Wakan Village

Wakan clings to a slope at around two thousand metres above Wadi Mistal in the western Hajar, a small village whose terraces grow apricot, pomegranate, peach, grape and garlic, watered by a falaj from a spring, and it is known for the blossom: from roughly late February through March the apricot and pomegranate trees flower and the terraces turn white and pink against grey rock, which brings visitors from Muscat at weekends. A staircase of around seven hundred steps runs up through the village and the terraces to a viewpoint and the start of a walking route toward the plateau. The road up is sealed but very steep, and a four-wheel drive is recommended.

What you actually see

• The blossom terraces - apricot and pomegranate in flower in spring.
• The stairway - the seven hundred steps up through the village.
• The falaj - the spring channel feeding the terraces.
• Wadi Mistal below - the valley and the mountains around it.

When to go

Late February to April for the blossom and the fruit that follows; that is also when it is busiest at weekends. October to April generally is comfortable. Summer is hot and the blossom long gone.

Honest expectations

The access road is very steep with tight bends and a capable vehicle is advised. The stairway is a real climb at altitude. The village is inhabited and small; weekend crowds fill it. There are minimal facilities.

Nearby

Nakhal lies north; Wadi Bani Awf is west.