Watery wonders of Wadi Al Nakhr

AL HAMRA: Wadi Al Nakhr, located in the western part of the Wilayat of Al Hamra in the Governorate of Al Dakhiliyah, is a wonderful tourist attraction. Waters of the valley formed during the ancient times formations of the mountain layers, so that the visitor can see them closely and even touch the rock layers, which scientists estimate to have been formed before over 30 million years ago. This valley is considered a vital artery of one of the most important valleys of the Wilayat of Al Hamra as it directly affects the reservoir of ground water. It feeds the Wadi Ghul Dam, which is the most important dam in Al Dakhiliyah, serving a number of wilayats, including the wilayats of Nizwa and Bahla, as well as being the main feeder of Falaj Al Hamra, “water channel or ancient irrigation system” descends from the tops of Jabal Shams. Wadi Al Nakhr is one of the deepest valleys in the Sultanate due to its geographical characteristics. The waterfall from the top of Jabal Shams is considered to be the most important source of water for it where the valleys flow into this fault that form Wadi Al Nakhr. Badr bin Saif al Abri, a native of Wadi Al Nakhr, said “I spent my childhood in this wonderful place where a large number of citizens used to live in Al Nakhr village. Today, the area is almost deserted as people moved to the modern housing schemes where many services are available”. He pointed out that the valley includes at its entrance Al Hajir village, an agricultural village. He added in an interview with Oman News Agency (ONA) that Al Nakhr village is located about 5 kilometres from Al Hajir village where the road crosses the valley. It is affected by the flow of valleys. The two villages located in the heart of the valley are characterised by charming nature, green orchards and old neighbourhoods. Their valleys descend from Jabal Shams that flank them from all sides. The valley is distinguished by the evergreen greenery, the beauty of nature, the calm and the cool air in the summer time. Water is available throughout the year, and there are clear and fresh water pools that are surrounded by diverse trees. The valley is also characterised by the existence of high mountains around it, making it one of the most important tourist attractions in Al Hamra. There are waterfalls in the valley during the rainy season, and the most famous of them is Wadi Al Sab, which descends from the summit of Jabal Shams and pours into the valley next to the village of Sab Bani Khamis The wildlife of the valley, which extends for a distance of 7 kilometres, is abundant in the presence of many Sidr and Acacia tortilis trees, as well as palm, lemon and mango. Wadi Al Nakhr is one of the most beautiful valleys of the Sultanate. It is a very deep valley and consists of several branches, the most important of which are Wadi Masairah, Wadi Al Sab, Wadi Bin Rumman and Wadi Sidran. The valley is also a beautiful tourist destination for mountaineering and hiking. It is linked from its entrance till the Lakhtaim village on top of Jabal Shams by a hiking trail. Many fans of this sport practice these activities annually, in coordination with the Ministry of Tourism. — ONA