Rose walk in the Jebel Akhdar Mountains, Oman – Three Village Walk with GPS

The scent is there first.

Long before we see the first Damask roses, we can smell them.

The scent wafts through the alleys and along the slopes. The "Three Village Walk" in the Jebel Akhdar Mountains of Oman leads through Al Aqr, Al Ayn, and Ash Shirayjah – small mountain villages built of natural stone, connected by narrow, cobblestone lanes and ancient irrigation canals.

Nestled between the barren, bluish-shimmering Hajar Mountains, the green rose terraces appear like a mirage.

Women in long, elaborately embroidered gowns and matching hijabs, as well as men in the traditional white dishdasha with colorful headdresses, transform the mirage into a scene like something out of 1001 Nights.

Click on the first photo to see it in full size:

Roses as far as the eye can see.

The fragrance of damask roses is intoxicating.

In Oman, people wear traditional clothing but are incredibly open and hospitable.

GPS & Directions

The complete route, including directions and GPS data, can be downloaded from Outdooractive .

Why this hike is special

• 4.5 km circular route

• Approximately 2 hours walking time

• approximately 7,000 Damask roses

• approximately 90 rose gardens , some over 500 years old

• 1,500-year-old Aflaj irrigation system

The rose blossom transforms the otherwise barren high plateau into a sea of color every year between the end of March and the end of April.

Hundreds of locals adorned themselves with roses in their hair and on their clothes and posed for photos while picking roses.

For the actual rose harvest, the blossoms are picked by hand before sunrise to preserve their fragrance and oils.

Tip: You can visit the small distillery on site.

Women in elaborately embroidered robes, men in white dishdasha – the scene looks like something out of 1001 Nights.

Find more blog posts about Oman here

Click on the first photo to see it in full size:

Be sure to visit one of the rose distilleries.

Princess Diana and Charles once had a picnic here.

The locals adorn themselves with colorful garments during harvest time.

Extra tip: Via ferrata with a view into the gorge where Princess Diana once stood

Just a few minutes away lies the spectacular Anantara Al Jabal Al Akhdar Resort, perched on a cliff .

Here you can book a guided via ferrata tour – even without staying in a hotel. I've also included the GPS data on Outdooractive. saved.

Best time to travel

• Rose bloom: End of March to end of April

• Best time for hiking in general: November to March

Overnight stay in Jebel Akhdar

Luxury with a view: Anantara Al Jabal Al Akhdar Resort – spectacular location on a cliff overlooking the rose terraces.

Authentic & family-run: Hanging Terraces – a rustic lodge above the gardens, including breakfast and dinner.

Hiking guide in Oman

Adventure World offers guided multi-day tours and day hikes .

Zahran Al Zakwani has already guided George W. Bush through the mountains of Oman. Bookings via WhatsApp at +968 9660 9575.