Depart to Nizwa where you visit the silver souk and the round tower fort followed by a walk through Al Hamra. This is an old village, restored by the government to depict how Oman’s population lived in previous centuries. You have the opportunity to admire the noble houses with their three storeys. Some of them are server hundred years old.
To the west of Al Hamra lies the road winding up Jebel Shams, the mountain of the sun. It is the highest mountain of the Arabic world and reaches 3075 m above sea level. The drive to the peak is adventurous, you pass the old village Ghul with its green terrace fields. The inhabitants of this wadi are known for their artistic weaving of goat hair rugs. The hand made blankets are in high demand in Oman and range from beige via red and brown to black. Some kilometers further you reach the abyss of the Omani Grand Canyon. Enjoy the breathtaking views before you return to Muscat. Tour in 4WD, including picnic and entrance fees.
Path of Jebel Akhdar
Departure from Muscat to visit the Circular Tower and the souk of Nizwa and a few kilometers from the city we will arrive at the characteristic village of Birkat Al Mauz surrounded by lush plantations of green palm groves. Verde (2000 meters above sea level), the jewel of the Al Hajar mountain range, a truly unique place in the Arabian Peninsula. Jebel AL Akhdar is famous for its cool mountain climate that allows lush terrace cultivation of fruit trees, walnuts and roses among streaked rocks and steep slopes rich in natural springs and aflaj (the ancient irrigation channels dug into the mountain) that lead the water in the houses of Saiq, Wadi Bani Habib (the village of old houses) and Al Ain where we will be able to see the processing of the water of Omani roses, which between March and May are in full bloom and fill the air of the their fragrance.
First stop is Barka, a small town with its own fort dating back to the 18th century. It was built by the third Imam of the Al Bu Said dynasty who established Muscat as the new capital of Oman. Today Barka is known for its lively fish market and the popular sweet “Halwa”.
Next you explore the 350 year old fortress of Nakhel, built on a 200 m hill which is surrounded by a mountain exclave. In 1990 Sultan Qaboos ordered the restoration of the building. Close by are a number of hot springs – one of them feeds a bathhouse in a picturesque oasis. These springs are important water suppliers for approx 90% of the surrounding farmland.
In Wadi Bani Awf and Wadi Sahtan you have the possibility to walk and eat your picnic lunch. Tour in 4 WD, including picnic and entrance fees.
East Hajjar Crossing
Today you go on an adventurous drive across the Hajjar mountain range. You cross deep wadis and pass small villages, where people still live in ancient buildings as they did before the discovery of oil. If your excursion falls on a Wednesday, you have the opportunity to visit the women souk. It is the only market in Oman where merchants and clients are women. Men are “banned” from the scene and meet at a nearby coffee shop to enjoy a chat.
The highlight of the day are the well preserved beehive tombs of Al Jaylah, 2000 m above sea level. They are approximately 5 m high and 3 m wide. Only quite recently, in 1991, a helicopter pilot discovered them by chance. In the meantime they are listed as a UNESCO World heritage site. Archeologists estimate that the cylindrical towers date back to 3000 BC. They were used for secular and ceremonial purposes.
Before you leave the mountains, to reach the panoramic coastal road, you have a breathtaking view over the Gulf of Oman and the beautiful white beaches. You continue driving to the Bimah sinkhole. This karst crater was created thousands of years ago by the collapsed roof of a subterranean river. It is filled with turquoise salt water. Tour in 4 WD inc, picnic.