Fresh fruits and fragrances in the mountains
Follow the winding road that leads to Jebel Akhdar, or Jabal Akhdar, 2,000m above sea level and you’ll discover a veritable oasis in the Al Hajar mountain range. It’s a truly unique spot in the Arabian Peninsula.
Whilst much of Oman is sand and scrub, on the road to Jebel Shams, you’ll see lush rice stalks on steep terraces at the farming village of Wadi Ghul. And there’s fruit too. Once you reach Jebel Akhdar you’ll see juicy peaches, apricot, fig, grapes, apple, pears, plums, almonds and walnuts all growing on the trees. The cool mountains here are famed for their orchards, laid out in terraces along the slopes, and fed by natural springs and aflaj (a traditional irrigation system). The pomegranates are exceptional, so make sure to try some if you’re here when they are in season.
Our experienced local guides will also take you to the villages of Saiq, Wadi Bani Habib (the village of the old houses) and Al Ain. These ancient settlements overlook a landscape of dramatic peaks, gorges and wadis which we’ll help you to explore. The best time to visit is March and April, when the damask roses of Jebel Akhdar are in full bloom and fill the air with fragrance. Rose water is distilled in the homes of the villagers and our connected guides will let you see how it’s done first hand.