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The traditional mountain town of Misfat Al Abriyeen was built into the hills.

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

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

Last Updated: August 7, 2019 // by Rhonda Albom // 54 Comments

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

The mountain village of Misfat Al Abriyeen is a maze of alleys surrounded by traditional buildings, often tall mud structures built into and around Jebel Akhdar. 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. Jebel Akhdar is part of the al Hajar mountains, Oman’s tallest mountain range. The peak is Jebel Shams, the location of the Oman Grand Canyon.

We visited Misfat Al Abriyeen as part of a private day trip from Muscat that also included Nizwa and the Grand Canyon Oman.

⇒ Check pricing and availability of a Private Tour for four to Misfat Al Abreyeen and Jebel Shams 

The traditional mountain town of Misfat Al Abriyeen was built into the hills.
The mountain village of Misfat Al Abriyeen is actually built into the hills. Life here remains traditional with hard work and simple pleasures. Look closely, and 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.
A classic traditional Omani scene, with the water and oil jars hanging in the window.
A classic Omani scene in this mud village, with the 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 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.”

More Misfat Al Abriyeen images

Stained glass window in Misfat Oman
A stained glass window on one of the Oman homes.
This is our guide Khalfan showing us where and how the old men in the village of Misfat gather each morning.
Irrigaion system in Misfat Al Abriyeen Oman
On the other side of the seating area we discovered the irrigation system. Here Khalfan shows Sarah some dates in the palm trees.
A closer look at the palm dates.
Our guide entering an alleyway in Misfat Oman
Khalfan is entering an alleyway.
Goats in Misfat Al Abriyeen, Oman
I hadn’t seen goats with such long hair before.
Al Hajar mountains are an interesting mix of green palms and desert structures.
Al Hajar mountains are an interesting mix of green palms and desert structures.
Alhambra and its watch tower in Oman
Outside of Misfat, this watchtower overlooks the fishing village of Alhambra.

Al Hoota Cave

One place that we missed was the nearby 2 million years old Al Hoota Cave. It is the Arabian peninsula’s only cave open to the public. Currently, only 5oo metres of the cave are accessible to the public, although the cave is approximately 4.5 kilometres long. There is an underground lake with rare blind fish.

Practical information on visiting Misfat Al Abriyeen

  • There are so many places to visit in Oman. On this long day trip from Muscat, we toured the old souq, fort, and castle of Nizwa before heading into the al Hajar Mountains. We stopped in Jabel Shams (the highest mountain in Oman) to admire the Grand Canyon Oman, then Misfat al Abriyeen. 
  • If I were to repeat this trip, I would stay in Misfat Oman overnight, most likely at the Misfah Old House or the Al Misfah Hospitality Inn.

⇒ Check Pricing and availability on hotels in Misfat: 

→ Misfah Old House 

→ Al Misfah Hospitality Inn 

  • We based ourselves in Muscat at the Tulip Inn and hired guides to take us on day or 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 midrange option in Muscat.

⇒ Check Pricing and availability at Tulip Inn Hotel in Muscat 

  • If you want to splurge, the Shangri-La Resort looked heavenly, as did a few other options.

⇒ Search for other hotels in Muscat at Booking.com

  • 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.

⇒  Check pricing and availability of a Private Tour for four to Misfat Al Abreyeen and Jebel Shams 

Have you travelled to Oman? Have you been to Misfat Al Abriyeen?

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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.

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Photo(Geo)grapher

    May 25, 2017 at 5:46 am

    What picturesque interesting place. Great photos, as always 🙂

    Reply
    • Rhonda Albom

      May 25, 2017 at 9:13 pm

      Thanks.

      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
    • Rhonda Albom

      May 23, 2017 at 5:08 pm

      I was curious about that when I stood there and looked at them.

      Reply
  3. Carol Colborn

    May 21, 2017 at 9:12 pm

    Really looks authentically rocky! What a way to live

    Reply
    • Rhonda Albom

      May 22, 2017 at 8:31 am

      Yes, it is built into the side of a mountain.

      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
    • Rhonda Albom

      May 21, 2017 at 1:37 pm

      Really, it’s no different than anywhere we travel. Everywhere has rules and customary guidelines, like no gum chewing in Singapore, or not topless beaches in certain countries, etc.

      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
    • Rhonda Albom

      May 21, 2017 at 1:35 pm

      They are not my tips, but rather tips that posted at the entrance to the village.

      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
    • Rhonda Albom

      May 21, 2017 at 1:35 pm

      Oman is such a wonderful country. It’s easy to visit and not yet overrun with tourists.

      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
      • Rhonda Albom

        May 20, 2017 at 4:19 pm

        Interesting observation. We found the people we met in Oman to be friendly and welcoming, but we were respectful in 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
    • Rhonda Albom

      May 20, 2017 at 4:17 pm

      It felt like a completely different world, although the guide brought it all together for us.

      Reply
  9. Ruth Daly

    May 19, 2017 at 3:46 am

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

    Reply
    • Rhonda Albom

      May 19, 2017 at 11:03 pm

      Thanks Ruth. We enjoy ourselves.

      Reply
  10. Molly

    May 19, 2017 at 12:30 am

    Love the satellite dish on the roof of those ancient buildings

    Mollyx

    Reply
    • Rhonda Albom

      May 19, 2017 at 11:03 pm

      I was surprised to see it too.

      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! 🙂

    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. 🙂

    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
    • Rhonda Albom

      May 18, 2017 at 9:29 am

      Most of the rules are common sense, but sadly, so many tourists throw out common sense when they step on a plane.

      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
    • Rhonda Albom

      May 18, 2017 at 9:28 am

      The entrance door is a short, so we had stoop down to get in, but once inside we could climb to the top.

      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
    • Rhonda Albom

      May 18, 2017 at 9:27 am

      I am glad that I can bring you somewhere new and different. There are so many places out there to visit, it’s impossible to see them all.

      Reply
  15. Bill

    May 17, 2017 at 6:43 pm

    Nice to see some places remain traditional

    Reply
    • Rhonda Albom

      May 18, 2017 at 9:01 am

      Agree. It is too rare these days.

      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
    • Rhonda Albom

      May 18, 2017 at 9:00 am

      I only had a week, and I want to go back and explore as well.

      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
    • Rhonda Albom

      May 17, 2017 at 2:37 pm

      Thanks Carol. Oman was a wonderful place to be, especially as a photographer.

      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
    • Rhonda Albom

      May 17, 2017 at 2:36 pm

      I think visitors tend to stick too much to the main roads, and the big cities.

      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
    • Rhonda Albom

      May 17, 2017 at 2:34 pm

      You would love Oman, there is so much to photograph.

      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 🙂

    Have a datetastic week Rhonda 🙂

    Reply
    • Rhonda Albom

      May 17, 2017 at 2:33 pm

      Those goats were pretty cool.

      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
    • Rhonda Albom

      May 17, 2017 at 2:32 pm

      I wish people would respect these signs. It was one of the things that really bugged me in Dubai, the lack of respect by expats and foreigners.

      Reply
  22. Comedy Plus

    May 17, 2017 at 2:08 am

    Great photography.

    Have a fabulous day, Rhonda. 🙂

    Reply
    • Rhonda Albom

      May 17, 2017 at 2:31 pm

      Thanks Sandee, I am sure this is not your type of destination.

      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
    • Rhonda Albom

      May 17, 2017 at 2:31 pm

      The survive the way they have for centuries, working the land and letting it feed them.

      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
    • Rhonda Albom

      May 17, 2017 at 2:29 pm

      That is how it felt when we were there.

      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
    • Rhonda Albom

      May 17, 2017 at 2:29 pm

      We were the only non-locals there at the time, so I can only hope people were respectful.

      Reply
  26. Lady Fi

    May 16, 2017 at 10:49 pm

    Gorgeous shots of the village.

    Reply
    • Rhonda Albom

      May 17, 2017 at 2:28 pm

      Thanks Fi, it was a lovely place.

      Reply
  27. Rhonda Albom

    May 16, 2017 at 10:24 pm

    And the houses have been standing for a long time.

    Reply

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Rhonda Albom bio imageCapturing the essence of travel through photography, Albom Adventures inspires young baby boomers to travel New Zealand and the world. Together, Rhonda and Jeff have visted 63 countries on 6 continents.

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