Oman is an underrated travel destination that boasts breathtaking landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and thrilling adventures. My wife, Kanika, and I recently explored Muscat and nearby attractions over four incredible days. From ancient forts and local markets to pristine beaches, turquoise wadis, and vast deserts, our trip was filled with unforgettable experiences.
If you’re planning a trip to Oman, here’s a detailed day-by-day itinerary, complete with information on how to get there and what to do.
Trip Planning & Essentials
- Flights: We booked via Skyscanner for the best rates.
- Accommodation: We stayed at Ramada Encore by Wyndham, a centrally located and comfortable hotel.
- Visa: We applied for a 10-day tourist visa through a local travel agency for ₹3500 per person.
- Transportation: Upon landing at Muscat International Airport, we installed the Otaxi app (Oman’s version of Uber) for easy and affordable rides across the city.
Day 1: Exploring Muscat – Mutrah Souq & Mutrah Fort
How to Reach:
From our hotel, we took an Otaxi ride to Mutrah Souq, which is about 20 minutes from central Muscat.
What to Do:
- Mutrah Souq: One of the oldest markets in Oman, this bustling souq is a treasure trove of traditional Omani handicrafts, silver jewelry, frankincense, perfumes, and textiles. The narrow alleys filled with the scent of spices and oud perfume create a vibrant and authentic Arabian experience.
- Mutrah Corniche: After shopping, we took a stroll along the Mutrah Corniche, a beautiful waterfront promenade offering scenic views of the harbor, mountains, and traditional dhows.
- Mutrah Fort: A short hike from the souq leads to this 16th-century Portuguese-built fort. From the top, we enjoyed panoramic views of Mutrah Bay, making it a perfect spot for sunset photography.
- Dinner: We ended our day with a delicious Omani meal & Indian meal.
Day 2: Wadi Shab & Bimmah Sinkhole – A Day of Adventure
How to Reach:
We booked a private taxi for the full day through the Otaxi app. Wadi Shab is about 1.5 hours from Muscat via Route 17 (Muscat-Sur Highway).
What to Do:
- Wadi Shab: Upon arrival, we took a small boat (1 OMR per person) to cross the river and then started a 45-minute hike through scenic canyons. At the end of the trail, we reached crystal-clear pools, perfect for swimming. The highlight was a hidden cave with a waterfall—we had to swim through a narrow passage to enter this magical spot!
- Lunch: After the hike, we had a quick lunch at a roadside café near the parking area.
- Bimmah Sinkhole: A 40-minute drive from Wadi Shab took us to Bimmah Sinkhole, a stunning limestone crater filled with turquoise water. We took a refreshing dip in the sinkhole and even experienced a free fish spa, as tiny fish nibbled on our feet!
Day 3: Snorkeling & Diving at Daymaniyat Islands
How to Reach:
We booked a Daymaniyat Island snorkeling tour with a local operator. Boats depart from Al Mouj Marina, Muscat, which is about 20 minutes from our hotel by taxi.
What to Do:
- Boat Ride: The speedboat ride to Daymaniyat Islands took about 45 minutes, giving us stunning views of the Omani coastline.
- Snorkeling & Marine Life: The crystal-clear waters were filled with vibrant coral reefs, sea turtles, and a variety of colorful fish. It was like swimming in an aquarium!
- Relax on the Beach: The islands have pristine white sand beaches, making them perfect for sunbathing and relaxing.
- Scuba Diving (Optional): For certified divers, there are amazing diving spots with shark sightings, underwater caves, and diverse marine ecosystems.
By the time we returned in the evening, we were exhausted but thrilled with the day’s adventure. We had dinner at The Cave Restaurant, which offers a unique cave-like dining experience.
Day 4: Wadi Bani Khalid & Wahiba Sands Desert Safari
How to Reach:
We booked a full-day tour with a 4×4 private driver for this adventure. Wadi Bani Khalid is about 3 hours from Muscat, and Wahiba Sands is another 1-hour drive from there.
What to Do:
Morning: Wadi Bani Khalid
- Hiking & Swimming: We explored this beautiful oasis with palm trees, natural pools, and waterfalls. The water was crystal-clear and deep, perfect for a swim.
- Cave Exploration: There’s a small cave (Maqal Cave) near the pools, which adventurous travelers can explore.
- Lunch: We had a traditional Omani lunch at a small restaurant near the wadi.
Evening: Wahiba Sands Desert Safari
- Dune Bashing: Our guide took us on a thrilling ride over the massive golden sand dunes in a 4×4 vehicle.
- Sunset Views: We climbed to the top of a dune to watch one of the most breathtaking sunsets we’ve ever seen.
- Bedouin Camp Experience: We visited a local Bedouin camp, where we enjoyed traditional Omani coffee (Kahwa) and dates.
- Stargazing: The desert sky at night was mesmerizing, with millions of stars visible due to the lack of light pollution.
Final Thoughts & Travel Tips
- Best Time to Visit: October to March (pleasant weather).
- Currency: Omani Rial (OMR) – 1 OMR ≈ ₹215-230.
- Transportation: Otaxi app is reliable, but for long-distance trips, book a private driver.
- Clothing: Modest clothing is recommended, especially in markets and religious sites.
- Food to Try: Shuwa (slow-cooked lamb), Majboos (spiced rice), Omani halwa (sweet dessert).
Oman truly exceeded our expectations with its rich culture, natural beauty, and warm hospitality. If you’re looking for a perfect mix of adventure, history, and relaxation, Muscat should be on your travel list!
Have you been to Oman? Let us know in the comments!
