Jewel Of Mountains – Al Jabal Al Akhdar, Oman

Al Jabal Al Akhdar (The Green Mountain) is one of the unknown Hill stations of the world. Jabal Akhdar is situated about 150 Kms from Muscat City, capital of Sultanate of Oman and is part of the Al Hajar Mountain Ranges. It is located at 2,300 meters above the sea level having an excellent climate throughout the year. From March until September when middle-east experiences blazing summer, Jabal Akhdar is cool and pleasant making it a heavenly escape from the heat.

The mountain range has spectacular view and one would feel to embrace the mountain at the very first sight. The magnificent mountain range can be compared with any of the hill stations of the world, but, with a unique blend and twist of its own bio-diversity. The range mainly consists of different types of huge rocky layers that are so beautiful to watch while reaching Jabal Akhdar. One can see the beautiful colours of the mountain when the sunlight falls on it are so different from dawn to dusk and watching this is an experience in itself. Other attractions includes the breathtaking sights of the Gorges and valleys from the high altitude throughout the journey at various points.

As it becomes dark, the decorated mountain glitters with gold jewelry. The street lights of the mountain roads looks as if the mountain is garlanded with the glittering necklace. This can be seen from very far distance such as Nizwa which is located about 30 Kilometers away. Any one passes that way will get their attention to Jabal Akhdar as it is so beautiful to watch even during night times. The altitude of the mountain is so high and visible from all sides.

In 2011, a Royal Decree was issued by His Majesty Sultan Qaboos making Jabal Akhdar a nature reserve. In order to conserve this beautiful and unique bio-diversity nature in Oman, Jabal Akhdar Sanctuary for natural Sceneries was formed.

The Mountain range gets rainfall that is sufficient to support agriculture. Jabal Akhdar is known for its unique pomegranate and roses. Pomegranate from here is considered the best in the world for its quality and nutrition. Sparkling non-alcoholic drink is made from Pomegranate is very healthy and tasty, more often this is used in parties in this part of the world and is called as local champagne. The rose essence and rose water made from here are known for its quality and are exported to various countries. The rose essence is used for fragrance, culinary and medicinal purposes. Other fruits grown here include, peaches, berries, walnut and apricot. There are many villages in the valleys and whose main occupation is agriculture and they make their living out of selling these fruits to the visitors.

Many people in and around, come to Jabal Akhdar during weekend with their families and friends and make camps and enjoy barbeque in the wild. This happens mainly during summer when the temperature goes very high in the middle-east. Other attraction on the way to the Jabal Akhdar through the mountain ranges is lot of herbal plants, Juniper trees and shrubs. Along the way, herds of Lambs, Goats and wild donkeys can be seen. Night times one can see occasionally Fox and Jackal passing on the roads from one side to the other looking for a prey. There are lots of little birds, bats, insects and different kinds of grass hoppers, and there are no dangerous wild animals in this region. The mountain is green from February onwards as the plants here are seasonal including the Juniper trees and this will last until September. One of the tourist attraction is the oldest Juniper tree in the world. There are also many natural caves to visit in Jabal Akhdar.

The Omani culture is very unique in the middle-east. By nature, hospitality is in their blood. Family values are very high and conservative too yet they live in a modern society. They make the guests comfortable whether it is a holiday or work. Traditionally guests are welcomed with Dates and Omani Tea. Omani Halwa (a sweet made of egg, honey, brown sugar and spices) is very famous. Most of the Omani people wear their traditional costumes while they accept modest modern dresses. The Omani people live in the multi-cultural environment and the spoken language is predominantly modern Arabic, while most of them know English, Hindi, Boluchi and other Gulf dialects. The official language is Arabic while English is acceptable and is used in all government offices and notice boards in public places to make foreign visitors comfortable.

The Government of Oman has spent a lot in building the infrastructure to reach Jabal Akhdar. The roads are great to drive and safe too. Before one enters the mountain there is a check-post where one has to register with the police for safety. Only four wheel drive (SUV) is allowed in the mountain as the roads are steep with many hairpin curves. One can enjoy the ride both during the day and night. Ministry of Tourism has given lot of impetus to develop this region for tourism and to preserve the serene and unspoiled nature's gift of this place. There exists few hotels in the Jabal Akhdar at present and many more hotel projects are envisaged. The recently opened one is that of Oman Tourism Development Company called Alila Jabal Akhdar, a five star resort in the cliff of the mountain giving panoramic view of the mountains.

The Government can do further to make this place attractive for the visitors to come repeatedly. There is potential for development of Jabal Akhdar as a great hill station and a tourism place yet preserve the natural beauty. Many more tourism activities can be added here such as, Rope ways, Rock climbing, Gliding, Trekking etc. to make the destination attractive and to create Jabal Akhdar experience. Along the way to Jabal Akhdar, more commercial facilities and well maintained public washrooms needs to be constructed to increase the comfort level of regular visitors. Jabal Akhdar is a great destination for both west and the east who like Hill Stations. India is a big market and most of the high-end Indians like hill destinations especially during summer season and during school holidays a big potential to promote!

Jabal Akhdar is the new Hill destinations of the world for a great holiday with families and friends. The scenic beauty of Jabal Akhdar is unique, untouched and unexcavated that make the place totally different from other hill stations. The hide-away and silent place on earth not to be missed- out and worth seeing. Do not miss out considering Jabal Akhdar in Oman for the next holiday!

Written by NP Chandrashekhar, CHA, FIH(UK), Alila Jabal Akhdar, Oman.