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Inspiring travel through photography

Home » Travel » Asia and Africa » Middle East » Misfat Al Abriyeen: Discover a Village in Oman’s Hajar Mountains

Misfat Al Abriyeen: Discover a Village in Oman’s Hajar Mountains

Last Updated: February 9, 2023 // by Rhonda Albom // 28 Comments
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The traditional mountain town of Misfat Al Abriyeen was built into the hills.
The traditional mountain town of Misfat Al Abriyeen was built into the hills. Life here remains traditional with hard work and simple pleasures.
The traditional mountain town of Misfat Al Abriyeen was built into the hills. Life here remains traditional with hard work and simple pleasures.

Stepping back in time, we entered Misfat Al Abriyeen, a town literally built into the mountainside. It is one of Oman’s oldest villages. In English, it is the Green Mountain, an obvious name when one looks around this desert only to discover lush date palm and banana groves.

The mountain village of Misfat Al Abriyeen is a maze of alleys surrounded by traditional buildings, often tall mud structures built into and around the mountainside of Jebel Akhdar.

The Omani people here follow a more traditional lifestyle, and we found them to be warm and welcoming.

If you look closely at the image above, you can see the modern additions like the electric wiring, a water tank, cars, and the satellite dish in the upper left of the photo.

Yet, remnants of tradition can be seen everywhere.

Traditional oil and water jugs in the window

According to our guide, one of the most classic Omani scenes in this mud village is water and oil jars hanging in the window of a home.

A classic traditional Omani scene, with the water and oil jars hanging in the window.
Water and oil jars hanging in the window.
Oil and water jars hang in a window in Misfat Oman
A closer look at the oil and water jars, surrounded by modern wiring. Many centuries in one image.

Local customs in Misfat Al Abriyeen

As Misfat increases in popularity amongst Oman tourist attractions, a sign now stands at the village entrance welcoming visitors. It points out the highlights and offers suggestions to make a visit more enjoyable for everybody. “We kindly request you to respect our customs”:

  • Wear unrevealing clothing; cover your upper arms while shorts/skirts should cover your knees.
  • Greet people you meet on the track.
  • Ask before taking photographs of local people.
  • Do not enter private property without an invitation, even if it appears deserted.
  • Keep off the grass and do not help yourself to any fruits or vegetables! This is our livelihood.
  • Respect the privacy of the ‘Ladies Area’ that is clearly marked with ‘No Entry’ signs.
  • Water is valuable! Do not bathe in or pollute surface water streams or falaj as remote communities rely on them for drinking water and irrigation.
  • Accepting hospitality is considered polite. Remove footwear before entering a house, ladies should not offer to shake hands, in traditional homes sit on the floor (oldest first), avoid showing the soles of your feet, offer and accept with your right hand, kawah (coffee) is served in very small portions – accepting three servings is also considered polite.”
Irrigaion system in Misfat Al Abriyeen Oman
Our guide shows us the irrigation system as well as dates in the palm trees.
Misfat Al Abriyeen 39460 3
A closer look at the palm dates.

Touring Misfat Al Abriyeen with a guide

We visited Misfat Al Abriyeen as part of a private day tour from Muscat. It was one of the best choices we made in Oman.

Our guide was fantastic. He was interesting, knowledgeable and flexible. He shared intriguing anecdotes and demonstrated everyday life to us. Plus, he spoke the language, which allowed us to ask so many more questions as well as to communicate more effectively with locals.

Our private tour took us to the Al Hajar Mountains, with a primary visit to Oman’s former capital city, Nizwa where we saw both new and traditional markets, a fort and a castle.

The mountain range is huge, and the areas surrounding various peaks have names. Misfat Al Abriyeen is in the Jebel Akhdar region, an area best known as the growing region of the world’s best pomegranates.

Al Hajar mountains are Oman’s tallest mountain range, and their peak is Jebel Shams. Here we stood in awe overlooking the Omani Grand Canyon. This stunning site is one we may not have found without our private day trip from Muscat.

While we can’t find our guide online, we had a good look at the reviews, and feel comfortable recommending either of these two options.

  • Reserve your private tour to Jebel Shams and Misfah (Misfat Al Abriyeen) here, or
  • Design your own tour with a guide from ToursByLocals
Our guide entering an alleyway in Misfat Oman
Our guide entering an alleyway.
Stained glass window in Misfat Oman
A stained glass window on one of the Oman homes.
where the old men in the village gather in Misfat al Abriyeen, Oman
Our guide shows us where and how the old men in the village gather each morning.

Practical information on visiting Misfat Al Abriyeen

  • If I were to repeat this trip, I would probably try to get a better life experience and stay in Misfat Oman overnight, most likely at the Misfah Old House or the Al Misfah Hospitality Inn.
  • We based ourselves in Muscat at the Tulip Inn and hired guides to take us on day and overnight trips in Oman. We loved the central location and the elegant mix of modern and classic. The Tulip Inn was clean, colourful and had staff that was both friendly and helpful. We recommend it as a mid-range option in Muscat. Reserve your room at Tulip Inn here.
  • However, if you seek the pinnacle of luxury, the Shangri-La Resort looked heavenly. Located right at the water’s edge, it is where I will stay if I ever get back to Muscat. Reserve your room at Shangri-La Resort here.
  • Driving looks comfortable on modern roads with few other vehicles. While we could have done it all on our own, we were glad to have a guide. He offered a historical and local perspective that we would have missed. Plus, I am not sure how we would have faired in the flash floods without a guide.

Save on your trip with these resources

We use these aggregator companies to save time and money. They do the work for us by providing a list of options, prices, and reviews for anywhere we are travelling worldwide. Plus, we have personally had positive customer service experiences with all of them: 

  • Flights: we use Expedia for the best and cheapest flight options.
  • Hotels: we use Booking.com as they consistently return the best rates and their reviews are from actual guests. However, for self-contained lodging, use VRBO
  • Cars: we use RentalCars to find the best deals and dealer ratings.
  • Private guides: we often hire private guides from Tours by Locals
  • Travel Insurance: we start at InsureMyTrip as they are the best option to compare plans and find the right coverage for you.

Before you book the rest of your trip: Check out our travel resources page for more companies that we use when you travel.

We believe this list to be the best in each category. You can’t go wrong using them on your trip too.

Save for later

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The traditional mountain town of Misfat Al Abriyeen was built into the hills. Life here remains traditional with hard work and simple pleasures.

Have you been to Misfat Al Abriyeen or anywhere in Oman?

More of our adventures in the Middle East …

Desert flood water with cars stuck in the flood

Desert Flood – A Freak Storm in Oman as Flash Flood Water Fills our Road

A front shot of the Qasr Al Watan Palace, a must see on an Abu Dhabi day trip

Abu Dhabi Day Trip from Dubai – Planning Tips to See the Highlights

A bridge over the motorway leading from the airport after we finishing the drama of entering Oman

Entering Oman – An Amusing Delay at Immigration

Courtyard and minaret at the Grand Mosque of Muscat Oman

Places to Visit in Muscat, the Vibrant Capital of Oman

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Category: Middle EastTag: Ancient City, Islamic Architecture, Oman

About Rhonda Albom

Capturing the essence of travel through photography, Rhonda Albom is the primary author and photographer at Albom Adventures. She is an American expat based in New Zealand. She travels the world with her husband.

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Photo(Geo)grapher

    May 25, 2017 at 5:46 am

    What picturesque interesting place. Great photos, as always ๐Ÿ™‚

    Reply
  2. Jessica

    May 22, 2017 at 11:22 am

    Never been to Oman but really enjoyed your post. Makes me curious to know how they built the homes into the mountains. Thanks also for sharing practical tips on how to make the trip more enjoyable.

    Reply
  3. Carol Colborn

    May 21, 2017 at 9:12 pm

    Really looks authentically rocky! What a way to live

    Reply
  4. Natalie

    May 21, 2017 at 8:21 am

    While some of the rules make sense (not photographing someone without asking), I’d live in constant fear of committing a faux pas – like offering to shake hands or accidentally showing an unacceptable body part. It would sadly give me a lot of anxiety. The pictures are beautiful, though!

    Reply
  5. Wanderlust Wayfarer

    May 21, 2017 at 7:30 am

    I haven’t spent much time in this part of the world, but it’s definitely on my bucket list. Your tips for being respectful of the local culture and customs are in valuable–such great insight.

    Reply
  6. Edith & Juan

    May 21, 2017 at 3:03 am

    About a year ago I had never heard of Oman until a friend of mine visited. Since then, it spiked my interest and so does your post. Loving all your pictures too!

    Reply
  7. Lexa Cain

    May 20, 2017 at 9:56 am

    This could be Egypt. There are very old villages plus oases with palm plantations. However no water is hung out the windows and I think the people are more sophisticated and welcoming of tourists than in Oman. Thanks for the unusual pics!

    Reply
    • Lexa Cain

      May 20, 2017 at 10:01 am

      By “welcoming” I meant Egyptians don’t have so many rules, unless you’re heading to a mosque. Having been colonized twice (France and England), and knowing the tourists bring in a healthy part of the nation’s GDP, they’re more accepting of foreign ways, manners, and dress.

      Reply
  8. shere

    May 20, 2017 at 8:42 am

    it looks lika a completely different world!! I think a guide is really a good point as he can show you a lot about his culture.

    Reply
  9. Ruth Daly

    May 19, 2017 at 3:46 am

    You go to such interesting places, and your photos captured everything beautifully.

    Reply
  10. Molly

    May 19, 2017 at 12:30 am

    Love the satellite dish on the roof of those ancient buildings

    Mollyx

    Reply
  11. Mandy

    May 18, 2017 at 5:07 am

    40,000 images?!? I hope you have all of those images backed up. It would be sickening to lose them! ๐Ÿ™‚

    Anyway, great intro to Misfat Al Abriyeen. Wonder if anything has changed since 2012? I feel like a lot of places have changed in the past few years. Not every place, but many. Having visited, what do you think?

    Thanks for sharing. ๐Ÿ™‚

    Mandy

    Reply
    • Rhonda Albom

      May 18, 2017 at 9:31 am

      I have multiple backups, and one is kept off site. I also have a procedure, where I download and backup every night when we travel. As for Misfat, I hope it hasn’t changed too much.

      Reply
  12. Kathe W.

    May 18, 2017 at 4:39 am

    my goodness- the wires are like random spider webs. And most of the posted rules are common sense….while others are more cultural-
    lovely photos.

    Reply
  13. indah nuria

    May 18, 2017 at 2:39 am

    Such an interesting place to visit, Rhonda..I haven’t visited this part of the world. The watching tower looks great..

    Reply
  14. Hilary Melton-Butcher

    May 17, 2017 at 6:51 pm

    Hi Rhonda – what a wonderful place to visit – history at a go … I’d love to see the area … sadly probably not, but I can be here when you show us your wonderful photos … lovely – cheers Hilary

    Reply
  15. Bill

    May 17, 2017 at 6:43 pm

    Nice to see some places remain traditional

    Reply
  16. Jackie Smith

    May 17, 2017 at 4:11 pm

    We have had but a one day stop on a cruise to Oman and that taste has left a lasting memory and desire to return and explore far more! Great post.

    Reply
  17. artmusedog and carol

    May 17, 2017 at 9:20 am

    What wonderful photography of Oman ~ lovely textures, colors and composition ~ my fav is the goats ~ so cute the little one following Mama

    Happy Week to you ~ ^_^

    Reply
  18. Lydia C. Lee

    May 17, 2017 at 8:48 am

    You really don’t see much about the little villages. Very interesting. Love the photo with Sarah.

    Reply
  19. Noel

    May 17, 2017 at 4:13 am

    I love this, looks amazing considering that it is a real authentic spot in the Middle East

    Reply
  20. stevebethere

    May 17, 2017 at 3:46 am

    What a nice place I like the buildings, That’s a nice photo with Sarah, I have never seen goats with long hair like that either ๐Ÿ™‚

    Have a datetastic week Rhonda ๐Ÿ™‚

    Reply
  21. Teresa Kindred

    May 17, 2017 at 3:39 am

    I wish every town and event had a manners sign posted…..thinking about my post about cell phone etiquette. Great photos as always!

    Reply
  22. Comedy Plus

    May 17, 2017 at 2:08 am

    Great photography.

    Have a fabulous day, Rhonda. ๐Ÿ™‚

    Reply
  23. Paul F. Pietrangelo

    May 17, 2017 at 1:39 am

    I don’t think I would like to go to this place. Just looking at your photos, I wonder how the people of the area can servive ? I guess seeing these photos make me realize how lucky I am in Canada. Thanks Rhonda. See ya.

    Cruisin Paul

    Reply
  24. Carol

    May 16, 2017 at 11:45 pm

    It looks so ancient; it makes me feel like you went back in time. I love your amazing adventures.

    Reply
  25. Alex J. Cavanaugh

    May 16, 2017 at 11:20 pm

    It is odd to see the lines for electricity over such simple old buildings.
    Hopefully everyone who enters is respectful.

    Reply
  26. Lady Fi

    May 16, 2017 at 10:49 pm

    Gorgeous shots of the village.

    Reply

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