Visit Oman

29/01/2025

Let's delve even deeper into the wonders of Oman, exploring its diverse facets and hidden gems:
Beyond the Popular Destinations:
* Masirah Island: A haven for kitesurfers and wildlife enthusiasts, Masirah Island offers pristine beaches, strong winds, and opportunities to spot nesting sea turtles. It's a more remote and less-visited destination, perfect for those seeking tranquility.
* Dhofar Region (Salalah & Surroundings): This region in southern Oman is a world apart, especially during the Khareef (monsoon) season (June-September). Lush green landscapes, waterfalls, and cooler temperatures create a unique environment. Explore the frankincense trails, visit the ancient city of Sumhuram, and relax on the beautiful beaches of Mughsail.
* Musandam Peninsula: Separated from the rest of Oman by the UAE, Musandam is known for its dramatic fjords, often referred to as the "Norway of Arabia." Dhow cruises through the fjords offer breathtaking views of the rugged coastline and opportunities for snorkeling and dolphin watching.
* Wusta Region: This central region of Oman offers a mix of desert landscapes, coastal areas, and historical sites. Explore the ancient city of Qalhat, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and visit the fishing village of Duqm.
Diving and Marine Life:
* Rich Marine Biodiversity: Oman's waters are home to a rich variety of marine life, including dolphins, whales, turtles, and colorful fish. Excellent diving and snorkeling spots can be found along the coast, particularly in Musandam, the Daymaniyat Islands, and near Muscat.
* Daymaniyat Islands: A protected nature reserve, the Daymaniyat Islands offer pristine coral reefs and crystal-clear waters, making it a paradise for divers and snorkelers.
* Turtle Nesting Sites: Oman is an important nesting ground for several species of sea turtles. Ras Al Jinz Turtle Reserve is a popular spot for witnessing turtles coming ashore to lay their eggs.
Culture and Traditions:
* Omani Coffee (Kahwa): A symbol of Omani hospitality, Kahwa is a strong, aromatic coffee served in small cups, often accompanied by dates. It's a must-try experience for any visitor.
* Frankincense: Oman is famous for its frankincense, a fragrant resin used in incense and perfumes. The frankincense trees of Dhofar are a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
* Handicrafts: Oman has a rich tradition of handicrafts, including pottery, weaving, silverwork, and Khanjars (traditional daggers). You can find these crafts in the souks and local shops.
* Traditional Music and Dance: Omani music and dance are an integral part of the culture. Traditional music often features the oud (a stringed instrument) and drums. Folk dances are performed at festivals and celebrations.
* Ramadan and Eid: If you're traveling to Oman during Ramadan, be aware that it's a holy month for Muslims, and there may be some restrictions on eating and drinking in public during daylight hours. Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha are major holidays celebrated throughout the country.
Practical Tips for Travelers:
* Dress Code: Dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites. Lightweight, breathable clothing is recommended, as the weather can be hot, particularly during the summer months.
* Respectful Behavior: Be respectful of local customs and traditions. Ask permission before taking photos of people, and avoid public displays of affection.
* Language: Arabic is the official language of Oman, but English is widely spoken in tourist areas.
* Currency: The Omani Rial (OMR) is the currency of Oman.
* Transportation: Renting a car is the most convenient way to explore Oman, as public transportation can be limited. Taxis are also available in cities.
* Accommodation: Oman offers a range of accommodation options, from luxury hotels to budget-friendly guesthouses and camping sites. Camping is a popular activity in the desert and mountains.
* Safety: Oman is a safe country for travelers. However, it's always wise to take normal precautions and be aware of your surroundings.
Sustainable Tourism:
* Responsible Travel: Be mindful of your impact on the environment and local communities. Support local businesses, respect wildlife, and avoid littering.
* Preserving Heritage: Help preserve Oman's rich cultural heritage by respecting historical sites and traditions.
Oman offers a unique travel experience, combining stunning natural beauty with a rich cultural heritage and warm hospitality. It's a destination that will leave a lasting impression on your mind and heart.

22/05/2023

National Museum Oman

If you are looking for a cultural experience in Oman, you might want to visit the National Museum of Oman, located in Old Muscat, opposite Al Alam Palace. The museum is the Sultanate's flagship cultural institution, showcasing the nation's heritage from the earliest human settlement in the Oman Peninsula some two million years ago through to the present day.

The museum was established by a royal decree in 2013 and opened to the public in 2016. It was designed by Jasper Jacob Associates and Arts Architecture International Ltd, in collaboration with the Ministry of Heritage and Culture and the Royal Estate Affairs of Oman. The museum covers an area of 13,700 square meters and has 14 permanent galleries, displaying more than 5,000 objects that represent different aspects of Oman's history, culture, and identity.

Some of the highlights of the museum include:

- The Maritime History Gallery, which showcases Oman's long and rich maritime heritage, from ancient seafaring and trade to modern naval achievements.
- The Arms and Armour Gallery, which displays a variety of weapons and armour used by Omanis throughout history, such as swords, daggers, rifles, cannons, and shields.
- The Splendours of Islam Gallery, which exhibits some of the finest examples of Islamic art and architecture in Oman, such as manuscripts, ceramics, textiles, metalwork, and woodwork.
- The Renaissance Gallery, which celebrates the modern era of Oman under the leadership of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said Al Said, who transformed the country into a prosperous and progressive nation.
- The Intangible Heritage Gallery, which explores the diverse and vibrant aspects of Oman's oral traditions, music, dance, crafts, and rituals.

The museum also features a learning centre, a conservation centre, a library, a café, a gift shop, and a temporary exhibition hall. The museum is equipped with state-of-the-art technology and interactive displays that enhance the visitor experience. The museum also offers guided tours, workshops, lectures, and educational programs for various audiences.

The National Museum of Oman is open from Saturday to Thursday from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm and on Friday from 2:00 pm to 6:00 pm. The ticket prices are 5 Omani rials for adults, 2 Omani rials for students and seniors, and free for children under 6 years old. You can also book your tickets online at www.nm.gov.om.

The National Museum of Oman is a must-see attraction for anyone interested in learning more about Oman's rich and diverse heritage. It is a place where you can discover the past, appreciate the present, and envision the future of this beautiful country.

01/04/2023

Shaat Sea Overview Point

If you are looking for a hidden gem in Salalah, Oman, you might want to check out Shaat Sea Overview Point. This is a scenic spot where you can enjoy a panoramic view of the Arabian Sea and the surrounding mountains. Shaat Sea Overview Point is located in Shaat, a small village on the west coast of Dhofar Governorate. It is about 2 hours drive from Salalah city and can be reached by a 4WD vehicle or a decent saloon car (Saloon cars are not recommended in rainy days as roads could be slippery)

Road to Shaat is challenging to drive but enjoyable for a driving enthusiast. Road have lots of hairpin bend some times cloud cover makes it very difficult to navigate. Roads are well built and maintained

There is military check point enroute, where they will ask your ID & vehicle mulkiya (registration card)

Shaat Sea Overview Point is not a typical tourist attraction. It is more of a natural wonder that few people know about. The view point is situated on a cliff that overlooks a small and secluded beach. The beach is only 77 meters long and has sand and pebbles on the shore. The water is clear and multi-colored, ranging from turquoise to dark blue. The beach is surrounded by rugged mountains that create a stunning contrast with the sea.

Shaat Sea Overview Point is a great place to relax and enjoy nature. You can take photos of the amazing scenery, watch the waves crash on the rocks, or listen to the sound of the wind. You can also hike down to the beach and swim in the sea, but be careful as there are no lifeguards or facilities there. The beach is also accessible by boat from nearby Fazayah Beach, which is another beautiful spot to visit.

Shaat Sea Overview Point is one of the hidden treasures of Salalah that you should not miss if you love nature and adventure. It is a place where you can experience the beauty and tranquility of Oman's coast.

There is no shops and facilities around the area, so get your food & snacks if you plan to spend time there

Location : https://goo.gl/maps/xsbcjK5XegjkgMsw8

28/03/2023

If you are planning to visit Oman, one of the must-see attractions is the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, located in the capital city of Muscat. This mosque is not only the largest and grandest mosque in Oman, but also a stunning example of Islamic architecture and art. In this blog post, I will share with you some interesting facts and tips about this magnificent mosque.

The Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque was inaugurated by Sultan Qaboos bin Said Al Said himself on May 4, 2001, as a gift to the nation to celebrate his 30th anniversary of his reign. He was the longest-serving ruler in the Arab world, who transformed Oman from an isolated and underdeveloped country to a modern and prosperous state. He also commissioned 49 other mosques across Oman, as well as churches and temples for other faiths, reflecting his vision of religious tolerance and harmony.

The mosque was designed by a team of architects from Oman, Egypt, India and the UK, who combined elements of Islamic, Middle Eastern and Omani styles. The mosque covers an area of 416,000 square meters, and can accommodate up to 20,000 worshippers. The main prayer hall is a square-shaped room with a central dome that rises to a height of 50 meters above the floor. The dome is decorated with intricate patterns and Arabic calligraphy, and has a huge chandelier hanging from its center. The chandelier was once the world's largest, measuring 14 meters in height and 8 meters in diameter, and weighing 8.5 tons. It has 1,122 lamps and 600,000 Swarovski crystals.

The floor of the prayer hall is covered with a single-piece carpet that was also once the world's largest. It measures 70 by 60 meters, weighs 21 tons, and has 1.7 billion knots. It took four years to weave by 600 Iranian craftsmen, using 28 colors of wool and cotton. The carpet has a variety of floral and geometric motifs, inspired by Persian Tabriz, Kashan and Isfahan designs.

The mosque also has a women's prayer hall that can hold up to 750 worshippers, a library with over 20,000 books on various subjects, an Islamic information center that offers courses and lectures on Islam, and a lecture hall that can seat up to 400 people. The mosque is surrounded by five minarets that symbolize the five pillars of Islam: faith, prayer, charity, fasting and pilgrimage. The main minaret is the tallest structure in Oman, standing at 90 meters high.

The mosque is open to visitors of all faiths from Saturday to Thursday, from 8:30 am to 11:00 am. Visitors are required to dress modestly and respectfully, covering their arms, legs and hair. Shoes must be removed before entering the prayer halls. Photography is allowed outside the prayer halls, but not inside. Guided tours are available for free upon request at the entrance.

The Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque is a masterpiece of Islamic art and architecture that reflects the culture and history of Oman. It is a place of worship, education and social interaction that welcomes everyone with its beauty and grace. If you have the chance to visit Muscat, don't miss this amazing mosque that will surely leave you in awe.

Location : Azaibah

Distance From Airport : 13 km
Distance From Cruise Port: 23 km

23/03/2023

Wadi Darbat: A Scenic Paradise in Oman

If you are looking for a place to enjoy nature, history and culture in Oman, you should not miss Wadi Darbat. This valley is one of the most beautiful and popular attractions in Dhofar region, especially during the khareef (monsoon) season when it turns into a lush green oasis with waterfalls, lakes and streams.

What is Wadi Darbat?

Wadi Darbat is a valley located in Taqah district, about 30 km east of Salalah city. The word "wadi" means valley or dry riverbed in Arabic, but Wadi Darbat is anything but dry. It has a permanent natural lake that covers an area of about 2 square km and is fed by several springs and streams from the surrounding mountains.

The lake is home to various species of fish, birds and plants. You can also see camels, cows, goats and other animals grazing on the grassy banks. The lake offers many activities for visitors such as boating, kayaking, fishing and birdwatching.

The highlight of Wadi Darbat is the seasonal waterfall that cascades from a height of about 100 meters into a deep pool below. The waterfall only appears during the khareef season (from June to September) when the rainfall increases and fills up the wadi. The waterfall creates a stunning contrast with the greenery around it and attracts thousands of tourists every year.

How to get to Wadi Darbat?

Wadi Darbat is easily accessible by car from Salalah city. You can either drive yourself or hire a taxi or a tour guide. The road to Wadi Darbat is well-paved and signposted along the coastal highway. It takes about 40 minutes to reach there from Salalah airport.

There are two entrances to Wadi Darbat: one near Taqah town and another near Tawi Atayr sinkhole. Both entrances lead you to different parts of the valley where you can park your car and explore on foot or by boat.

What to do at Wadi Darbat?

There are many things to do at Wadi Darbat depending on your interests and preferences. Here are some suggestions:

- Hike or trek along the trails that crisscross the valley. You can enjoy scenic views of the lake, mountains, waterfalls and wildlife along the way.
- Visit Sumhuram Old City, an ancient archaeological site that dates back to pre-Islamic times. It was once a port city that traded frankincense with India, China and Rome.
- Ride a boat or kayak on the lake and admire its beauty from different angles. You can also rent pedal boats or electric boats for more fun.
- Eat at one of the many restaurants or cafes that line up along the lake shore. You can find local dishes such as grilled fish, shuwa (meat cooked underground), rice with meat or chicken curry as well as international cuisines such as pizza, burgers and sandwiches.

- Make a barbecue at one of the designated areas near
the lake or bring your own picnic basket and enjoy it under
the shade of trees.

- Relax at one of the benches or hammocks that are scattered around
the valley and listen to the sound of water and birds.

- Shop for souvenirs such as pottery,
handicrafts, frankincense, perfumes, honey, dates and nuts at one of the stalls near the entrance.

Tips for visiting Wadi Darbat

Here are some tips for visiting Wadi Darbat:

- Plan your visit early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds and heat.
- Wear comfortable shoes, clothes, hat, sunglasses and sunscreen as you will be walking a lot under sun exposure.

- Bring enough water, snacks, camera, binoculars, insect repellent and first aid kit with you as there are no shops inside the valley except near the entrance.

- Respect
the environment and wildlife by not littering, feeding or disturbing
them.

- Follow
the signs and instructions by the authorities for your safety and security.

20/03/2023

# Mughsail Beach: A Stunning Destination in Oman

If you are looking for a beach getaway that offers stunning scenery, pristine waters, and plenty of activities, you might want to consider visiting Mughsail Beach in Oman. This beach is located near Salalah, the second-largest city in Oman and the capital of Dhofar Governorate. Mughsail Beach is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Dhofar and for good reasons.

# # What to Expect at Mughsail Beach

Mughsail Beach is a long stretch of white sand that contrasts beautifully with the turquoise waters of the Arabian Sea. The beach is surrounded by mountains on both sides, creating a dramatic and picturesque landscape. The beach is clean and well-maintained, and there are facilities such as toilets, showers, changing rooms, and picnic areas available for visitors.

One of the main attractions at Mughsail Beach is the Marneef Cave and Blow Holes, which are located at one end of the beach. The cave is a natural formation that has been carved by the waves over time. The blow holes are openings in the rocks where seawater shoots up into the air when there is high tide or strong wind. The spray can reach up to 30 meters high and creates a spectacular sight. You can walk along a paved path that leads to the cave and blow holes and enjoy the views along the way.

Another attraction at Mughsail Beach is birdwatching. The beach is home to various species of birds such as gulls, terns, herons, egrets, flamingos, pelicans, and more. You can spot them on the shore or on nearby islands. If you are lucky, you might even see dolphins or whales swimming in the distance.

Mughsail Beach is also a great place for relaxing and enjoying nature. You can swim in the clear water (but be careful of strong currents), sunbathe on the soft sand (but don't forget sunscreen), play games with your friends or family (such as football or volleyball), or have a picnic under shady trees (but don't litter). You can also take a stroll along the beach and admire
the sunset (but don't stay too late).

# # How to Get to Mughsail Beach

Mughsail Beach is located about 40 kilometers west of Salalah city center. You can get there by car or by taxi. If you have your own car or rent one from Salalah airport or city center (which I recommend), you can drive along Route 49 which follows
the coast and offers scenic views along
the way.

If you prefer to take a taxi,
you can find one at Salalah airport
or city center (which might be more expensive) or book one online through apps such as Otaxi or Careem (which might be cheaper). A taxi ride from Salalah airport
or city center to Mughsail Beach should cost around 10-15 Omani rials ($26-39 USD) one way.

Alternatively,
you can join a guided tour that includes
Mughsail Beach as part of its itinerary.
There are many tour operators that offer half-day or full-day tours from Salalah
to various attractions in Dhofar,
including Mughsail Beach.

A guided tour usually costs around 40-80 Omani rials ($104-208 USD) per person depending on
the duration,
the group size,
and
the inclusion.

# # When to Visit Mughsail Beach

The best time to visit Mughsail Beach
is during
the Khareef season,
which lasts from June to September.
This is when Dhofar experiences its monsoon season,
which brings cooler temperatures,
rainfall,
and greenery.
The weather during this time
is pleasant and refreshing,
and
the landscape becomes more lush and vibrant.
The Khareef season also attracts many visitors from Oman and neighboring countries who come to enjoy
the natural beauty
and escape
the heat.

However,
you can also visit Mughsail Beach during other times of
the year.
From October to May,
Dhofar has dry weather with warm days
and cool nights.

10/12/2020

Visa Free Entry to Oman

In support of the tourist movement and to facilitate the travellers wishing to visit the Sultanate, the Royal Oman Police announced that the nationals of 103 countries will be exempted from entry visas for a period of ten days.

The entry will be allowed as specified controls and conditions, including the presence of a prior and confirmed hotel reservation, health insurance, and a return ticket.

The Middle-Term fiscal plan for the year 2020-24 said of the plans, “This will encourage more tourists to visit Oman, enhance the tourism sector, and raise its contribution to the national economy.”
The government recognizes the need to strengthen the Sultanate’s revenue-raising framework by decreasing its reliance on hydrocarbon revenues. Initiatives related to increasing non-oil revenues will have an impact of almost RO 1.4 billion, the plan said.

Currently, only citizens of five GCC countries can enter without a visa while New Zealand nationals can spend up to three months in Oman and enter the country on a visa without paying any fee.

Nationals of 71 other countries and territories can apply for visas online provided they have a valid of passport six months.

Oman will focus on tapping tourists from new source markets, including the USA, said the Implementation Support and Follow-up Unit in its annual report.

European countries:

Portugal – Sweden – Norway – Andorra – Italy – Bulgaria – San Marino – Switzerland – Croatia – Liechtenstein – Macedonia – Hungary – Serbia – Georgia – Estonia – Denmark – Germany – Greece – Iceland – Belgium – Romania – Slovenia – Finland – Luxembourg – Malta – Monaco – Cyprus – Ukraine – Spain – Czech Republic – Vatican – Austria – Ireland – Britain – Poland – Slovakia – France – Latvia – Lithuania – Moldova – Netherlands.

South American countries:

Ecuador – Bolivia – Venezuela – Colombia – Uruguay – Paraguay – Sirnam – Argentina – Brazil – Chile.

Other countries and regions:

Japan – Thailand – South Africa – Lebanon – Hong Kong – Federal Republic of Russia – People’s Republic of China – Seychelles – America – Brunei Darussalam – Turkey – South Korea – New Zealand – Iran – French Ghana – Australia – Indonesia – Taiwan – Canada – Malaysia – Macau Island – Singapore – Azerbaijan – Uzbekistan – Belarus – Tajikistan – Kyrgyzstan – Costa Rica – Nicaragua – Morocco – India – Armenia – Panama – Bosnia and Herzegovina – Turkmenistan – Honduras – Guatemala – Kazakhstan – Laos – Albania – Bhutan – Peru – Maldives – Salvador – Vietnam – Cuba – Mexico.

List of Arab countries added:

Jordan – Egypt – Tunisia – Algeria – Mauritana.

18/11/2020

50 year of Renaissance

06/11/2020

Ras al Jinz Turtle Reserve

Ras Al Jinz Turtle Reserve, a unique natural landscape, unspoiled shorelines, golden deserts, luxuriant green oases and rugged mountains. Ras Al Jinz is world renown for the nesting of the endangered green turtle, probably the most important nesting concentration on the Indian Ocean. This is the only place where public can watch the nesting process of these amazing sea-giants. A once in a lifetime opportunity.

Located around 250km south of Muscat, the Ras Al Jinz Turtle Reserve in Oman is one of the largest nesting sites for endangered Green Sea Turtles in the world. Each year tens of thousands of sea turtles migrate to the Arabian Peninsula to lay tens of thousands of eggs. The Ras Al Jinz Turtle Reserve plays a significant role in the preservation of this vital, natural habitat and offers visitors a chance to witness the beauty of the green sea turtles. Lucky visitors may also be able to spot four additional species that often pass-through the region including including the Loggerhead, Leatherback, Olive Ridley and Hawksbill turtle.

Ras al Jinz turtle peak season (and hatching) is between May and September, especially July to September (sadly some of the hottest months to travel there)
Turtles come all year-round. However there could be days in low season when you don't see any. Peak season could give you 20 sightings and more.
During the night, turtles drag themselves out of the water and on the sand to dig a hole and lay their eggs if they are satisfied. They then slide back to the sea.
55 days later the eggs hatch and the baby turtles start their difficult trip to the water. They mostly will be eaten by birds, crab and foxes but some of them will reach the water.

Ras Al Jinz Turtle reserve is a popular attraction in Oman. This is a facility with a turtle Museum and accommodation facility Under OMRAN (tourism development wing of Oman Government) Booking your tickets or stay in advance is highly recommended to avoid disappointment. If staying on the reserve accommodation, the cost of the walks are included in the accommodation price. You can always stay outside the reserve for cheap accommodation but the facilities are minimal around the areas as its a remote village from the cities

Total accommodation is 31 units including Carapace rooms and the luxury Eco-tents. Ras Al Jinz Turtle Reserve rates are all-inclusive of buffet breakfast, turtle viewing (evening and dawn) entry to the Turtle Reserve Visitor Centre (Museum) and tax and service charge. Please note that rates may vary depending upon the season and the days of the week.

There are two sessions for watching the turtle on the beach. It will be a guided tour with a group of people. These guides are highly trained and will explain all the etiquettes you should follow. Basically turtles do not like noises and flashlights.

The walks to meet roughly at the main center at 8:30pm and 5:30am. These times can change depending on sunrise and sunset times. Do yourself a favor and take advantage of both. If you are a staying onsite, then you will be the first ones to venture out

03/08/2020

Wakan Village.

Located 2,000 meters above sea level and in the Western Hajar Mountains is Wakan village (قرية وكان), a small mountain village with beautiful terraced gardens overlooking the surrounding mountains above and Wadi Mistal below. Wakan village is officially part of Wilayt Nakhal in the South Batinah Governorate, although its located right in the border with Al Dakhiliyah Governorate through Al Hajar mountain range.
At only a 150 kilometres away from Muscat, Wakan village is the perfect day trip, it’s a beautiful hike through the mountains and terraces and is also suitable for kids as there are gardens that the children can play and explore in. It is the perfect, relaxing getaway for a day or two as the place is serene and quiet and one can get lost amongst the rich greenery and picturesque scenery of the village.
A viewing platform is the first sight that greets you as soon as you enter the village. It offers spectacular views of Wadi Mistal and the surrounding mountains. There is also a visitors information center building which is still not opened. From there you can exploring this beautiful village by foot. There are a couple of hiking tracks that start at the village, and they are marked by the familiar yellow, green and red flag that mark most hiking tracks in Oman.

The hike through the village is the perfect opportunity to be one with nature. The walk is about 1.5 kilometres to and fro and is equal to climbing down 38 flights (2700 steps) of stairs. Although it may seem traitorous, taking your time and drinking enough water, it is completely do-able by anybody. There is also a hiking trail up into the mountains, this was the original route used by the locals to get from the village to Jebel Akhdar.

The perfect time to visit Wakan village is from mid-May to the end of August, during this period all the plants in the area bear fruit and although it is unadvisable for visitors to pick the fruits of the trees, many locals sometimes offer the fresh produce to those visiting the area.
This is also the time when the apricot flowers are in full bloom.. During this of the year, the little town turns into paradise as the white flowers are visible from miles away and butterflies flock to the area to feed of these rarely seen blooms.

--- How to get to Wakan Village

Wakan is about 150 kms from Muscat, and can be reached from Nakhal by taking the turn to Wadi Mistal on the Nakhal-Awabi road. The paved road continues for a few kilometers before turning to graded road, although an extension of the paved road is almost complete and should be opened soon. The graded road leads up to Al Ghubrah Bowl, which also contains signs to the various villages in the area. From here Wakan village can be seen high up in the mountains. The path to Wakan is on a narrow and steep mountainous road and should only be attempted in a 4WD car


--- Things to note

No place to stay like Hotel/ Guest houses. Ideal for a day trip. Do not expect restaurants, refreshment centres etc.

31/05/2020

Approaching Muscat International Airport

23/05/2020

23/02/2020

Jebel Akhdar

Jabal Al Akhdar is one of the most popular tourism destinations in Oman, as a number of regional and international tourists flock to explore its pleasant climate, mountain ranges, farms, aflaj and heritage houses over the weekends and holidays.

Al Jabal Al Akdhar means ‘green mountain’ in Arabic; and is famous for its natural beauty, and its friendly and generous people. Without a guide or some inside information, Jebel Akhdar (Green Mountain) may seem something of a misnomer to the first-time visitor. Firstly, Jebel Akhdar refers not to a mountain as such, but to an area that encompasses the great Saiq Plateau, at 2000m above sea level. Secondly, the jebel (mountain) keeps its fecundity well hidden in a labyrinth of wadis and terraces. There, the cooler mountain air and greater rainfall encourage scented Damask roses (which flower in March and are the source of the region's celebrated rose water), prize pomegranates, apricots and other fruit to grow in abundance. Temperatures during December to March can drop to -5°C, and hailstones are not uncommon.

Al Jabal Al Akhdar has a unique identity; and attracts GCC tourists as well as international travellers to hike, camp, star-gaze, or simply enjoy a walk along its beautiful villages.

The region, a two-hour drive from Oman’s capital of Muscat, is often overlooked thanks to its remote location and rugged terrain. However, those who make the trek there can glimpse authentic Omani villages and take in sweeping mountain views.

A guided walk is a good way to see both the villages and the hidden gardens and orchards that give the region its name. We can arrange a walk that begins at the village of Al Aqur and offers views of the Wadi Al Muaydin and nearby villages. The trail, known as W18b, winds past several small villages as well as terraces, orchards and gardens that still use falaj irrigation. This traditional form of irrigation includes low water channels that date back more than 1,500 years; the technique itself may be as old as 5,000 years, according to some scholars.

You can see more far-flung villages on a tour with a driver to navigate the mountain roads. The route lets you explore villages such as Wadi Bani Habib, an abandoned settlement of mud buildings that are slowly decaying back into the ground. There’s a footpath down to the bottom of the wadi where you’ll see walnuts and pomegranate trees.

-- Things To do --

1) The fossil waterfalls
High in Al Jabal Al Akdhar, just west of Sayh Qatanah, is Oman’s Tufa “fossil waterfalls”. The water here is said to have flowed since ancient times from the area just east of Al Ain village. White calcite is deposited as the water flows over existing limestone formations, creating a fascinating feature.

2) The extinction phenomenon excavations
Before arriving into Sayh Qatanah in the heights of Al Jabal Al Akhdar, a junction to Ar Rus village will take you to a geological marker for one of the earth’s great mass extinctions. On the excavated northern face of the area is a thin wavering dark strata. This represents one of the Permain-Triassic events of the perhaps 251 million years ago where 50 per cent of animal life on earth became extinct.

3) Wadi Bani Habib village
Exploring Wadi Bani Habib starts by going down natural rocky stairs, amidst the breathtaking scenery of mountains and trees. Upon arriving at the wadi, the peach, almond, pomegranate, olive and walnut trees welcome one to a colourful festivity. After taking a break under the shade of a tree, one can go up into the old abandoned district of clay houses. A nostalgic feeling is sure to find its way into the heart while wandering around this enchanting place.

4) Al Ain village
Al Ain is a picturesque little village built entirely of stunning large agricultural stairs where you can find fruits, vegetables and roses. The village is known for its water springs, which is symbolic of the name of the place, as Al Ain means ‘the spring’ in Arabic. One can have a refreshing swim in the warm waters of the village or take a stroll around it, while visiting the village’s mosques.

5) Riyadh Al Jabal Farm
Riyadh Al Jabal Farm is a splendid place in Al Jabal Al Akdhar where all types of rare and delicious fruits, vegetables and trees grow. The farm has impressed tourists and visitors with its high-quality crops; and the famous His Majesty Sultan Qaboos rose is grown at the Riyadh Al Jabal Farm.

6) The caves
Jabal Al Akhdar is home to several natural caves that are worth exploring, but with caution and care. It is advisable that when visiting the Jabal Al Akhdar one should hire a guide in order to know the history and hidden natural treasures of the place. Two famous caves — Al Sahil and Al Biban can be found in Akhdar’s Al Manakher village.
However, there are many other caves such as the black cave overlooking Wadi Halfeen, Al Dhabaa cave in Wadi Seeq, Al Amir cave in Al Sojrah, and Al Mawel cave in Shnoot that are equally popular among residents and visitors alike.

--Things to Note--

A four wheel drive is compulsory. There will be Police checking before you climb the road to mountain. so keep all your ID documents with you