Exploring Oman’s ancient highlands on foot and 4×4
Take the road less travelled. In Oman’s Hajar Mountains, stone-built villages cling to cliff edges, falaj irrigation channels carry water through terraced gardens, and remote communities continue to live in harmony with the landscape. Walking in the mountains as part of your bespoke holiday in Oman is not just a way to travel – it’s how you connect to centuries of culture, architecture, and rural life still thriving in the folds of the Hajar Mountains.
This immersive journey offers privileged access to the cultural heart of Oman, combining off-road exploration, mountain walking and village cultural encounters with the comfort and insight of an expertly-designed experience.
Nakhl Fort and hot springs: gateway to the Hajar Mountains
The experience begins as you leave the coastal plain and travel inland through the date palm oasis of Nakhl, where a perfectly restored fort rises above the groves. Here, surrounded by natural hot springs and jagged peaks, you begin to sense Oman’s rich intersection of geography and history.
4×4 adventure through Wadi Bani Auf, Oman’s most dramatic drive
But it is the road that follows through Wadi Bani Auf that truly sets the tone for the days ahead. Often regarded as one of Oman’s most dramatic drives, this off-road route climbs over 2,000 m high into the Hajar Mountains, crossing exposed ridges, rocky wadis and small, secluded jebel villages accessible only by 4×4.
"Here, stone-built villages cling to cliff edges, falaj irrigation channels carry water through terraced gardens, and remote communities continue to live in harmony with the landscape."
Balad Sayt – a hidden mountain village in Oman
Among the most remarkable stops on your private Oman tour is the mountain village of Balad Sayt, hidden away between sheer rock faces and cultivated terraces. With its cobbled alleys, traditional stone homes, and carefully maintained gardens, it offers a vision of highland life almost unchanged by time. Enjoy a freshly prepared picnic lunch here, surrounded by some of Oman’s most extraordinary scenery – this is undoubtedly one of the journey’s defining moments.
Cultural insights at Al Hamra and Misfat Al Abriyyin
Continuing over the mountain spine, you descend into Al Hamra, a 400-year-old settlement known for its ancient mudbrick houses and deep cultural roots. A short drive brings you to Misfat al Abriyyin, one of Oman’s most ancient atmospheric villages. Walking its shaded passageways and stepped terraces, you follow the falaj water channels through banana groves, fig trees and bougainvillaea. This is very much a place where every corner reveals a story.
Where to stay in Jabal Akhdar: luxury on the Saiq Plateau
The road then climbs higher again to reach the Saiq Plateau, set atop the Green Mountain, Jabal Akhdar. At 2,000 metres, this is a refreshingly cool and fertile world of juniper woodlands, olive trees, and spring-fed farms, quite unlike the arid expanses below. We’ve handpicked a luxury hotel for your stay in the Jebal Akhdar region. Alila Jabal Akhdar blends elegantly with the surroundings, offering panoramic views.
Walking in Jabal Akhdar: rose terraces, villages and mountain trails
The following day is dedicated to exploring Jabal Akhdar in greater depth. This highland plateau has long supported some of Oman’s most productive agriculture, most famously, the rose terraces that bloom in spring, whose petals are hand-harvested to produce Omani rose water. Walking routes here are gentle but spectacular, passing through small farming communities and tracing paths once used by villagers for generations.
The three-village walk offers an intimate look into local life, a journey through terraced fields, abandoned hamlets, and active orchards framed by rugged escarpments. Highlights include the silent, overgrown ruins of Wadi Bani Habib and the still-inhabited village of Sogra, where you gain real insight into the resilience and hospitality of the highland communities.
Activities on Jabal Akhdar – adventure or rejuvenation
If you’re drawn to adventure, your hotel at Jabal Akhdar also offers a range of experiences, including Via Ferrata climbing routes and mountain biking. For those seeking wellness experiences, book an indulgent spa treatment that uses local herbs and botanicals. Or simply relax, soaking in the silence and cool air as you gaze out over the dramatic cliffs and distant plains.
Walk through the palms of Birkat Al Mauz – Oman’s traditional falaj system
On your final morning in the mountains, you descend gradually from the heights of Jabal Akhdar to the date-farming village of Birkat Al Mauz. Here, a peaceful walk through the palms brings you alongside one of Oman’s best-preserved falaj irrigation systems, a UNESCO-recognised engineering marvel that remains essential to life in the region.
Explore Nizwa, Oman’s cultural capital
The journey concludes in the city of Nizwa, which to this day remains a vital centre for education, religion and traditional craft. Visit the imposing 17th-century Nizwa Fort, stroll through the souk known for its silverwork, pottery and spices, and if timing allows, witness the Friday cattle market, a fascinating glimpse into Omani rural tradition.
Throughout this journey, the true magic lies not just in the grandeur of the landscapes or the detail of the architecture, but in the quiet authenticity of the people and places you encounter.
This Oman mountain exploration features in our signature family journey in Oman, “Sojurn in the Sultanate”. See how the Hajar Mountains and Jabal Akhdar can fit into a wider Oman holiday itinerary, or contact our Oman specialists to design your own bespoke adventure.
