New Delhi [India]: If you are done with hitting places around Delhi, then Oman can be your next weekend destination.
If you wish to enjoy the pleasant weather, a unique landscape with a broad selection of outdoor activities during this season, then try for a short escape to Oman, an Arab country on the southeastern coast of the Arabian Peninsula.
Home to some of the largest mountains in the Arabian Peninsula with peaks rising over 3,000 metres, Oman offers the best picturesque postcard villages lay nestled between rock faces, breathtaking canyons with fertile, lush, green orchards bearing almonds, apricots and pomegranates.
The list of activities that Oman offers are practically endless, as it includes excursions on mountain trails, swimming in natural pools, canyoning, climbing, scaling via ferrata routes, mountain biking and caving.
Some of the places which can get you really cool snaps, and are a fun option for Hiking are:
The Hajar Mountains:
The Hajar mountain range stretches 600km from the far north in Musandam to the south of Sur and is the main mountain range in the country, divided into two ranges; the lower ‘Jabal Akhdar’ and the highest ‘Jabal Shams’.
It is the largest mountainous region in the Sultanate and offers many outdoor activities for people of all ages.
Jabal Shams, the Arabic name meaning “Mountain of Sun”, has been given this name as it is the first peak to feel the ray of sunshine each day.
It is the highest point in the Sultanate at 3,075 metres and is one of the most beautiful locations in the country.
Jabal Akhdar is considered to be the highlight to the region due to its terraced agricultural land on steep mountain slopes.
You can spend numerous days in total freedom on its countless walking paths, exploring spellbinding spots and photographing the striking landscape.
Perched 2,000 metres above sea level in the Al Hajar Mountains, staying at the stone-faced hotel Alila Jabal Akhdar or Anantara’s Al Jabal Al Akhdar resort is a haven for adventure travellers, nature lovers and those seeking a retreat from the desert heat.
Other regions to explore:
Musandam
The Musandam peninsula is an enclave of Oman, which is separated from the rest of the United Arab Emirates.
It is the northernmost part of the country and is known for its “Arabian fjords”. Tall cliffs plunge down into the sea, creating marvelous views and also the wadis offer good hiking experience.
Dhofar
Standing at approx 800 metres above sea level, the southern area of the Sultanate is blessed with a Khareef (rainy) season. Salalah wears a green blanket all over itself during the months of June – August. The summer monsoon known as the Khareef means that there is a splendid contrast between the region and the rest of the country during summers that usually sees temperatures rise over 40 degrees Celsius.
One can imagine the magnificence of this province when most parts of the Arabian Peninsula witness a rise in temperatures of up to 45 degrees Celsius in summer. But, in Salalah, the capital of Dhofar that lies 1,040 kilometres away from Muscat, temperatures never rise above 27 degrees Celsius. The region also offers golden beaches, azure waters and opportunities to scuba dive, snorkel, sail, jet ski among many others.
Masirah Island – kiters and windsurfers paradise
The island of Masirah located in South-East region of Oman is a real tranquil haven of calm with a gentle Indian Ocean sea breeze blowing through it. It is Oman’s largest island with 12,000 inhabitants, breathtaking beaches, flat water and waves.
Masirah island is popular among the kite surfing enthusiasts and best time to visit this place is between May- September due to the area’s outstanding winds.
While the mainland of Oman heats up to 55 degrees during this time of the year, monsoons in Masirah island keeps the temperatures pleasant between 24 and 38 degrees.
The natural environment is unspoilt; and you can see flamingos and loggerhead sea turtles side by side.
One of the must visit attractions in Oman is the turtle beach at Ras al Jinz for Turtle watching, where you must stay up late in the night or rise up early morning to see these magnificent Turtles- build their nests and lay their eggs before heading back out to sea.
Located at the headland of the Arabian Peninsula, Ras al Jinz houses one of the largest nesting areas for Green Turtles in the Indian Ocean. (ANI)