misfat al abriyeen oman mud village of oman

Located at the foothill of a mountain, Misfat Al Abriyeen Oman, a village with about 300-year-old human settlements is the next place in Oman where you can take a trip to!

Overview:

1. Location

2. Where does this village get its name from?

3. Why is traveling to Misfat Al Abriyeen a good choice?

4. What can you experience once you go there?

5. How do you get along with all of this?

6. What is so unique about this village?

7. How do the people here live?

8. How does the plant get water?

9. Is walking really a good experience while going through the village?

10. Are there any places in the village that outsiders are not allowed in?

11. Are there any concrete houses to be seen in this village?

12. Will I be able to meet the people here?

13. Painted doors and gates at Misfat Al Abriyeen

14. Are there any places where you can stay while visiting Misfat Al Abriyeen?

15. When can I visit Misfat Al Abriyeen?

16. FAQs

Location:

This mountainous village is located surrounding wilayat Al Hamra in Al Dakhiyla Governorate at a height of above 1000 m above the sea level. 

Where does this village get its name from?

The Al Abri tribe who came from Misfat Al Abriyeen and Al Hamra had given this name to the village.

Why is traveling to Misfat Al Abriyeen a good choice?

Known for its age-old dwellings, Misfat Al Abriyeen has now become quite a famous tourist attraction. With a lot of options available, you might actually think why is this a good option, well, all the other tourist locations will require you to at least have a guide with you or you’ll need a map to get around the whole discovery. Here in Misfat Al Abriyeen, one thing you can be sure of is that you need neither of them accompanying you while you travel through the village solo. 

What can you experience once you go there?

You can take a look at almost all of nature’s beauty blooming here in this village. With beautiful alleyways, old houses which are built on solid rocks, and an amazing agricultural gallery, this village is totally ready to stun you.

How do you get along with all of this?

You can view all of this scenery from a viewing platform which is not too far from the entrance to the village. There is also a map which you can take a look at which provides information about the historical culture of this village, the different places of interest and some tips for the tourists to get along.

What is so unique about this village?

This village consists of houses made from mud which is also why this village is known as ‘Mud Village of Oman’. They are so unique to take a look at, the house terraces are laid down with palm roofs and the solid rock foundations which have been holding this house for too long is a definite sight to see and touch. 

How do the people here live?

Even though the people here may have AC units and antenna dishes attached to their house ceilings, the people here are pretty much disconnected from the rest of the world. The soil being good for growing plants, the people rely on agriculture as their main source of income. They plant various plants including papayas, mangoes, pomegranates, citrus fruits, and palm trees which is the most commonly seen in this village. 

How does the plant get water?

The plants get water for their growth through the falaj system. The falaj system is a system that has been carved out from the mountain rocks and this system supplies the water from a source of spring which is nearby the village. There is another source of water that flows down the hill proving water to all the plantations and then is sent back up. 

Is walking really good experience while going through the village?

While walking can really get you tired from the heat of the sun and the long routes, this place is definitely one that you need to discover while walking around. When you pass through the place by strolling your way through the gardens you can also tell why this place is called a ‘Mountain Oasis’ as well! You might want to be sure to remember the way through which you are walking, as walking through the alleyways can get you confused. But don’t you worry, there will be flags which denote each track and will help you find your way back as well!

Are there any places in the village that outsiders are not allowed in?

While you can roam around freely anywhere, you might want to follow through the tracks which are laid down to not enter the private places where the tourists are not allowed. You would also want to not enter the ladies’ bathing area which is off-limits for the tourists. Doing this could land you in trouble!

Are there any concrete houses to be seen in this village?

With only mud-built houses in this village, this village is a place that has a totally natural element made houses. There are no concrete houses you can spot in this village, except for the new 2 or 3 houses being built on private lands. The houses here are really old and also show how the stones have managed to remain for decades without much damage to the houses.

Will I be able to meet the people here?

Well, definitely yes! You can take a look at the people living here doing their work or carrying logs of wood or pots of water on their way to home. As these people are really kind and friendly, there are chances you can talk to them as well. One thing you might want to keep in mind will be that you are not allowed to click pictures of the people living here.  Especially not clicking pictures of the women who live here is to be kept in mind. 

Painted doors and gates at Misfat Al Abriyeen:

The painted doors and gates at Misfat Al Abriyeen are a definite sight to enjoy! The colors and designs give you Instagram-friendly pictures as well!

Are there any places where you can stay while visiting Misfat Al Abriyeen?

Running through 3 generations of the family, Misfah Old house is a place you can stay at and enjoy the traditional way of living in Oman! At this place, you get a breakfast room that faces the acres of date trees all standing together. What better view for morning breakfast! You can have short stays here and this place is the only one where you can stay overnight while being in Misfat Al Abriyeen.

When can I visit Misfat Al Abriyeen?

The best thing about Misfat Al Abriyeen is that it is open for 24x7. This is why you need not worry about when to visit Misfat Al Abriyeen. One thing however you need to note is that this place gets pretty crowded during the weekends and hence taking some time out of your weekdays is recommended.

Here’s the ‘living’ mud village at the foot of the hill calling you to enjoy a wonderful time! With a maze of alleyways, this is a place where you might as well want to get lost discovering the wonders and secrets of the village!

FAQs:

1. How far is Misfat Al Abriyeen from Muscat?

Misfat Al Abriyeen is about three hours from Muscat.

2. Is there car parking allowed in the village?

The road which leads to the entrance of the village consists of the car parking area where you can park your vehicles.

3. Do I need to pay a fee for visiting this village?

One thing about visiting this village is that it needs no fee and hence is a place you can discover for free!

4. Are ladies needed to wear burqas while visiting this village?

While the women here are really conservative, the women don’t really need to wear burqas while visiting this village. Just one thing to remember is to dress modestly!

5. Which is the easiest way to get to the village?

Traveling from Nizwa takes only about 1 hour to reach Misfat Al Abriyeen Oman.