The rich cultural past of Oman is intricately connected with the opportunities presented by its topography, and it penetrates each and every tourist experience that takes place here.
From the old men in sandals deftly navigating narrow farm trails and distilling rose water in silver bowls in the cliffside villages of Jebel Akhdar to the atmospheric lanes of Muscat’s Mutrah Souq, where intricate khanjars and patterned kumma (traditional Omani men’s headpieces) display outstanding craftsmanship and pride, stories abound throughout the country. Every interaction that takes place in Oman elicits a powerful feeling of the land.
Only a small percentage of tourists are aware that the Sultanate of Oman has a history that goes back 10,000 years. It has been determined via the examination of archaeological discoveries and artifacts from the Neolithic era that there were ancient villages that were engaged in the commerce of frankincense.
During the 17th century, the influence of the Omani people stretched all the way from the coastlines of Persia (which is now Iran) to East Africa, controlling marine routes and ports. Today, the nation is renowned for its regard for its natural surroundings as well as its ability to strike the ideal balance between tradition and traditionalism.
The following is a list of the most popular tourist destinations in Oman.
Jebel Akhdar
At Green Mountain, the temperature is lower and the flowers are higher. In the Hajar Mountains, Jebel Akhdar, whose name literally translates to “Green Mountain,” is one of the most breathtaking locations in Oman. It is located at an elevation of 2980 meters (9777 feet). It is also one among the coldest, with temperatures that are around 15 degrees Celsius (59 degrees Fahrenheit) lower than Muscat throughout the whole year. In the winter, the peak even receives a little bit of snowfall.
Located in the vicinity of Jebel Akhdar are peaceful Omani villages, some of which have been abandoned, slopes that are covered with terraced fields that are irrigated by falaj canals, and orchards that include pomegranates, peaches, apples, apricots, and walnuts. The mountain of Jebel Akhdar is adorned with pink Damask roses throughout the springtime. Both in the kitchen and as a fragrance, rose water that has been distilled is used.
There are a few defined paths that range in complexity, and some of them require users to descend steep stairs. Hikers will locate these pathways. In addition, there are guided hikes available. Saiq Plateau offers spectacular views of the communities and terraced fields that are located in the surrounding area. In addition, during a guided trek with Alila Jabal Akhdar, you will have the opportunity to cross the mountain face by means of a via ferrata, which is a mountain way.
Ways to Get There:
Jebel Akhdar may be reached via road, either by a personal vehicle, a rented car, or an organized trip. This is the most usual method of accessing the mountain. To successfully navigate the Jabal Akhdar Oman checkpoint and enter the mountain, you will need a four-wheel-drive vehicle.
When you include in a border crossing, driving from Dubai takes around five hours. Al Ain, which is located in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, is the most convenient way to cross the border. Due to the fact that this border is less crowded than the more well-known Hatta border, it does not take very long to drive through both of them. To reach Nizwa, you need just continue on Highway 21 until you reach Jebel Hafeet, which is located on the border of Al Ain. A lengthy route that is devoid of any elevation and is bordered by desert, mountains, goats, and camels. Bring some food with you, download some podcasts, and take in the beautiful views.
Muscat
Take a look at the capital city, which exudes effortless charm.
Stone forts with watchtowers and palaces with latticed balconies coexist in Muscat alongside low-rise structures and modern architectural gems, and everything seems to blend together without any difficulty. Courtyard restaurants, upscale shopping malls, and attractive museums housed in historic buildings that have been refurbished are just few of the attractions that can be found in the capital city of Oman.
In terms of contemporary Islamic design, the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque is a remarkable example. It has arched pathways, multicolored mosaic tiles, an intricate dome, and a chandelier that is adorned with Swarovski crystals.
Participate in a guided tour of the Royal Opera House to get an understanding of the modern architecture that is influenced by historical fortifications. For information on showtimes, check out the venue’s calendar; it is known for hosting acclaimed shows from all over the globe. Men are required to wear dinner jackets or suits, while ladies are required to wear dresses that are below the knee. Additionally, jeans, T-shirts, and tennis shoes are not permitted at the Royal Opera House.
At Mutrah Corniche, the coastal promenade is three kilometers (1.9 miles) long, and along it, you may see blue-domed mosques and whitewashed cottages. Take a stroll in the direction of Mutrah Fish Market to get a better look at the slatted canopy ceiling that is reminiscent of calligraphy, and then enter the market to see what the catch of the day is.
At Mutrah Souq, which is considered to be one of the oldest marketplaces in the Arab world, you will discover stores selling frankincense, lamps, native garb, pashminas, oud (a perfume produced from agarwood), and handcrafted sandals.
September through March is the ideal time to visit Muscat.
Ways to Get There:
Getting to Muscat by flight is not a very difficult process at all. There are flights that depart from practically all of the most popular places in the globe and have direct connections to Muscat. There are a number of airlines that provide flights to the city, including Lufthansa, British Airways, Emirates, Gulf Air, and Air India.
Those who are traveling from the United Arab Emirates might take a road trip to Muscat. In all, the trip takes around five hours. In a similar vein, one may traverse Yemen by road for a duration of six hours in order to arrive at Muscat.
By Bus – As of right now, there is no train network that directly connects Muscat with the places that are close. On the other hand, passengers have the option of using buses that are operated by the Oman National Transport business that operate from Dubai and Abu Dhabi simultaneously.
Jebel Shams
In the Hajar Mountains, you may take in some breathtaking vistas. Jebel Shams, the highest mountain in the nation at 3009 meters (9872 feet), is the perfect place to have a picnic on the plateau and take in the breathtaking views of the canyon. Wadi Ghul and Wadi Nakhr are two gorges that are encircled by rocky limestone cliffs, and they provide hikers the opportunity to embark on an adventure through these valleys.
The Balcony Walk is a trek that lasts for five hours and is set on a historic donkey track that has been signposted. Along the rim, there are breathtaking vistas, and the walk culminates in the deserted settlement of As Sab. There are further routes that will lead you to communities, farms, date plantations, and natural lakes that are concealed among the rocky vegetation.
It is a wonderful location to visit at any time of the year.
During times when the temperature in the valleys is high, the cold temperature at the summit provides a welcome relief.
The high altitude makes it possible for snow to fall throughout the winter months.
You may go there for a day excursion, but the greatest times to go are, of course, when the sun is setting and when the sun is rising. Because of this, I strongly suggest staying for the night.
Ways to Get There:
Similar to the situation with many other dirt roads in Oman, this one is the subject of a great deal of debate. To begin, it is important to be aware that the gravel segment of the route is just seven kilometers in length. Along the rim of the canyon, the route is paved; however, if you want to do the Balcony Walk, you will have to return to the dirt road for a number of additional kilometers.
After it has dried up, the gravel road has a very good gradient and is seldom narrow. There are just a few small areas in which it is difficult to overtake other persons. Although it is steep in certain places, it does not raise the hair in any manner.
Although it is possible to bring two-wheeled vehicles up here, we only witnessed one visitor trying to do so. Everyone else was traveling in a four-wheel drive vehicle. On a route such as this one, it is recommended that you drive a vehicle that has some clearance and a lot of power, unless you have previous experience driving a tiny car on gravel roads.
An approximate three-hour trip from Muscat or one hour and forty-five minutes from Nizwa will get you to Jebel Shams. From Jebel Akhdar, it takes around two hours and thirty minutes. Because there is no public transportation to Jebel Shams at the time of this writing, if you are not renting a vehicle, you will need to hire a cab or go on a tour in order to get there.
Bahla
This is the location of the renowned pottery and fort. Bahla Fort, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a destination that should not be missed. The fortified oasis village of Bahla is a place where local traditions and myths are abundant. Wind towers, mosques, residences, and wells may be found inside the complex of the labyrinthine fort that was constructed by the Banu Nebhan tribe between the 12th and 15th centuries and subsequently developed by following governing dynasties.
According to the legend, when the tribe was in danger of being attacked, they prayed to jinn, who are strong spirits in pre-Islamic Arabian mythology, to construct the fort in a single night. In the settlement, which is surrounded by date plantations, the fort offers breathtaking views of the ancient mud dwellings and ruins that are located there.
Additionally, Bahla is well-known for its pottery that is produced by using mud kilns. It is said that the local potters are gifted with exceptionally adept hands of their own. At the Bahla Old Souq, you may look at a variety of goods, including pottery, jewelry, handicrafts, carpets, and other items. Additionally, there is a possibility that you will be able to see potters at work at a nearby workshop.
Not to be missed is the Jabreen Castle, which dates back to the 17th century and is located only a short drive away. It is well worth a visit because to its several chambers and reception halls, beautifully latticed windows, painted ceilings, and a date archive.
June through September is the ideal time to visit.
Ways to Get There:
If you are traveling by air, the closest airport to Bahla is the Muscat International Airport. Bahla may be reached by a number of busses departing from Muscat. The most convenient option is to go in your own car or to rent a taxi or cab.
Sharqiya Sands
Take a trip to the desert and explore its undulating dunes. In Oman, a journey is not considered complete unless it includes a visit to the desert. When you visit Sharqiya Sands, which is also referred to as Wahiba Sands among the local community, you will find yourself surrounded by undulating dunes and desert plants in a landscape that seems to be endless and has the appearance of being created out of gold when the sun is low in the sky.
In the famed Empty Quarter, which is one of the biggest sand deserts in the world, these wind-sculpted dunes, some of which are as high as 100 meters (328 feet), stretch on into the countryside.
Wahiba Sands are a popular destination for both local families and visitors, despite the fact that Bedouin, who are known in Arabic as Bedu, which means desert inhabitant, continue to live and work in this area (many of them as guides). The Thousand Nights Camp and Magic Camps are just two of the numerous camps that provide varied degrees of luxury and facilities to its guests. Visitors may choose to stay for the day or for the night at any of these camps.
You will have the opportunity to enjoy the tranquility of the desert after the day-trippers have departed, to participate in Bedouin rituals while sitting around a campfire, to feast on traditional delicacies, and to stargaze in one of the most beautiful vistas in the area if you want to stay overnight.
When to Visit Sharqiya Sands: Between the Months of October and April
Sharqiya Sands may be reached by first obtaining a four-wheel-drive car from Muscat International Airport. This is the way to get there. There is a distance of 253 kilometers between the airport and the Wahiba sands, and it will take around three hours to accomplish this journey.
Nizwa
The second most popular travel destination in the Sultanate of Oman. A city that had a significant religious and cultural presence in its past. You should go to the town of Nizwa, which served as the capital of Oman throughout the sixth and seventh centuries. If you go there, you will see mosques with domes and minarets rising above sand-colored houses that are encircled by the Hajar Mountains. Nizwa has always maintained a strong connection to its religious and cultural legacy. This is perhaps due to the fact that it is located inland, as opposed to Muscat, which is located on the coast, which limits the impact of foreign forces.
Throughout the history of the Sultanate, the Nizwa Fort, which was constructed in the 17th century and has a circular watchtower and high walls, served to safeguard the town from intruders. Today, it is a popular tourist destination. Silver jewelry, delal (traditional coffee pots), saffron, dates, and spices may all be purchased in the Nizwa Souq, which is located around the corner.
Located only ten minutes away by car, Falaj Daris Park, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is an excellent location to see a falaj channel, which is an irrigation technology that is both old and incredibly effective. This one, along with approximately a hundred others, is responsible for watering Nizwa’s palm oasis, which is eight kilometers (five miles) long, as well as the agricultural lands that are located in the surrounding area.
Between the months of September and March is the ideal time to visit Nizwa.
Ways to Get There:
Travelers may simply book a trip to the Muscat International Airport and then continue their journey to Nizwa by roadway. This is an option for those who are traveling by air. Oman is served by almost all of the world’s leading airlines.
When traveling by road, passengers have the option of either renting a vehicle and driving themselves or taking cabs from the Muscat International Airport to Nizwa. However, in order for tourists to be able to drive themselves to any location in Oman, they are need to have an International Driving Permit. When departing from the airport, taxis are even available for use.
Through the use of buses, the Oman National Transport Company operates regular buses that go from Muscat to Nizwa on a daily basis. Estimated travel time for the trip is two and a half hours.
Musandam Peninsula
the point at which mountain peaks emerge from the ocean. The breathtaking scenery of the Musandam Peninsula, which consists of craggy peaks of the Hajar Mountains rising from the blue sea and leaving small inlets of water in between, has been likened to the fjords of Norway. This picturesque environment is the main reason why people visit the Musandam Peninsula.
The ideal way to see the Musandam Peninsula is to take a boat ride in a traditional dhow, which is a wooden boat. This will allow you to explore islands and look for whales or dolphins in the waterways around the peninsula. A boat excursion, snorkeling expedition, or a mountain safari by four-wheel drive to Jebel Harim may all be arranged from the town of Khasab, which serves as an excellent base from which to travel. If you have more time, there are further settlements, wadis, and inlets that resemble fjords that are waiting to be explored. One such inlet is Khor Najd.
Your best bet for a trip is in October.
Ways to Get There:
Through the air: Khasab and Muscat are the two destinations that can be reached by Oman Air. The length of the flight is around 1.25 hours, and it departs and arrives at the military post.
To travel by road, one must get insurance permits for two different nations and pass through at least eight entrance checkpoints. If one chooses to go by car, one must travel via both countries. In contrast, if one were to drive down from Dubai, the process would be far less complicated since the only town that one would have to travel through is Tibat.
People may go to Khasab by water by using a ferry that departs from Muscat and travels to Khasab.