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Varun Mehndiratta

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Posts posted by Varun Mehndiratta

  1. Thanks @Gaurav for a wonderful drive. Amazing convoy, great route and awesome weather - was just perfect setup for Sunday afternoon. 
     

    Every one rode brilliantly - we had our fair share of refusals and stucks however considering the terrain and the size of the convoy it was just fantastic outing by all. Kudos to all, especially the first timers. Thanks @DP1011 and @Krishna R for supporting the convoy. 

    • Like (+1) 2
    • Totally Agree (+2) 1
  2. 1 hour ago, Frederic said:

    I’ve had superb reception everywhere with Etisalat. 
     

    Correct about the waterfalls. All are in short driving distance around Salalah, we visited several places in one day. Most places are around 20-40 mins from the city, you can spend 1-2 hrs at the waterfalls, explore a bit, and then head out to the next destination. Only at the main entrance of Wadi Darbat it was very busy with long queues hence we decided to find another route (the one I posted) which was a nice gentle 4x4 trail. 

    Thanks Fred 🙏🙏🙏

  3. On 8/4/2023 at 9:59 AM, Frederic said:

    Hey @Varun Mehndiratta

    Dubai to Duqm in one go is doable but quite long (about 9hrs drive - 870km). In Duqm itself there is not much to see or do, only recently some hotels are starting to emerge. We stayed in the Season Inn hotel which was a small apartment which was decent for one night (30 OMR for two bedroom + kitchen is cheap).

    You will be surprised with the rather pleasant weather on the coastal road. Due to the Khareef there are strong winds so it never really felt hot and the temperatures were around 32C which is not that bad.

    If you take the coastal road from Duqm to Salalah you will come across the following:

    Lakbi Beach: https://goo.gl/maps/XCN8Fnj4GC2mX1Fr6

    Wadi Sinaq/Nakheel: https://goo.gl/maps/1rxpXQPGr4y3vgfV9

    Hasik Beach: 

    https://goo.gl/maps/tvWzoL9u9gdjcDQeA

    https://goo.gl/maps/sJ4qdGjcDkGp5A438

    https://goo.gl/maps/6UbxftJGQ5tchg45A

    Sadah Beach:

    https://goo.gl/maps/TAgVBaLW4fgmajY47

    and a few more others along the way. This road is very calm and scenic. 

     

    Once you reach Salalah, i could recommend the following:

    -Taqah Beach, next to Souly Lodge: https://goo.gl/maps/a4ommwZNPu4shW1J8

    ( Souly lodge looks amazing to stay for a night). We were staying just a bit further at the new Rotana resort area where we rented a small villa.

    -Small water park in Taqah: https://goo.gl/maps/Rj2cXr6BBiseuSbA9

    -Once you head into the mountains, for example the road where you find Gravity hill, there might be lots of fog. When we were there, picnicking was not really an option as you could hardly drive around and see 10m in front of you. It might be better now...

    Ain Athum and Ain Khor waterfalls are easy to visit, as a result i might be quite busy. 

    Wadi Darbat easy 4x4 trail:

    start here: https://goo.gl/maps/KeEJDYrvWNXXVKx28

    park here: https://goo.gl/maps/MnAjvjHvznTCvrM79

    This is a very nice place to picnic. 

     

    Some things to take along:

    * Mosquito repellent.... definitely needed as this is the season with all the stagnant water... guys are selling it at the waterfalls or just hop into the nearest pharmacy.

    * keeway jackets, towels, whatever you can use to stay dry. The fog and regular rain make it a challenge sometimes to keep dry.

    * Data roaming package or Oman Sim or E-Sim. I took an Etisalat roaming package so throughout the day and while driving i had data available which was very useful for Google Maps (looking for landmarks) and my Gaiagps. You can buy prepaid sim cards at the border (border officer asked me if i needed one), or in Odeloo/Omantel shops along the way in mid-sized cities.

     

    Have fun and keep us posted !

    Thanks @Frederic this is really cool. 
     

    Souly lodge does look smoking awesome - no availability through next week though. Will try if can get even one night, looks really nice.
    This is very interesting element you have added - we were generally planning to stay in a Hotel not a resort - mainly for reason that with 3 days in Salalah, most of the time we will be out. Appreciate your thoughts on that. Am I overestimating the time we can spend at let’s say Ain Khor waterfalls and around. And around Wadi Darbat. Or is it more like a drive to the spot, a bit of hike and be back in couple of hours. 
     

    I am planning to have roaming data on my UAE number. However read some reviews that through coastal road network isn’t the best - so better to have offline map? 
     

    Thanks Freddie 👍👍👍

  4. On 7/23/2023 at 11:47 PM, Frederic said:

    Some Photos Continued:

    Wadi Darbat Bottom: Becoming more challenging here:

    1238151588_2023-07-2210_08_10.jpg.021c22488456d6364758ea513d9ccfad.jpg

     

    Wadi Darbat Hike and Wadi Trail: https://goo.gl/maps/MnAjvjHvznTCvrM79

    1558154350_2023-07-2212_04_38.jpg.846b668c9df4eb18e076b323dda7ee36.jpg

    984374802_2023-07-2211_56_15.jpg.570ce7933fa054aa411dd1b8fb40691e.jpg

    1776255242_2023-07-2212_23_50.jpg.bb203a84a8cf382335ab1ef8f0c9f629.jpg

    Thumrait to Rakhyut Canyon Road: Unforgettable....

    917499905_2023-07-2315_52_29.jpg.a42442a8bc7d5df1cd1dfd8dc49d6584.jpg

    1540898704_2023-07-2316_08_01.jpg.7906d141372b64abe10d7cbfae857226.jpg

    2134470470_2023-07-2315_00_37.jpg.42976f7066ee3d907c4b65deb25c9c70.jpg

     

    Fazayah Beach: https://goo.gl/maps/8EkfwGxVaM4XxAQm6

    401115779_2023-07-2318_00_35.jpg.ac196bd7fd9402a082146fb6cd4eb5a9.jpg
    847033394_2023-07-2318_11_50.jpg.dd31cbf3fdac28f8ff8ca702ca9a8b7f.jpg

    Ain Khor Waterfalls: 

    ED7084FB-7717-4342-811A-5C66F1D7D1B1.jpeg.54fd8ed51d1e589f945bc87244712ad5.jpeg

    BAC72414-C052-46C6-9B24-FBC8A8E16531.jpeg.635a404ccc4cc501f88b4ace9a295802.jpeg

    Hi @Frederic finally after two weeks of scheduling/rescheduling/almost cancellation of this trip, planning to go for it next week. However have some time constraint and don’t want to fly to Salalah. Seek your advice on what to/can be covered in Salalah in 3 days based on below parameters. 

    1. Not planning to be hiking much - with a 2YO, don’t think would be able to do much of hiking. Surely if something really nice within couple of Km of stretch would give it a go though. 


    2. Planning to have our first stop at Duqm and then through coastal road to Salalah. As of now wasn’t thinking to stop over much on the way - mainly as believe will be hot. Anything you advice. Believe there are some areas with nice lagoons but not sure if doable in present weather. 
     

    3. Planning to have more of 3 days of picnic at diff spots. Based on things you have shared in your post, it all looks fantastic and each place feel like something where one can just chill for whole day. Still if you have to pick 3 - what all would it be?

    4. Any specific advice on what to must carry kind of things, other than ofcourse the usual stuff. Something (other than usual things) you felt would have been great if you had it or was great that you go it. 😀

    Thanks again for sharing your experience. Despite some work engagements, your post is surely a big motivator for us to go ahead with the plan. 

    Cheers 
     

     

    • Like (+1) 1
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  5. Thanks Sailors for joining in on drive today. Had been a year I was here on this side of Badayer and what a beautiful day it turned out to be - great set of drivers, awesome weather and amazing terrain. 
     

    Honestly after 1st hour, I had my chin hanging down to my belly. Bushes all over the places reminded me of our last week drive to Faqa and had almost killed my enthusiasm for the day.
     

    However, as it turned out - it was just a initial hiccup as once we reached the real play areas - it was just superb . And we made the most of it - side slipping through super soft sand, criss crossing and switching over those awesome ridges - the whole convoy just rocked it. No stucks, no ropes and not even a shovel used - brilliant all. 
     

    @Bashar Beasha - you were the perfect Sl for the drive. Scarred with all those bushes we had transverse, I was reluctant at multiple points but you responded well to all challenges and adapted beautifully. 
     

    Thanks @Gary F and @Jaro Tuzinsky for helping out with all refusals in the middle and thanks @Beide Worku for keeping the convoy together. With you and @Mark B at end I was always confident - alls good with the convoy.  
     

     @Hugo for the first fb+, was a really good outing for you, don’t think you had any major challenge other than couple of refusals. Welcome to next level of off roading - it only gets better from here. 
     

     @Salim Akhtar and @Gertjan another perfect outing for you two. @Zulfikhar Naiyar had moments of doubts on his car, however once the flow started - it was really rocking the climbs and switches. Right approach can make a big diff even if car is having some niggles. 
     

    The fact we had not so happy faces when I announced the end of drive is testament to the fun we had together. Thanks again for your company today morning, looking forward to catch up with you all sometime soon. 

    • Like (+1) 7
  6. 1 hour ago, Arda Yagcioglu said:

    Hi @Varun Mehndiratta

    I regret to say but I have to drop out from unfortunately there is a problem with the steering that the steeting shaft needs to get replaced. See you all another time, enjoy the ride.

    Oh good that issue identified in time. Take care @Arda Yagcioglu 

    Mr @Gary F you have been promoted to the position of platoon leader. Have fun. Make sure shovel is sharp, rope shiny and jack is set for all trades. 😀

    • Like (+1) 2
  7. Hello Sand Sailors

    Hope all set for the drive tomo morning. Here are the final details. We have a long convoy so will follow the tried and tested platoon concept, for those new to my drives - will share details during the briefing meeting. 

    Channel : 3

    Convoy Order: 

    Varun in Rubicon

    @Bashar Beasha being the last to rsvp will be our sl 

     @Zulfikhar Naiyar will be at No 3 on his Xterra

    @Hugo in his Fj (one of them) will be at no. 4

      @Jaro Tuzinsky will be leading the 1st platoon  in his fJ 

    @Gertjan in his FJ

     @Salim Akhtar in his Pajero

      @Gary F in his sandrunner will be our 2nd platoon leader

     @Mark B in his black Gladiator

     and @Beide Worku in his blue F150’will be sweeping the convoy. 

    See you all tomo morning. 

    • Like (+1) 2
  8. Dear Sand Sailors

    Thanks for RSVPing for the drive. We have a really solid convoy with some regulars and some friends I haven’t met in long time.  I am really looking forward to see you all this weekend - for an adventure through the crazy dunes of Shuwaib. 
     

    Believe most of you have been to area, for those new to it - Shuwaib is known for its crazy steep climbs and some scary drops.  Last time we were there, we scaled around 1.3Km of climbs - let’s see where we land this time. So gear up for a fun adventure.

    Some tips before we meet this weekend

    1. Ensure your vehicles are in perfect health. 

    2. Unless fully convinced about yours and your vehicles climbing ability, avoid passengers for this drive. Keep the vehicle light and mind free of distractions. 

    3. Ensure your off road gears are in order. 

    4. Most important of all, ensure you are well rested and hydrated for the drive. Let sat night be the Friday night this weekend 😀.

    See you all this Saturday. 
     

    @Gertjan @Arda Yagcioglu @Beide Worku @Hugo @Jaro Tuzinsky @Brett Eicher @Mohit Gurnani @Zulfikhar Naiyar @Salim Akhtar @Mark B

    • Like (+1) 4
  9. Thanks Sand Sailors for joining in for the drive. 

    Surely wasnt the usual Faqa. All the vegetation around provided us with a totally unique kind of challenge vis-a-vis what we expect in Desert (or perhaps i expected, since hadn't been to area in last 2 months). Then that's the beauty of being off-road - always have to be ready for unexpected - and you all did amazing well handling the same. Everyone drove beautifully - with limited number of refusals and only one main stop with @Gertjan pop-out. 

    On same unexpected note, weather was just awesome the whole time. Even at 9am when we exited, it was pretty comfortable temp - so all an all a good outing in midst of long weekend. Thanks to you all for company and fun ride. 

    Thanks @Imteeaz @hisham @Benjamin @Zed for continous support and keeping the convoy togather. @Saverio Arena and  @MohamedSherif you both were just amazing - being in a convoy full of much more experienced drivers adds to its own pressure - you both handled it as well as your vehicles very nicely. 

     @Gary F @Gertjan @Brett Eicher - as expected a smooth drive for you all. Thanks a lot for joining in for this nice though bumpy outing in desert. 

    • Like (+1) 3
  10. “Desert remembers every footprint that crosses it” - if this is true, no one can claim to be an off-roader in UAE, unless has left a mark on the dunes of Shuwaib.

    So coming weekend, let’s us all pay ode to all the off-roaders who have transversed through these beautiful dunes while leaving our own prints on the golden beautiful sand dunes at Shuwaib. 

    General Overview

    We request every member that joins this drive to go through the information below and strictly follow these guidelines, etiquette, and responsibilities.

    Drive Details

    Level: Fewbie Plus and Above 

    When:  29th July'2023, Saturday.

    Meeting time: 5:15 AM (SHARP - Without any exceptions).

    Meeting Point:  https://goo.gl/maps/15Vvob4crExiKKAQ7

    Type of Car: Any  4x4 with front and back tow hooks and 8-10 inches of ground clearance.

    What to bring along: Loads of water, snacks (for yourself), smiles, face mask, rubber gloves, enthusiasm and willingness to learn.

    Approximate finish time: 9:00 AM

    THIS IS A COMPRESSOR ONLY DRIVE. PLEASE DO NOT SIGN UP FOR THIS DRIVE UNLESS YOU HAVE A COMPRESSOR. ANYONE ARRIVING AT THE DRIVE WITHOUT A COMPRESSOR, FLAG, PROPER SHOVEL AND DEFLATION KIT WILL NOT BE ALLOWED TO JOIN THE DRIVE. ALL TOW POINTS WILL BE CHECKED BEFORE DEPARTURE. 

    LIMITED SPOTS AVAILABLE:
    • Limited to 10 cars only.
    • Latecomers will be returned back - without ANY EXCEPTIONS.
    • Members without RSVP will be returned back - without ANY EXCEPTIONS.
    • Please withdraw your RSVP, if you aren't joining, so your spot can be taken by others.
    • Repeated no-show members after RSVP will have their account suspended for a month.

     

    Please RSVP on below calendar

     

  11. 2 hours ago, controlz said:

    Are there any owners of Rubicons in Carnity that are happy with their car!? I love the rubicon and it feels like the best value in the market right now, but you've made me second guess myself.

    Hi @controlz had Sahara and as @Gaurav mentioned recently moved to Rubicon around 7/8 months back. 
     

    For me both have been my daily and off-road ride. Have loved them both on road as well as off road. Just like you Leather seats was a must thing for me - mainly as with young kids I know the pain of maintaining fabric. Plus for my on road, I needed the comforts of nice cooling system , good audio system, a decent feel on cabin and bit of electronics - we are in 2023, car without CarPlay - not going to work for me 😀, for my Sahara even went with the adaptive cruise, collision warning rtc. 

    With JL, all these are good and meet the standard I was hoping for … surely isn’t a X5 but good enough to make it for comfort drive. I have a 2yo and over last 1-1.5 year we have multiple long drives as a testament to comfort. Surely Sahara was on road more comfortable compared to Rubicon - mainly because of more aggressive Tyres on Rubicon but diff is minor. And this was after moving from a Lexus IS300 sedan to Jeep as my daily drive. Again not saying it’s as smooth but didn’t feel the gap I initially expected. With JL (I.e 2018 onward) Jeep has really changed the game wrt city drive. And it literally grows over time.
     

    Reg off road capabilities - Wrangler stock is super cool - over two year of off-roading including leading drives for almost a year now, I never felt real need to upgrade.
    Did gear ratio in Rubicon made a diff for me when I switched from Sahara - yes felt it for first few drives, perhaps a month. Once got adapted, I don’t think I am missing any element. And ofcourse with Dana 44 and diff locks, Rubicon surely brings in much more value. 

    The fact that I can take doors/roof off during winter is a big plus. That feel is just another level.

    Having said, I have an adv, we needed two cars - for me and one for wife. So for the other one we went for a comfortable Volvo s90. So yes, for days when official things call for something more comfortable, a bit more luxurious cabin feel with some specific passengers - I do use that 😀 Or the days I have my or wife’s parents here and don’t want them to go through the discomfort of climbing up on my Rubicon, I use my wife car. 

    Since you have decent budget, unless you regularly have these specific needs like I mentioned above, go for a new Wrangler - it will meet most needs. Used wranglers JL are super expensive these days, found it more logic friendly to buy new and buying a sport and trying to upgrade - somehow maths hasn’t been convincing for me. 
     

    Hope it helps. 

    • Thanks (+1) 1
  12. Hi Sand Sailors

    So looks like we have a small convoy, a good chance to explore things not so practical with a big convoy. Will plan the route accordingly - however before I do so just to ensure we have all on board, kindly let me have your confirmation for the drive. 
     

    Looking forward for your confirmations. Thanks 
     @Joseph Raju @Gary F @Saverio Arena @Gertjan @topgear

    • Like (+1) 2
    • Totally Agree (+2) 1
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