Tucked away in the hills of the Western Hajar Mountains, Wakan is a green patch amidst arid dry rock and mountains. The village, officially part of the Wilayat of Nakhal in the South Batinah Governorate has been welcoming tourists and local travellers alike to its verdant green plantations, picturesque views and a village experience that embodies the rich heritage and culture of Oman.
Situated about 150km away from the capital city of Muscat, a visit to Wakan makes for an ideal day-trip. The route to the destination is scenic, with the mountain ranges dazzling in the sun. To get there, from Barka, take Route 13 all the way through Nakhal, and follow the sign boards. After crossing Nakhal, about 13km down the road, you will find the turn for Wakan. The uphill drive winds through the mountains, and requires a 4WD closer to Wakan as the rocky narrow roads line steep cliffs.
Upon reaching Wakan, the view from the viewing platform is spectacular. In a vast expanse of gorgeous mountains, both big and small, the village stands in stark contrast with its greenery and the falaj. The homes in Wakan, made of mud and stone take you on a journey through history, while the traditions and cultures followed by the locals give one insight into the lives of the village’s inhabitants.
At the entrance of the village, there is a visitor’s information centre and restrooms. Then on, one can explore the village on foot. While there are several hiking tracks marked around the area, there is a 1.1km trail that has been built comprising 700-plus steps to the top of the mountain for ease of exploration. Once you begin ascending the stairs, you will find rest spots and viewing stations at various intervals, allowing stunning views of the beautiful landscapes of Oman. Every view is unique, and the higher you go, the lovelier it gets. Shadows filling the crevices in the jagged-edges mountains; the clouds hanging low, caressing the peaks; the clear blue sky and the fresh, crisp air; and the spectacular greenery of the terrace plantations are simply mesmerising.
The villagers of Wakan practise agriculture and cultivation or fruits like figs, apricots, grapes and pomegranates. The village is self-sufficient and the falaj which runs through helps with the irrigation for the crops. At 2,000m above sea level, the weather in Wakan is pleasant all year round, with it being cool during the summers and chilly during the winters. However, the best time to visit is in March or April, just before the summer season, when the flowers are in full bloom and the trees bear fruit. A truly gorgeous sight at Wakan is the apricot blossom – a beautiful pearly white flower that reminds one of Japan’s cherry blossoms.
So, what are you waiting for? Plan a day trip this weekend with your friends and family in tow to explore the wonders of Wakan…
Things to remember when visiting Wakan:
- The last 2km stretch when arriving at Wakan is narrow and at the edge of a steep cliff. It is best for someone who is experienced and confident in driving in such terrain to take the wheel.
- There aren’t any places which sell snacks or water, or cafes that serve food once in Wakan, so ensure that you carry your own snacks and refreshments for the trip.
- The climb up the hundreds of stairs can be quite tiring. Make sure that you, and those with you, are able to make the climb. Take special care of young children and senior relatives. And carry lots of water to avoid dehydration along the way.
- The trail through Wakan village winds around homes and farms of villagers. Kindly refrain from plucking flowers or fruits from the farms and plantations. Please ensure that you do not disturb their routines, and that you do respect their privacy throughout the trip.
- As we all love how well-maintained the tourist spots are in Oman, it is our duty to avoid littering the place. Kindly carry all garbage, wrappers and juice boxes back with you into the city and dispose them responsibly.