Jabal Akhdar (The Green Mountain) is part of Omans Al Hajar mountain range. Bask in its pleasantly cool weather, enjoy the walking trails or go hiking in the mountains. Here are five things you must not miss while you are at Jabal Akhdar.
Adventure up the Via Ferrata
Test your climbing skills up the Via Ferrata or the mountain routes equipped with fixed wire cables, metal rungs and ladders. These help you to ascend steep rock faces in relative safety while reducing the amount of climbing equipment required. Located near the Saiq Plateau, the Alila Jabal Akhdar Resort offers a guided Via Ferrata experience overlooking Wadi Al Kawr.
Wander through the orchards
With fertile agricultural land, Jabal Akhdar grows a variety of fruits. A walk into the hillside will take you to orchards growing pomegranates, grapes, strawberries, raspberries, pears, apricots, plums, peaches, figs, etc. In September-October, the hills are covered with bright green and pink pomegranates.
Dont miss the Damask roses
Jabal Akdar is renowned for the Damask roses that cover the mountain slopes in large swaths of pink throughout April and May. Enjoy an early morning escorted walk through local villages to view the orchards and rose plantings. These Damask roses are distilled to make Omani rose water a staple in every Omani household for fragrance, culinary and medicinal purposes.
Butterfly trail for children
With scavenger map in hand, young explorers are taken on a journey of discovery through Alila Jabal Akhdars Butterfly Trail, to learn about the mountain and its inhabitants, look for fossils, and spot butterflies and birds. Free guided tours take place at 4 pm on Wednesday, Friday & Sunday. Tourists can avail of these tours even if they are not staying at the resort.
Indulgence in the hills
The bracing climate at Jabal Akhdar has made it a popular getaway from the desert heat. Several luxury resorts, such as the Anantara Jabal Akhdar or the Alila Jabal Akhdar, offer a range of amenities, including world-class spa facilities
www.omantourism.gov.om