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.