Al Suwgra Village — a serene haven obscured in the mountain range of Jabal Alkhdar, is accessible only through hiking up a steep stone staircase. Often referred to as ‘The Forgotten Village’ of Oman, it stands alone, among the scattered settlements across Jabal Alkhdar, with inhabitant history spanning over 500 years enclosed in its habitat in the mountainside. Despite the popularity of Jabal Al Akhdars, the village of Al Suwgra has maintained its obscurity and is largely undiscovered, hence the name it bears. Nevertheless, Oman’s tourism sector is rerouting attention to Al Suwga and the natural amenities it offers. Being one of the oldest cliffside settlements in the region, the nature and cultural heritage it provides are endless and ideal for explorers wanting to know the tranquil way of Omani living.
Al Suwgra started with one family — as many locals left in 2014 when it faced decline, the Al Sherigi family ancestors built terraces from the lands by carving out homes from the side of the mountains, to create crops and fruit trees, and later turned the village into an eleven-room Guesthouse Inn. Its objective in rebuilding was to preserve its vitality and heritage, offering the visitors an experience of ancient Omani life. Village Al Suwgra is a tell-tale sign of the true essence of Oman with its blend of history and nature.
Cultural Significance
The Suwgra Village, as foretold by the family here, started with a root — the Suwgra tree. The evergreen lush tree was once used for ‘Areesh’, a house made of woven palm fronds, tightly knitted with palm leaf ropes. The robust tree grew with juniper, walnuts, and wild olive tree wood, alongside timber for building strong ceilings for the inhabitants to build and secure them during seasons. Thus, the village was given its name ‘Suwgra’, in honour of the tree that fell extinct many years later.
The Nature Experience in Al Suwgra
Mountainous and Canyon View
Away from the city lights and chaos, Al Suwgra village is embraced by the mountainous nature. The air breathes crisper and the fragrance of juniper and ancient tales floats the winds. In every corner view, canyons stand tallest. From the hotel Inn terraces, one can witness the beauty of the village at every hour of day and night.
Heritage in Al Suwgra
Al Suwgra takes the lead in experiencing the true ancient Omani lifestyle. The region is scattered with preserved traditional architecture in every corner. To travel to Al Suwgra, you are met with the unmatched beauty of Jabal Al Akhdar, and at the reaching point of the guesthouse, you would have to climb up its rugged steps, while luggage is transported through a pulley system connected from one cliffside to another.
Amer Cave in Al Suwgra
Al Suwgra village offers several amenities to visitors, such as participating in the natural daily life encompassed by the beautiful scenery. Aside from being abundant in plant diversity, it also houses Amer Cave. enclosed in enigmatic rock formations, stalagmites, and stalactites, entry to the cave requires some physical effort and a professional guide, which you can find contact here. The ambience the cave offers on the first half of entry is somewhat cold, while the other half is apprised to be dry and wet with a total length of 800 meters. Amer Cave is recognized as one of the five longest caves in Jabal Al Akhdar.
Rose Garden Farm
The Damask Roses of Oman — a key ingredient to a priced essential oil, Rose Oil, is hidden in a fragrant blossom a few minutes away from Al Suwgra. From mid-March to mid-May, the rose fields flourish in Jabal Al Akhdar, a time when harvest takes place and spectators of visitors travel to experience the beauty.
Stargazing Celestial Wonders of Suwgra
Being tucked away from urban turmoil and pollution, Jabal Akhdar is renowned for its dark skies and incomparable view of the stars, planets and constellations. Surrounded by Al Suwgra, the night sky experience is surreal as depending on the time of the year, one might get to witness Jupiter, Saturn, Venus, and the Capricorn stars.
Road to Al Suwgra
Reaching Al Suwgra village/guesthouse requires quite an effort, although a pleasant one. Being 176km away from Muscat, it can be travelled by four-wheel drive vehicles and continuing driving on unpaved roads for 4km leading up to a 15-minute wall. Despite the turbulence, one would easily forget the troubles when one is met with the scenery of the village.
The Suwgra – Cliff Guesthouse
As Al Suwgra overturned, the village plays as a guesthouse to welcome visitors and explorers. The rooms are preserved in traditional buildings and renovated solicitously. Each room accommodates splendid views of the canyon. The hotel typically serves traditional Omani food, which is brought to the guests from the new village and sent across on the pulley.
The cliff guesthouse is the result of the Al Shairiqi family tribe — who more than 1,000 years ago migrated from Jordan to settle in Oman. the houses were renovated into material clay and limestone due to the harsh winter conditions – as referenced here. The Suwgra is well-maintained to accustom guests and provides them with the authentic Omani lifestyle.
In hindsight
Offers a plethora of experiences, from delectable and stimulating expenditures to the tranquil beauty of its natural landscapes, Oman lives in its tapestry of cultural heritage and modern art. However, to encapsulate the essence of Oman, Al Suwgra is to take the helm. Referred to as ‘The Forgotten Village’, Al Suwgra seamlessly preserves Oman’s rich historical heritage and traditional culture, from the gratitude and dedicated efforts of the Al Sherigi family. Ancestral in its spirit and landmark, Al Suwgra stands as a testament to the lasting spirit of its inhabitants, ensuring the continuity of their way of life to thrive amid the passage of time.
To Explore more of Oman’s cultural heritage and traditions, you can visit our website to book one of our native tours and taste the authentic Oman.
