First stop for upcoming ‘Lands of Merchants and Maharajas’ journey

The report further said from Muscat, it’s a mere two-hour drive inland through the Governorate of Al Batinah to Nizwa where yet another world unfolds.

Ryan appreciates this historic town for its imposing 17th-century turreted fort and true local flavour.

At the livestock market, you might be tempted to bid on a cow, goat or sheep.

Browse the souq for silver crafts, copperware, pottery and to stock up on delicacies, from coffee and dates to the traditional sweet, locally known as ‘halwa.’

Moving further from the breezy coast takes you into the lunar-like landscape of the rugged Al Hajar Mountains, where Jebel Shams peak rises nearly 10,000 feet out of the desert. Ryan suggests driving in Land Cruisers or going off-roading for stunning views.

In the Jabal Akhdhar (Green Mountain) locals tend precipitous terraced rose gardens to produce the fragrant rose water for which Oman is also famous.

In the quiet mountain air, you can take in the mellifluous sound of the muezzins’ call to prayer coming from village mosques.

You might hike wadis, the narrow canyons with palm groves and deep pools out of which water flows into the ancient irrigation system called ‘aflaj,’ five of which collectively form another of Oman’s Unesco World Heritage sites.

“In an oasis at the northern base of the mountains, Nakhl and its restored fort museum are surrounded by date palms. Outside the town, Ain Al Thowarah hot springs is just the place for visitors to wrap up their captivating Oman journey with a soak in the therapeutic waters,” the report added. — ONA