Musandam

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Musandam Travel Essentials

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Ideal duration: 1 Day

Best Time: November-March Read More

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"The Unexplored Omani Getaway"

Musandam Tourism

Musandam is rich with modern architecture as well as serene beaches. It is a much-loved destination for scuba divers because of the clear waters and the amazing facilities at the destination. This Omani peninsula is bordered by rugged mountains and turquoise water bodies and guarded by two gulfs – the Arabian and the Omani. Rich in Arabian culture, mixed with that of Iran’s, Musandam is rich in its ethnicity as well.

Musandam also contains one of the most important and the busiest waterways- the Strait of Hormuz. Moreover, the tallest peak in the region, Jebel Harim is studded with fossils of fish and other marine animals that are over 250 million years old. These varied sights coupled with a rich and diverse culture make Musandam an astonishing destination to explore.

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Places to Visit in Musandam

Musandam is a small region and hence doesn’t have much to offer in terms of quantity but a lot more in terms of quality. Its mix of history and gorgeous views attracts offbeat travellers from all over the world.

1. Musandam Khors

Musandam Khors
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One of the most popular and scenic ways to visit Musandam is to cruise through the 'khors' (inlets) and the villages that are nestled between them. Some of these villages are solely fishing communities and locals here speak a dialect of Arabic so primitive that it seems exotic even to the Omanis. While Khor Al Najd can be accessed by road, most of the other villages can be reached only by a ferry or a boat. Please note that to get inside these villages, one needs a special permit that can be arranged by a local or international tour operator.

2. Jebel Harim

Jebel Harim
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Jebel Harim is the crown jewel of this region and can be visited by road or overseen while on a flight. Especially in the month of Spring, driving over the mountain passes on an SUV is a rewarding pursuit. The peak is much more beautiful during this time with blooms of green and purple geraniums. However, the likelihood of these is majorly dependent on the Monsoon season and the heaviness of rains that the region can experience. Moreover, the mountain is filled with fossils, some of them almost 25 Million Years Old.

3. Khasab Fort and Khmazera Castle

Khasab Fort
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Built by the Portuguese in the 17th Century, Khasab Fort lies right in the middle of civilization but is nonetheless beautiful. It is surprisingly still in a well-preserved state and is the site of an ethnographic museum in Oman. Getting into the fort incurs a charge of 500 Baisa. The Khmazera Castle, however, is a bit of a let down in terms of its grandeur but is decorated with cannons, oyster shells and a huge renovated well.

Best Time to Visit Musandam

How to Reach Musandam

How to Reach Overview

It is a common practice to visit the Musandam peninsula as a weekend trip from either Muscat or Oman. However, the mode of transport chosen depends on the place of origin. It is highly recommended that you experience a unique travel adventure hosted by Oman Air Holidays, that consists of a flight to Khasab, flying over stunning mountains and a high-speed ferry ride back passing through the 'Khors'. This is likely to cost you around OR139 per person and includes a stay in one of the top-notch resorts in Khasab.

How to reach Musandam by flight

Oman Air is the only operator that offers flights between Khasab and Muscat. The journey takes about 1.25 Hours and the flights within Khasab depart and arrive to and from the military base, which is highly protected.

How to reach Musandam by road

It is ill-advised to travel to Khasab in Musandam by a car as the drive from Muscat involves getting insurance permits for two countries and is punctuated by at least 8 entry checkpoints! However, if you wish to drive down from Dubai, the process is slightly simpler. You can enter the region only through Al Darah/ Tibat. Please note that non GCC residents are not allowed to pass through Wadi Bih. You can rent a car in Muscat or Dubai and drive through the mountains. 4-Wheel-Drive SUVs are highly recommended for this journey.

How to reach Musandam by waterways

There is a Ferry that leaves from Muscat to arrive at Khasab every Thursday and departs from the same on Saturday. This journey can take you through the busiest shipping lane in the world and is considered to be the fastest catamaran ride in the world. This service is operated by National Ferries Company and costs around OR23-25.

Local transport in Musandam

While there aren't many public transport options available in the Musandam Peninsular region, most of the places to visit can be accessed using a self-driven car, provided you have a valid driver's permit. To visit places such as Jebel Harim, it's best to hire or have a 4 Wheel Drive car as the roads are quite treacherous and risky to traverse otherwise. Moreover, a Dhow trip around the 'khors' (inlets) of Musandam is also worth taking. If you wish to travel to the remote villages within these inlets of water, a special permit is essential and can be obtained by the tour company you book with.

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Musandam Photos

Musandam
Musandam -  Governorate  of Oman
Jebel Harim - Highest Peak in Musandam
Khasab Fort - Stone Fort Built in the 17th Century

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FAQs on Musandam

What is the best time to visit Musandam?

The best time to visit Musandam is between October and March which are the winter months. April and September are quite hot over there, making the water bodies too warm to dive. During January and February, Musandam receives short and sharp rain showers, making it the coolest months to visit Oman. However, March is warmer and less busy and is also an ideal time to visit Musandam owing to the heat and humidity of the summer and also the time when hotels are comparatively cheaper.
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What is the best way to reach Musandam?

It is a common practice to visit the Musandam peninsula as a weekend trip from either Muscat or Oman. However, the mode of transport chosen depends on the place of origin. It is highly recommended that you experience a unique travel adventure hosted by Oman Air Holidays, that consists of a flight to Khasab, flying over stunning mountains and a high-speed ferry ride back passing through the 'Khors'. This is likely to cost you around OR139 per person and includes a stay in one of the top-notch resorts in Khasab.
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What are the places near Musandam?

The top places near to Musandam are Ras al khaimah which is 45 km from Musandam, Muscat which is located 341 km from Musandam, Fujairah which is located 68 km from Musandam, Khasab which is located 18 km from Musandam, Dubai which is located 141 km from Musandam

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