The Sultanate in all its cultures
In summary
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Sports
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Duration12 days
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LevelIntermediate
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DestinationMiddle East / Oman
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AgeFrom the age of 18
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CO₂-Emissions3644.76 kg CO2
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Type of stayIn a group
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Languages
French
English
In a few words
The highlights
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The exclusive and wild discovery of the Musandam Fjords
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Our most comprehensive 12-day trip to Oman
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An intimate look at the Omani people, Bedouins, fishermen or mountain dwellers
Photos
Sport
Level
Hiking / Trekking
The expert's opinion
Little elevation gain, but Oman is a mountainous country where all the roads are stony and many are steep.
Some of the trails in the wadis also contain water crossings.
This trip does not require any specific experience. Practicing an endurance activity (walking or cycling) 1 to 2 times a week for 2 months before departure is a plus.
In figures
Hiking
- Average duration/day: 2h30
Management
During your trip, you will be accompanied by a French-speaking tour guide until day 9 and your flight to Khasab. In Khasab and throughout your journey to Dubai, you will be welcomed by our English-speaking Musandam team.
Your tour guide has been chosen for their extensive field experience, their specific knowledge of the geographical area and its culture, and their passion for sharing the country. In most cases, they are not Omani, but rather a regional Arabic-speaking guide, due to the lack of a trekking guide training school in Oman. Your guide is assisted by English-speaking Omani drivers.
Our guides are multi-skilled, capable of leading the trip, driving, and cooking. They have a particularly heavy workload (as in other Nordic countries or in the USA and Canada, for example) because, in addition to leading the group, they drive and are also responsible for many meals (shopping, preparation). Therefore, they would greatly appreciate any participation and assistance with their tasks, such as helping to load the 4x4s or preparing picnics. This is what happens spontaneously in our groups, but it doesn't hurt to let us know so you can be prepared.
Airport pick-up is provided by your French-speaking guide or an English-speaking member of the local team.
Program
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Flight to Muscat
- Transportation Plane - 07h - 5585km
- Accommodation 2-star hotel
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
Flight to Muscat. Depending on your arrival time (some flights are more nighttime than daytime), you will be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel, or you will depart directly for your tour. Meals are not included in the city.Day 1 -
Great Mosque - Bilad Seet - Misfat Palm Grove
- Transportation Car - 03h30 - 200km
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 2h
- Accommodation Bed and Breakfast
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
This morning we visit the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, inaugurated in 2002, built using both modern and traditional craftsmanship. We then head west towards the Nakhal region, admiring its palm groves. After a picnic lunch, we ascend to the traditional village of Bilad Sayt, surrounded by its gardens and palm groves, contrasting with the brown cliffs of the Jebel. Following a pleasant hike through the village, we continue to the Misfat Al Abreyeen palm grove and spend the night in a traditional house.Day 2 -
Misfat – Jebel Shams (the mountain of the sun) - Grand Canyon
- Transportation Car - 01h30 - 100km
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 5h
- Accommodation Bivouac / Tent
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
This morning, we're taking the time to explore the village of Misfat Al Abreyeen, situated at an altitude of approximately 1000 meters. We'll hike along its palm grove and through its falajs, under a canopy of greenery. The falajs are underground water supply networks used for crop irrigation; this ancient system, dating back 4500 years, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. We'll stroll through the narrow streets of Misfat village to admire its traditional old houses. We'll then travel to the Jebel Shams plateau at an altitude of approximately 2000 meters. Starting from the village of Al Khitaym, we'll hike along a trail perched above the Grand Canyon of Oman. Panoramic views await, and at the end of the path, we'll be surprised to discover a cave village, a relic of another era.Day 3 -
Al Hamra Village - Jabrin Castle - Nizwa
- Transportation Car - 02h - 120km
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 2h30
- Accommodation 2-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
A day discovering Omani heritage and society. Early in the morning, we depart for the town of Al Hamra and visit a traditional house: Bait al Safah. Then, we continue to the small town of Balha, renowned for its pottery. Lunch at a local restaurant. The early afternoon is dedicated to visiting the magnificent Jabrin Castle, with its distinctive painted ceilings. We continue our journey to Nizwa, check into our hotel, and then explore this ancient capital of Oman from the 6th and 7th centuries.Day 4 -
Nizwa Fort - Bidiyah - Wahiba Desert
- Transportation Car - 03h30 - 200km
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 1h30
- Accommodation Bivouac / Tent
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
This morning we visited Nizwa Fort. It's a large fortress that overlooks the entire city and offers a beautiful view of the surrounding mountains. It's surrounded by a fascinating traditional market to explore; this is where the Khanjars (daggers), the emblem of the country, are made. We then head south towards the town of Bidiyah, on the edge of the desert. We continue along a dirt track to immerse ourselves in the vast ochre dunes and set up camp. We hike in the dunes as the sun sets.Day 5 -
Wahiba Desert - Wadi Bani Khaled
- Transportation Car - 03h - 200km
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 3h
- Accommodation Bivouac / Tent
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
An early start, a stroll through the dunes to enjoy the beautiful morning light, then we travel by 4x4 to the foothills of the Eastern Hajar Mountains and the Bani Khaled Valley, a truly exceptional natural site. Our hike will take us through Wadi Bani Khaled along a route winding between boulders, following the wadi's waters, until we reach beautiful pools perfect for a swim. We'll enjoy a picnic by the water before the gentle climb back up. We continue our journey to our campsite.Day 6 -
Sur City - Wadi Tiwi
- Transportation Car - 02h - 100km
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 1h30
- Accommodation 2-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
This morning, we explore the town of Sur, its fish market, and a workshop for building dhows, traditional Middle Eastern boats. Then we travel along the coast of the Arabian Sea to the village of Tiwi. In the afternoon, we hike along trails and falajs (traditional paths) along the Wadi Tiwi, in an idyllic setting. Our hike includes opportunities for swimming. Afterwards, we meet up with our vehicles to drive to our accommodation in Tiwi, by the sea.Day 7 -
Wadi Shab - Return to Muscat
- Transportation Car - 02h - 100km
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 2h30
- Accommodation 2-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner not included
This morning, we set off on a beautiful hike in Wadi Shab, with its canyons of ochre cliffs, white rocks, and turquoise and green pools. We return to Muscat and check into our hotel. We can stroll through the Muttrah district, enjoying the colorful and friendly atmosphere of the souks, or take a walk along the Corniche. Dinner is at your leisure.Day 8 -
Domestic flight to Musandam
- Accommodation 2-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Transfer to the airport and flight to Musandam and the city of Khasab. Upon arrival, a short transfer to the hotel. In the early afternoon, we depart for a safari tour of Jebel Harim, "the Mountain of Women," which rises to 2,087 meters. The afternoon is spent exploring the history of Musandam, enjoying stunning views of the fjords, and overnight at the hotel.Day 9 -
Khasab Fort - Gub Ali Fjord
- Accommodation 2-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
We begin the day with a visit to Khasab Fort before boarding a dhow, a traditional Arab boat originating from the Red Sea and the Indian Ocean, used approximately two centuries ago primarily for fishing but also for maritime surveillance. In the afternoon, after sailing along the high cliffs plunging into the sea, we arrive at Gub Ali Fjord. Swimming, snorkeling... We enjoy a relaxing end to the day, with the changing light of sunset, before returning to our hotel for the night.Day 10 -
Khasab - Dubai - Return flight
- Transportation Car - 03h30 - 200km
- Accommodation 2-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
We depart in the morning for a 3-hour transfer between Khasab and Dubai, arriving late morning. The afternoon is free to explore Dubai and its contrasts. (Meals not included) Depending on your schedule, you can choose from the following options: a visit to the fort housing the National Museum, which highlights the importance of fishing and pearl farming; a visit to the textile souks and the Deira souks (spice and gold souks); a visit to the Emirates Mall and its indoor ski slope; the Dubai Mall and its giant aquarium; and a spectacular water fountain show at the foot of the Burj Khalifa, the tallest tower in the world... Impressive! (If you wish to visit the Burj Khalifa, you must book online in advance). Evening in the city before heading to the airport for your overnight flight back to France. (Meals not included)Day 11 -
Arrival in France
- Transportation Plane - 07h - 5585km
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
Arrival in France.Day 12
Note
Accommodation
Access
Go to the starting point
We most often travel with Turkish Airlines, one of the best airlines in Europe in terms of service and punctuality.
Depending on availability at the time of your booking, we may be able to modify this flight plan to offer a more convenient option, directly to Istanbul. There is also a direct flight from Paris to Oman, at an additional cost. For any of these adjustments, please consult your travel advisor.
If there is no more availability on Turkish Airlines, we often use the excellent companies from the Gulf countries, which are punctual and comfortable (example: Gulf Air, Emirates and Oman Air).
Price details
The price includes
- Flights from Paris to Muscat and from Dubai to Paris
- Domestic flight Muscat / Khassab
- Local transfers
- Entrances to the sites
- Accommodation as indicated in the program
- Full board except for meals in Dubai
- The team of drivers.
- Our French-speaking tour guide will accompany you to Khasab, followed by English-speaking support from Khasab to Dubai.
The price does not include
- Visa fees for Oman (no visa required for the Emirates)
- Personal expenses
- Drinks
- The optional meals mentioned in the program (approximately 4 meals at €20 per meal)
- Tips for your tour guide and local team (at your discretion).
Options
- Flex fare and insurance
Practical information
Specific formalities
Specifics
Before your departure, check with the embassy or consulate regarding the entry and stay requirements for your destination country. You can also find this information on the France Diplomatie website ( https://www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/fr/dossiers-pays/ ).
In the case of flights with stopovers operated by different airlines, also check the entry requirements of the countries you are transiting through.
It is your responsibility to ensure you are in compliance, particularly regarding the validity of your identity documents (for example, some countries require your passport to be valid for at least six months after your return) , visa requirements, necessary vaccinations, and health recommendations. And don't forget to consider any customs restrictions and other potential requirements of your destination or transit country.
ℹ️ Information may change up to the departure date, remember to regularly check official websites.
Equipment
Equipment provided on site
Individual and group cooking equipment and group bivouac equipment are provided by us.
Equipment to bring
- Sunscreen cream for face and lips
- 1.5 L water bottle
- Packet of tissues
- Hand sanitizing gel or disinfectant wipes
- Mosquito repellent spray for skin and clothing
- A roll of toilet paper
- A lighter
- Comfortable sleeping bag, adapted to your size, rather mummy-shaped (closer to the body and with a hood that closes) with a side zip closure for opening at your convenience.
It is necessary to adapt your sleeping bag to the temperatures encountered, determined according to your travel dates and the region visited. We advise you to choose a sleeping bag that is comfortable at 10°C below the lowest average temperature you will encounter (for example, if you are traveling in February in the Nizwa region (see Climate), you need a sleeping bag that is comfortable at: 15 - 10 = 5°C).
A sleeping bag that's comfortable at -10°C will also be comfortable at 0°C or 10°C; simply open it to allow air to circulate inside. Conversely, if you already have a sleeping bag that's comfortable at 10°C, for example, a fleece sleeping bag liner will make it about 5 degrees warmer.
- Cotton or silk sleeping bag liner.
- Headlamp + spare batteries (always useful).
- Lightweight bath towel.
- Knife (don't forget to put it in your checked baggage on the plane).
- Toiletry bag and bath towel
Clothing to bring
Clothing, from head to toe:
- Walking shoes: high or low-cut, as you prefer, but with good soles. Avoid new shoes, as blisters could ruin your trip: if necessary, try to break them in before you leave.
- Lightweight shoes or sandals are recommended for walking through towns and villages, during transfers, or in the evenings at camp. Sandals, which offer good ventilation, are ideal when the weather permits. These shoes should be brought in addition to your hiking boots.
- Shoes or sandals that can go in the water, for wadi crossings, like old sneakers.
- Lightweight socks for daytime and warm (wool or looped) socks for evenings at altitude.
- Trousers in cotton or lightweight material
- Swimsuit. Please note that in some areas it is advisable to cover up for swimming: bring shorts and a T-shirt to go in the water.
- Shirts or T-shirts with sleeves covering the shoulders.
- Polar
- Gore-tex type jacket for rain, wind and cold.
- Hat or cap, and/or a shemagh: the first two offer the advantage of also protecting your face from the sun, which the shemagh (long veil scarf) does not do: the latter is on the other hand very useful for protecting yourself from the cold, the heat, the sand and the wind.
- Category 3 sunglasses
For nights spent bivouacking at altitude in the heart of winter (from mid-November to mid-March) you will also need:
- Warm jacket: down-type jacket or thick fleece in addition to the Gore-Tex jacket.
- Cap
- Gloves