
A Complete Travel Guide to Khasab, Oman
Introduction - Brief overview of Khasab, Oman
The capital of the Musandam Peninsula region of Oman, Khasab is a less-visited gem of a spot. With its fascinating mountainous landscape, spectacular fjords, and a repository of cultural history, Khasab –the Norway of Arabia – is a highly salubrious location for discerning tourists like you who are seeking a vacation opportunity far from the madding crowd.
Khasab is all about stunning beaches, anunspoilt coastline, and renowned traditional Omani hospitality. It would make you discover the natural beauty of the Arabian lands in a new light.
Are you looking for adventure? Is your vacation objective to relax? Do immersive cultural experiences attract you? If your answer to any – or all – of these is a “yes,” then a visit to Khasab, Oman is a must for you read on to know more about why you should not miss this pristine spot.
Top Attractions & Things to Do
Khasab location has a wealth of attractions and activities for you to view & indulge in. They are a healthy mix of adventure, thrills, relaxation, and heritage viewing. Whatever time you spend here, it would be well-rewarded with myriad & delightful experiences. Here’s what all you can do to spend some quality time in Khasab:
Sail through crystal clear water – go for an activity that is kind of a “must-do” in Khasab. And that is – a dhow cruise along the sparkling clear waters of the fjords here. The scenery around you is breathtaking, with the tall cliffs rising sharply almost from the edges of the fjords. You can also enjoy a delectable buffet lunch on board.
Snorkeling & Swimming – looking for some activity in the water? Well then – go for some relaxing swim in the pristine waters. The waters off the shining beaches are best for a cool swim. Also, the rich marine biodiversity in these waters make it perfect for snorkelers.
Dolphin Watching from the dhow - Observe the delightful dolphins at play as they entertain you with their antics. They will accompany you for a fair time during your dhow cruise. With some luck, you may also be coming close to touching distance of the wonderful creatures!
Scuba Diving – if scuba diving fascinates you, then the waters off Khasab are perfect for it! Do check out the coral reefs in the vicinity and the wonderful variants of marine fauna under the crystal-clear waters. It will be a most rewarding experience for you.
Hiking & camping – the rugged mountains offer perfect opportunities for some rigorous hiking and also camping under the brilliant canopy of the stars. If you are fonder of the sea, then you may choose to camp on the beach and spend a blissful night in the company of the gently lapping waves.
Khasab Fort – a visit to Khasab Fort is a fascinating trip in the history of the region. The over-400 years-old structure is very well-maintained & houses a museum in its precincts. The museum is a repository of historical Omani documents, items of daily use, farming implements, and ancient weapons of war.
Jebel Harim – this is a highest peak of the Musandam district, at over 6000 feet. Reach the top of the peak in a 4x4 SUV, and be rewarded with incomparable views of the landscape all around, stretching endlessly up to the horizon. You would also get to view ancient fossil remains here and traditional Omani settlements.
Khor Najd – another spot accessible by a 4x4, from this perfect natural cove you can get to see fantastic views of the overlooking bay & the mountains around you.
How to Visit Khasab
By Air – the nearest international airport is Muscat International Airport. From there, Oman Air operates flights to Khasab airport. It’s a one-hour flight to Khasab from Muscat.
By Road – you may drive down/avail of a rented car to Khasab from Dubai, Muscat, or any other place in UAE/Oman. The drive would last for 5 to 6 hours and you would be rewarded with beautiful sights of the changing countryside landscapes.
You can book tour tickets for Oman Khasab and your travel agency will arrange all the pickup and drop services.
Best Time to Visit
The winters, i.e. the period between October & March would be the most appropriate for a visit to Khasab. The weather is very pleasant at this time, even cool at night. But the summer months are oppressively hot, so it would be impossible for you to venture out from your hotel.
Points to Remember
The official currency of Oman is OMR (Omani Riyal). But if you are coming from UAE, then you may freely use the AED (UAE Dirham).
Knowing Arabic helps, but English is also understood by most at tourist locations.
Please be modestly dressed, even in the seaside – this is to respect local traditions.
To conclude, a visit to Khasab, Oman would be a blissfully rewarding tour experience for you. Being less visited, this location maintains a pristine ambience – ideal for a couple of days away from the hustle and bustle of the city. Go for it!