Jebel Akhdar: The Green Mountain of Oman
High above the desert plains of northern Oman rises a majestic mountain unlike any other in the Arabian Peninsula — Jebel Akhdar, or the Green Mountain. Located in the Al Hajar mountain range and standing over 2,980 meters above sea level, Jebel Akhdar is known for its cool climate, terraced farms, ancient villages, and breathtaking views.
Whether you’re a nature lover, photographer, adventure seeker, or cultural explorer, Jebel Akhdar offers an unforgettable escape from the heat and a glimpse into Oman’s most verdant highlands. With a professional travel agency like Satguru Travel, your journey to this mountain paradise becomes smooth, scenic, and deeply rewarding.
📍 Where is Jebel Akhdar?
📌 Location: Al Dakhiliyah region, north of Nizwa
🛣️ Distance from Muscat: Approx. 2.5–3 hours by car
⛰️ Altitude: ~2,980 meters (9,777 feet) above sea level
🚗 Access: 4WD vehicle required by law
Jebel Akhdar sits atop a rugged mountain plateau that offers dramatic cliffs, cool weather, and ancient terraced agriculture. The journey itself is spectacular, with winding roads and panoramic views along the way.
🌟 Pro Tip: All visitors must use a 4WD vehicle to access the summit road — Satguru Travel provides fully equipped and licensed transport.
🌿 Why Is It Called the Green Mountain?
Despite being in an arid country, Jebel Akhdar stays green year-round, thanks to its higher altitude, which brings cooler temperatures and more rainfall than surrounding regions.
🌱 What You’ll See:
- Terraced pomegranate, rose, fig, and olive orchards
- Ancient falaj irrigation systems
- Traditional stone villages nestled into cliff sides
- Dramatic valleys and mountain peaks
🌼 In spring (March–May), the mountain bursts into color during rose season, when locals harvest Damask roses for Omani rosewater.
🌟 Pro Tip: Visit in April to witness the rose harvest in the villages of Al Ayn and Ash Shirayjah.
🏞️ Top Places to Explore in Jebel Akhdar
There’s more to Jebel Akhdar than its altitude. The mountain is dotted with villages, wadis, walking trails, and lookout points.
🏘️ Diana’s Point
Named after Princess Diana’s 1986 visit, this cliffside viewpoint offers jaw-dropping views of the valleys below.
🏞️ Wadi Bani Habib
An abandoned village nestled in a lush valley. Explore crumbling stone houses and shady walking paths lined with walnut trees.
🌺 Al Ayn & Ash Shirayjah Villages
Famous for rose terraces and traditional falaj irrigation. These tiny villages cling to cliffs and showcase ancient Omani architecture.
🌳 Saiq Plateau
The main highland region of Jebel Akhdar. Home to hotels, farms, and cultural experiences.
🌟 Pro Tip: Let Satguru Travel create a custom walking trail experience with village visits, falaj tours, and picnic stops.
🧭 Things to Do on Jebel Akhdar
Whether you prefer light walks or adventurous hikes, Jebel Akhdar offers a perfect blend of relaxation and exploration.
🚶 Activities Include:
- Hiking along the Three Villages Trail
- Visiting local farms and orchards
- Watching the sunset from clifftop viewpoints
- Sampling local honey, jam, and rosewater
- Exploring wadi pools and waterfalls in spring
🌟 Pro Tip: The Three Villages Trail is beginner-friendly and offers incredible cultural immersion through terraced farming villages.
🧳 Visit with Satguru Travel – Your Trusted Travel Agency
Traveling to Jebel Akhdar requires a 4WD vehicle, planning, and local knowledge — that’s where Satguru Travel comes in. Our expert-guided mountain experiences ensure comfort, safety, and full cultural appreciation.
✅ Why Choose Satguru Travel:
- Fully equipped 4WD vehicles and licensed drivers
- Guided walking tours through villages and farms
- Cultural insights from local Omani hosts
- Custom itineraries for photography, hiking, or family travel
- Optional add-ons like Nizwa Fort or Birkat Al Mouz falaj tours
🌟 Pro Tip: Ask about our “Mountain & Heritage Combo Tour” — it includes Jebel Akhdar and Nizwa’s historic sites in one enriching day.
🍽️ Local Cuisine & Products
Don’t leave the mountain without sampling fresh local produce and traditional dishes. The cooler climate supports a wide variety of fruits and herbs not commonly found elsewhere in Oman.
🥗 Must-Try Tastes:
- Fresh pomegranate juice (in season)
- Local rosewater sweets and cakes
- Omani flatbread with mountain honey
- Grilled meats and herb-infused rice
🛍️ What to Buy:
- Rosewater from traditional distilleries
- Mountain honey
- Handmade baskets and wool products from local women’s cooperatives
🌟 Pro Tip: Many farms sell directly from their gardens — carry some cash for authentic mountain-made goods.
📌 Travel Tips and Essentials
🎒 What to Bring:
- Lightweight jacket (cool evenings)
- Walking shoes with good grip
- Water bottle and sun protection
- Camera or phone
- Snacks or picnic if you plan a longer hike
🚻 Facilities:
- Clean restrooms at major viewpoints and hotels
- Small shops and cafés on the plateau
- Luxury resorts and guesthouses available for overnight stays
🌟 Pro Tip: Even in summer, temperatures can drop to 15–20°C at night — dress in layers.
📅 Best Time to Visit Jebel Akhdar
🟢 March – May:
- Rose bloom season, ideal for flower lovers and photographers
🟠 October – February:
- Cool, clear weather and great for hiking and sightseeing
🔴 June – September:
- Hotter at lower altitudes but still mild and pleasant on the plateau
🌙 Evenings:
- Cool, starry, and peaceful — perfect for romantic dinners or fireside storytelling
🎯 Final Thoughts: Breathe Deep, Climb High, Discover Oman
Jebel Akhdar is more than a mountain — it’s a sanctuary of nature, culture, and history. Here, water flows through ancient falaj channels, roses bloom in highland gardens, and villagers live in harmony with the land as they have for centuries.
✨ Let Satguru Travel, your expert travel agency in Oman, guide you to the mountaintop — where the air is fresher, the views are wider, and the stories are deeper. Whether you’re here for a day or a weekend, Jebel Akhdar promises a refreshing and enriching escape.
