Jabal Akhdar: Oman's Green Mountain, the Saiq Plateau and Diana's Point

What is Jabal Akhdar?

Jabal Akhdar means "Green Mountain" in Arabic. It is part of the Hajar Mountains in northern Oman, and its main attraction is the Saiq Plateau, at around 2,000 metres. The greenery is mostly found on the terraces of a handful of villages, where farmers grow fruit such as pomegranates and, in spring, roses. The air is noticeably cooler than in Muscat for much of the year.

How to get to Jabal Akhdar from Muscat

Allow roughly 2 to 2.5 hours by car from Muscat, or about an hour from Nizwa. The road up to the plateau is paved, but it is steep with sharp bends, and a police checkpoint near the base only lets 4x4 vehicles through. If you do not have a suitable vehicle, travel with a driver or a guided trip. Do not plan on a regular saloon car.

What to see on the plateau

• Diana's Point: a viewpoint over the terraces and canyon, named after Princess Diana's visit to Oman in 1986
• The terraced villages of Al Ayn, Al Aqr and Ash Shirayjah, linked by walking trails through orchards and stone houses
• Wadi Bani Habib: an abandoned village on the mountainside that you can visit from the plateau
• The rose terraces: in spring, when the roses are in bloom

Day trip or overnight stay?

A day trip from Muscat is possible, but the drive takes up much of the day. Staying a night lets you see the plateau at sunset and sunrise, walk the village trails without rushing and enjoy the cooler air. It also pairs well with Nizwa and its fort and souq, which are at the foot of the mountain.

Best time to visit

October to April is the most comfortable period for walking in Oman, and the plateau is cooler than the coast all year. Bring a warm layer for evenings, which can be chilly at altitude. Check the weather before you go: mountain roads and viewpoints are best in clear conditions. See our best time to visit Oman guide.

What to bring

• Comfortable shoes for village trails and uneven paths
• A warm layer for evenings and early mornings
• Water, sun protection and a camera
• Modest clothing when walking through the villages

Visit Jabal Akhdar with Wadi Escape

A night on Jabal Akhdar is part of our Desert & Mountains Adventure, and the mountain is also in our Ultimate Oman Experience. We handle the 4x4 transfer and can add it to any custom trip. Not sure how many days you need? Read how many days to spend in Oman.