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At the town of Nakhl near to the famous Nakhl Fort is the A' Thowarah Hot Spring which is a popular picnic area for the locals as well as soaking in the hot water. This place is a good resting spot if you are in Nakhl, and more information & photos on the hot spring are at my VT Nakhl page.
A 4 to 6hrs journey into an impressive gorge advisable for the fit candidates only. The entry of the ‘Big Snake’ is just a few km down the village of Hat and the canyon exits at Zammah through a huge V shaped Cliff. The trip starts with an abseil of 50m followed by walking, jumping and swimming at the bottom of the canyon, great fun! A wet suit is strongly recommended from Nov. to Apr., as hours into the cool water will freeze you eventually.
A couple of km after the village of Hat there is a canyon entrance on the right hand side. Leave the car and walk 20’ in this beautiful canyon to reach the village of Bilad Sait. This village is considered as one of the most beautiful and typical village of Oman with its green terraces, framed by the cliffs of Jabal Akhdar.
There is a road going across the Jebel Akhdar up to a spectacular viewpoint at an altitude of 2,000m and then going down the Wadi Bani Awf. The panorama along this road, literally cutting into the side of the mountains, is spectacular. The journey is a one day round trip from Muscat-> Nizwa 140km -> Direction Ibri 34km-> Right dir. Al Hamra 4km -> Right dir. Hoti cave then Hat-Bilad Sait -> Follow wadi Bani Awf 30km and back on the black top road toward Muscat at 120km.
Going up to the Jabal Shams (3,009m) is not for everyone but , more accessible to any reasonably fit person, is the 'balcony walk' .This walk is a spectacular 5hrs round trip walk along an impressive cliff through a safe and well marked footpath. It ends at the deserted village of Al Hayl (1,950m) with hanging terraces above an impressive 400m arch scarved in the cliff.To reach the place, pass the village of Ghul and continue toward the Jabal Shams plateau. A road to the right will lead you to the edge of a huge canyon with a well protected spot for site seeing (a popular camping site too). Further on to your right is a motel, the Fars Al Katri (tel.gsm 9382639) worthwile spending a night in. If you follow on this track towards its end you will reach the tiny village of Al Khatim, the footpath starts on the left below the village.
Magnificent is not too much to describe this one day special journey which will take you first through a spectacular walk along the cliff of the canyon to reach the 80m high waterfall and continuing abseiling into the canyon itself to return to your starting point nearby the village of Nakh. Another adventure I would recommend you to do accompanied by experience people who already know the path, or guided by professionals, suggest the Oman Adventure Center http://oman-adventure.com/Index.htm
Opened in 2003 by Patrick and Nathalie, a couple of French professional climbers, this spectacular abseil of 150m starts from the top of the Jabal Shams plateau and ends next to the abandoned village of Al Hayl (1,950m). On your way down to the village, you will pass along a pool of standing water known as Bir'r Dakhilyah, behind which is a beautiful cave with some stalactites formations. The way back up to the plateau takes less than 2hrs through the Balcony walk.Though not technically difficult, the 1,000m of site seeing below your legs provide amazing sensations of height and an unforgettable experience. However, for a safe journey guided by professional, suggest you contacting the Oman Adventure Center http://oman-adventure.com/Index.htm
From the old village of Ghul, enter into the wadi (Canyon) by car and continue until you reach the village of Nakh.On your way you will see a strange phenomena: The road looks alike going downward and the small stream of water on the side looks like flowing upward! This optical effect is due to the slope of the geological strates.In the village of Nakh, you are likely to be invited by the local to share a cup of tea and some dates. They will also show you their carpet work that is beautiful and worthwhile to buy, you will please yourself and help them
The abandonned village of Ghul is a beautifull spot for site seing and the start for a further exploration into the wadi (cayon) of the same name. A 4WD car or a good pair of legs is strongly recomended to explore the wadi which continues toward the village of Nakh.Ghul can be reached from Muscat taking the road to Nizwa, then direction Ibri for 34km then turn right toward Al Hamra. In Al Hamra turn left at the petrol station and follow the road for 10km.
In my 4 years of living in Oman, I always remember Quryat as my favourite place.Quryat was a village not too deep inside Jebel Akhdar (I think) mountains range near the town of Nizwa. There was a small river 4-5 meter width, 30cm depth always flowing over there. Our trekking included walking alongside the river, crossing the river several times and climbing the rocks at the other side of the river, swimming for a distance and I can tell you it was a great challenge.Meanwhile the cactus, small plants and overall unique vegetation in the mountains around gave us a very pleasant feeling.At the upstream of the river one could find some water birds, not too many but interesting. Do check Quryat if you go to Oman!
InterContinental Al Bustan Palace Muscat Muscat
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Sur Beach Hotel Sur
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Reviews and photos of Oman attractions posted by real travelers and locals. The best tips for Oman sightseeing.
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Q: who could inform me about a really good local travel agency or tour operator in oman, in order to book with them a 15 days round...
A: I recommend Nomad Tours in Oman. We stayed at Nomad Guest House in Muscat- it was excellent, and Lorna (the owner) can organize any tour that you might like to...
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