Jebel Akhdar Oman (also known as Al Jabal Al Akhdar i.e. Jabal Akdhar) is a green area on the Sayq plateau which is considered by many, especially the locals, as one of the top things to do in the Sultanate. Now access via a steep modern road, the plateau offers wadis, terraces and stunning mountains views.
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About Jebel Akdhar
Situated at the top of the Hajar Mountain range, Jebel Akhdar (the Green Mountain or Green Mountains in Oman) is the area around the Sayq Plateau. The journey used to take 6 hours but now a road has been built all the way to the main village making it easy to climb to Jebel Akhdar. This is why it has become a top touristic destination for foreigners and local. It offers cooler weather, old villages, canyons and terrace plantations.
And here is a photo to show you why you should visit the mountains of Jebel Akdhar (many more photos for you after the practical information to plan your visit):
A great stop on your road trip in Oman 🙂
But do not mix up with Jebel Shams Oman which is the Arabian Grand canyon and bare mountains!
INFO & PLANNING TIPS - JEBEL AKHDAR Oman
How to get to Jebel Akhdar Oman
- Muscat to Jebel Akhdar plateau - 2h drive
The Road to Jebel Akhdar is only accessible to well maintained 4WD with a maximum of 6 people - at the checkpoint have you driver license, car insurance and ID ready. - Entry checkpoint to the plateau is at 6km from Birka Al Mouz, 15 km from Izki, 30km from Nizwa and 155km from Muscat (GPS coordinates in the eBook)
- Then the climb to Jebel Akhdar Oman is a 45 minute steep drive to the main village
- The Jebel Akhdar Road is in very good condition but very steep
- If you don't want to drive a 4WD, you can join a day trip from Muscat that will take your to the beautiful villages and mountains - Check out the program
- Jebel Akhdar, along with many other beautiful places, is included in my eBook:
- 8 exclusive maps simplified localising the best places to visit
- 90+ places to see including 41 primary amazing locations with double page features
- GPS coordinates of all locations to facilitate navigation
- 100+ photos to help you decide where you want to stop
Visiting Jebel Akdhar
- Make sure your breaks are in good condition.
- I recommend staying one night to enjoy sunset and sunrise views.
- There are many places to admire the view. Don't forget to stop at the visitor center near the checkpoint to get the map (photo below)
Where to stay in Jebel Akhdar
- Jebel Akhdar Camping - wild camping is allowed but because of the altitude camping can get cold - Practical information on my article about Wild Camping in Oman
- Jebel Akhdar hotel - there are several places to stay at Jebel Akhdar. I stayed at the Sahab Hotel - it was really great for the views at sunset and sunrise. A beautiful building with a hot tub in a great location. Check out latest prices
- Or you can compare the accommodations in Jebel Akhdar
Sahab Hotel
More accommodation ideas around Oman in my Oman Hotels and Accommodation article.
Jebel Akhdar Map
I recommend for you you stop at the checkpoint's visit center to get the map of the mountains with all the places to visit in Jebel Akhdar Oman. They also include GPS coordinates of the main places. However there are not many road, so don't worry you won't get lost.
Things to do in Jebel Akhdar include hikes, old villages, wadis, water sources...
With half a day I covered the lower half of this map.
Road to Jebel Akhdar and the Sayq Plateau
Considering some road I took in the French Alps with normal cars, I did not think that the climb to the plateau was that steep. But access is limited to 4WD.
The road is in very good condition and well maintained as you can see below.
After heavy rain, rocks might fall on the road, and you might have to slow down because of roadworks.
And on your way down, you have big emergency lanes in case of problems. As you can see in the picture below...
Viewpoint from the Jebel Akhdar mountains
On the way to the plateau you might notice this parking space.
Elevation is 2090 meters. From there you can see the Sayq plateau where we are heading next and its main village.
From the car going up, I had noticed the view behind, so on the way down the next day I stopped and climb the hill next to the parking. Be careful it is slippery!
And I ended up with this beautiful view!
Wadi Bani Habib
Wadi Bani Habib is one of the top places to see in Jebel Akhdar Oman. When you reach the end of the road and the parking (GPS coordinates in the eBook), you can take stairs to admire the view of the canyon and the old village. The path can actually take you to the old village of As Sab but I had seen many abandoned ruins in the days before and decided not to go for the hike.
Hike at Al Ayn and Al Aqur in the Jebel Akhdar Oman
I completed a short hike that took me from the local Al Ayn village (not the other Al Ayn with the Unesco site) to the Al Aqur rose village.
On the Al Aqur side, the path was clearly marked with the yellow white orange flag. But crossing from Al Ayn was really a challenge. I recommend stopping in Al Aqur and walking down the village enjoying the many beautiful views.
Here is the view from just above the Al Ayn village. You can see Al Aqur just across, the hotel where I stayed on the left (Sahab Hotel) and the big hotel complex they are building on the other side.
The village of Al Ayn has a beautiful view of the mountains. You can walk in the old street and tunnels until you reach the plantations.
As you cross you get great views of the terraces.
And this is the view of Al Ayn from Al Aqur:
Diana's Point at Jebel Akhdar
One viewing point was made famous by the famous of late Lady Diana. I quickly stop at the viewing platform but I thought the views was better from the terrace of my hotel. And I was tired and just wanted to relax, as you can see with the very poor photo I took!
Sunset from my Jebel Akhdar hotel
My Jebel Akhdar hotel was the Sahab Hotel. It has a great location for views, especially at sunset and sunrise. After enjoying the views from the jacuzzi, I put on layers (remember it is cold in the mountains) and set up for sunset.
Sunrise at Jebel Akhdar Oman
In the morning, not magical colors but the light was great to really see all the terraces for the plantations.
Jebel Akhdar, along with many other beautiful places, is included in my eBook: Experience Oman.
It is a practical tool to plan your trip with maps, photos, planning tips, GPS coordinates...
Want to see more of Oman's beauty?
Discover more things to do and places to see in Oman in my online Oman Destination Guide.
Do you like going up in the mountains?
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Your Oman pages are fantastic. We’re planning a trip to Oman for 11 days for later this month and your pages have been incredibly helpful. Thanks!
Thanks Barry!
I am glad you are finding them useful.
Have a wonderful trip
Cheers