Muscat: Finally, there is a relief from heatwaves with temperatures dropping in recent days in the Sultanate of Oman.
With a long weekend expected due to the National Day holidays on November 22-23, here are some of the destinations to enjoy the moderate weather during days and cooler windy nights for an outing to beaches.
Here are some of the places to look at as we enter the long-awaited winter:
Masirah Island is located in the South al Sharqiyah governorate, has expansive agricultural fields, and also has a number of mountains. The beaches on Masirah Island provide an opportunity to see clusters of rare sea turtles lay their eggs.
Misfat al Abriyeen
The village of Misfat al Abriyeen in the South al Sharqiyah governorate dates is distinguished for being 1,000 square meters above sea level, and it is attached to a mountain forming part of it between forests and green trees.
Wahiba Sands is considered one of the best camping destinations in the Sultanate of Oman. It is an ideal place to camp in winter enjoy the warmth of the bright sun and see the stunning landscapes of sand.
Jabal al Akhdar is considered one of the best winter destinations in the Sultanate of Oman with cooler temperatures any time of the year. The winter season in Jabal Al Akhdar witnesses the pomegranate harvest season which its trees spread throughout the mountain. The journey takes about two hours from Muscat to the highest peak of the mountain.
The winter months of October to March are the best time for hiking in Oman. However, during the winter months, the temperature at Jebel Akhdar and Jebel Shams can drop at the highest points in the mountains.
Hiking in Jebel Akhdar is relatively easy as well and paved roads and paths have been constructed by the government with many small local shops, cafes, boards, and markers to help the visitors and hikers alike.
Hikers can walk through many small villages and pomegranate farms. Jebel Akhdar offers incredible views of the valleys and the smaller mountains in the Al Hajar mountain range.
Jebel Shams is the highest peak in the region standing tall at 3,000 meters above the sea level with two summits; north and south. It also happens to be the second-largest Grand Canyon on Earth. A part of the Al Hajar Mountain range, Jebel Shams offers a challenging option for adventure seekers hiking in Oman.
Wadi Shab in Oman is one of the most popular and easily accessible hiking trails located in the South al Sharqiyah region. It offers a rocky hiking trail going in between the mountains and eventually leading to a waterfall, cave, and numerous pools of water.
Al Wakan Village in South al Batinah Governorate located 2,000 meters above sea level is a popular spot for hiking in Oman. The mountain village offers views of terraced gardens overlooking the peaks in the surroundings.
Al Wakan Village is an agricultural village and hikers will get to see vast plantations of pomegranate, apricots, and grapes on the hike.
These trails are marked with markers facilitating the hiker to move in the right direction. The easiest and the most accessible trail is a 700-step hike which will take you directly to the watchtower.
The Riyam-Muttrah hike is short and is a relatively easy hike and very popular. The hike will take you to the view of the Muttrah Souq and the waterfront.
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