Day 01
Nakhal Fortress, Hot Springs, Wadi Bani Awf and Bilad Sayt
- Leave Muscat in the morning and continue towards the famous Nakhal Fortress, which lies at the foothills of the mountains in a nice small village with extensive date palm plantations. This magnificent 350-year-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 with hidden escape routes and secret passages.
- After the fortress, drive through the old village of Nakhal to the hot springs. Here, you will find a beautiful small green wadi. The small river in the wadi has hot spring water where you can bathe your feet. You will see lots of locals here who come to walk in the warm river water. Then continue to Wadi Bani Awf, which offers some of the best off-road driving experiences in Oman, with beautiful scenery and stunning cliffs and canyons throughout. The route connects several villages, including the scenic Bilad Sayt village. It is a stunning village in picturesque surroundings that should be part of anyone's checklist of places to visit when coming to Oman.
- In the afternoon, drive back to Muscat.
