We Love Oman: Terraced gardens of Wakan Village

Wakan village is a small mountain village with beautiful terraced gardens overlooking the surrounding mountains above and Wadi Mistal below. It is officially part of Wilayat Nakhal in the South Batinah Governorate, although it’s located right on the border with Al Dakhiliyah Governorate through the Hajar mountain range.

A viewing platform is the first sight that greets you as soon as you enter the village. It offers spectacular views of Wadi Mistal and the surrounding mountains. There is also a visitor’s information centre building. From there you can explore this beautiful village by foot. There are a couple of hiking tracks that start at the village, and they are marked by the familiar yellow, green and red flag that mark most hiking tracks in Oman.

There are, however, advisories to follow while getting there. The road into the mountains is narrow and winding, and in places - is unpaved. The steep inclines mean you are definitely going to need a four-wheel drive when you make the journey.

This region enjoys moderate temperatures in summer and low temperatures in winter. Visitors will observe many agricultural terraces supporting fruit trees, including grapes, pomegranates and apricots, as well as some legumes. A trail has been built stretching for 1,100 metres, comprising 700 steps rising to the top of the mountain, surrounded by a protective fence and containing service areas as well as observation towers that look like castles and umbrellas. You’ll also find sitting areas and a rest shelter overlooking the village and its terraces, according to Oman's Ministry of Tourism.