Majlis Al Jinn Cave, Oman - one of the largest underground chambers in the World
- Mar 25
- 4 min read
Updated: Mar 28
Hidden high on the remote Salmah Plateau in the Eastern Hajar Mountains lies one of Oman’s most mysterious and breathtaking natural wonders - Majlis Al Jinn Cave.
At first glance, there is nothing unusual about the landscape. Just a vast, open plateau stretching into the horizon, scattered with rocks and silence. No dramatic entrance, no visible canyon, no sign of what lies beneath.
And then suddenly - a hole.
A deep, perfectly round opening in the ground.
Dark. Silent. Endless.
This is the entrance to one of the largest cave chambers on Earth.
What makes Majlis Al Jinn so special?
The name Majlis Al Jinn translates from Arabic as “Meeting Place of the Spirits” - and once you stand at the edge of the drop, you understand why.
This is not a cave you walk into. This is a cave you descend into.
With a vertical drop of around 120 meters, entering Majlis Al Jinn feels less like hiking and more like stepping into another world entirely. As you descend, the light slowly fades, the temperature drops, and the scale of the chamber begins to reveal itself.
And then you reach the bottom. Silence. Space. Darkness.
A space so vast it is difficult to comprehend.
The size that defies Imagination
Majlis Al Jinn is often ranked among the largest underground chambers in the world.
- 📏 Length: ~310 meters
- 📏 Width: ~225 meters
- 📏 Height: up to ~120 meters
- 📐 Total floor area: ~58,000 square meters
To put this into perspective:
You could fit several football fields inside the chamber.
Standing inside, the ceiling is so high that the entrance holes appear as tiny beams of light, far above your head - like stars in the sky.
Discovery of Majlis Al Jinn
For centuries, local villagers knew about the mysterious holes on the plateau, but the cave itself remained unexplored.
It wasn’t until 1983 that Majlis Al Jinn was officially discovered and explored by a team of American explorers led by Don Davison. Using helicopter access and technical rope systems, they became the first to descend into the chamber and document its scale.
What they found stunned the caving world. Majlis Al Jinn quickly gained global recognition as one of the most impressive cave chambers ever discovered - not only because of its size, but because of its unique light beams that move along with the sun, as well as its unusual access: a massive vertical drop directly from the surface.
The three Entrances
The cave has three main vertical entrances, each forming a natural shaft from the plateau into the chamber:
🕳️ Asterisk Hole – the most commonly used entry (~160 m)
🕳️ First Drop – the largest and most dramatic opening (~120 m)
🕳️ Cheryl’s Drop – slightly smaller but equally impressive
From above, these openings look like simple holes in the ground.
From below, they are massive shafts of light cutting through the darkness.
The experience inside the Cave
Descending into Majlis Al Jinn is not just an activity - it is an experience that stays with you forever. As your feet touch the cave floor, you realize just how small you are. The space around you is immense, raw, and untouched.
There are no crowds. No noise. No artificial lighting.
Only:
- The echo of your footsteps
- The cool still air
- The faint beams of light from above
It feels like stepping onto another planet.
For adventurers, photographers, and explorers, Majlis Al Jinn is one of the most unique places in Oman - and in the world.
The Village Nearby - Life on the Selma Plateau
Directly at the cave lies a small and quiet mountain community. Life here moves at a completely different pace.
Families have lived in this region for generations, adapting to the harsh yet beautiful environment of the mountains. Water is scarce, temperatures vary dramatically between day and night, and access to major cities requires time and effort.
Yet the people of this region maintain a deep connection to the land.
- Small farms and livestock are part of daily life
- Traditional knowledge is passed through generations
- Hospitality remains a core value
For visitors, passing through this area is a reminder that Oman’s beauty is not only in its landscapes - but also in its people and traditions.
Why Majlis Al Jinn is not for everyone
Unlike many caves, Majlis Al Jinn is not accessible by walking.
Entering requires:
- Technical rope access (abseiling ~120 m)
- Professional equipment
- Experienced guides
This is what keeps the cave wild, untouched, and exclusive.
And this is exactly what makes it so special.
A rare and Once-in-a-Lifetime Adventure
In a world where many natural wonders are easily accessible, Majlis Al Jinn remains different.
It demands effort.
It requires courage.
And it rewards you with something unforgettable.
Standing inside one of the largest underground chambers on Earth, looking up at the tiny circle of light far above - you don’t just see the cave.
You feel it.
Experience Majlis Al Jinn with Oman Explorers
At Oman Explorers, we specialize in guiding adventurers safely into some of Oman’s most unique and remote locations - including Majlis Al Jinn.
With certified guides, professional equipment, and strict safety standards, we ensure that your experience is not only thrilling, but also safe and well-managed.
Whether you are an experienced adventurer or looking to challenge yourself with something extraordinary, this is one experience you will never forget.
Ready to explore one of the world’s most incredible caves?
