Wednesday 27 / November / 2024
With so many of us living in cities around the world, it is easy to forget the simplicity and tranquillity of rustic life offered by villages. The next time you want to forget the hustle and bustle of the city, as well as the heat of the plains, head to Wakan village in Oman, a cosy little hamlet that is located in the shadows of Al Jabal Al Akhdar. Situated 2,000 metres above sea level, Wakan village offers a refreshing splash of greenery in an otherwise brown landscape, and receives plenty of seasonal rainfall through the year.
Its relatively high altitude provides excellent farming opportunities, and is home to an intact Falaj system - the ancient Omani apparatus that delivered water to arid areas through a series of pipes.
According to the Ministry of Tourism, “Wakan village is a small mountain village with beautiful terraced gardens overlooking the surrounding mountains above and Wadi Mistal below. Wakan village 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.
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“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,” added the ministry. “There is also a visitor’s information centre building. From there you can exploring 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.
“150 kilometres separate this village from Muscat. The road leading to the village passes through a number of valleys where the villages can only be reached by a four-wheel-drive vehicle,” said the Ministry of Tourism.
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“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,” added the Ministry.
“The descending Falaj passes from the top of the village towards the agricultural terraces where natural materials were used in building the trail. For lovers of mountain hiking, there is a mountainous trail that connects the village to Al Jabal Al Akhdar.”
