Oman - Muscat to Sohar

Leaving Muscat behind, we headed north west along the coast towards Sohar. As it's not too far, a detour via Nakhal and Ar Rustaq makes for a very pleasant day's trip.

First stop was Nakhal Fort. A great restoration job and insight into Omani life in years gone by.

Nahkal Fort against the sun.

Nakhal Fort built on a rocky outcrop overlooking the wadi out wash plain.



The living quarters of the fort



One of the high towers which gave a great view for a long way over the countryside.



Shaun The Sheep

 Shaun The Sheep travelled with us and was a little shy about having his photo taken. However this day was so warm and calm that he posed on the battlements of the fort and look, no hands! He obviously got over his fear of heights as there was quite a drop over the side.

Well furnished, comfortable winter sitting room

The residents of the fort retreated to rooms with natural airflow through the low open windows on both sides. Even though it was around 30C outside, inside was much cooler due to the fact that the all windows were open.

Summer sitting room

The difference between summer and winter sitting rooms is that the winter sitting room has heavy shutters which can be closed. Together with very thick walls, life in the fort must have been good no matter what the season.



Shaun The Sheep belted in ready to move on

A few kilometres from the fort is Wadi Ayn A'Thowrah. One of many delightfully cool places in Oman with running water and in this case hot springs. Thursday being the first day of the Omani weekend, there were hundreds there having picnics and loads of fun.

These boys were enjoying the warm waters of the river.

Village on the side of the wadi. A falaj system starts here.

The wadi, almost dry here as it is above the hot spring.

Next stop was the restored fort at Al Hazan. However it was closed for  maintenance, which was probably just as well as we would have missed the subject of the next blog!


Guard at Al Hazan Fort

On the road again towards the coastal road before turning left to head up to Sohar, we called in to Al Rustaq which also has hot springs and a swimming pool. Nothing much to photograph here though.

Before we got to Sohar we had an unexpected stop which deserves its own blog.



Sohar Beach Hotel - last stop before heading back to Abu Dhabi.

Sohar is the main port for Oman and a huge industrial complex. The hotel we stayed at is only an hour from the UAE border near Al Ain so good a weekend away.

Next: An Omani wedding - men only.