MUSCAT : There are 52 weekends in a year, and with January almost bidding farewell to 2024, this is your indication to make the most of an escapade within the majestic mountains of Oman to the quaint, picturesque village of Balad Sayt.

Welcome to Balad Sayt, an extraordinary mountain village that promises to enchant you with its breathtaking scenery and traditional charm. Located 179 kilometres from Ruwi in the western Hajar Mountains, this hidden gem awaits adventurous travellers like you.

To get to Balad Sayt, you’ll need to take a 2.5-hour drive from Ruwi to Barka via Nakhal, leading you to the heart of the village. The last 16 kilometres of the journey are pretty thrilling as you’ll need to navigate through rugged terrain to reach the village. Adjacent to the Snake Canyon, the last 5 kilometres are only accessible by a rugged 4WD from Zaama, which adds an adrenaline touch to your journey.

The hustle and noise of the city disappear within the depths of the canyons, and you are engulfed by silence.

As you travel through the rugged terrain, be prepared for the temperature to drop to a refreshing 5 degrees at night. So, it’s advisable to pack warm clothing to make the most of the cool mountain evenings.

Balad Sayt doesn’t have any restaurants or supermarkets, so it’s best to carry your own provisions – food, snacks, and water – to ensure a comfortable and self-sufficient journey.

When you arrive in Balad Sayt, you’ll find two guest houses and a newly constructed hotel named Season Inn, which is just around four months old. The local hospitality is fantastic, offering a delightful stay amid the rustic beauty of the Omani mountains. With local produce and lush fields around you, life starts to move at a pace you never knew you missed until you were embraced by serenity.

Once in the village, take a 2-hour walk to discover the place. This is your chance to be one with nature and to submit to its charm. Take the chance to climb the watchtower, which offers a breathtaking panorama of traditional and modern houses, lush plantations, palm groves, and expansive agricultural landscapes.

This unique village in Oman is quickly becoming a popular weekend escapade, and many have already explored its unique charm.

“Balad Sayt, a captivating village in Oman, offers a blend of natural beauty and traditional charm”, said Abhilash Menon, who runs a YouTube channel called ‘Stars Kingdom’ and documented the travel escapade to Balad Sayt in his latest vlog. 

Grab your supplies and fire up the adventurer within you; it’s time to heed the call of the mountains and embark on a journey to the enchanting village of Balad Sayt.