Sunday, January 2, 2011

GREEN MOUNTAIN IN OMAN

The Green Mountain



For the handful of enterprising tourists who venture into
the rugged precincts of Al Jabal al Akhdar every weekend,
the Green Mountain — as it is popularly dubbed — offers
discovery, adventure and a fascinating insight into the life
in one of the most inaccessible places in the Sultanate.
All come away with a sense of awe of nature’s primordial
beauty as seen in the soaring peaks and plunging canyons.




Many of the Green Mountain’s plant species are coveted
for their medicinal value — They delight in the romance of
the terraced fruit orchards and rose gardens abuzz with the
giggly banter of mountain belles. And are stirred by the
simplicity and generosity of the mountain folk who, despite
the rigours of daily life in almost hermetic seclusion, exude
good cheer and geniality all around.
This unique destination is within easy access of Muscat.
Driving towards Nizwa, turn right at Birkat al Mauz and
proceed along the graded road signposted Saiq, which is
a key town at the summit of the Green Mountain. Given
the nature of the road, interspersed with steep gradients
and sharp U-bends, visitors are well-advised to use sturdy
4WD vehicles only, with an experienced off-roader at the wheel.

A road permit from the Ministry of Defence is necessary

before venturing up the mountain. This can be arranged
by the Al Jabal Al Akhdar Hotel, the Green Mountain’s
newest landmark, which serves as a superb base for
tourists to sample the many natural delights of the jebels.

Al jabal al Akdhar’s salubrious summertime climate —
reaching a maximum of 26 degrees Centigrade while
the rest of northern Oman sizzles — stems from the
lofty altitude to which the Green Mountain soars.



The Green Mountain comes abloom with a multitude
of roses during AprilReaching a height of about 10,000 feet, the mountain
range is reputed to be the
highest in the entire Arabian-peninsula. In winter, however, temperatures plunge
to 5 degrees minus, sometimes freezing up natural
ponds and attracting seasonal hail.

At these altitudes grow a variety of fruits and nuts

such as peaches, apricots,grapes, apples, pears, plums,
almond, walnut, andnot the least of all,pomegranates—
prized of the Green Mountain’s bounty. Coveted fortheir
nutritive and therapeutic value, the jabal’s produce
commands premium prices — often 2-3 times the value
of commercially grown fruit.

In fact, April marks the start of the flowering season

when each pomegranate tree breaks into blooms of
white or red flowers. Pomegranate trees are a ubiquitous
sight in the jabal’s remote villages and towns. They
grow along mountainous pathways near villages or in
the backyards of homes and government offices.


The Green Mountain’s famed fruit orchards are typically
laid out terrace-style along the slopes of mountains,
which are endowed with natural springs and aflaj. The
most picturesque of these settings are the terraced

gardens of Al Ayn — one of some eight pomegranate-
growing villages clinging perilously to the mountainside at Saiq.

.
The views from Al Ayn, overlooking a landscape of dramatic
peaks, gorges and wadis, are indeed spectacular. On a
clear day, especially after a spell of showers in the area,
one can see parts of the Nizwa plain in the distance.

Water is key to the Green Mountain bounty of fruits and

flowers. A network of channels fed by cool, crystal springs,
nourishes the fruit orchards. The channels follow a
serpentine course all the way down the mountain’s slope,
leading to the terraced gardens at various intervals.
Diana Point — named after the late Lady Diana’s visit
to the Green Mountain — offers perhaps the most
panoramic of views of Al Jabal al Akhdar’s rugged peaks
and precipitous ravines. From this well-known viewing
point, located just 3.3km from the hotel, tourists can
behold nature in all its primitive splendour, as well as
scenic mountain hamlets nestled on the edge of a gorge.
Terraced gardens cascade all the way down to the
floor of the gorge.

For the energetic, a walk along the rim of the gorge

can be an exhilarating experience. Nature buffs,
particularly those with a penchant for geology, will
find in these parts some unique geological treasures,
many among them still awaiting scientific scrutiny.

Camping sites abound in the mountains offering

tranquillity and seclusion. Significantly, the Al Jabal
al Akhdar is home to the ancient juniper tree — now
protected by law — in whose shade a picnic can be
a delightful experience. Indigenous olives, myrtle
and a variety of medicinal plants and shrubs are part
of this interesting natural heritage.



Hi Dears
If Anyone want to visit AL-Jabal AL-Akhdar
and want me to gide him i will be happy to show

him my town.

Khalfan AL-Tobi
95410574

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