful for steep ascents and descents)
- Personal ID and registration confirmation
- Basic first-aid supplies
- Portable power bank for devices and GPS
For overnight routes (Orion and Pegasus), add:
- Tent
- Sleeping bag (rated for cool mountain nights)
- Sleeping pad
- Warm layers for night temperatures at higher elevations
Other Things to Pack
Beyond core hiking gear, a few small items can dramatically improve comfort and safety:
- Sunscreen
- Sunglasses and sunhat
- Lightweight towel
- Snacks (although meals are included, some hikers prefer extras)
- Electrolytes for hydration
- Personal medications
- Blister care (moleskin, tape, or blister pads)
- Waste bags to comply with Leave No Trace practices
These additions ensure you stay energized, comfortable, and prepared for the unexpected as you move through shifting mountain terrain.
FAQs
Is HIGHLANDER a race or a non-competitive event?
The HIGHLANDER is a non-competitive hiking event in Ras Al Khaimah. It is not a race. While there are clearly marked routes and checkpoints, the focus is on participation, personal achievement, and the shared experience of trekking through the mountains, not on finishing first.
Can I join HIGHLANDER Ras Al Khaimah without prior hiking experience?
Yes, you can join HIGHLANDER without extensive prior hiking experience, especially if you opt for the one-day format (Lyra). However, we simply recommend having a reasonable fitness level and being comfortable with longer walks to fully enjoy the experience. While the event offers more demanding two- and three-day formats, the structure, trail marking, and organizer support make it possible for motivated beginners to participate.
That said, it’s wise to check the specific route’s difficulty rating and prepare accordingly.
Can solo hikers join the HIGHLANDER event?
Yes, the event welcomes solo participants. Each hiker registers individually, selects their route and gear options, and engages in the communal finish-line experience. The event’s support systems (trail markings, checkpoints, safety teams) are designed to cover all participants, whether they’re hiking alone or in a group.
Are there medical checkpoints during the HIGHLANDER Ras Al Khaimah event?
Yes. Safety and medical support are integral to the event. The official event information states that mountain safety personnel and a medical team accompany hikers on the trail and are stationed at each campsite.
Your Next HIGHLANDER Adventure Awaits
The HIGHLANDER Ras Al Khaimah is an invitation to step outside routine and into real adventure that pushes your limits, sharpens your focus, and reconnects you with the great outdoors. If the mountains are calling, this is your sign to lace up and commit to the journey.
Ready to join the trek? Secure your slot early and register for your chosen route while prices are lowest.
