Jebel Akhdar, Oman: travel guide
Terraced villages and canyon edges in Oman's high Hajar mountains
Oman's high Al Hajar plateau country — the terraced rose-water villages of the Saiq Plateau (Jebel Akhdar) and the rim of Wadi Ghul on Jebel Shams, the country's highest peak, nicknamed the Grand Canyon of Oman.
About Jebel Akhdar
Jebel Akhdar is a mountain plateau in the Al Hajar range of northern Oman, and this entry also covers the high country around Jebel Shams, the country's highest peak. It is a region of cool air, terraced fields and deep canyons rather than a town.
On the Saiq Plateau, villages cling to terraces where pomegranates and roses are grown, and the rose-water harvest is a local tradition. Walking trails run along old irrigation channels, and the rim of Wadi Ghul near Jebel Shams gives wide views into a canyon often called the Grand Canyon of Oman. Mountain roads need a 4x4 in places.
It suits walkers, photographers and those wanting a break from the heat. The cooler months from October to April are best, and the plateau is noticeably cooler than the plains all year.
- Country
- Oman
- Currency
- OMR
- Time zone
- Asia/Muscat
Last updated
Top places to visit in Jebel Akhdar
Wadi Bani Habib
abandoned village · 4.5 rating · about 1.5 h · check the fee at the gate
An abandoned mud-brick village set amid terraced walnut, pomegranate and apricot orchards below the plateau, reached by a stepped path.
Jebel Shams Grand Canyon Viewpoint
canyon rim · 4.7 rating · about 1 h · check the fee at the gate
A cliff-edge overlook at around 2,000m above the roughly 1,000m-deep Wadi Ghul canyon, the "Grand Canyon of Oman", at the road's end near Jebel Shams Resort.
Balcony Walk (W6) Trailhead
hiking trail · 4.8 rating · about 4 h · check the fee at the gate
The rim-path trailhead at Al Khitaym (~1,900m); the W6 Balcony Walk hugs the canyon wall to the abandoned cliff village of Sap Bani Khamis.
Saiq Village
mountain village · 4.6 rating · about 0.8 h · check the fee at the gate
The administrative centre of Wilayat Al Jabal Al Akhdar, set among terraced fruit and rose gardens at about 2,000m.
Diana's Point
canyon viewpoint · 4.5 rating · about 0.8 h · check the fee at the gate
A canyon-edge platform, on the grounds of the Anantara resort, where Princess Diana stood in 1986, with sweeping views over the terraced villages.
Al Aqr Rose Village
rose village · 4.6 rating · about 1.3 h · check the fee at the gate
A stone terraced village famed for its Damask-rose terraces (harvested March-April for rose water), one of the Al Aqr/Al Ayn/Ash Sharayjah trio.
Wadi Ghul
wadi · 4.7 rating · about 1 h · check the fee at the gate
A dramatic wadi and ruined village at the foot of the Jebel Shams access road, gateway to the Grand Canyon of Arabia.
Saiq Plateau (Jebel Akhdar)
plateau · 5.0 rating · about 2 h · check the fee at the gate
The cultivated heart of the Green Mountain at around 2,000m, a plateau of terraced villages, orchards and rose gardens reached by a 4WD-only road.
Sharfat Al Alamayn Viewpoint
mountain pass · about 0.8 h · check the fee at the gate
The high point (~2,000m) on the paved Al Hamra to Wadi Bani Awf pass, with sweeping panoramas across the Hajar mountains.
Things to do
- Balcony Walk (W6) Hike Adventure · 4 h
- Jebel Akhdar Rose-Water Tour Tour · 2 h · from OMR 15 per person
- Via Ferrata & Zipline at Alila Adventure · 2.5 h · from OMR 45 per person
- Wadi Bani Habib Hike Adventure · 1.5 h
Day trips and tours
- Jebel Shams Grand Canyon Day Tour 8 h · from OMR 50
Where to stay in Jebel Akhdar
- Saiq Plateau (Jebel Akhdar) about OMR 180 per night
The Green Mountain plateau with terraced rose villages and cliff-edge luxury resorts.
- Jebel Shams Rim about OMR 50 per night
The canyon-rim area near Al Khitaym with cabin resorts and the Balcony Walk trailhead.
Hotels
- Anantara Al Jabal Al Akhdar Resort 5-star · OMR 140 to OMR 320 per night
- Alila Jabal Akhdar 5-star · OMR 150 to OMR 320 per night
- Sama Heights Resort 3-star · OMR 35 to OMR 65 per night
- Jebel Shams Resort 3-star · OMR 35 to OMR 60 per night
Where to eat
- Juniper Restaurant Middle Eastern, International · about OMR 36 per person
Getting to Jebel Akhdar
Nearest airport: Muscat (MCT), about 87 km away in a straight line. The road or rail journey is longer.
Getting around
- Car Rental Self
- Car With Driver
- Offroad Vehicle
- Walking
More in Oman
Frequently asked questions about Jebel Akhdar
- What are the top-rated places to visit in Jebel Akhdar?
- The highest-rated places in our Jebel Akhdar guide are Saiq Plateau (Jebel Akhdar), Balcony Walk (W6) Trailhead, Jebel Shams Grand Canyon Viewpoint, Wadi Ghul, Saiq Village.
- Where should I stay in Jebel Akhdar?
- Our guide covers these areas to stay in Jebel Akhdar: Saiq Plateau (Jebel Akhdar), Jebel Shams Rim.
- How do I get around Jebel Akhdar?
- Ways to get around Jebel Akhdar covered in our guide: Self-drive car, Car with driver, Off-road vehicle, Walking.