Day 1: Jebel Shams
Muscat - Nakhal - Wadi Bani Awf - Jabal Shams
Meet your guide at the hotel lobby and proceed to explore the Wadis and mountains of the western Hajar Mountains.
Batinah is a region that showcases the history of Oman, as there are many fascinating forts and Villages. The region hosts many agricultural fields and is one of the main sources of agricultural product supplies to Oman. After a drive of around one hour, arrive at the Barka local vegetable and fish market. Every morning, fishermen sell their fresh catch to the local public after a good bargain.
Arrive at Nakhl Fort to visit. This fort once served the Imams of Bani Kharous and the Ya'arubah dynasty. It is refurbished with traditional furniture, handicrafts, and historic relics. The ceilings, the doors, and the windows are decorated with beautiful carvings. The view from the rooftop is very impressive and offers a panoramic view of the surrounding landscape. After the visit of the fort, embark on your vehicle and pass by Nakhl Village to arrive at Al Thowarah Springs at around. This warm water full of minerals has been offering relief from the dry surroundings for centuries. Here you will see the Falaj system, which is a cleverly constructed irrigation system. Spend some time at Hot Springs.
Drive across the western Hajar mountains for the Dakilya region. After a few kilometers of drive on the main road, enter Wadi bani auf is famously known as snake gorge. Enjoy the drive on a graded road between steep mountains and anciently used as a donkey path by traders to commute between Nizwa and Rustaq.
Arrive at Bilat Sait Village, one of the tiny villages in the folds of the western Hajar Mountains. Short trekking the village.
Later, arrive at Al Hamra, and continue climbing Jabelshams peak. Jebel Shamsʼ in Arabic means the mountain of the Sun. The Grand Canyon of Jebel Shams is the highest in Oman and the third highest in the world. Arrive at Jebel Shams and enjoy some time at the Grand Canyon, and walk for some time on the mountains, breathing the fresh air. Overnight at Jabelshams.
Day 2: Jabal Akhḍar
Jebel Shams - Misfat al Abriyeen - Al Hamra - Jabal Akhdar
Drive down the mountains, en route stop at Wadi Gul, a mountain village at the foot of Jabel shams.
Arrive at Misfat Al Abyeen, one of the old villages in the folds on Hajar mountains. Centuries back, the village has been mounted on a rocky hill slope with an engineering marvel using stones and Mud. These stone-mud houses are still used. walk on the alleys of the village to understand the life of Oman's villagers.
Visit Al Hamra, the oasis village that unfolds into thick dates and banana plantations. The oldest irrigation, the Falaj system, is still used in this village. Stroll through the alleys of the village, which has centuries-old mud houses revealing the past lifestyle of the region.
Drive for Bahla, the mud fort with its approximate 7- mile wall, which is the oldest fort in Oman. The fort is believed to have been built in pre-Islamic times and is now sponsored by UNESCO. Photo stop of the Village.
Visit Jabreen, the finest of Omanʼs castle built in the late 17th century, which became a seat of Omani learning. This castle has extremely well-planned layouts with room for the wali, the ladyʼs room, the kitchen, the majlis, etc. Most of the ceilings are decorated with beautiful paintings with Islamic motifs. The view from the top of the castle is really mesmerizing.
Drive further on 36kms winding road for Jabelakdher, well known as green peak of the Hajar mountain range at an altitude of 2000 meters above sea level. The mountains grow roses, pomegranates, peaches, walnuts, etc.
Check in at the hotel, enjoy the nice weather. Dinner and overnight at the hotel.
Day 3: Jabal Akhḍar
Jabal Akhdar
Breakfast at the hotel. Orientation drive of Jabel Akdher followed by a nice trekking tour of three villages, Al Aqr - Al Ayn - Al Sharega village, walk through the alleys of a mountainous village, lush rose, and pomegranate plantations. Our guide will take us to a traditional rose water distillation unit.
Overnight at the hotel
Day 4:
Jabel Akhder - Nizwa - Muscat
Breakfast and check out. Drive down the mountains, visiting Birkat Al Mauz is a place where locals grow date palm trees. Pass through the old village and the farms of date palm trees. Your guide will explain the complete cultivation process as well as the old irrigation system in Oman - the Falaj System.
Visit of New Souq complex has been sensitively designed using Omani fort architecture and elegant Islamic arches. The air-conditioned halls of this souq are full of fresh fruit and vegetables, herbs and spices, huge stacks of dates. This is still the best place to buy traditional silver “Khanjarsˮ.
Special element: Walk through the alleys of the walled settlement of Nizwa fort area to feel the local life. Take a walk through the Al Aqur wall to have an overview of the walled city, OR Take a ride around the fort in golfcart. At Souk, our guide will explain the specialties of various varieties of dates from different regions.
Nizwa fort, with its enormous round tower built in the 17th century by Imam Sultan Bin Saif Al Ya’ aruba to defend the route to the interior. The fort dominates the entire area, with the town having grown around the edifice. Access to the top is only by means of a narrow twisting staircase barred by heavy wooden doors, studded with metal. From the top of the tower, one can get a bird ’s-eye view of Nizwa city.
Drive to Muscat, drop to the hotel of your choice or the airport for the flight to further destinations.
