Pomegranate harvest in Oman’s Jabal Al Akhdar (green mountain) means bright pink fruits everywhere. During the season, typically September and October, Jabal Akhdar is transformed into a fruit wonderland sprawled with grapes, lemons, strawberries, raspberries, pears, apricots, plums, peaches, figs, walnuts, almonds and so much more. But it is the pomegranate that stands out among them all. On this weekend we will explore orchards, plantations, springs, and ancient villages in the middle of Omani’s secluded countryside.
Moored high up in Oman’s central Hajar mountain range, Jabal Al Akhdar is in fact an elevated plateau with peaks ranging from 2000 to 2900 m. The pomegranate trees here are found in the villages of Wadi Bani Habib, Saiq, Al Sharija, Al Ayeena, Al Aqr, Hail Al Yemen, Al Manakhir, Qutnah, Al Sograh and Al Qasha, and are tendered by local farmers from January to May each year. Irrigated up to seven times until the end of September, the trees are then left alone from November to January to rejuvenate themselves for the coming season. Known for its semi-Mediterranean climate, natural beauty, and hospitable locals, Jabal Al Akhdar is literally an oasis in the deserted landscapes of Oman.
Let's go!
Day 1: Friday – Border crossing
We will leave Dubai around noon time and drive about 5 hours to cross the UAE-Oman border, making our way to a hotel, which will be our base. If we make it on time, we will get awarded with the orange sunset over the mountains. You can start driving at any time, we will meet at the hotel.
Day 2: Saturday – Black pools of Maraibis
Today we rise early for a drive across Jebel Al Akhdar in our cars, to the start point where we begin our hike down into the wadi. On this trail we will stop at magnificent natural black pools, shrouded in myths and legends, to freshen up as we make our way to the banana and papaya plantations at bottom of the wadi. Today’s hike will be around 7 – 8 hours and we will spend the night back in the hotel, under red and purple sunset right from the balcony.
Day 3: Sunday – Pomegranate & olives harvest hike
Today is a lovely hike through the pomegranate and olive orchards and terraces. As we go, we will learn about the fruits cultivation and harvest.
Hike will take around 2 hours, followed by pomegranate harvest.
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 9pm.
Level: Main hike - Moderate, with elevation gain of 1800mts.
Alternative option available: 2-3 hrs, level easy.
Activities: Trekking, sightseeing, swimming, witnessing Omani harvest.
Duration: Weekend
Accommodation & meals: Hotel double sharing, incl. 2 breakfasts, 1 dinner and 1 packed lunch. Bring your favorite snacks. Single room at extra cost available.
Cost: AED 1300 until SEP 01.
Transport mode:
Carpooling, 4WDs only - take your car and invite others to join. Saloon cars are not allowed to drive up Jebel Akhdar plateau, however shuttle from check point is available at extra cost.
Requirement: Trekking shoes – no shoes no hike! Daypack, hat, sunscreen, sunglasses, camera, water + 2 litres sports electrolytes for both days.
Specifically excluded: transportation.
See yah at Jebel Akhdar x
Piotr
Whatsapp 050 4848238
Find all trekkups at linktr.ee/trekkup
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