Perched high above Oman’s Hajar Mountains, Jabal Al Akhdar is known for its dramatic peaks, deep valleys and cool mountain climate. Apart from spectacular views, the mountain has trails to hike, traditional villages to wander through and ancient agricultural terraces to marvel at. Despite the rocky surroundings, Jabal Al Akhdar also has patches of green spaces where local farmers grow local crops. From hiking trails and village walks to nature and its fascinating flora and fauna, this mountainous region offers a variety of experiences that showcase the unique heritage of Oman’s countryside and communities.
Hike through scenic mountain trails
“The Jabal Akhdar mountain range gets overshadowed — almost literally — by the nearby Jebel Shams area, where the attractions include Oman’s highest peak (the 9,935ft bulk of Jebel Shams itself) and the dramatic depths of Wadi Ghul canyon. But ignore Jabal Akhdar at your peril. Famed for its maze-like series of wadis and cliff-perched terraced orchards, it offers a hiking experience unlike any other in the country” (National Geographic)
Jabal Al Akhdar is a hiker’s paradise. The limestone plateau and mountain range offer hiking trails through a high mountainous landscape, villages and agricultural terraces. One popular route you can take is the Three Villages Walk in the Saiq Plateau. You will be treated to canyon views and walk past lush hillside terraces. Hikers also get great views down the deep valleys while trekking along the plateau. Shorter walks are available for less strenuous wanderings, while longer and more challenging routes head up towards steeper mountainous areas. The cooler temperatures of the mountain make way for more pleasant walks than in the hotter lowlands of Oman. For the best views, head there between mid-March and mid-May when Damask Roses bloom.
Take in dramatic canyon and mountain views
“Jabal Akhdar is … home to flourishing landscapes, with fruit and rose orchards smothering slopes in fragrant and colourful blossoms. Visitors can easily immerse themselves in its spectacularly rugged landscapes on foot, with the milder weather providing ample opportunities for exploration of its villages and hiking routes. Witness the plunging depths of nearby Wadi Ghul — nicknamed ‘the Grand Canyon of Arabia’, while ancient settlements carved into Jabal Akhdar’s precipices add a surreal beauty to Oman’s green peaks.” (National Geographic)
Source: https://www.nationalgeographic.com/travel/article/paid-content-visit-jabal-akhdar
Located in the Hajar Mountains, the plateau rises high above the surrounding landscape, providing excellent opportunities for panoramic views. Wadis and cliffs form a significant part of the local setting. Most trails on the plateau can offer their hikers a view into the valley. Wadi Al Ayn is a canyon landscape, which can be seen from the trails around the villages. These make great photo opportunities. Head there nearing sunset and witness the colours of the rock formations change, making mountainsides look like they are made of precious stones. If you are looking for resorts in Jabal Akhdar offering the best mountain or canyon views, consider staying at a property like Anantara Al Jabal Al Akhdar, with its elevated position offering spectacular views over the surrounding mountain scenery.
Explore traditional mountain villages
“There’s more to Misfat al Abriyeen than just renovated mud houses and farms. If you’re a serious hiker, then you would love the nearby hiking trails that have made one of Oman’s most beautiful villages a fully-rounded destination.” (Oman Observer)
Villages are an integral part of the Jabal Al Akhdar experience. Nestled in the folds of the Saiq Plateau are the traditional settlements of Al Aqr, Al Ayn and Ash Shirayjah. The isolated position of these villages on the mountainside affords spectacular vistas over the valleys. Wander between traditional villages such as Al Aqr, Al Ayn and Ash Shirayjah. Walk along trails where villagers and farmers used to walk centuries ago. Many tracks wind by terraced fields and ancient falaj irrigation systems. Older settlements have been abandoned in some areas, leaving remnants of stone and mud-brick buildings for you to explore. Therefore, a walk through such sites provides an insight into the ancient mountain lifestyle.
Uncover green terraces and wildlife
“Farmers involved in the farming of pomegranates, almonds, walnuts, and olives are a busy lot in the Niyabat of Al Jabal Al Akhdar (Wilayat of Nizwa). It is the season for them to harvest and send the product to market. They grow many varieties of pomegranate… After pomegranates, roses are an imported crop here. Farmers produce rose water that is used to add special flavours to some food products, such as sweets, Omani coffee and some pastries… Al-Jabal Al-Akhdar is also famous for the cultivation of other types of fruits, including apricots, peaches, figs, grapes, apples, pears, saffron. It also harbours rare, wild animals such as mountain ibex, deer, leopard and wolf, in addition to a variety of birds.” (Oman Observer)
Source: https://www.omanobserver.om/article/1108346/oman/pomegranate-season-peaks-in-jabal-akhdar
Jabal Al Akhdar’s lush green orchards create a striking contrast to the surrounding mountains. Pomegranate trees are one of the most important crops grown on the mountain, with the fruit being harvested during the summer. Damask roses add colour and fragrance to the landscape during their flowering season. Mountain ibex is one of the wildlife you will have no problem spotting, along with bird varieties such as Arabian Partridge and Hume’s Wheatear. Apricots, walnuts, grapes, peaches, figs and other fruits are also grown in this fertile region. Traditional falaj irrigation channels provide the terraces with the water they need to thrive. Walk through orchards and farms to learn about how local farmers have adapted to the mountainous landscapes.
Conclusion
Jabal Al Akhdar combines mountain pursuits with dramatic landscapes, traditional villages and fertile terraces. Hiking is a great way to take in the landscape at a more leisurely pace and uncover local trails, villages and viewpoints. In addition, its villages and time-honoured agricultural practices provide an insight into how locals live in the mountains. Whether hiking, investigating deep canyons or wandering through orchards, Jabal Al Akhdar offers a diverse way to experience Oman’s mountainous landscape and natural splendour.