With roses blooming season starting soon, here is the weekend in the wadis full of terrace plantations, springs and ancient villages of Jebel Akhdar. The chance to witness traditional production of rose water in the middle of little known Omani countryside.

From the third week of March until mid-May, about 90 farms in the highlands turn pink. Oman’s Jabal Al-Akhdar (which means the green mountain) whose peaks vary from 2,000 to 3,000 masl are moored high up in the central mountain ranges of Al-Hajar. It is a plethora of color, sheer unadulterated picturesque mountains and a place where fruit orchards and roses flourish.

Throughout the season of rose harvest, pickers rise early to pluck the blossoms just after they open and before the day’s heat evaporates their fragrance and dew. The harvest is collected in a sheet of cloth, packed in a bundle and transported to one of many traditional extraction units set up by villagers. Rose petals are distilled at the traditional mud ovens called “Al-duhjan.” The petals are allowed to simmer gently for about four hours in a vessel called “Al-burmah,” which is covered by another vessel made of copper. As it boils, water flows from the petals into the copper vessel. The old petals are then replaced with fresh petals using a traditional tool. After boiling, the rose water is poured into a large pot known as “Al-karas,” where it remains there for at least 30 days. Then, the rose water is ready to use and is bottled and taken for sale. The majority of the 90 farms are located at Al-Aqr, Wadi Bani Habib and Al-Fiqaine villages. (Arab News)

Let's go!

Day 01 // Friday
We will leave Dubai on Friday and drive abt 5 hrs to a hotel, where we will stay overnight. You can follow us or simply drive directly to hotel.

Day 02 // Saturday // Black Pools of Maraibis
Early morning call, drive to Jebel Akhdar in our cars and start hiking down the wadi on the trail with magnificent pools. If time allows we will descent all the way to the banana and papaya plantations at wadi bottom. There are several legends about the genie in black pools there, be very careful not to meet him when you take a dip inside. Depending where we will reach, its 5-7 hrs hike.

In the afternoon enjoy the sundowners over all shades of orange sunset.
Overnight in the hotel.

Day 03 // Sunday // Rose Plantations Hike (aka W18)
This is a lovely hike through rose plantations to the Omani village called Al Ain (spring in Arabic). We will check on the process of making rose water and sneak into production facilities. The whole hike will take approx 2 hrs, in the afternoon we will hit the road back home, passing by one or two curiosities on the way, if time allows. We should reach back home around 8pm.

Level: Moderate N/A for beginners.
Activities: trekking, sightseeing, encounter of ancient omani culture.
Duration: weekend
Accommodation & meals: hotel dbl sharing, incl. 2 breakfasts, 1 dinner and 1 packed lunch. Bring your fav snacks.

Cost: 1,200 AED all inclusive.

Transport mode: Car pooling, 4WDs only - take your car and invite others to join.

Requirement: trekking shoes – no shoes no hike! daypack, hat, sunscreen, sunglasses, camera, water + 2 ltrs sports electrolytes for both days.

All other details available for RSVPs.

See yah at Jebel Akhdar x

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