This post will cover all the places based on the visit on 26th July 2019 and that was the monsoon season (known as Khareef season locally). This season is only in July and August every year. If you are visiting these places in other parts of the year, your experience would be different.
Also note, this is part 1 of exploring Northern part of Salalah. Since Salalah and Dhofar Governorate has lots of places to see and discover, in Khareef season and in winter, there are other posts mentioning the other things to do when in Salalah. These posts are mentioned in the Further Reading section at the end of this post.
This Post Contains
Salalah City View Point at Aq Asir
The road to Hajeef is a very nice and curvy road which took us to height on mountains.
Several parking spots are on the way so you can park your vehicle there and enjoy the scenic views from an altitude. Specially during khareef, the zig zag road surrounded by lush greenery gives a great sight to enjoy and photography as well.
After reaching above the mountain, there were couple of places where a lot of families were on picnic – sitting on chairs and mats, having snacks and food, some making Barbecue.
Some kids were flying kites while some were busy with bubble making. Kids can be seen running around and playing with each other.
We parked our car at one of the green beautiful place and pulled out the chairs and mats. After relishing for couple of minutes, we ate the cooked food, which we brought with us.
Hajeef Salalah Oman
We continued the road trip on the same road. Around 15 minutes, the drive was in dense fog and we passed through Halwat, Jahaneen, Aala, Haif, and other places marked on the sign board.
The temperature dropped to 20 degree Celsius. Visibility was quite low as it was drizzling and dense fog was present.
Qairoon Hairiti – The Gate of Salalah Oman
Qairoon Hairiti is the gate of Salalah Oman. This is the place where you reach first if coming by road from Muscat and other parts of Oman via Thamrait.
Clouds over the Al Qara Mountains salalah while coming from Thumrait and MuscatBy the time we reach Qairoon Hairiti (also written as Qairoon Hairitti), we need to go to toilet. There is a public toilet in there, besides the main highway 31. The toilet is for both men and women.
It was pretty cold in Qairoon Hairiti and the temperature was 20 degree Centigrade. Due to its location and condition, Qairoon Hairiti is the coolest place in Summer in Oman.
The visibility was so low that it was difficult to see the toilet even when GPS was showing it.
We stopped for tea at a coffee shop, where black tea was served for 100 Baiza in parcel glass. An option for As Safa milk tea was also there for 300 Biaza. From Al Raseed Commercial Market in Qairoon Hairitti (Bakery), we purchased Samoosa and Pastry.
During khareef season, there are stalls at every tourist place selling kites, bubble making vessels, toys for kids, fresh cut fruits like mango, watermelon and pomegranate.
We went there another day when it was clear and visibility was normal. Below is the photograph showing how Qairoon Hiriti looks without fog.
Wadi Nahiz Salalah Oman
Wadi Nahiz (Wadi Naheez) in Salalah is a popular tourist attraction, which we visited before coming back home.
The ride to Wadi Nahiz is fascinating and is through mesmerizing scenery. There is a descend from the top to the bottom of the valley in a 10 minutes drive.
In Wadi Nahiz, there are few view points, from where we had perfect views of the valley.
Wadi Nahiz View Point 1
It is a nice standpoint from where you can see lush greenery during khareef season on a clear day.
Wadi Nahiz View Point 2
The second viewpoint there is at good height and provides a good bird’s eye view of Nahiz valley.
We parked our car at the parking area and sat for a while on the portable chairs. It’s a perfect spot to make barbecue.
Wadi Nahiz Mosque
Wadi Nahiz has a big mosque, right at the bottom of the valley surrounded by beautiful scenery. This mosque is also known as Wadi Nahiz Masjid.
The mosque has a tall minaret, which is visible from a distance. There is a large courtyard in the masjid and an ample parking space.
Book Tour to Wadi Nahiz and other nearby Places
You can rent a car and drive yourself or book the guided sightseeing tour at TripAdvisor or through Beautiful Salalah by email or WhatsApp +96891206678.
Journey from Wadi Nahiz to Salalah on Highway 31
It was almost Maghrib time (sunset time), when we drove from Wadi Nahiz to Salalah on Highway 31. This is the main Muscat – Nizwa – Thumrait – Salalah Highway.
The drive from Wadi Nahiz is beautiful, especially during Khareef. The green mountain on both sides of the road, makes the view breathtaking.
This is the only dual carriageway on the Dhofar mountains, all other roads are single carriageway. The road has light poles. The drive is descending from the the mountains and in fog, this drive needs special attention.
The view of the Salalah City from this road is stunning, and when Salalah is illuminated at night, it’s a must see sight.
Further Reading for North Salalah
In the part 2 of North Salalah journey, I will cover Ayn Sahalnoot, Shir, Zeek, Prophet Hood Tomb, Wadi Ayn, Ayn Gogub and much more
In the part 3 of exploring North Salalah, I will be covering the journey to Wadi Dawkah, Thamrait, The Lost City of Ubar, Rub al Khali (The Empty Quarter Salalah Oman).
In the part 4 of North Salalah journey, I will be focusing on Ayn Jarziz, Ittin Mountains, Prophet Ayub Tomb, Titam aand other places on that route.