Jabal Akhdar - Manakhir to Hadash view point loop, W24a, W25, Oman

Jebel Akhdar
The Jebel Akhdar or Al Jabal Al Akhdar (ٱلْجَبَل ٱلْأَخْضَر) is located in Ad Dakhiliyah Governorate of Oman. This limestone mountain rises to a height of 2980 m above sea level. The mountain is mostly inhabited by Bani Riyam tribe. I did not find where the highest peak of Jebel Akhdar is, and it seems like this name is used for the entire area that encompasses the Saiq Plateau (هضبة سيق), at 2000m above sea level. The entire area and this route offer awe-inspiring views of craggy peaks and steep ravines.

Trail
P-01 - P-06 Around Manakhir
You will start the hike from Al Jebel Al Akhdhar Dam and pass near Manakhir village.

P-06 - P-11. Wadi and three summits
At P-06 you will start descending to a wadi. This part is a bit tricky as there are many loose stones. As soon as you are in the wadi you will start doing three main climbs. I mark their top points as summits (P-08, P-09, P-11). P-11 is the main summit of this hike. It is a helipad with probably some meteo equipment. You will enjoy an amazing view of the Ghubrah bowl.

P-11 - P-15. Flat walk
The segment till P-15 will be relatively flat. After P-15 you will start walking on a trail.

P-15 - P-21. Trail and descend
Finally, you will start walking on a well-marked trail. However, at some point, it will disappear while you are descending.

P-21 - finish. Manakhir and Wadi Halfeen

Difficulty
Technically it is a moderate hike. There is no technical climbing. It requires very good stamina. Till P-15 it is an "off-road" hiking without any trail. Do not attempt it alone, in summer, without hiking experience in the UAE/Oman/KSA, or if you are afraid of heights.

Alternative
1) I recommend to park your car in Manakhir village and start hiking from P-22 making the same loop. Just be quiet and do not disturb villagers.
2) After visiting Manakhir we decided to explore Wadi Halfeen while going to our cars. Near a farm at P-24 we tried to climb a wall but the rocks were too loose. A local farmer was happy to show us his farm and show us a way up. If you go to P-24 do not trespass. Instead, go back to Manakhir and return the same way as you started.

Parking
We parked our cars at 23.092329, 57.722730 not far from Al Jebel Al Akhdhar Dam. Better to drive 4x4. It is a paved mountain road but I did not see any sedan.

Must-have gear
1) High-cut hiking shoes
2) 4 liters of water, electrolytes (beginner of December)
3) Sun-protective clothing or sunblock
4) Gloves
5) Headlamp

How I grade hikes
I grade all routes based on technical difficulty only. The stamina requirement is inferred from distance and elevation gain/loss information. Do not be surprised if you see a 25 km easy hike in my profile.
- "Easy". There is a well-defined trail. You know where to go.
- "Moderate". No trail. Lack of obvious path. You have to hike via rough rocky terrain. Expect boulder hopping and scrambling (use of hands), steep slopes, and scree. There are some exposed locations, but safe.
- "Difficult". There are exposed locations, really exposed.
- "Very difficult". Exposed and you need a rope. No abseiling. If abseiling is involved, I mark it as canyoneering, not hiking.
- "Experts only". I hope I will never do this kind of hike.