All About Nakhl-Rustaq Loop in Oman

*Goolge Images 

If you travel down the Batinah Coast to the west of Mustaq, along the base of the jebels are several popular towns. Along this coast is the town of Barka which has an impressive fort and the Bait Al Naman Castle which was an early home for Al Bu Said dynasty which is the current ruling family. It is located 120kilometres form Muscat and takes around an hour and 15 minutes to get there by car. 

Further along the coast is the Jazir Sawaidi, a small chain of islands near the shore where beachcombing, fishing and exploring are the prime activities. Closer to the mountains lie the majestic fortresses of Nakhl, Rustaq and Al Hazm. restored by the government and preserved as national treasures.

For those bent on trekking, there are many wadis running through the foothills and mountains, many of them with running water. Wadi Abyadh is ideal for picnicking, while Wadi Bani Awf, Wadi Hajir, Wadi Haylayn and Wadi Bani Kharus offer challenging trails for those keen on canyoning. Wadi Sahtan and the Ghubrah Bowl extend into the upper reaches of the Western Hajars, while Wadi Hoquein and Wadi Ghafir offer challenging drives through lush low lying valleys.

On a mountain rock-face in the Wattayah district, animal drawings have been discovered. Similar drawings have also been found in the Wadi Sahtan and Wadi Bani Kharus areas of Rustaq, consisting of human figures carrying weapons and being confronted by wild animals. Siwan in Haima is another Stone Age location and some of the archaeological finds have included arrowheads, knives, chisels and circular stones which may have been used to throw at animals.