Tucked away in the heart of Oman, Jabal Akhdar is a stunning destination bursting with natural beauty. A few years ago, I had the opportunity to explore a remarkable wadi that begins in the village of Al Mheibis and winds its way down to the captivating terraces of Masirat al Shreeqiyeen. It’s truly a special place just waiting to be uncovered, effortlessly combining adventure with the breathtaking charm of nature.
Journey to Jabal Akhdar
We kicked off our adventure early one morning, setting out from Muscat. Having prepared all our canyoning gear—harnesses, descenders, ropes, drills, anchors— the night before, we were eager to hit the road by 6:00 am. The drive to Al Mheibis took us about two and a half hours, guiding us first towards Nizwa before we turned off at Birkat al Mawz to climb into the stunning heights of Jabal Akhdar.
Upon reaching the Sayq Plateau, we made our way towards the village of Al Ruus, passing the Alila hotel along the route. Just before reaching Al Ruus, we took a left turn that led us to our destination, Al Mheibis. I was joined by five friends, all from different countries and spanning three generations, ready to discover the wonders of what I like to call “Amazing Oman.”
The Richness of the Landscape
With the gear, food, and water packed, we set off on a historic trail that locals have used for centuries to reach Masirat al Shreeqiyeen. The path meandered down the valley on the right side of the canyon, revealing breathtaking views of the landscape around us. Along the way, we stumbled across an abandoned hamlet called Al Khtaym, perched on the cliffs, offering a haunting glimpse into the past. On the opposite side of the canyon, we caught a glimpse of yet another deserted village, Sab Mal Homor, adding to the rich history of the area.
After about two hours of walking, we finally spotted the stone houses of Masirat al Shreeqiyeen nestled two hundred metres below. It was here that I first met my friend Musabbah al Awemri, who was tending to his garden some fifteen years ago. That day, I saw him clearing the falaj of gravel and mud, showcasing his dedication to maintaining his family's agricultural practices.
“I will never leave my land here,” he told me with conviction. “I’ll keep caring for my date and lemon trees, just as my father taught me, and I’ll pass that on to my children.” His words stuck with me, a reflection of the deep bond between the Omani people and their land.
Encounters in Masirat al Shreeqiyeen
At one point, we needed to leave the main trail and navigate down into a tributary of the canyon. We used an acacia tree as our anchor to safely abseil down to the canyon floor, the excitement building as we descended. The weather was lovely that day, even in December, with clear skies and pleasant temperatures at around 1,600 metres above sea level.
Once we reached the canyon floor, I faced the challenge of using a drill for the first time to secure a metallic anchor since there weren’t any natural options available for the next drop. The canyon was almost vertical, and after each descent, I diligently set a new anchor for the following drop. Altogether, we abseiled down nine times, with heights ranging from 7 to a thrilling 60 metres.
We didn’t encounter water until just before the last drop, where we were met with a beautiful pool of spring water. To keep our gear dry, I cleverly set up a zip line to slide our backpacks across the pond, ensuring they stayed untouched by the water.
This spring feeds the falaj system below, providing essential water that flows year-round and supports the gardens.
The Thrill of Canyoning
As we descended to the final drop, we found Musabbah waiting for us in a small cave. He was there to water his plot, as it was his turn to access the life-giving falaj water. We took a quick break for a snack in the shade before gearing up for the challenging hike back to our car.
The return journey took about three hours, and by the time we reached our vehicle, we were completely exhausted but filled with immense joy and satisfaction. This experience had offered us more than just adventure; it provided a glimpse into the rich tapestry of life in this extraordinary region.
Reflecting on our trek back, I couldn’t help but appreciate how incredibly rich “Amazing Oman” is, filled with pristine, hidden gems waiting to be explored. It’s up to us to protect these treasures for future generations, ensuring they, too, can enjoy the beautiful culture and landscapes that Oman has to offer.
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