Set right at the topmost part of the Hajar Mountain range, Jebel Akhdar which roughly translates to Green Mountains in Oman is an area around the Sayq Plateau situted at an elevation of about 2000m above sea level. The area is considered by many to be one of the must visit places in the Sultanate of Oman and is dotted with wadis, agricultural terraces and stunning mountains views. Every year in springtime, Jabal Akhdar welcomes the fabulous rose blossoming season which transforms the famous 'Green Mountain' into a vivid bouquet of native pink Damask roses overflowing across the slopes. Each year, Jabal Akhdar's rose blooming season begins around March and lasts well into May. When in full bloom, these stunning flowers cover the mountainside and emit a sweet aroma. This is a quick drive through winding mountain roads using a 4WD from The View Oman. With roses blooming all through the area, the rose gardens at Jebel Akhdar where they are grown for rose water and more items are a visitors paradise. Starting at the Wadi Al Madeen checkpoint, we follow a 36-kilometer winding road to Al Jebel Al Akhdar, which is popular with all because of its cool climes as this mountain sits at an exceptionally high elevation. The area is famous for its rose gardens and fruit orchards that are laid out in a classic terrace gardening style along the slope of the mountainside and fed by the Aflaj irrigation system and natural springs. A popular journey here takes one on a short hike from the local Al Ayn village to the Al Aqur rose village with the path being clearly marked with the yellow white orange flags on the Al Aqur side. The village of Al Ayn offers some spectacular views of the mountains but provides difficult to cross from and one can walk in the old streets and tunnels until you reach the plantations. And, as you cross to the other village, you get great views of the terrace gardens Jebel Akhdhar is famous for. The region is known for a wide range of flowers and fruits grown here that are regarded as among the best in the nation. On our way to the rose gardens, we will pass through nuerous villages and plantations. Awe-inspiring peaks, deep gorges, and wadis can be seen from these remote villages' vantage points. During the time of year when Damask roses bloom on the surrounding mountain slopes, Jabal Al Akhdar makes for a stunning sight. Guests can observer these charming Damask blossoms spread their powerful fragrance and decide to opt for a tour through the celebrated rose gardens of Jabal Akhdar. Talk to our team at the View Oman for tour and hike options. These slopes are home to some of the oldest rose distilleries in the region, and some of them still using old-fashioned methods to get different kinds of pure rose water from the blossoms that are harvested. In traditional distilleries, one can meet the families that continue to make rose water as of this day. Witness how smoked rose water is removed and refined in the homes of the residents. Visitors to the rose gardens here can watch the local producers at work as they expertly move through the various stages of the production of rose water. These stages range from the rose pickers choosing appropriate blooms to the process of moving huge loads of roses into "Al-duhjan," which are traditional mud ovens, for the distillation process. Visitors can take in the breathtaking beauty of the rose bushes, which are heavy with the weight of roses in full bloom as they emit a sweet scent, as they explore the mountainside. Guests from The View Oman can choose from a variety of guided and non guided hiking and climbing trails in the region. Investigating the oft desolate slants of Jebel Akhdar visitors will find slopes where apricots, pomegranates, olives, pecans and roses prosper in the cooler, high-height temperatures of the region. Enjoy the picturesque mountain scenery, charming traditional villages, and historic rose-water distilleries. Another well-known product of the area is rose oil, which is distilled in Oman from flowers that grow on the Jebel Akhdhar mountain. One of the most widely used oils in perfumeries, this fragrant oil requires up to thousands of petals to produce a single drop. It is also utilized in various alternate ways including as a scent, in beauty care products, and fragrance based treatment. Contact our team to find out the best time to visit and plan guided or unguided tours of Jebel Akhdhar.
Want to Experience Luxury While Living on the Mountainside miles from any other settlement? Head Out to This picturesque Resort in Al Hamra. Planning a vacation at the hills always brings up images of serenity and stunning views — There is something simply magical about visiting the high slopes of the mountains that instantly calm the nerves and unearth the hidden explorer in all of us. For your next holiday, consider taking off to this unique hillside resort in Oman. Nestled in one of Oman’s most scenic and historically important locations the village of Al Hamra, The View Oman offers an unspoilt blend of natural landscape, adventurous terrain and magnificence of luxury accomodation far for the city crowds. The historic town of Al Hamra which is a stone’s throw from the resort is a popular heritage destination for travellers. A stay here at The View Oman which is built into the rocky mountainside can be truly inspiring for nature lovers as the resort is spread across individual buildings across the hill overlooking Al Hamra. A visit here helps you feel one with nature as you are far from any cities and can experience the great outdoors, where time moves at its own pace. Perched on the mountainside overlooking the valley beside it, The View Oman is an ideal getaway for friends, family and even solo travellers. The resort offers a range of adventure activities for thrill-seekers and the option for a serene retreat for people looking for some peace away from the city. You will be able to stay in standalone rooms, each of which offers stunning views and ensure that you can recharge your tired minds and comfort your soul. The premium rooms at The View Oman offer plenty of space and are furnished to ensure that you have a luxurious stay here, and each room even comes with a private balcony looking over the hillside. The modern style architecture with ultra-modern bathrooms and a bathtub by the bay window will help you unwind after an adventurous day at the resort. Offering the views of the mountain and the village downhill with a panoramic view of the landscape around, the View Oman can be your home away from home. If you’re an absolute lover of the night sky then one can spend many evenings gazing out at the clear night skies, and the countryside goes to sleep. The View Oman has tie ups with major tours operators and specialists that provide a range of activities ranging from mountain biking, hiking, caving and other options for all age groups. You can also opt for some early morning yoga or swim in the infinity pool looking out into the endless skies. There are a huge number of activities possible which are suitable for individuals, couples and even large groups that wish to plan a retreat here. The restaurant here is a breathtaking situated building set on the hillside with easy access from all the rooms though it sits apart from the rest and overlooks the valley atop which it is situated. The cosy indoor and outdoor spaces, having stone and wood construction combined with modern minimalistic vibes and wicker style seating makes the restaurant an inviting setting for delicious meals. The restaurant offers buffet style dining options which consist of a range of scrumptious Omani and international delicacies. If you need any special food accommodations you should let the restaurant know in advance so they may prepare accordingly. How to Reach? Sitting only a two and a half hour drive from Muscat, forty-five minutes away from Nizwa and fifteen minutes from Al Hamra, The View Oman is an ideal weekend getaway while in Oman. One can reach the View Oman fairly easily via private cars or cabs and you can ask the resort to make transport arrangements at an additional cost. For the most part the roads leading here from Muscat and Nizwa are well constructed offering beautiful views of their surroundings. The View Oman is situated on the way between Al Hamra to Hail Al Shas and the last stretch of 7.5km leading up to the resort takes one through an off-road path into the wilderness up the hillside where this picturesque resort is located. One should note that a 4-wheel drive vehicle is required to cover the last patch. Distances: Muscat 200km Nizwa 45km So head out to The View Oman if you haven’t already visited it for your next getaway to enjoy the perfect blend of nature and luxury and unwind at this hilltop beauty.
A short drive, less than 15 km away from The View Oman lies the mountainous village of Misfat Al Abriyeen. Set some 1,000 m above sea level on the foothills of the Jebel Shams mountains, this village derives its name from the Al Abri tribe who were the ones who settled in the area some 300 years ago. The village is best-known as an authentic, Omani mud village which was built into a mountainside in the Al Hamra region and whose dwellings are not abandoned to time. Made up of houses, a maze of shaded passageways, beautiful gardens and open terraces, Misfat Al Abriyeen is a delight for visitors both local and international. The most interesting aspect of the village is its incredible mud architecture, wherein huge rock slabs have been used to create the foundation of the houses here which are built up into towering, multi-level creations using smaller rocks and stones excavated from the mountainside which is fixed together with mud and finished with an adobe-like plaster. The gigantic size of the foundation stones goes to provide evidence for the excellent skill and craftsmanship of the ancient stonemasons and it is a testament to their skill that many of these houses are still standing even after many centuries of neglect. While the houses may appear makeshift, they braved time eating away at them to persevere. The decaying houses are possibly the most interesting to look at, as they reveal the inner anatomy of sticks, grass, and stones that sit beneath every building’s veneer, while many other inhabited houses are better maintained Many of those residing in Misfat Al Abriyeen depend on the terrace farms for their livelihood, where bananas, pomegranates, papayas, mangoes, citrus trees and of course palm trees are grown. Agriculture on these terraces along the mountain slopes is irrigated through an intricate falaj system that has been carved through the hard rocks of the mountain, and is supplied from a spring that can be found by following the short track along the falaj system. The simple beauty of this village and its surroundings is what has earned it the title of a mountain oasis by those that have enjoyed these gardens. There are clear paths marked for tourists to explore by the usual yellow, green and red flags that designated hiking tracks in Oman. The village of Misfat Al Abriyeen is popular among both local and international visitors, boh due to its historic importance and beauty. A beauty easily enjoyed from the viewing platform in the village, which is a quick walk from the entrance to the village. Close to the platform, visitors will find a map of the historical part of the village of Misfat Al Abriyeen and information, points of interests and general tips for visiting tourists. The traditional mud houses with palm frond roofs, unique toMisfat Al Abriyeen in that they are built on solid rock foundations, is one of the most popular attractions around Al Hamra, amongst others such as Al Hoota cave, Wadi Ghul, Jabal Shams, or Nizwa. It is only about 200 kms from Muscat and a mere 6 kms from Al Hamra via a meandering uphill road, paved all the way to the village entrance.
Estimated to be over 2 million years old, Al Hoota Cave is situated at the foot of Jebel Shams only a short drive from the View Oman, less than 20km away from the resort. The Cave derives its name from the village where it is located and is considered to be the only show cave in the Arabian Peninsula. These ancient stone caves were probably carved out by water. Similar to other cave systems both in Oman and around the world, the Al Hoota Cave was probably formed through the dissolution of limestone by acidic water. Rainwater on absorbing carbon dioxide from the soil or the atmosphere produces a very dilute carbonic acid solution which can dissolve limestone as it moves across it, forming structures like the Al Hoota cave. It is generally accepted that it takes some 100 years for the water to dissolve through 10mm of rock so one can only imagine that it took a substantial amount of time to create something as stunning as the Al Hoota Cave. The mineral deposits create some truly fascinating features as water drips down to or moves through the cave systems. Probably initially formed millions of years ago, one can see the stalactites hanging from the ceilings and stalagmites reaching up from the floor that have grown here, with some of the columns and curtains you will see in the cave having been shaped over millions of years. The cave extends for 5 kilometres underground, but visitors are allowed access to only part of the cave extending to a distance of 860m via a guided route which ends in a lake within the cave. Visitors to the Al Hoota cave systems are only allowed to explore the one section marked for access as vast sections of the interior of the cave have been sectioned off to be preserved for heritage reasons and for other purposes. One first ventures through the visitor centre into the caves by taking a ride in the electric train to the inside. The cave has been adapted to welcome visitors, and has guided tours led by locals, as well as cave lights which ensure minimal disruption to animals. The tour, which lasts around 45 minutes, is highly informative as it provides a local’s unique insight into the cave, its history and its natural beauty. The cave has two openings through which water cascading from the mountain top enters via the Al Hoota hole, and exits through the other Al Falaah hole after passing through the connected cave passageways and different sections within. The cave supports an extensive ecosystem with four lakes inside it. Three of these lakes are located in the north of the cave, and the fourth is located in the middle of the cave and can be visited on foot. Experts believe that The Al Hoota Cave Lake contains about thirty-thousand cubic metres of water, with its length extending to 800 metres, its width to 10 metres, and its depth averaging at around 15 metres managing to hold multiple species of ‘blind fish’ among other residents that live in the dark here. The lake is located at the end of a footpath and is rumoured to extend up to Tanuf Valley in wilayat Nizwa. The blind fish in the lake are numerous- some without eyes but having long bristles to sense their food, while others have tiny eyes. Among the residents of the lake is a rare type of blind fish, coloured a translucent pink where one can see the skeleton of these small fish Visitors can also opt to combine the cave visit with a trip to Nizwa to experience the spectacular Nizwa Fort and souq. Or even head to the villages of Al Hamra to admire the traditional architecture there or visit the beautiful Misfit al Abryeen. One can enjoy taking a pleasant stroll through Wadi Tanuf or do the rim walk at Jebel Shams before heading for lunch at Al Hoota followed by an afternoon visit to the cave. The caves are an almost two hours drive from Muscat and only half an hour away from Nizwa.
While the mountain ranges of Oman are not really a secret among visitors to Oman, they are quite underrated and have not gotten the fame that they deserve. The high mountains of Oman are a delight to visit and offer spectacular views of their surroundings and are a haven in the hotter months where most part of the range remain a few degrees cooler than the plains, enticing visitors to head to them. Jebel Shams, a short drive from The View Oman, and the tallest mountain peak of not just the Jebel Akhdar range but also the highest mountain peak in Oman is one such popular destination to visit. Roughly translating to ‘Sun Mountain’ this mountain has gained the name as it is the first to experience the glorious rays of the sun in the morning and the last to see them off due to its sheer height. It is a popular destination one can look down into the narrow and deep gorge of Wadi Nakhr, often called the Arabian Grand Canyon. It is difficult to understand quite how impressive it is, without actually seeing it in person as photos don’t do it justice. While it is made up of the same limestone formation as Jebel Akhdar, the views here are very different from it and its plantations. In Jebel Shams the terrain is a stark contrast as the dry and arid area spreads across a vast mountainous region with views of 1000m high vertical cliffs. Jebel Shams is completely dry, but boasts of an impressive canyon which is purported to be as much as a kilometre deep in some places, making it not just the deepest canyon in Oman but in the entire region. It is a great place to visit all year-round as even in warmer temperatures when it is hot in the valleys, the cool temperature at the top offers a nice reprieve from the blistering heat. In fact due to the high altitude, if you are lucky you may be able to spot snow here in the winters. While one can drive down here from the city for a day trip, the best times to grasp the beauty of the area are at sunset and sunrise which is why staying at a closeby place such as The View Oman is recommended. Visitors can set aside some time to explore the Jebel Shams Balcony walk, a portion of the W6 hiking trail that takes you along the canyon but not at the top. This is a spectacular round trip route that is well-established and is regarded as one of the best treks in the country, but those with vertigo should probably avoid the hike as there are places where you are walking by the cliff looking straight down a drop. The Al Nakhr Canyon’s relatively narrow width makes it appear deeper and more foreboding and with the relatively sparse number of visitors it gets the silence and majesty of the Jebel Shams is a magical experience to enjoy. So come book your stay at The View Oman and plan your visit to Jebel Shams today by calling us at +968 97233189 or emailing us at reservations@theviewoman.com.
