Jebel Akhdar, Nizwa: Hours, Address, Jebel Akhdar Reviews: 4.5/5
Jebel Akhdar
Jebel Akhdar
4.5
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Monday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Tuesday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Wednesday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Thursday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Friday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Saturday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Sunday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Tours & experiences
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The area
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Best nearby
Restaurants
8 within 3 miles
Al Maisan at Anantara Al Jabal Al Akhdar Resort
187
0.5 mi$$$$ • International • Arabic • Vegetarian Friendly
Bella Vista at Anantara Al Jabal Al Akhdar Resort
166
0.5 mi$$$$ • Italian • Pizza • Mediterranean
Al Qalaa at Anantara Al Jabal Al Akhdar Resort
75
0.5 mi$$$$ • Middle Eastern • Arabic • Vegetarian Friendly
Restaurant Layali Al Jabal
25
0.4 mi$$ - $$$ • Cafe • International • Middle Eastern
Robo'u Alsaab Restaurant
4
0.2 miBritish • Arabic
Aljabal Truck
2
0.3 mi$ • Barbecue • Arabic
Veranda Restaurant
1
1.6 miPizza • International • Asian • Thai
Al Maisan
0.4 mi
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
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4.5
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Excellent
422
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Average
43
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0
Kamila N
94 contributions
Jan 2020
Na příjezdové cestě je policejní kontrola a nevpustí do oblasti jiné než 4WD auto. Turisty si zapisují (SPZ auta a jméno). Cesta nahoru je klikatá ale silnice je v perfektním stavu. Vyjeli jsme na náhorní plošinu, dali si domácí čaj karak a pokračovali do Wadi Bani Habib. Po cestě nahoru i dolů je hodně vyhlídek, na každé je popisek včetně nadmořské výšky.
V místě coffee shopu ukazoval teploměr 15 st.C, chlapcům bylo zjevně hodně zima. My jsme dorazili v kraťasech. Od coffee shopu nastává klesání.
Doporučuji se na toto místo vydat.
Only 4WD cars are allowed to enter the area. Road is in very good condition, many view points along both sides of the road. Relatively cold at coffee shop place, abt. 15degr.C only, tasty kadar tee there.
From this place you drive downhill to Wadi Bani Habib, very nice place with old village.
Restaurant, shop, bakery, petrol station - just 10-15 minutes from Wadi Badi Habib
V místě coffee shopu ukazoval teploměr 15 st.C, chlapcům bylo zjevně hodně zima. My jsme dorazili v kraťasech. Od coffee shopu nastává klesání.
Doporučuji se na toto místo vydat.
Only 4WD cars are allowed to enter the area. Road is in very good condition, many view points along both sides of the road. Relatively cold at coffee shop place, abt. 15degr.C only, tasty kadar tee there.
From this place you drive downhill to Wadi Bani Habib, very nice place with old village.
Restaurant, shop, bakery, petrol station - just 10-15 minutes from Wadi Badi Habib
Written January 3, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Nerina C
Perth10 contributions
May 2021
Travel down the windy road to see the most amazing village, Schmook, that is being restored on the mountainside for guests to stay. We had the privilege of meeting Mohammed) who is restoring the houses) and his cousin Hilal. These two super, young gentlemen used their amazing engineering skills and contacts to fix our car so we could travel back safely. The family also gave us fruits and water for Eid. A very special experience. Travelling around you experience the best of Omani hospitality! Please note you must get permission to enter the village but the views on the drive and across to the village are amazing!
Written June 1, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
MIG007
13 contributions
Feb 2020
We decided to rent a 4x4 and drive oruselves instead of taking a tour, so we didn't learn a whole lot but had a great time nevertheless. The drive up to the top is amazing on its own. I felt we are on a different planet between those huge mountaints. The scenery - until you get to the top - is exactly like that in Star Wars and Mos Eisley. Creepy, yet awesome at the same time - unless you get stuck behind someone who can't drive.
Once at the top you can pick and choose your locations where to take selfies and pictures at an altitude of 2000m+.
We went for lunch in one of the hotels on the edge of what certainly looks like the Rocky Mountains.
I'd recommend to take a walk through some of the villages. They include tunnels under houses and some great terrace farming.
Certainly worth the trip!
Once at the top you can pick and choose your locations where to take selfies and pictures at an altitude of 2000m+.
We went for lunch in one of the hotels on the edge of what certainly looks like the Rocky Mountains.
I'd recommend to take a walk through some of the villages. They include tunnels under houses and some great terrace farming.
Certainly worth the trip!
Written February 18, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
pbhPlymouth
plymouth1,015 contributions
Mar 2020
One of the highlights of my holiday in Oman. Amazing views across the mountain range and canyons. Nature at its best. Slowly being developed as a tourist destination. Some of the access roads require 4×4 vehicles.
Written March 13, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
EmmaB36
Sydney, Australia27 contributions
Dec 2014 • Couples
Before visiting Oman I spent a lot of time reading reviews, blogs and destination guides but still couldn't work out the difference between these three places. This review is to help anyone like me who is struggling to piece it all together.
Jebel Akhdar:
Distance: Only about 40km from Nizwa but steep, windy roads. Takes about 30 mins to get to the check point, then another 20-30 minutes to reach the good view points and villages
Time allowance: recommend 3-5 hours round trip from Nizwa
Rules: There is an official checkpoint before starting the ascent to the mountain - only 4x4 vehicles are allowed beyond that point. There really is no point going just to the checkpoint, the only views worth seeing are past that point. If you don't have a 4x4 you can organise a local tour through your hotel (we did a 4 hour tour for 40 riyals) or hire a 4x4 in Nizwa or Birkat al Mouz
What to see: Mountains, farms, working villages and a hike to an abandoned village. This is distinct from other Omani mountains because of the "terraces" used for agriculture. We went in December and it was quite dry, not the lush green we'd seen in some pictures; but apparently from Feb onwards it becomes more verdant. There are some nice walks you can do between villages, meandering through the terraces and rocky paths. Not physically tiring but difficult if you struggle with rocks and uneven surfaces.
Jebel Shams:
Distance: About 135km or 1.5 hours drive from Nizwa
Time allowance: 4 hours round trip from Nizwa minimum (much more if you want to do the full hike).
Rules: There is no checkpoint, so technically you can take any vehicle up there. However, i would say the road is far more dangerous, steep and windy than the road to Jebel Akhdar and would strongly recommend a 4x4. About 10km of the journey is unpaved, gravelly, sandy road so a low car will get dirty and very likely scratched or even dented from the gravel. Also if you get car sick, take a pill before this journey!
What to see: Mountains, rocky valleys and canyons. There is a walk you can do all the way to an abandoned village which apparently takes 2.5 hours each way. We didnt have enough time so just did an hour round trip of the trail, which was great - wish we had time to do the whole thing. Not a difficult walk as far as we got, some beautiful views on the way. Take layers in December, its really cold at the top although you get hot when walking.
Wadi Ghul:
Distance: on the way to Jebel Shams, about 50 minutes from Nizwa
What to see: Not worth visiting unless en route to jebel shams. I heard it described as the grand canyon of Oman, but to me this is a wrong label - the real canyon views are from the top of jebel shams. Wadi Ghul is a very shallow valley with some farm land at the bottom and an old village on the other side
Both Jebels worth a visit if you have the time (would require a night in Nizwa between the two)
Jebel Akhdar:
Distance: Only about 40km from Nizwa but steep, windy roads. Takes about 30 mins to get to the check point, then another 20-30 minutes to reach the good view points and villages
Time allowance: recommend 3-5 hours round trip from Nizwa
Rules: There is an official checkpoint before starting the ascent to the mountain - only 4x4 vehicles are allowed beyond that point. There really is no point going just to the checkpoint, the only views worth seeing are past that point. If you don't have a 4x4 you can organise a local tour through your hotel (we did a 4 hour tour for 40 riyals) or hire a 4x4 in Nizwa or Birkat al Mouz
What to see: Mountains, farms, working villages and a hike to an abandoned village. This is distinct from other Omani mountains because of the "terraces" used for agriculture. We went in December and it was quite dry, not the lush green we'd seen in some pictures; but apparently from Feb onwards it becomes more verdant. There are some nice walks you can do between villages, meandering through the terraces and rocky paths. Not physically tiring but difficult if you struggle with rocks and uneven surfaces.
Jebel Shams:
Distance: About 135km or 1.5 hours drive from Nizwa
Time allowance: 4 hours round trip from Nizwa minimum (much more if you want to do the full hike).
Rules: There is no checkpoint, so technically you can take any vehicle up there. However, i would say the road is far more dangerous, steep and windy than the road to Jebel Akhdar and would strongly recommend a 4x4. About 10km of the journey is unpaved, gravelly, sandy road so a low car will get dirty and very likely scratched or even dented from the gravel. Also if you get car sick, take a pill before this journey!
What to see: Mountains, rocky valleys and canyons. There is a walk you can do all the way to an abandoned village which apparently takes 2.5 hours each way. We didnt have enough time so just did an hour round trip of the trail, which was great - wish we had time to do the whole thing. Not a difficult walk as far as we got, some beautiful views on the way. Take layers in December, its really cold at the top although you get hot when walking.
Wadi Ghul:
Distance: on the way to Jebel Shams, about 50 minutes from Nizwa
What to see: Not worth visiting unless en route to jebel shams. I heard it described as the grand canyon of Oman, but to me this is a wrong label - the real canyon views are from the top of jebel shams. Wadi Ghul is a very shallow valley with some farm land at the bottom and an old village on the other side
Both Jebels worth a visit if you have the time (would require a night in Nizwa between the two)
Written January 2, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
xgary
Manchester, UK13 contributions
Jul 2012 • Couples
I live in Oman and have been up Jebel Akhdar on a good number of occasions - it is 10+ centigrade cooler than Muscat and a good place to escape the powerful Omani summer. The mountain consists of a substantial high plateau (100s of square km) at about 2000m, with a series of peaks surrounding it rising to about 2800m and numerous spectacular wadis. It's worth spending at least a day up exploring the plateau; if you want 5* hotels your only option is the Golden Tulip Nizwa and driving up the mountain from there (2 hours from that hotel up to the plateau). I don't see any worthwhile day trip to Jebel Akhdar from Muscat because it's 2 hours from Muscat to the base of the climb up the mountain, and hour to the top and night driving is not a great option in Oman in general outside a few big towns (or even in them...).
The hotels up the mountain are OK but nothing exceptional, and camping is a very safe option as long as you are sensible. There's very little by way of western creature comforts up the mountain so stock up in the Lulu hypermarket in Nizwa before making the climb if you need to take those with you... remember you are at 8000ft up a mountain not far from the euqator so make sure a hat and / or sunblock is on the list. Omanis however assure me it does snow up there once every five or so years!!
A 4WD is not optional - the guys at the security services checkpoint before the main climb won't let you up without one! The drive should not however be dramatised - the main route up the mountain is of extremely high quality and you could drive up it in almost anything bigger than a 2CV; however many of the roads going down into the wadis from the plateau or up to the various peaks climbing off of it are fairly hair raising and even if you could you would be be foolish to think about driving them in a saloon. However if you have a strange desire to risk your life or invalidate your hire car insurance you can go and do this in a large number of other places in Oman - there are no such vehicle checks anywhere else.
Hire a 4WD if you aren't lucky enough to live here, buy a copy of the Oman Off Road Explorer (it has a detailed map of the routes on top of the mountain), get a GPS which allows you to input coordinates, and you won't look back - this is the best way to appreciate this spectacular area.
Al-Hoota caves, Nizwa and Al-Hamra are in the immediate vicinity and all worth visiting.
The hotels up the mountain are OK but nothing exceptional, and camping is a very safe option as long as you are sensible. There's very little by way of western creature comforts up the mountain so stock up in the Lulu hypermarket in Nizwa before making the climb if you need to take those with you... remember you are at 8000ft up a mountain not far from the euqator so make sure a hat and / or sunblock is on the list. Omanis however assure me it does snow up there once every five or so years!!
A 4WD is not optional - the guys at the security services checkpoint before the main climb won't let you up without one! The drive should not however be dramatised - the main route up the mountain is of extremely high quality and you could drive up it in almost anything bigger than a 2CV; however many of the roads going down into the wadis from the plateau or up to the various peaks climbing off of it are fairly hair raising and even if you could you would be be foolish to think about driving them in a saloon. However if you have a strange desire to risk your life or invalidate your hire car insurance you can go and do this in a large number of other places in Oman - there are no such vehicle checks anywhere else.
Hire a 4WD if you aren't lucky enough to live here, buy a copy of the Oman Off Road Explorer (it has a detailed map of the routes on top of the mountain), get a GPS which allows you to input coordinates, and you won't look back - this is the best way to appreciate this spectacular area.
Al-Hoota caves, Nizwa and Al-Hamra are in the immediate vicinity and all worth visiting.
Written November 17, 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Rajkumar Rajasekaran
Muscat, Oman1 contribution
Aug 2019
There are numerous reviews across travel forums which indicate that a 4 Wheel Drive (4WD) is mandatory for driving to Jabal Akhdar. Before our trip, I could not find any inputs if an All-Wheel Drive (AWD), in my case a Mazda CX-5, would be permitted to climb the hill.
Inquiry with local friends had mixed responses - some assured that ROP would allow our vehicle; whereas, few others noted that it will be a pure case of luck if our vehicle was allowed. We went with a sense of uncertainty, and we were just lucky enough to be permitted by ROP to proceed in our own AWD to Jabal Akhdar.
The police personnel at the entry checkpoint enquired a couple of questions like
• Is your vehicle 4WD?
• Is this your first trip or have you come before?
We answered positively to their questions and noted that our vehicle is 4WD. Nothing much then. The police personnel advised us to engage low gear, not to use the brakes too much & to drive down slowly (approx. 40 kmph) while coming downhill. They made an additional check if the number of passengers in the vehicle is as per the seating capacity shown in Mulkiya. If the Mulkiya indicates a seating capacity of 5, make sure that there are only 5 members (including kids) in the vehicle.
Upon reaching Jabal Akhdar, we found quite a good number of AWDs roaming there. So in my opinion, it is not just a luck factor, but indeed AWD vehicles are permitted in Jabal Akhdar.
I am attaching here a photo of our Mazda CX-5 transmission gear knob, which could be useful in confirming if your AWD vehicle too would be permitted up.
There was a brief check/instructions from ROP just before starting our descent downhill; and the instructions were the same as above. So if you own an AWD, don’t be confused (like I was confused prior to our trip), to take your vehicle to Jabal Akhdar. Drive safe and Enjoy!!
Inquiry with local friends had mixed responses - some assured that ROP would allow our vehicle; whereas, few others noted that it will be a pure case of luck if our vehicle was allowed. We went with a sense of uncertainty, and we were just lucky enough to be permitted by ROP to proceed in our own AWD to Jabal Akhdar.
The police personnel at the entry checkpoint enquired a couple of questions like
• Is your vehicle 4WD?
• Is this your first trip or have you come before?
We answered positively to their questions and noted that our vehicle is 4WD. Nothing much then. The police personnel advised us to engage low gear, not to use the brakes too much & to drive down slowly (approx. 40 kmph) while coming downhill. They made an additional check if the number of passengers in the vehicle is as per the seating capacity shown in Mulkiya. If the Mulkiya indicates a seating capacity of 5, make sure that there are only 5 members (including kids) in the vehicle.
Upon reaching Jabal Akhdar, we found quite a good number of AWDs roaming there. So in my opinion, it is not just a luck factor, but indeed AWD vehicles are permitted in Jabal Akhdar.
I am attaching here a photo of our Mazda CX-5 transmission gear knob, which could be useful in confirming if your AWD vehicle too would be permitted up.
There was a brief check/instructions from ROP just before starting our descent downhill; and the instructions were the same as above. So if you own an AWD, don’t be confused (like I was confused prior to our trip), to take your vehicle to Jabal Akhdar. Drive safe and Enjoy!!
Written August 16, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Shandubai
Dubai, United Arab Emirates4 contributions
Dec 2013 • Family
Jebel Akhdar - Visited Dec 2013
Before I start, let me clarify that Jebel Akhdar & Jebel Shams are two different places, since some mistake both these places being one or very near even though it is not so. Jebel Shams is at a much higher altitude ( I couldn’t visit Jebel Shams this time due to time constraints ) and is a bit far away from Akhdar
My intention was to visit Jebel Shams and I landed up in Jebel Akhdar due to the above said confusion. Guess it would have been a better experience if visited during the right season
Still you have great views, can get some good photographs. Would be great for the first timers on mountains for sure.
However, each new place has its own story to tell. We visited in Dec 2013 but some advised the best time for a visit as June/July ??? during which all over it would be greenery & you can see fruits in all trees. Spotted a couple of Villages on the top. Would have enjoyed probably if during the right time.
Tips :
1) 4WD Mandatory & only 5 allowed in one car. A checkpoint below the mountains so you will not be able to get thru in a saloon car through the route which we went ( If you thought so… ) Not sure if there is an alternative….. even did not spot any saloon cars at the top...
2) 4 WD’s available on Rent below the mountain, towards the entrance of Jebel Akhdar - would be cheaper if rented from there itself. ( we crossed the spot & reached the chekpoint hence we could negotiate the only 4x4 found ( with driver) for 27 OMR from 35 OMR .. Not sure whether we had a good deal since we had no idea about the prevailing rates, since we couldn’t have an alternate option)
Before I start, let me clarify that Jebel Akhdar & Jebel Shams are two different places, since some mistake both these places being one or very near even though it is not so. Jebel Shams is at a much higher altitude ( I couldn’t visit Jebel Shams this time due to time constraints ) and is a bit far away from Akhdar
My intention was to visit Jebel Shams and I landed up in Jebel Akhdar due to the above said confusion. Guess it would have been a better experience if visited during the right season
Still you have great views, can get some good photographs. Would be great for the first timers on mountains for sure.
However, each new place has its own story to tell. We visited in Dec 2013 but some advised the best time for a visit as June/July ??? during which all over it would be greenery & you can see fruits in all trees. Spotted a couple of Villages on the top. Would have enjoyed probably if during the right time.
Tips :
1) 4WD Mandatory & only 5 allowed in one car. A checkpoint below the mountains so you will not be able to get thru in a saloon car through the route which we went ( If you thought so… ) Not sure if there is an alternative….. even did not spot any saloon cars at the top...
2) 4 WD’s available on Rent below the mountain, towards the entrance of Jebel Akhdar - would be cheaper if rented from there itself. ( we crossed the spot & reached the chekpoint hence we could negotiate the only 4x4 found ( with driver) for 27 OMR from 35 OMR .. Not sure whether we had a good deal since we had no idea about the prevailing rates, since we couldn’t have an alternate option)
Written December 26, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Gregory G
Dublin, Ireland29 contributions
Apr 2014 • Friends
The Saiq plateau is blown out of the water by Jebel Shams and the drive through wadi bani awf. Don't waste your time going up there it's all about Jebel Shams
Written April 27, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Nick C
Melbourne, Australia26 contributions
Oct 2013 • Family
This is also referred to as the Oman Grand Canyon by some, there are walking tracks and two or three places you can stay the night in. We prefer camping and in Oman you can just about stop and pitch a tent anywhere you like. But be warned you may think your alone and miles from anyone, then all of a sudden a local will pop by and ask if you want to come back to there house for coffee and snacks. Don't be alarmed this will happen all the time. You can take up their offer or not nobody will get offended. The locals herd their goats all over the place. As for the scenery it is spectacular, worth the long drive up the mountain, you will need a 4x4 so they say but we never took our Wrangler out of 2wd. Also if you camping in the winter months be rugged up as it gets into the negative temperatures at night and even snows up there.
Written August 18, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Swastik M
Dubai, United Arab Emirates49 contributions
I have a reservation at Anantara for Thursday 21st and I will be driving from Dubai. I have a sports sedan (Audi S6) which is quattro all wheel drive. Is there any chance I will be allowed to drive up the mountain once I get to the police checkpoint?
If I am not permitted, can I leave my car at the checkpoint and ask the hotel to pick me up? Is leaving the car a safe option?
Nazmul Hoque S
Oman
Is there any restrictions to visit jabal Akhder now a days??
As there restrictions on some activities...
M A
1 contribution
Not anymore.
Matus G
Michalovce, Slovakia1 contribution
HI!
do you remember how much was to rent a 4w car up that hill??
Hussam Omani Tourist Guide
Muscat, Oman23 contributions
We’re providing tours in any place in Oman, also providing transfer from Muscat hotels or the Airport to Al Jable AlKhdar mountain (Anantara, Alila) or from check point Birkat Al Mouz.
what will the round trip cost of 4WD with driver if i hire from jabel akhdar check point
429heinzh
Heidelberg, Germany57 contributions
We paid 35 OMR ca 350 AED, for a 4WD incl driver from roadblock.
TravelEatRepeat
Düsseldorf, Germany3 contributions
Can you tell me the temperatures (day) expectable in Dec/Jan? Thx
Graham B
Eastbourne, UK244 contributions
I can't be sure but the temperature certainly drops as you go up the hill from Nazwa. We were there in March and it was around 20-22C during the day but drops at night. My guess would be 16-17C during the day and down to zero at night
SamuelManx
Isle of Man, UK157 contributions
Are there safe hikes in the area for children aged 8 and 10? I wish to avoid narrow pathways with sheer drops! Many thanks for your help
PeterGarrett78
Pewsey, UK1,673 contributions
Yes there are some hikes that go through villages that are very pleasant and do not have steep drops but still have excellent views and scenery.
krithikasukumar
Chennai (Madras), India6 contributions
How does one visit the rose distilleries? Do you suggest a tour operator or can we just go there and pop into any distillery we can spot?
wild looks
Ras Al Khaimah, United Arab Emirates86 contributions
No need for tour operator, it’s very small place you will finish it in one or two days
Frequently Asked Questions about Jebel Akhdar
- Jebel Akhdar is open:
- Sun - Sat 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
- We recommend booking Jebel Akhdar tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 26 Jebel Akhdar tours on Tripadvisor
- According to Tripadvisor travelers, these are the best ways to experience Jebel Akhdar:
- Jebal Akhdar And Nizwa Cool And Green (From $208.00)
- Small-Group Day Tour to Jebel Akhdar from Muscat (From $439.00)
- Jebel al Akhdar - Rose Garden/Balad Sayt Village/Diana's Point (From $680.47)
- Day Trip to Nizwa, Jabal Akhdar (Green Mountain) & Birkat Al Moz (From $220.00)
- Tour Malak 6 Days Package (From $2,136.34)
- Hotels near Jebel Akhdar:
- (0.12 mi) Sahab Resort And Spa
- (0.16 mi) Sama Hotel Jabal Al Akhdar Nizwa
- (0.17 mi) Assas al Jabal Apartments
- (0.45 mi) Anantara Al Jabal Al Akhdar Resort
- (0.33 mi) Stone House
- Restaurants near Jebel Akhdar:
- (0.16 mi) Robo'u Alsaab Restaurant
- (0.46 mi) Al Maisan at Anantara Al Jabal Al Akhdar Resort
- (0.48 mi) Bella Vista at Anantara Al Jabal Al Akhdar Resort
- (0.45 mi) Al Qalaa at Anantara Al Jabal Al Akhdar Resort
- (0.37 mi) Restaurant Layali Al Jabal