The Hajar (hajar is rocky in Arabic) Mountains run from the Musandam Peninsula, south-easterly to Ras al Hadd, the eastern tip of the Arabian Peninsula, a length of almost 600 kilometers along the coast of the sultanate. A natural passage, the Sumail gap, separates the mountains into eastern and a western sections. The highest summit, the Jabal Shams (3010meters) is situated in the Western Hajars Mountains and belongs to the Jabal Akhdar (Green Mountain) .
The rocks of this region are predominantly oceanic crust and ophiolite (rocks formed in the mantle layer of the earth), and pushed to the surface approximately 90 million years ago.
Rain falling on the high flanks of the mountains supplies an artificial system of irrigation canals, known as the aflaj, providing hundreds of mountain oases with water.
Until the latter part of the 20th century Oman was politically divided. The coastal area was ruled by a sultan in Muscat, while the interior was controlled by a religious leader (imam).
It is this region in the Western Hajars, including the cities of Nizwa, Bahla, Jabreen, Nakhl and Rostaq, where the temporary seat of government of the imams was located. Nizwa is still called today the secret capital of Oman
Al-Jabal Al-Akhdar
At about 10,000 feet above sea level, Al-Jabal Al-Akhdar (The Green Mountain) is the highest peak in the Eastern Hajar Mountains and one of the highest points in the Sultanate. The thrilling views from the Jabal, as well as its balmy climate, are among the qualities that distinguish it as one of the top tourism spots in Oman.
The summer does not exceed 30 C° on the Jabal, while in winter the temperature can plunge below 5 C°. The Jabal receives an annual average of 303 mm of rainfall. The higher planes of the mountain are densely populated with lush vegetations comprising fruit trees, flowers and shrubs, which gives rise to the name. Some 54 nuclear communities sprinkled over different levels on the mountain, have clusters of farms growing pomegranates, apricots, peaches, cherries and walnuts.
At 2,087 m, Jabal Harim is the highest peak in Musandam. Along the ridge are breathtaking views down into the wadis and foothills. Small settlements precariously balance on the mountain sides where every possible piece of land has been utilised. Green fields are enclosed by stone walls which protect the crops from livestock and trap precious water that runs off the rocky surface. The mountain people grow their crops in the rainy season, usually from December to March. In spring the range of wildflowers is surprising for such seemingly barren area. Tiny Iris and Gladioli can be seen along with many other varieties