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guide on oman forts and oman trekking

guide on oman forts and oman trekking

Rose Mary

04-Jul-2024 comments - 0 | Views - 0

With beautiful scenery and many tourist sites, Oman is in a prime location, which makes Oman holidays the most popular in the Gulf for tourism. The biodiversity and ecological characteristics are exceptional, making it popular with tourists and travelers. It also has a variety of cultural and historical sites, which, on an Oman holiday, make up for thrilling activities. With glimpses of Omani history, tradition, and food, you can be on a desert spree to explore the deserts of Oman. Here's a guide on Oman Forts and Oman Trekking.

On their visit to Oman, travelers have a wide range of choices that they can choose to explore. Mountains extend their dense green heads in the middle of the Omani terrain offering some great opportunities like trekking, hiking, camping, and rock climbing. 

MUST-VISIT FORTS IN OMAN

On the coast, on top of the mountains, in the deserts: anywhere you go in Oman, you're bound to run into one of the many forts and castles of the nation. While some have more local but equally interesting roots, others date to the time of the Portuguese. Each has its own story to tell and is waiting to be discovered by the tourists. Here's a list of some of the most famous forts and castles in Oman:

Fort of Sohar

 Sohar is Oman's third-largest city. The Sohar fort dates back to the end of the 13th century and the beginning of the 14th century. The archaeological excavations of this fort confirmed that it was completed in the 14th century. This fort is a significant historical landmark. The current features of the fort were designed during the rule of the Portuguese. The fort currently includes a museum, opened in 1993, which exhibits many of Sohar City's archaeological and historical features, as well as other locations in the Sultanate of Oman.

Bahla Fort, Nizwa

 In the Sultanate, the Bahla Fort is the largest and was once the seat of the Nabhani dynasty that ruled for more than 500 years in Oman. The oldest parts of the fort are dated by several historians to the 13th century, making it one of the most remarkable examples of medieval Islamic architecture.

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Nizwa Fort

Due to the fact, that it is an impressive example of old Omani architecture that shows the way Omani people used to live in ancient times, Nizwa Fort is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Oman. This fort is unique from other castles due to its cylindrical shape. It has seven wells and many prisons.

Al Hazm Fort

Al Hazm Castle- Al Hazm Castle Al Rustaq, in the Al Batinah region, is one of the most beautiful castles in Oman. Among other Omani forts and castles, the design of Al Hazm castle is unique in the fact that no wood was used for the construction of its ceilings. Al Hazm Castle is a little bit like Nizwa Fort and Jabreen Castle since it is a fortified structure, but also a palace in which the Imam lived. Thus, even though the fort was designed according to defense purposes but it still has various artistic architectural elements. 

Al Rustaq Fort

Next to the city market is the large Al Rustaq Fort, a much older fort dating back to the 13th century and is visible from the surrounding hills. Four tall towers cradle the fort, the tallest being more than 18 meters tall. It also has its own Falaj Water system.  In the Tentative List to be nominated for the UNESCO World Heritage List, both Al Rustaq Fort and Al Hazm Castle are listed.

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OMAN HIKING TOURS

It's a breathtaking experience to get to the top of the world, to climb the mountains, and to live an adventure in nature. Oman offers some of the most adventurous hiking experience that one should have in order to taste challenges and a sense of victory. Hiking in Oman is an experience of a lifetime so here's a list of some of the most amazing Oman hiking tours. 

Jebel Akhdar Hike

One of the most impressive mountains in the Al Hajar Mountains range in the Al Dakhliya region is Jebel Akhdar, which means "Green Mountain" in English. For those interested in a slightly challenging hike through the Omani mountain range, the Village Hiking Tour at Jebel Akhdhar is the one for you. This hike is for the people who are looking for a vigorous and physically demanding hike through the mountains with the sometimes steep trail that narrows down to a thin path giving a sense of thrilling nature.

Jebel Shams Hike

 In northeastern Oman, the Jebel Shams mountain range is located north of Al Hamra city. It is the country's highest mountain and part of the Al Hajar chain of mountains. Some of the best views in Oman will be discovered during this 4-hour trek out and back. You'll be passing through deserted villages and discovering hidden waterfalls. The hike is mild, and narrow at times.

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Wadi Shab Hike

Wadi Shab is just out of Muscat, a beautiful gorge hike with crystal-clear water, secret rock pools, and hidden caves, and spectacular views. This beautiful spot is a 2-hour trail out and back, with an end that you can only enter by swimming the pools. You must cross a small river in order to reach the trail. In small motorboats, there are locals who will take you across in order to guide you.

Salalah Darbat Valley Hike

 This 4-hour tour takes you on a magical journey to the eastern side of Salalah, where one of the Middle East's finest landscapes awaits you. Wadi Darbat, the most famous valley in the Dhofar area, will be your picnic stop. You can see a seasonal waterfall here. There is also a spring here where you can go boating overlooking the Jabal Qara. To see and appreciate nature at its very best, you can trek and climb along the wadi.

Wadi Arbeen Hike

Wadi Al Arbaeen is situated in the Al Sharqiyah region of Oman, about 125 km from Muscat, which also requires 35 minutes of off-road driving to get to the pretty waterfall. One must take a dip in the freshwater pools and enjoy the scenic views once you arrive. You can also have a picnic here besides the trek and enjoy swimming here.

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This was a guide on Oman forts and Oman Trekking but there's a lot more to Oman than just these above-mentioned things. You can also enjoy walking in Oman Markets and the beautiful Mountains in Muscat. Plan your trip according to the places you want to visit and enjoy your vacation in this beautiful country.

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