Jebel Akhdar also known as the green mountain, is one of the highest points in Oman as it rises more than 2,000 meters above sea level. It is definitely a place worth visiting as it offers beautiful mountain views, agricultural terraces and wadis, plus if you love hiking then you would certainly get the perfect opportunity to do it here.
Jebel Akhdar is located about 2 hours away by car from Muscat and can be combined with a tour to Nizwa (Oman's former capital). Since I had already visited Nizwa, my main focus today was on the mountain. One important thing to note prior to visiting Akhdar, is that a 4 wheel drive is required to ascend the paved road up the mountain. If you show up with a different car you will actually not be allowed entry, there is a security check point that ensures entry of allowable cars. The infrastructure is well developed so a drive up the mountain is very comfortable.
I could feel my ears getting plugged and it felt so much cooler the higher we went (I hired a driver to drive me to the mountain). Once we got to the top, the first stop was at Diana's Point, turns out princess Diana had enjoyed this spot with her then husband, King Charles during a royal visit to Oman in 1986. The view from this spot is beautiful as it gives you an aerial view of the agricultural Terraces and villages below.
My driver drove me to another spot to begin my solo hike in the surrounding area and below are the photos I took along the way. I really need to invest in a tripod, I had to balance my phone on rocks to get a photo of myself.
See the yellow, white and red stripes? they really came in handy as they are meant to guide you ensuring that you are following the right walking path. My driver had dropped me off and instructed me to follow the walking path while paying attention to these stripes so that I didn't get lost. I have a bad sense of direction so it really helped having these stripes guiding me along the way. PS: the terrain looks rugged but the hike is actually easy to maneuver and not hard.
Bonus stop on the way to Jebel Akhdar was Jabreen Castle built in the 17th century. The castle was an important center of learning for astrology, medicine and Islamic law. I honestly didn't pay too much attention on this stop especially after having visited Nizwa Fort, I just didn't feel like it wowed me but I go t to take cute photos.
That's it folks! I think I am finally burning out from all the none stop activities that I have enjoyed over the past few days and my energy is really low. I almost didn't write this post but the way my dedication is set up.......I just had to do it. It may not be the most exciting post but at least you can enjoy the photos, right? tomorrow is my last day in Oman and I plan to take it easy by visiting some spots in Muscat that I never got an opportunity to visit. I better call it a night and give my body some much needed rest.
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