NAKHAL FORT - NAKHAL HOTSPRING - BAIT AL GHASAM - WAKAN - RUSTAQ FORT - RUSTAQ HOTSPRING - AL HAZM CASTLE - MUSCAT
ITINERARY:
OVERNIGHT WAKAN
DAY ONE
Depart the hotel after breakfast, approximately 8:30 AM, turn to inland of the famous Nakhal fortress. It lies at the foothills of the mountains in a nice small village which grows extensive date palm plantations. This magnificent 350 years old fortress rises out of the mountain rock, towering high above the ancient village as if still warning would-be attackers of its ominous strength It has witnessed many battles and is packed full of hidden escape routes and secret passages. You can stroll around the inside of this restored fortress and visit all the rooms which have been nicely decorated in the original old style. The view from the top of the fortress over the mountains and green date plantations is outstanding.
After the fortress, we will drive through the old Village of Nakhal to visit Nakhal hot springs, here you will find a beautiful small green Wadi. The small river in the Wadi has hot spring water, in which you can bathe your feet in. You will see lots of locals here, who come to have a walk in the warm river water, then after drive towards to Bait Al Ghasham Museum which is Located in the village of Al Shal’li, in the town of Afi, the museum is a treasure house of archaeological and architectural wonders. The opening ceremony will also include a tour of the exhibition of artisans, exhibition of special artistic photography and the archaeological building constructed at the time of Sayyid Said bin Sultan al Busaidi.
Next we continue drive to Wadi Al Abyad is an easily accessible wadi that can be reached from Muscat in under an hour (depending where you start). The wadi offers its visitors a nice trekking path, some freshwater pools and many plants and palms on both sides of the wadi, making it a nice place for an easy hike or for families, after drive to Wakan Village is located 2000 meter above sea level in the western Hajar Mountains, then drive to the hotel.
Overnight stay at Wakan.
DAY TWO
Depart the hotel after breakfast, approximately 8:30 AM, head up to Rustaq visit Rustaq Fort, which is originally built in the 12th century, Rustaq Fort was reconstructed to its present state in the 16th century when Al Rustaq was the capital of Oman. With three levels and four watch towers, it is one of the largest forts in the Sultanate and open to the public, then continue towards to Rustaq Souk the Old Souq of Al Rustaq is located right next to Al Rustaq Fort but it was also undergoing renovations during our visit. Shoppers can go to the new temporary souq to buy locally made handicrafts, agriculture produce and pure Omani honey.
A popular destination in Al Rustaq is Ain Al kasfa hot water spring, then drive to Al Hazm Castle, one of the most magnificent castles in Oman. It had been under renovation by the Ministry of Tourism for a few years and was recently re-opened to the public with modern electronic guides and exhibits that make a visit to this castle a must-do to anyone coming to Al Rustaq, after head up to Rustaq Hot Spring or they called “Ain Al Kasfah” these hot springs attract visitors who believe the water issuing from under the ground has therapeutic properties. As a result, the unglamorous hammam (public baths) alongside the spring are thronged at weekends with towel-wielding locals. The site may be of some touristic interest for those who have not had the chance to dip fingers in naturally hot water before.
Lastly, we drive back to Muscat.
