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Pomegranate harvest in Oman’s Jabal Al Akhdar (green mountain) means bright pink fruits everywhere. During the season, typically September and October, Jabal Akhdar is transformed into a fruit wonderland sprawled with grapes, lemons, strawberries, raspberries, pears, apricots, plums, peaches, figs, walnuts, almonds and so much more. But it is the pomegranate that stands out among them all. On this weekend we will explore orchards, plantations, springs, and ancient villages in the middle of Omani’s secluded countryside.But that's just the beginning of our exploration of nature and ancient industries. We will also sneak peak on olives harvest with centuries old olive production processes and check the deep wadi farms for their plantations of papayas and limes!
Moored high up in Oman’s central Hajar mountain range, Jabal Al Akhdar is in fact an elevated plateau with peaks ranging from 2000 to 2900 masl. The pomegranate trees here are found in the villages of Wadi Bani Habib, Saiq, Al Sharija, Al Ayeena, Al Aqr, Hail Al Yemen, Al Manakhir, Qutnah, Al Sograh and Al Qasha, and are tended to by local farmers from January to May each year. Irrigated up to seven times until the end of September, the trees are then left alone from November to January to rejuvenate themselves for the coming season. Known for its semi-Mediterranean climate, natural beauty, and hospitable locals, Jabal Al Akhdar is literally an oasis in the deserted landscapes of Oman.
Day 1: Friday – Border crossing
We will leave Dubai around noon time and drive about 5 hours to cross the UAE-Oman border, making our way to a hotel, which will be our base. If we make it on time, we will get awarded with the orange sunset over the mountains.
Day 2: Saturday – Black pools of Maraibis
Today we rise early for a drive to Jebel Al Akhdar in our cars, where we will begin our hike down into the wadi. On this trail we will stop at magnificent natural black pools, shrouded in myths and legends, to freshen up as we make our way to the banana and papaya plantations at bottom of the wadi. Today’s hike will be around 7 – 8 hours and we will spend the night in the hotel.
Day 3: Sunday – Pomegranate & olives harvest hike
This is a lovely hike through the pomegranate and olive orchards and as we go, we will learn about the fruits, how it grows and how it is harvested. Today’s hike will take around 2 hours. And in the afternoon, we will jump back in our cars and head home, passing by yet another secluded villages on our way.
Level: Main hike - Moderate, with elevation gain of 1800mts.
Alternative option available: 2-3 hrs, level easy.
Activities: Trekking, sightseeing, swimming, witnessing ancient Omani harvests.
Duration: Weekend
Accommodation & meals: Hotel double sharing, incl. 2 breakfasts, 1 dinner and 1 packed lunch. Bring your favorite snacks. Single room at extra cost available.
Cost: AED 1300 all inclusive until SEP 22nd.
Transport mode: Carpooling, 4WDs only - take your car and invite others to join. Saloon cars are not allowed to drive up Jebel Akhdar plateau, however shuttle from check point is available at extra cost.
Requirement: Trekking shoes – no shoes no hike! Daypack, hat, sunscreen, sunglasses, camera, water + 2 litres sports electrolytes for both days.
See yah at Jebel Akhdar x
Piotr
whatsapp 050 4848238 / [email protected]
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Event Venue & Nearby Stays
Dubai International Airport, غرفة صلاة متعددة الأديان, مطار دبي الدولي دبي, الإمارات العربية المتحدة,Dubai, United Arab Emirates
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