Oman
Mountain bliss on Jebel Akhdar
Driving from the bustling city of Muscat to the picturesque Al Hadjar mountain range, where hidden gems await. ⛰️ Our destination for today: the Jebel Akhdar mountain to explore spectacularly-located villages.
Birkat al Mouz: a village in ruins
Our first encounter with history unfolds at Birkat Al Mouz, an abandoned mudstone village nestled at the base of Jebel Akhdar. The village is home to the traditional Falaj irrigation system which collects water from a spring and delivers it through channels. Take a stroll back in time as you wander through the village, surrounded by lush plantations and majestic mountains. 🌴
Al Ain village: cream of the crop
Continuing our ascent into the mountains to the Saiq Plateau and Al Ain, a village known for its agricultural terraces. Unlike Birkat Al Mouz, Al Ain is inhabited. Admire the terraces from across the gorge or follow the W18b trail connecting villages through lush farms. Note: A 4x4 is required to access the plateau.
Check-in at Antique Inn in Nizwa
Conclude the day in Nizwa, the former capital of Oman. Its central location makes it an ideal hub for further mountain explorations in the days to come. We chose to stay at the charming Antique Inn, a complex with 300-year-old mud houses that have been restored into a hotel. The rooftop terrace is an ideal spot to catch the last sunrays of the day.
