Entering Wadi Mistal is a cinematic experience. As you drive through a narrow mountain gap, the landscape suddenly opens up into a vast, bowl-shaped valley surrounded by towering peaks. This is the Mistal Basin. While the valley floor is arid and rocky, the high-altitude plateaus at the end of the road hide lush, green terraced farms that produce some of Oman’s finest fruits.

Things to Do

The "Steep Drive" Challenge: For those who love driving, the winding, paved road that climbs the mountain face at the end of the wadi is a thrill. It offers hairpin turns and incredible views of the basin below.

Hiking the Ancient Trails: Wadi Mistal is a hiker’s paradise. The famous W24a and W25 trails connect the villages here to the Jebel Akhdar mountain range. These are challenging treks but offer some of the most remote views in the country.

Photography: The contrast between the sun-bleached limestone cliffs and the deep green of the mountain oases is a photographer's dream, especially during the "blue hour."

Explore Agriculture: Wander through the falaj (irrigation) systems. Depending on the season, you’ll see apricots, peaches, grapes, and walnuts growing in the middle of a desert mountain.

Places to See

Wakan Village: The crown jewel of Wadi Mistal. Perched 2,000 meters above sea level, this village features a famous trail of 700 stone steps that leads you through terraced gardens to a viewing platform with a 360-degree mountain panorama.

Al Qura Village: Less visited than Wakan, this village offers a quieter, more authentic look at mountain life and traditional Omani architecture.

The Apricot Blossoms: If you visit in February or March, the terraces are covered in white blossoms, making the mountain look like it’s dusted with snow.

Ghubrat Al Tam: This is the main settlement on the wadi floor where you can see the local lifestyle before the ascent into the clouds begins.

Best Time to Visit

Season: November to March for hiking. If you want to see the fruit harvest, aim for April to June (though it will be much hotter).

Vehicle: A 4WD is highly recommended. While the road to Wakan is mostly paved, it is incredibly steep, and a 4x4 provides the necessary engine braking and traction for a safe descent.

Pro Tips

Respect the Locals: Wakan is a living village. Stay on the marked paths, do not pick the fruit, and dress modestly (shoulders and knees covered).

Supplies: There are limited shops once you enter the wadi. Stock up on water and snacks in Nakhal before you make the turn-off.

Temperature: It is usually 5–10°C cooler at the top of the mountain than in Muscat, so bring a light jacket.

Suggested Full-Day Itinerary

8:00 AM: Depart Muscat and head toward Nakhal.

9:30 AM: Quick stop at Nakhal Fort and the Al Thowarah Hot Springs.

10:30 AM: Enter Wadi Mistal and enjoy the scenic drive across the valley floor.

11:30 AM: Begin the climb to Wakan Village.

12:00 PM: Hike the 700 steps through the terraces. Find a quiet spot for a packed lunch with a view.

2:30 PM: Explore the lower village of Al Qura.

4:00 PM: Start the descent as the shadows grow long over the basin—the best time for landscape photos.