In the rugged and sun-baked terrain of Oman, where towering mountains meet the sea, lies a hidden treasure that has been cherished for centuries: the Damask Roses of Oman.
Each year, from mid-March to mid-May, the rose fields of Al Jabal Al Akhdhar come alive with a sea of pink and red blooms. This is the time when the Damask Rose harvest takes place, and visitors from around the world flock to Oman to witness the beauty and fragrance of this enchanting flower.
The Damask Rose is not just any flower; it is the key ingredient in one of the most prized and valuable essential oils in the world: Rose Oil. Oman is one of the few places in the world where the Damask Rose is grown, and its unique climatic conditions and fertile soil make it the perfect place to cultivate this delicate flower.
To experience the Damask Roses of Oman at their best, visitors should plan their trip between mid-March and mid-May. During this time, the fields are alive with the heady scent of roses, and local farmers are busy harvesting the flowers to extract the precious oil.
When is the best time to visit Al Jabal Al Akhdhar for the rose season?
Al Jabal Al Akhdhar’s Rose Season is a highly anticipated event that takes place in Oman’s Al Hajar Mountains range. The rose season typically runs from late March to early May each year, but the exact dates can vary depending on weather conditions and other factors.
The best time to visit Al Jabal Al Akhdhar for the rose season is generally in mid-April, when the roses are in full bloom and the air is filled with their sweet fragrance. During this time, visitors can witness the picturesque rose fields in their full glory and participate in various cultural events and activities that celebrate the rose harvest.
This year, according to some rose farmers, the season started late, so they are anticipating that the rose harvest season can last until the third week of April, although by that time, there will be fewer roses to see as the rest of the blossoms would already have been harvested earlier in the month.
Can I do a day tour, or should I really stay overnight?
From Muscat to Al Jabal Al Akhdhar, the trip can take around two hours. It is important to understand that if your purpose is to visit the gardens, you can definitely see them all throughout the day, so a day tour will suffice.
If you’re hoping to participate in the actual harvest time, the farmers only do this a few hours after sunrise, usually ending by nine am or an hour before sunset. The timing of the day is important in order to preserve the blossoms and prevent the roses from wilting.
If you don’t want a rushed trip and want to spend quality time going through the gardens and watching the different activities, including the distillation process, and hiking to several rose villages, then staying overnight in the mountain will allow you to do more meaningful activities.
What are my lodging options if I’m staying overnight?
For those who want to stay in the heart of the rose fields, there are several options for accommodation. The most popular choice is to stay in a traditional Omani mountain house, also known as a “jabal” or “qasr.” These houses are built from local stone and offer stunning views of the surrounding landscape.
While The Suwgra is a few minutes away from the garden, we highly recommend this traditional inn owned by the Al Shraiqi family as it gives you a more interactive look as to how the Omanis live in the mountains.
There are also numerous other inns and smaller hotels spread across the different areas of the mountain.
Visitors can also stay in one of the luxury hotels located on the mountain, such as the Anantara Al Jabal Al Akhdar Resort or the Alila Jabal Akhdar. Both of these hotels offer world-class amenities and are also a few minutes away from the rose fields.
It’s worth noting that the rose season is a popular time to visit Al Jabal Al Akhdhar, and therefore, accommodations can fill up quickly. So it’s recommended that you book your stay well in advance.
Other than the rose harvest, what else can I do when I’m in the mountains?
We highly recommend including a visit to the distillation factories in your itinerary, as this completes the whole rose season experience. It’s also more intimate if you visit the smaller Omani family distillation rooms as they will give you insight into the traditional way that the rose water is distilled. Many of the farmers also sell their own version of the rose water and rose oil and it will be a shame not to take home a couple of bottles.
Beyond the roses, Al Jabal Al Akhdhar is home to some interesting hiking points and ruins. A side trip to the abandoned village of Wadi Bani Habib will definitely add a different adventure to your visit.
You can also stop by Anantara and visit the famed Diana’s Point, where the popular British princess is said to have spent a good afternoon admiring the view. If you want something for your kids, a stop over at the Dusit D2 Hotel will allow you to try their Adventure Park, which includes some of the finest and most entertaining rope and wall climbing activities.
Can I come on my own without needing a guide?
If you’ve been to Al Jabal Al Akhdhar before and know the best spots for the roses, they you can definitely visit the rose gardens on your own without needing for a guide.
However, if you want a more memorable experience, we would highly recommend getting a guide for the day especially if it’s your first time as they will be able to provide you with context about the different activities as well as take you to some of the best spots for rose harvest. While there are several guides you can find and more organised tours can be booked even in Muscat, we usually visit the mountains with the aid of Mohammed (Instagram: @5_hawk) and Malik (Instagram: @cadytours). Remember, the guides usually have their favourite places to take you, and while all of them create a different experience, it’s important that they know where the best places are to visit, especially at the end of the season.
What other things should I consider during my visit?
Temperatures can be quite high during the day, so it’s important to bring sun protection and stay hydrated. It is also important to note that the farmers are also doing their fasting for Ramadhan so make sure to be sensitive and pay attention to some of the cultural practices of the locals and avoid eating and drinking in public.
Most of the beautiful gardens require several minutes of hiking. Wear good walking or running shoes, and avoid wearing clothing with exposed shoulders and knees. Also, avoid being too disruptive and loud.
The Damask Roses of Oman are a true wonder of the world, and a visit to the rose fields is an experience that visitors will never forget.
Photo by Yeru Ebuen
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