JEBEL AKHDAR – WHERE EVERY ROCK TELLS A STORY
If you’re looking for an escape from Muscat’s scorching summer heat, there’s no better retreat than the breathtaking heights of Jebel Akhdar, Oman’s prized mountain jewel. Just a two-hour drive from the capital, this mystical highland rises from the heart of the Al Hajar mountain range—and although rugged and remote, its cool climate, ancient charm, and dramatic landscapes make it an unforgettable journey. Be warned: a 4×4 vehicle is essential, and trust me, the adventure begins the moment your wheels hit the winding mountain road.
THE GREEN MOUNTAIN THAT DEFIES EXPECTATIONS
Despite its name, which translates to The Green Mountain, Jebel Akhdar isn’t exactly lush in the traditional sense. But what it lacks in dense greenery, it makes up for with its majestic Saiq Plateau, perched 2,000 meters above sea level. This rocky expanse is home to terraced orchards, flourishing with pomegranates, apricots, and the famous Damask roses—all nurtured by a cool Mediterranean-like climate that offers sweet relief from Oman’s coastal heat.
The wider Jebel Akhdar range stretches approximately 80 km long and 32 km wide, reaching altitudes up to 3,018 meters. It’s a place where every winding wadi (valley) and craggy cliff feels like it has been etched by time—and indeed, it has.
A PLAYGROUND FOR EXPLORERS AND ESCAPISTS
Whether you’re an adventure seeker or simply need a reset, Jebel Akhdar caters to every kind of traveler. You can hike through Wadi Bani Habib to explore abandoned mud villages, test your limits with the Via Ferrata rock-climbing route, or visit the famed “Three Villages” trail, offering panoramic views of a bygone world.
And for those who prefer luxury, the mountaintop is home to world-class resorts such as Alila, Anantara, Dusit, Indigo, and Damask. Here, you can indulge in holistic spa treatments, sip warm tea on cool breezy terraces, or simply gaze at the stars from Diana’s Point, a clifftop spot that feels suspended between earth and sky.
A PLACE WHERE LIFE MOVES DIFFERENTLY
One of the most profound parts of my journey was encountering the people of Jebel Akhdar. Warm, genuine, and effortlessly kind, they radiate a calmness that can only come from living close to the clouds. Most speak fluent English, a testament to the late Sultan Qaboos bin Said’s vision of education reaching even the most remote corners of Oman.
Many locals run family-owned kiosks that offer organic treasures: rose water, olive and rosemary oil, za’atar, honey, and seasonal fruits. These roadside gems are more than just stalls—they’re windows into local life. Sellers are eager to share stories about their products, and it’s not uncommon to have a cheerful demonstration turn into a charming conversation that ends with you happily carrying a handmade keepsake.
A COOL CLIMATE MIRACLE
When we left Muscat, the temperature was a sweltering 45°C. Yet just 60 kilometers uphill, it dropped to a refreshing 18°C—a miracle of elevation and nature. The drive itself is a marvel: wide, well-engineered roads with three lanes, escape bays, and numerous scenic pull-offs. It’s essential to know your vehicle and use the correct gear settings for the steep climbs and descents—this isn’t a drive for the faint-hearted, but it’s definitely one for the soul.
EVERY STONE HAS A STORY
Perhaps my most unexpected discovery was how each rock seemed to whisper a tale from another time. With their intricate patterns and ancient textures, the stones of Jebel Akhdar are like open history books. Many are worthy of collecting—as décor, as mementos, or simply as silent storytellers of our planet’s past.
A WORLD APART
Jebel Akhdar isn’t just a cool getaway. It’s a sanctuary. A place where time slows, silence soothes, and the scent of earth in the air reconnects you with yourself. It’s not just a trip—it’s a journey into another realm.
So next time the summer heat bears down, steer your wheels toward the clouds and find peace where the air is crisp, the hearts are warm, and every rock holds a whisper of history.
– Travel Diaries by ARCHIE | 7 June, 2025