There are barely six families residing in this mountainous village, situated approximately 1,500 meters above sea level. The 4-kilometer road leading to it is a narrow, rocky path, the journey along which is truly breathtaking. Nighttime temperatures here plummet to as low as 7 degrees Celsius these days, surrounded by crops ranging from pomegranates to grapes, and from backyard vegetables to commercial crops, which sustain these families.
Potable water for all six families is stored in large tanks filled by tanker trucks. Their provision shopping is limited to once a week.
Wakan and Hadash villages are two of the settlements nestled in the Western Hajar mountain ranges, overlooking the barren landscape near Wadi Mistal, and are part of Wilayt Nakhal in the South Al Batinah Governorate. Wakan Village gained attention some four years ago when it experienced snowfall, hailstorms, lush greenery, and drizzles, making it an ideal destination for a weekend getaway, as did Hadash village.
Hadash village is increasingly becoming a popular destination for tourists looking to explore this beautiful region of Oman, with its picturesque terraced farms, breathtaking views, and mild climate.
Salem Mansoor al Hadhrami, who operates the only guest house, Hadash Guest House, under the Ministry of Tourism, a renovated version of a heritage home from their ancestral home, recalls the sight of snow-capped mountains.
"Hundreds of visitors flocked to the mountains of Wakan and Hadash villages, delighted to witness this rare phenomenon in the desert. The maximum temperature here is 30 degrees, while other areas report 49 or 50 degrees, and the minimum sometimes dips below zero," Salem, who navigated the steep, rocky paths overlooking the gorges, remarked.
From the summit, it resembles nothing short of a jungle. Trees adorn the rocky mountains, swaying gently in the chilly wind. The expansive vistas occasionally echo with the bleats of passing sheep herds. The tranquility is often punctuated by the call to prayer from the mosque atop the hill by a young boy.
Picnic Spot for Couples:
With pleasant weather year-round, an exhilarating ride, comfortable accommodations at the guest house, and panoramic views through the expansive windows, Hadash proves to be an ideal spot for picnics for couples and families alike.
"We mostly receive visitors on weekends, and they depart the next day. The services we offer truly provide value for money, as we operate under the Ministry of Tourism," adds Salem.
Perfect Spot for Hiking:
A trekker from Wilayat Samail can reach this scenic location across the mountains in ten kilometers, whereas it takes nearly two hours by road. This mountain range is a paradise for trekkers, as they can enjoy hikes from Hadash village to Wakan village via a mountain path that offers panoramic views of Wadi Mistal, unique viewpoints of the surrounding mountains, and the villages nestled beneath the foothills.
Ideal Location for Film Shoots:
Several documentaries, short films, and commercials have been filmed on this mountain, with cameramen praising the unparalleled frames from any angle. During our visit, a commercial was being filmed, and as a filming destination, this spot is steadily gaining recognition, thanks to its remote and secluded appearance.
Memories of a Bygone Era:
Salem showcased the notepads and stencils used by our forefathers in days past. They used small sheets of natural stone as notepads and cracked pieces as stencils to jot down daily tasks and important information for future generations. Visitors can examine the inscriptions on these plates, kept at the guest house and widely used in those times.
Challenges:
The six families residing atop the mountain endure chilling cold, navigating up and down the hill in their SUVs for provisions, medical needs, children's education, and all other necessities, braving the gravelly, often rock-strewn mountain paths. The lack of mobile towers hampers their communication needs, with children relying on their parents' data connection to complete their schoolwork.
"Our dream is to have a proper road of at least 5 kilometers, WiFi connection, a robust mobile network, public water supply, and similar amenities. With these facilities atop the mountain, not only would our lifestyle improve, but there could also be a tourism boom, encompassing adventure, leisure, and historical tourism," adds Salem Mansoor.
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