Why Exploring Oman’s Mountain Villages Brings Culture Closer Than Ever

The beautiful country of Oman, officially known as the Sultanate of Oman, is located on the southeastern side of the Arabian Peninsula. Bordering Saudi Arabia, the UAE and Yemen, the country has a lot to offer visitors travelling to see it. One of the highlights of Oman’s vast geography has to be its gorgeous mountains. These gigantic mountains rise like figures relating stories from old end up shaping both the land and the lives of its people around it. The Al Hajar range is probably the most well-known and beautiful of the mountains. The cliffs around Al Hajar are jagged, and the valleys are deep, but the people around still thrive. Here are some reasons why a stay in the Omani mountains feels like a journey into both nature and culture.

The Landscape as a Living Museum

The Al Hajar mountains reveal a new layer of tradition in every contour. Villages atop cliffs show off ingenious architecture, while historic forts and watchtowers remain strong and serve as a reminder of Oman’s past. Hiking here isn’t just about getting from one point to another, it als means moving through a cultural landscape where agriculture, settlement and craftsmanship are still in practice.

A Mountain Getaway

Amid the raw beauty of the Omani highlands, a stay at a resort like Anantara Al Jabal Al Akhdar elevates the mountain experience even more. Whatever resort you choose to call home for the duration of your stay should be able to enhance your journey. Researching your chosen Oman resort before committing is an important key to having an excellent stay. Choosing a resort that is not in tune with your style and needs might be an additional and unnecessary stressor.

Hospitality Rooted in Tradition

Omani hospitality takes on a warmer feel in the highlands. Guests are welcomed in style, with dates and kahwa (fragrant coffee spiced with cardamom) often served alongside halwa (a sweet dish of saffron, rose water and nuts). These meals are more than refreshments; they are rituals that show off the generosity of the host. In mountain hamlets, this kind of welcome is even more special, considering that the pace of life is quite slow.

Nights Beneath Starlit Skies

The absence of city lights in the Omani mountains gifts travellers with some of the clearest night skies in the region. Spending an evening here means being surrounded by absolute silence, occasionally broken only by the sound of wind through the ridges. Whether shared with local families or experienced from a hotel balcony, these star-filled nights offer moments of stillness that linger long after you’ve left the region. These nights are also perfect opportunities to capture gorgeous astrophotography as well.

Adventures That Honour the Land

Exploring the mountains is not simply about enjoying the views alone. The mountains which tie the people and landscape to each other must be experienced and savoured. Treks and hikes through valleys and hills lead to picturesque pools, where clear water reflects the cliffs above. The trails take travellers along paths that pass abandoned villages, cultivated terraces as well as farming communities. You will learn a new story about surviving in these rugged conditions every time you venture on one of these hikes.

Heritage Alive in Craft and Custom

Culture in the Omani mountains is expressed through crafts that last for decades. Pottery, weaving and silverwork are some of the skills that remain integral to daily life up on the mountain. Visitors can witness the local artisans carving various geometric designs into clay or watch families engaged in weaving patterns that have been passed down through generations. Clothing, too, is another aspect that shows off local culture. The men of the villages wear dishdashas with embroidered collars, while women adorn themselves with silver jewellery, which all reflects the local traditions.