Two Days Tour to Ibra, Wadi Bani Khalid, Desert and Al Mudhayrib

Day 1:

09:00 Depart Muscat for Al Minzifah in the city of Ibra. Al Minzifah, mostly off the touristic path, shows visitors a glimpse of a wealthy period during which the town’s rich businessmen built magnificent mudbrick mansions. We drive to our next stop in Badiyah for lunch, then continue to Wadi Bani Khalid, one of the largest wadis in Oman. Nestled deep into the mountains, it is a true oasis. Water cascades down the gorge, forming cool blue-green pools fed by underground streams flowing within the surrounding limestone hills. Perennial flowing streams of spring water carried in falaj (man-made channels) cling precariously to the rugged terrain and support villages in the area. Enjoy a swim. Proceed to Wahibah Sands (Al Sharqiyah Sands) – a typical example of a “sand sea.” This desert is magnificent with its rolling dunes, shifting sands, and changing colors. This used to be the home of traditional Bedouins, but you can still find some of them and definitely pass by their homes and look at their camels. A stop on the top of sand dunes to enjoy the sunset before our departure to the Sama Al Wasil Desert Camp for dinner and overnight. Local music.

Day 2:

09:00 After breakfast, visit Al Mudhayrib. Our guide will explain how the Omanis used to live in the past. You will see strong evidence of the past history. Surrounding hills with watchtowers, fine old buildings with beautiful carved doors and arches remain. Our guide will talk about the traditional irrigation systems of Oman, ancient water channels from 500 AD located in the regions of Dakhiliyah, Sharqiyah, and Batinah. However, they represent a type of irrigation system as old as 5,000 years in the region named as Qanat or Kariz as originally named in Persia and show you one example of it in Al Mudhayrib. Then, a short walk to visit one of the summer houses.

Lunch (Omani cuisine).

Back to the desert and a visit to a camp where Bedouins raise racing camels and hear the guide’s explanation, then see the daily fitness and training of camels in preparation for the race. Dinner in the house of one of the Bedouin families, then back to the desert camp for overnight.

Document 3: One Day Tour to Barka Fish Market, Nakhal, Rustaq, and Al Hazim A Day Tour to Barka Fish Market, Nakhal, Rustaq, and Al Hazim Castle
(8-9 hour tour)

08:30: Depart the hotel. Nakhal is a typical Omani village. It lies at the foothills of the mountains near an abundant source of water which irrigates extensive date palm plantations. Your tour begins by driving along the magnificent Batinah coastline. You will stop and visit the local fish souq and the historical Barka souq. Proceeding to Nakhal, you will see the Oasis of Nakhal, visit the 17th-century fort, and enjoy the invigorating waters of Al Thowarah Hot Springs. Your tour will then continue to the township of Rustaq, complete with a visit to Al Hazm Fort before returning to Muscat. Picnic lunch and light refreshments included.

Rustaq is a town in the Western Hajar Mountains, once the capital of Oman during the era of Imam Nasir bin Murshid al Ya’arubi. Rustaq Fort, built four centuries prior to the 7th century CE, is an imposing structure built on three levels containing separate houses, an armory, a mosque, and four towers. The tallest tower stands over 18.5 meters (61 ft) high and has a diameter of 6 meters (20 ft).

Rustaq is an area of healing warm springs, the most notable being ‘Ain al-Kasafa. Its waters run at 45 °C (113 °F) and are regarded as a cure for rheumatism and skin diseases due to its sulfur content.

There are two popular wadis to visit: Wadi Al Sahtan and Wadi Bani Auf. In addition, the mountains are pitted with caves such as Al Sanaqha Cave with its own subterranean springs. One of the main occupations in Rustaq is beekeeping. Pure Omani honey is a most sought-after commodity and is of the highest quality.

The Al Hazm Castle is an outstanding example of Omani Islamic architecture and was built in 1711 AD. The fort’s roof is built on columns and contains no wooden supports. Its walls can withstand great impact, at no less than 3 meters (9.8 ft) thick at any point. End of the tour and back to Muscat.