(See photos below)
Want some pomegranate at 2,000 meters above sea level? This is the place to go to. I’ve been here at least 3 times and I’m always in awe. There’s just something about mountain villages for me. This one is no exception. Wakan village is an hour and a half drive from Muscat. It’s actually quite easy to get to, although the last 5-10% of the path is unpaved and, well, if you’re afraid of heights, sit in the passenger seat and don’t look out your window.
This village is known for growing pomegranate but I do believe they also grow mangos, grapes and apricots here, and a few other things. This is the perfect village if you want to meander the narrow paths, see what life is like for a fully functioning village situated 2,000 meters high. There’s always someone working on whatever agriculture they’ve got going on. The last time I went, there was a falaj going through the village (a water system, quite popular in Omani villages). This village has everything from trees to plants to water to views to authentic style homes and of course, a restaurant, if you’re into that kinda thing. Now I’m more of a “lets get some snacks on our adventure” kinda guy, cause I get carsick quite a lot if I’m not driving, so a large bottle of water and a chocolate bar does it for me till I get home and feast on a McDonalds, but there are plenty of little stores before you begin your ascent.
Once you get to the top, you’ll be greeted with a viewing platform on your right. It’s great, don’t get me wrong, but what you want to do is actually go IN to the village. That’s where the magic is. I remember the last time I was there, the car behind us stopped at the viewing platform and then went back in there car and drove home, not knowing that you can actually go into the village and be greeted with a plethora of authenticity and views. So please go into the village and just follow the path. It’s a bit of a trek though, so wear some comfortable footwear. Your’e talking 700 steps going up. It’s around 20-30 minutes till you reach the end, but the views you get along the way are just breathtaking.
A few things to note. One, respect the privacy of the villagers. So stick to the dedicated path, don’t be loud, don’t take photos of the villagers unless you ask them and they say yes, and don’t take fruits from the trees. The village relies on these fruits as a source of income. Aside from that, take spare batteries for your camera cause, you’ll be taking quite a few photos.
