Wakan 2-Day Private Trip Review 2025: Is It Worth It?

So, you are thinking about a quick escape, right? I mean, a real escape from the constant buzz and heat of the city. As a matter of fact, that was pretty much my state of mind when I booked a private 2-day, 1-night trip to Wakan for 2025. I was looking for something a bit different, frankly, not your typical resort stay. To be honest, I’d seen pictures of this village high in the Hajar Mountains, and they seemed almost too good to be true. You know, these pictures of green terraces against rugged, brown peaks seemed like they were from a different country entirely. Still, I decided to go for it. I’m telling you this story now because, obviously, it’s one of those experiences you just have to share. This review is basically my personal take on the whole thing, the good bits and the slightly challenging bits, so you can sort of decide if it’s the right fit for you.

The First Day: A Scenic Drive into the Hajar Mountains

Alright, the first day started pretty early, with a pickup from Muscat in a really comfortable 4×4. As a matter of fact, a private guide named Ahmed came to get me, and honestly, his presence made a huge difference from the start. We weren’t just driving; apparently, we were getting a running commentary on Omani life and the areas we passed. The vehicle itself was absolutely necessary, as I’d soon find out. The trip begins on a smooth highway, but after a while, you know, we took a turn and the real fun started. Actually, the road starts to wind and climb, and the scenery just dramatically changes right before your eyes. In other words, you leave the flat coastal plain and find yourself surrounded by these truly massive, rocky mountains that are almost intimidating.

I mean, the drive itself is kind of part of the experience. It’s not just about getting from point A to point B, you see. For example, Ahmed pulled over a couple of times at these unmarked spots with just incredible views. You just stand there, with the wind blowing, and look out over these deep wadis, or dry riverbeds, and frankly, you feel pretty small. It’s a very grounding feeling, in a way. He told me that during the rainy season, these quiet wadis can apparently become raging rivers in minutes. It’s really hard to picture that when you see them so dry and quiet. Anyway, after about a two-hour drive, we started the final ascent on a road that was clearly for 4x4s only. It was steep and a bit bumpy, but honestly, that just added to the feeling of adventure. You’re definitely heading somewhere pretty special.

Arriving in Wakan Village: Stepping into a Greener World

By the time we got to the parking area for Wakan Village, the air was just completely different. It was literally cooler and carried this faint, sweet smell, which I later learned was from the apricot blossoms. You can’t drive into the village itself, so from here, it’s all on foot. You walk for just a couple of minutes, and then, right, you see it. The village is sort of built into the side of the mountain, and it’s almost a shock of green against the gray and brown rock. You’ve got these incredible terraced gardens everywhere, filled with pomegranates, grapes, and, of course, apricot trees. As a matter of fact, the sound of water is constant, like, a gentle gurgling from the ‘falaj’ system.

The Falaj, as Ahmed explained, is basically an ancient irrigation channel that brings water down from the mountain springs. Seriously, it’s the lifeblood of the village. This simple, clever system allows these gardens to thrive in such an arid place. You find yourself walking on stone paths that wind through the gardens and past the simple houses of the villagers. It’s an incredibly peaceful spot. Unlike a busy tourist city, it’s quiet, and the pace of life feels totally different. You’re literally a world away from emails and traffic. Frankly, the first hour in the village was just spent walking around slowly, taking it all in, and more or less feeling the stress melt away.

The 700 Steps and the Reward Above

Now, for what Wakan is arguably most famous for: the 700-step trail. This is pretty much the main activity here. Ahmed pointed to a path that snaked up the mountain, and said, “Alright, ready for a bit of a climb?” To be honest, 700 steps sounds like a lot, and, well, it kind of is. But it’s not just a straight, boring staircase. Instead, the path is actually integrated into the terraced gardens and the falaj system. You are almost always walking alongside the running water, which is incredibly pleasant. The steps are well-maintained, and you are literally climbing through a canopy of fruit trees.

As a matter of fact, the higher you climb, the more incredible the view becomes. You can actually see the entire terraced system spread out below you like a green carpet thrown over the mountain. I mean, it is just an amazing feat of agriculture.

You’ll likely want to take a few breaks on the way up, and that’s a good thing. Each stop just gives you another excuse to look back and absorb the view. Anyway, once you reach the top of the marked trail, there’s a small watchtower. Frankly, from this point, the panoramic view is utterly spectacular. You look out over the vast expanse of the Hajar range, and on a clear day, you can just see for miles. You honestly feel like you’re on top of the world. After catching our breath, we just sat there for a while, in almost complete silence, just taking it all in. That view is seriously the payoff for every single step you climbed.

An Evening Under a Sky Full of Stars

So, the private trip included an overnight stay, which I think is pretty much the best way to experience Wakan. Rushing it as a day trip would, frankly, miss the point. Our accommodation was a simple, yet very clean and welcoming, local guesthouse arranged by the tour. It wasn’t a luxury hotel, but it was authentic, you know? After the hike, it felt so good to just relax. For dinner, we were served a delicious, home-cooked Omani meal. We ate dishes like Shuwa, which is slow-cooked meat, with rice and fresh salad made from, you know, local ingredients. It was a really hearty and satisfying meal, and obviously so much better after a day of walking.

But the real show, as a matter of fact, started after dinner. Because you’re so high up in the mountains and so far from any city lights, the sky is just something else. I mean, I have honestly never seen so many stars in my entire life. You step outside, and it’s almost overwhelming. The Milky Way is just a huge, bright smear across the sky. Ahmed, my guide, pointed out some of the constellations. We just sat on the terrace for ages, just looking up. There’s a certain magic to the mountain night, a kind of deep silence that’s really hard to find anywhere else. Actually, it’s that peace and that incredible sky that I think I’ll remember most from the evening. It’s an experience that really puts things in perspective, you know?

Day Two: Sunrise and A Farewell to the Mountains

I decided to wake up very early the next morning, basically before the sun. Getting to see the sunrise over the mountains is definitely worth the effort. I mean, watching the first light hit the peaks opposite the village, slowly painting them in shades of orange and pink, was just incredible. The whole valley slowly comes to life, and frankly, it’s a completely different kind of beauty than the sunset. It’s quiet, it’s fresh, and it’s a seriously amazing way to start the day. After the light show, a simple but tasty breakfast of Omani bread, dates, and coffee was waiting. It’s all you really need.

We spent the last hour or so just having one final, slow walk through the village. It felt different in the morning light, you know, a bit more active. You could see a few of the local farmers tending to their gardens. They were all incredibly friendly, offering a smile and a quiet greeting. By mid-morning, it was pretty much time to start the drive back down the mountain. The journey back was a bit more reflective. Honestly, leaving that peaceful green oasis to head back towards the city felt a bit sad. At the end of the day, those two days felt much longer, in a good way. You feel totally refreshed and, well, a little changed by the experience.

A Few Honest Tips for Your Own Wakan Escape

Okay, so if you are thinking about doing a trip like this, here’s some advice from my own experience. To be honest, these are just a few things that could make your trip even smoother.

• When to Go: Apparently, the best time to visit is from March to May. That’s when the apricot trees are in full blossom, and the village is at its most beautiful. Still, the weather is pretty pleasant up there for most of the year, unlike the coast.
• What to Wear: Definitely wear comfortable walking shoes or light hikers. Those 700 steps are no joke. Also, you should dress modestly, as you are visiting a traditional village. For example, lightweight long trousers and a shirt with sleeves are a good idea for both men and women.
• Your Fitness Level: You don’t have to be a marathon runner, but a moderate level of fitness is pretty helpful. You know, you’ll enjoy the climb up the steps a lot more if you’re not completely out of breath. Just take it slow.
• Packing List: Absolutely bring a good camera, the views are stunning. A small backpack for water and snacks on the hike is a must. And, frankly, don’t forget a jacket or sweater for the evening; it can get quite cool at night, even in the summer.
• Manage Expectations: Basically, remember this is a quiet, agricultural village, not a tourist resort. The charm is in its simplicity and natural beauty. It’s an escape for peace and nature, not for nightlife and shopping.

Read our full review: [2 Days 1 Night Private Trip to Wakan Full Review and Details]

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