Going green in Jebel Akhdar (Oman 3/7)

Having fully enjoyed the view of the rocky Canyon of Arabia we went to look for greenery on the nearby mountain. Jebel Akhdar, meaning the Green Mountain, doesn't seem to deserve its name at first sight. The 2000-metre high Saiq plateau is not as green as one would expect; in fact it's mainly rocky, as most of the mountains in Oman. Jebel Akhdar actually owes its name to its numerous rose plantations, orchards and terrace agriculture. 

There are several villages on top of the Saiq plateau, which live as traditional communities. At prayer time, you can see old men heading to the village mosque, and in the afternoon women walk towards the local washing pool with a basket of laundry on the head.
Oh, and as if it wasn't enough, the temperature up there is a perfect 25°C! (about 10 degrees cooler than in the valley)

It's a steep road to ascend the plateau, but on the whole it's a safe drive

Mud houses in the old village of Wadi Bani Habib

Women walking, Saiq plateau

Terrace plantations

Plantations in Al Ayn

Tunnels in the village of Al Ayn

Rose plantations in Al Ayn: rose petals are distilled to produce rosewater, which is traditionally sprinkled  onto the guests' hands

Diana's view in Al Fayadhiyah: the place was named so following the late princess's visit in 1990. 

From there we enjoyed a spectacular view to the mountains, villages and plantations.