We didn’t expect to fall in love with Jebel Akhdar — but it happened almost instantly. One minute we were driving up steep mountain roads, and the next we were standing above the clouds, looking out over endless valleys and terraced farms. If you’re searching for the best places to visit and things to do in Jebel Akhdar, this mountain escape in northern Oman is something truly special.

Set high in the Al Hajar Mountains, Jebel Akhdar sits on the Sayq Plateau at nearly 3,000 meters above sea level. Life here moves differently. Ancient falaj irrigation systems still feed rose gardens and pomegranate orchards, and small villages cling to the mountainsides just as they have for generations.

This guide is for anyone who wants to experience Jebel Akhdar beyond the photos — from scenic walks and viewpoints to quiet moments that make you want to stay longer than planned.

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Things to Know Before Traveling to Jebel Akhdar in Oman

What Does Jebel Akhdar Mean?

Jebel Akhdar literally means “the Green Mountain” — and once you’re there, the name makes perfect sense. Thanks to its cooler, almost Mediterranean-like climate and the ancient aflaj irrigation system, this part of Oman is surprisingly green and incredibly fertile.

The mountains are home to some of the country’s best pomegranates, fragrant Damask roses, and a mix of apricots, pears, figs, dates, and walnuts.

Spring is when Jebel Akhdar really shows off. The terraces turn lush, the rose gardens burst into bloom, and the whole region feels alive. It’s one of those places that looks even better in real life than in photos.

Why Jebel Akhdar is Worth the Journey?

In 2011, Sultan Qaboos declared Jebel Akhdar a protected natural area — and it’s easy to see why. Today, it’s one of the most visited mountain regions in Oman, yet it still feels peaceful and wonderfully untouched.

The experience starts with the drive itself. The road from Birkat Al Mouz up to Sayq is unforgettable, with wide, sweeping hairpin bends, smooth asphalt, and constant mountain views. It’s the kind of drive where you’ll keep pulling over for photos — and then stopping again because the next viewpoint somehow looks even better.

Once you’re up on the Sayq Plateau, things slow down in the best possible way. There are incredible hiking trails, abandoned villages frozen in time, hidden wadis and caves, and above all a rare sense of quiet. No crowds, no rush, just space to breathe and explore.

And then there are the views. Layer upon layer of mountains stretching endlessly into the distance, fading into soft blues and greys as far as the eye can see. It’s the kind of scenery that makes you stop talking altogether.

Still not convinced? Honestly, the best way to understand Jebel Akhdar is to get in the car and see it for yourself.

Best Time to Visit Jebel Akhdar

Jebel Akhdar is one of Oman’s most spectacular regions, and, thanks to its higher elevation, it’s a year-round destination — especially if you’re trying to escape the heat. That said, it does sit right on the classic visitor route, so when the weather is good, expect more people around. It’s popular for a reason.

Spring is often considered the best time to visit. This is when the famous Damask roses bloom and the terraces turn beautifully green. People travel from all over the country just to see the mountains in full bloom, and it really is something special.

Summers in Oman are hot which is why Jebel Akhdar becomes a favorite getaway for locals. While the mountains are cooler than the cities, this season can still be busy, especially during weekends.

Winter is another great time to visit, with mild daytime temperatures that make hiking and sightseeing very comfortable. It’s one of the most popular seasons, though February can bring the occasional day of rain. Nothing dramatic, but it’s worth keeping in mind when planning your trip.

As a city girl, I’m always drawn to mountain landscapes, and Jebel Akhdar felt like an obvious choice. We visited in late December, and the weather was perfect. It was cool enough for hiking to abandoned villages, wandering through terraced orchards, and enjoying a cup of karak tea on a sunny terrace. Just don’t forget that nights can get chilly, so packing a few warm layers is a good idea.

How Much Time do You Need in Jebel Akhdar?

While it’s possible to visit Jebel Akhdar on a day trip from Muscat or Nizwa, it really deserves more than just a quick stop. If you can, I’d strongly recommend spending at least two nights in the mountains.

There’s so much to experience at a slower pace — scenic hikes across the plateau, abandoned villages tucked into the cliffs, and endless panoramic views that make you want to just sit and stare for a while. And then there are the sunrises and sunsets, which are honestly unforgettable and feel completely different when you’re staying overnight.

Once the day-trippers and tour buses leave, Jebel Akhdar changes entirely. The mountains grow quiet, the air cools, and the whole place takes on a calm, almost magical atmosphere. That’s when you really get to appreciate its beauty — and why staying longer is so worth it.

How to Get to Jebel Akhdar?

Not that long ago, reaching Jebel Akhdar was an adventure in itself. The journey from Birkat Al Mouz to the Sayq Plateau once took up to six hours and was only possible on foot or by donkey. Hard to imagine now.

Everything changed with the construction of the mountain road, which began in 2006 and took nearly seven years to complete. Today, this impressive piece of engineering winds its way up the mountains with sweeping hairpin bends and incredible views. The best part? It takes just around 40 minutes to reach the plateau.

Thanks to this road, Jebel Akhdar is now easily accessible and attracts travelers from all over the world, whether they’re visiting as part of a tour or exploring independently as we did.

Do You Need a 4WD Car to Reach Jebel Akhdar?

Yes — you do need a 4WD vehicle to drive up to Jebel Akhdar. The road itself is fully paved and in excellent condition, but access is restricted to 4WD cars only. When you reach the checkpoint at Birkat Al Mouz, officials will check your vehicle to confirm it’s a 4WD before allowing you to continue up the mountain.

When we arrived at the checkpoint at Birkat Al Mouz, the officials were unsure if our Hyundai Tucson qualified as a 4WD. They took a quick look at the car, asked a few questions, and then let us through.

Now the real fun begins. The drive up to Sayq, the main village on the plateau, takes around 40–45 minutes and is steep but completely manageable. The road winds its way up the mountains with incredible views, so keep your camera close (and your eyes on the road).

While the main road to Sayq doesn’t actually require four-wheel drive in terms of surface, some of the more remote areas on the plateau do — which is why saloon cars aren’t allowed past the checkpoint. It’s mainly a safety measure.

Renting a 4WD for Jebel Akhdar

If you want the freedom to explore Jebel Akhdar at your own pace, renting a 4WD vehicle is the way to go. Most rental companies in Muscat and Nizwa offer 4WDs, and we did the same. It made our trip so much easier and more enjoyable.

We booked our 4WD well in advance and scored an amazing deal — so good, in fact, that my husband thought it might be a scam! But no tricks, no hidden charges! Just a nearly new Hyundai Tucson, which turned out to be the perfect companion for our Oman road trip adventure.

Tip: Book your 4WD in advance to secure the best options. I recommend renting a 4WD HERE.

How to Visit Jebel Akhdar Without a 4WD

If you don’t have a 4WD, don’t worry! There are still several easy ways to reach Jebel Akhdar and enjoy all the best places to visit and things to do in Jebel Akhdar.

The simplest option is to join a day tour from Muscat. These tours usually include stops at Nizwa Castle and Fort, time to wander around Nizwa Souq, and an afternoon exploring the highlights of Jebel Akhdar. It’s a stress-free way to see the mountains without worrying about driving or checkpoints.

👉 Check out this highly rated day trip from Muscat

If you’re traveling with a saloon car, head to the parking area just before the checkpoint at Birkat Al Mouz. You’ll find plenty of 4WD vehicles with local drivers waiting to take visitors up to the Sayq Plateau. They can drop you off at a specific spot or drive you around to explore the area. Just a heads-up, the round-trip price can be on the higher side.

Staying overnight in the mountains? Many hotels and resorts in Jebel Akhdar offer pickup and drop-off services from the checkpoint. Just keep in mind that you’ll still need some form of transport once you’re up there if you want to explore all the viewpoints, villages, and hiking trails.

Another option is to rent a 4WD locally. Some car rental offices in Birkat Al Mouz offer short-term 4WD rentals, which can be ideal if you’re planning to stay a couple of nights.

And finally — hitchhiking. It might sound unusual, but it’s quite common in Oman. Leave your car at the checkpoint parking lot and ask around. Locals are incredibly friendly and often happy to give travelers a lift up the mountain.

Where to Stay in Jebel Akhdar?

When it comes to accommodation, the main town of Saiq caters to a wide range of preferences and budgets. From cozy budget options to lavish luxury, the region boasts a variety of hotels.

Camping is a unique and budget-friendly option for the adventurous at heart. While wild camping is permitted in most areas of Oman, the high altitude of Jebel Akhdar can bring chilly winds. 

Green View Hotel is a mid-range option, offering panoramic views of the mountain range and surrounding valleys. The hotel is suitable for travelers who want a good experience without breaking the bank.

If you want to indulge, choose the most luxurious hotel in the area: Anantara Al Jabal Al Akhdar Resort, a government-funded project focusing on high-end tourism. Experience the breathtaking majesty of the canyon from the infinity pool’s edge or the very viewpoint that once captivated Princess Diana.

DusitD2 Naseem Resort is a luxury resort that offers a high-end experience in the stunning mountains of the region. With stunning views, excellent dining options, and various wellness and outdoor activities, it provides a perfect retreat for those seeking comfort and luxury in the mountains of Oman.

If you’re in search of an exclusive and authentic Omani experience, I highly recommend The Cliff Guest House in Al Suwgra village. The rooms, carved into the mountains, are equipped with modern facilities such as bathrooms and lighting. The family managing the guest house prepares meals using ingredients from their own garden, adding a personal touch to your stay.

The Best Things to Do in Jebel Akhdar

Visit Birkat al Mouz, One of the Most Famous Villages in Oman

Birkat Al Mouz is one of Oman’s most charming traditional villages, nestled at the foot of Jebel Akhdar in a lush oasis not far from Nizwa. It’s a perfect stop whether you’re heading up to or coming down from the mountains. If you love palm trees, you will be in paradise here, with plenty of date and banana palms dotting the landscape.

Finding the village is simple. Just type “Birkat Al Mouz Ruin” into Google Maps, and you’ll be guided straight to this spot. Exploring the ruins of the abandoned village is like stepping back in time. There are actually two old villages, but visiting just one gives you a real sense of what life used to be like. Entry is free, and there’s plenty of parking nearby.

For parking, search for “Ancient Old Houses” on Google Maps. From there, it’s an easy walk to Bait AlSabah Cafe, which sits right by the abandoned village. While you’re there, don’t miss the chance to stroll through the plantations and see the ancient Aflaj irrigation system, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

To enjoy a panoramic view of the plantations and abandoned village, drive to the nearby viewpoint.

To find it, simply search for “Overlook Spot Birkat Al Mouz” on Google Maps. You’ll need to climb a small hill to reach the foot of a tower, but the stunning views make it worthwhile!

Escape the Civilization at Al Suwgra Forgotten Village – One of the Best Things to Do in Jebel Akhdar

Al Suwgra is a hidden gem tucked deep in the mountains and one of Oman’s most secluded settlements. The village is over 450 years old, and for a long time, very few people even knew it existed. Today, the locals are hoping to attract more visitors and share the unique charm of their home.

And one of our favorite experiences in Jebel Akhdar was visiting Al Suwgra.

Reaching the village is part of the adventure. After driving a steep mountain road, you’ll leave your car at the parking area and follow a scenic walking trail down to the village, where you’ll find ancient stone houses, spectacular canyon views, and a small café overlooking the valley.

Once you reach the parking lot, the real adventure begins. A short scenic trail takes you down the mountain, across a charming wooden bridge, and up to Al Suwgra Village, with breathtaking views over the surrounding canyon along the way.

In spring, the terraces come alive with blooming roses, pomegranates, and date palms, adding even more charm to this hidden mountain village. Don’t miss the small café overlooking the valley, where you can enjoy a coffee while taking in the peaceful atmosphere.

If time allows, continue hiking past the café. You’ll be rewarded with one of the most scenic viewpoints over the canyon, perfect for soaking in the dramatic landscape and snapping unforgettable photos.

What makes this place unique is the opportunity to stay overnight at Cliff House. After 4 p.m., when everyone leaves, you’ll have a place for yourself.

Basic accommodation at the base of a mountain range makes room for imagining how life once was. A roaster and some begging sheep might disturb the silence of this place, but other than that, it will be you and your thoughts.

If you want to know exactly how to visit Al Suwgra, including the hike, opening hours, and what to expect, check our complete guide to Visiting Al Suwgra Village in Jebel Akhdar.

Take the Spectacular Three Villages Walk from Al Aqar to Al Ayn and Ash Shirayjah

One of the best things to do in Jebel Akhdar is a circular hike through the three mountain villages of Al Aqar, Al Ayn, and Al Shirayjah. This area is famous for its terraced orchards, where local farmers cultivate pomegranates, olives, dates, apricots, garlic, and roses.

Strolling along the terraces and the ancient Falaj irrigation systems is a truly stunning experience, though it’s important to remember these are working farms — picking fruits or vegetables is strictly forbidden.

Start your trek in the peaceful village of Al Aqar, where tranquility is occasionally broken by the laughter of children. Terraces along the way provide perfect spots to relax with a cup of coffee while enjoying valley views.

From here, continue to Al Ayn, which may look abandoned at first but is home to playful cats and curious goats.

Don’t miss the Al Ayn Viewpoint, offering breathtaking views of the terraced farms and mountainside villages. You may even spot farmers carrying vegetation up to their cattle, a charming glimpse of daily life.

The descent to Al Shirayjah is steep in places, with some steps less maintained, so follow the trail signs carefully. Once there, take a leisurely walk through the narrow streets and visit a small museum to learn about the region’s rose water production — a fascinating local tradition.

From Al Shirayjah, follow the trail signs back to your car. The return path is easier, giving you time to relax and enjoy the stunning mountain scenery one last time. This circular hike offers a perfect mix of nature, culture, and history — a must-do for anyone visiting Jebel Akhdar.

Map of the Three Villages Walk

Underneath, you’ll find a customized map that includes the locations (Al Ain, Al Aqr and Al Shirayjah) you will visit during this hike. Just open up this article on your phone and click on the frame in the upper right corner of this map. The Google Maps app will open, and you can check all the details. I hope it helps!

Visit a Rose Farm in Jebel Akhdar

If you’re coming during the rose harvest season of March to April, then visiting a rose farm is one of the best things to do in Jebel Akhdar. Can you imagine that there are over 4,000 individual rose bushes scattered across Jebel Akhdar? And the star is the well-known Damask rose!

The roses are widely used in Oman in food, fragrances and herbal remedies. Visiting a rose farm, you’ll learn how to make rosewater, from gently picking the rose petals, splashing them with fresh spring water, placing them into an old clay pot in the oven, and distilling them.

You can find the distillation centers all over Jabal Akhdar, but it makes total sense to stop at one in Al Ayn during your three-village hike.

Get Lost in Wadi Bani Habib Abandoned Village – One of the Best Things to Do in Jebel Akhdar

If you’re looking for places to visit and things to do in Jebel Akhdar, Wadi Bani Habib should definitely be on your list, especially if you’re fascinated by ancient mountain villages. This area has been abandoned for over 40 years, with residents leaving their isolated homes and relocating elsewhere.

Finding it is simple — just type Wadi Bani Habib into Google Maps, and it should take you there. (A quick tip: Google Maps in Oman isn’t always 100% accurate, so double-check your route before heading off.)

For the most peaceful experience, visit in the early morning or late afternoon, when most tourists have retreated, leaving the village calm and serene.

When you arrive at the small car park, you’ll see a little hut at the entrance. From here, there are two ways to explore:

The tourist path: Easy to follow, with great views of the village — perfect if you want a relaxed stroll without worrying about directions.

The less traveled path: A slower, more adventurous route that takes around an hour, requiring a good sense of direction.

The less traveled path and the one we chose

After taking a few photos from the car park, we went left and started our hike. We followed some stairs, turned right, and passed through a cute little tunnel until we spotted an Aflaj irrigation system. The trickiest part? Crossing the wadi at the bottom of the hill. We had to scout for the best way across, but once we made it, the valley opened up, and we could see abandoned houses on our left.

Climbing uphill, we found old walls and roofs that had collapsed, but there were still a few reminders of life — shoes, painted designs, clay pots, clothes, even old books. It really felt like stepping back in time.

The path then took us to a stunning viewpoint overlooking the main village, and wow — the views were incredible. From there, we made our way down into the wadi, passing an active mosque (no entry for non-Muslims) before reaching the main section of the village. It looked even more deserted than the first part, so we decided to turn back.

The way back was easy to follow, with clear stairs leading us to the car park. Honestly, this route is a bit trickier in terms of navigation, but that’s part of the fun. Just wear sturdy shoes, take your time, and enjoy the scenery. It’s one of those experiences in Jebel Akhdar that you’ll remember forever.

The touristy path

If you prefer a simpler, scenic route, the tourist path on the right is perfect. Just face the vendors at the car park and head down the main trail. It’s an easy, steep descent with beautiful views over the main village of Wadi Bani Habib.

If you visit in spring, the wadi is surrounded by pomegranate, almond, peach, and olive trees. From there, it’s an easy walk up to the village, where you can wander at your own pace. Doors, roofs, and windows are long gone, but try to imagine what life was like here over 40 years ago.

For those who want to explore even more, the second section of the village is just a little further. Or maybe you’re hunting for the best view of Wadi Bani Habib? Simply descend to the wadi, turn right, and follow the rocky path until the abandoned houses appear on your right. It’s a slightly more challenging trail, but still very manageable.

Once you’ve soaked in the village and the views, it’s an easy walk back to the car park along the same path. This route is perfect if you want a relaxed, scenic visit without worrying about navigation.

Admire the views from Diana’s Viewpoint

If you’re looking for things to do in Jebel Akhdar, don’t miss Diana’s Viewpoint. This spot became famous after the late Princess Diana and Prince Charles visited in 1986. Legend has it that while Charles sketched the stunning scenery, Diana spent her time reading and soaking in the calm mountain air. Today, it’s one of the most popular viewpoints in the area, and for good reason. The views over the terraced mountains and valleys are simply breathtaking.

Witness the Mirage in the Mountains at the Alila Jabal Akhdar Viewpoint

Even if you’re not staying at the Alila Jabal Akhdar resort, you can still enjoy the stunning views from their viewpoint. From here, the valley, cliffs, and canyons stretch out in every direction — it’s the perfect spot to pause and take it all in.

For those looking for a little adventure, the Mirage in the Mountains hike is one of the best things to do in Jebel Akhdar. The trail is slightly more challenging than most, with gentle ups and downs, but the scenery makes every step worth it. Along the way, you’ll discover an abandoned village and countless photo opportunities. The entire hike takes around 3.5 hours, depending on how often you stop to admire the views (and snap pictures — trust me, you’ll want to!).

Conclusions on the Best Things to Do in Jebel Akhdar in Oman

I highly recommend spending at least two nights on Sayq plateau to fully experience all the fantastic places Jebel Akhdar has to offer. We didn’t have high expectations when we visited Oman, but it completely exceeded them.

After two weeks in the Sultanate, I can confidently say that the mountains were the highlight of our Middle East trip and the perfect place to disconnect!

Instead of staying overnight in Nizwa, we decided to stay in the Hajar mountains, and it was definitely the right choice.

Waking up to those views and enjoying the sunsets from our beautiful hotel room is a memory we will always cherish! Another wise decision was renting a 4-wheel drive to explore the plateau freely for three days.

Maps of the Best Things to Do In Jebel Akhdar in Oman

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If you’re curious to see more of Oman, check out my other guides where I share the best spots, local experiences, and travel tips:

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A GUIDE TO VISITING THE WAHIBA SANDS IN OMAN

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AN EPIC 2 WEEK OMAN ROAD TRIP ITINERARY

VISITING AL SUWGRA VILLAGE – THE HIDDEN GEM IN JEBEL AKHDAR