Tahery Cave – The Hidden Gateway of Selma Plateau
High above the rugged cliffs of Selma Plateau in the Wilayat of Quriyat, lies one of Oman’s most extraordinary cave systems — Tahery Cave. This cave marks the horizontal exit of the massive underground network known locally as The Seventh Hole, one of the deepest and most challenging cave systems in the Sultanate.
Location and Access
Tahery Cave is located in the eastern Hajar Mountains, on Jabal Bani Jabir, within the Selma Plateau region. The approach begins from Fins village, followed by an off-road journey and a hike across the rocky terrain of the plateau. It takes roughly an hour and a half to reach the cave entrance.
Formation and Structure
The cave system is carved entirely from limestone formations that date back millions of years.
• The Tahery Cave serves as the natural outlet of an interconnected underground passage stretching nearly 5 kilometers from multiple vertical sinkholes, including the famous Seventh Hole.
• Inside, explorers encounter narrow passages, vertical drops, underground chambers, and crystal formations that shimmer when illuminated by torchlight.
• Small cold water pools are found in some chambers, a sign of continuous underground water movement shaping the cave’s interior.
Difficulty and Exploration Challenges
Exploring Tahery Cave requires advanced caving and rope techniques. Descenders, harnesses, helmets, and reliable lighting systems are essential for navigating vertical shafts and low, constricted tunnels.
The terrain inside alternates between climbing, crawling, and swimming through water-filled chambers — making it a physically demanding adventure best suited for experienced cavers or guided expeditions.
Because of its remoteness and the technical descent required, emergency rescue operations are extremely challenging inside this cave system.
Geological and Natural Beauty
One of the cave’s highlights is its crystal chamber, where natural calcite and gypsum crystals decorate the walls and ceilings, reflecting a soft glow in the darkness.
These formations, created through slow mineral deposition over thousands of years, give Tahery Cave its unique visual and scientific value.
Adventure and Tourism Potential
Tahery Cave has become a signature expedition route among Omani and international adventure groups — particularly the “Seventh Hole to Tahery Cave” route, which combines vertical descent, underground trekking, and breathtaking scenery.
For adventurers, it’s a complete challenge: physical endurance, technical skill, and mental focus — all rewarded by the sight of emerging into daylight through the majestic exit of Tahery Cave after hours beneath the earth.
