With October just around the corner and the weather easing up, there is all the more reason to explore Oman.
Al Hajar Mountains have had the typical summer with plenty of rains and the Green Mountain is always a fascination.
Although the Al Jabal Al Akhdhar roses dominate the attention, the Green Mountain is also blessed with herbs and wildflowers, including cactus if need be.
The stepped terrace farms are a unique feature of Al Jabal Al Akhdhar along with the aflaj that irrigates the farms that are in such high altitude of 2,980 metres.
But what one must remember when exploring the beauty of the mountains is that it is home for others. Village of Al Ayn is a popular destination for visitors to Al Jabal Al Akhdhar and while residents appreciate that, they also have a request.
A brown board says, “This is an inhabited village, so please respect its people and its tranquility.
“Respect its code of culture and traditions in dressing manner,” the board states in Arabic and English. The board points out that men and women should make sure shoulders and knees are covered.
It also requests visitors to seek permission before taking pictures and entering private property. Another request states, “Protect animals and plants. Do not pick fruits and vegetables because the villagers depend on them for their livelihood.”
They go on to urge the visitors to park in the designated areas and give priority to the residents. They also request the visitors to keep the village clean by disposing waste in the right manner.
Lilianne Donders used to live in Oman for many years, and till today when she visits Oman she longs to visit Al Jabal Al Akhdhar and enjoy the fresh air.
“There are beautiful hotels now in Al Jabal Al Akhdhar but we have our secret places too. However we do at times come across illegal wood cutters. And the request is if you want to have your own campfire, then bring your own wood. We must keep the place, the wilderness clean by leaving it clean when you pack up. We must carry our own trash bag. When I am camping I distribute trash bags to others too,” she explained.
The terrace farms are breathtaking and to imagine the number of years the plots must have farmed is an intriguing thought. The delicate environment is yet another fascination to the visitors.
“One thing we have really begun to enjoy is having our own guide from Al Jabal Al Akhdhar. He has introduced us to so many plants that we could eat then and there. I encourage everyone to take their guidance because it is nice to learn from someone who knows so much,” she noted.
There are incredible tracks to walk around and the residents are happy to guide and at the same time urge everyone to keep to the designated trails and pathways, which is why guides make it so much easier.
“The hotels have lovely trails and the best part is they pick you up at the end of the trail,” she said.
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