Nestled at the foothills of Oman’s beautiful mountains, Nakhal is a hidden gem that offers an amazing escape for travellers seeking adventure and relaxation.
It is a year-round destination boasting natural beauty and cultural heritage. Its long history that spans centuries is eye-opening for everyone seeking enlightenment and knowledge and is an entertaining and educational destination as not only did it become a vital stronghold for the Al Ya’ariba dynasty in the 17th century, but it also witnessed significant development and is now home to beautiful forts, ancient structures, and ruins showcasing its important place in Oman’s history.
Surrounded by towering mountains that offer a stunning backdrop to the town’s beautiful landscapes, one of the top attractions in Nakhal is its natural springs that offer relief in the usually humid and hot desert climate of Oman. The warm waters of its springs are believed to have therapeutic properties, and to this day, locals can be seen bathing in these springs both for leisure and wellness.
Of the several natural springs, Ain Al Thowarah is one of the most unique and popular—a true marvel of nature that, aided by the ingenuity of the locals, created an oasis that, to this day, continues to thrive and has become an important agricultural town in Oman.
While it’s hard to pinpoint the exact date of the discovery of Ain Al Thowarah, locals believe that its history can be traced back to ancient times as the natural spring has flowed all year round, even during the dry season.
Realising the importance of the spring, the inhabitants of the area started constructing a sophisticated network of falaj and pools to disperse the water throughout the area. Over time, Ain Al Thowarah became a hub for agriculture, where crops like dates, bananas, and papayas are grown in abundance.
With the Nakhal Fort towering nearby, even those who built and lived at the fort may have been dependent on its waters for bathing and home use.
Beyond its history, Ain Al Thowarah continues to attract adventure seekers to this day. Surrounded by stunning natural beauty, its towering cliffs, rugged mountains, and lush vegetation are perfect for enthusiasts to engage in activities like hiking, rock climbing, and wildlife spotting.
In fact, Ain Al Thowarah and the nearby date plantations have been a muse to several photographers, and images of the area have graced exhibitions across the country.
The winter season, from December to February, is the best time to visit Ain Al Thowarah. Temperatures range from 20 to 25 degrees Celsius, which is mild and comfortable. It can also be visited at other times of the year, but prepare for a hotter climate, especially during the summer.
Today, a visit to Nakhal and Ain Al Thowarah has been elevated with several local attractions, including cafes and restaurants built on the location that cater to people who would like to experience local tastes and flavours.
On some weekends, the spring also hosts impromptu festivals as locals living in the surrounding areas bring with them their drums and musical instruments and showcase some of the traditional music usually played during small celebrations.
Whether you enjoy hiking, climbing, or just a hardcore nature lover, there is something for everyone in Nakhal and Ain Al Thowarah. And with its off-the-beaten-path location, you’ll have the opportunity to experience a side of Oman that few visitors ever see.
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