Guide to best places to visit in Oman

1. Wadi Bani Khalid

If I chose only one location to exemplify Oman's natural beauty, it would be Wadi Bani Khalid. Water travels from the hills to the lowlands through a wadi, which is a long, narrow canyon—an oasis in the desert, allowing life-giving water to permeate an otherwise barren area. Wadi Bani Khalid is commonly regarded as the most photogenic of Oman's wadis (a couple more to come on this list). Every fresh pool digs further into the mountainside. There are flowing waterfalls that cascade over gigantic boulders, producing natural water slides and tunnels that can only be reached by swimming through half-submerged corridors. Date palms sprout from the sand to give shade and keep the water cold. Wadi Bani Khalid flows north to south, beginning as a thin ribbon and later growing into a river, and eventually drains into Al Kamil Wal Wafa. This location is packed with local families enjoying the water and picnicking on weekends and holidays. The most remote pools provide solitude and quiet and can be reached by swimming or trekking through sandy pathways.

2. Sharqiya Sands

Travel to the Empty Quarter of Oman to learn about the traditional Bedouin culture. The Empty Quarter (Rub Al Khali), one of the world's largest deserts and a natural wonder, surrounds the Sultanate of Oman. Most of Oman's interior comprises the Sharqiya Sands, also called the Wahiba Sands. At this popular Oman tourist spot, you can spend the day sliding down dunes and the evening watching the sun go down over the shimmering waters. Camping in the desert is an exciting part of any trip to Oman. Sleeping under the stars and waking up to the quiet of the desert is an unforgettable experience, regardless of whether you opt for a luxurious tent or a more basic camp.

3. The Vibrant City Of MUSCAT, Capital Of Oman

Muscat, Oman's capital, is a good place to begin your travels. In an otherwise arid country, this is the main point of entry. It would have been easy for the surrounding natural beauty to overshadow the urban scene, with the towering Al Hajar mountains to one side and the glittering Gulf of Oman to the other. Nevertheless, Muscat is one of the country's most beautiful cities, with its special allure. Intricate design can be found all over Muscat, from the bustling spice and henna shops of Muttrah Souq to the same name's the vibrant fish market. One example of this can be seen in the prayer hall of the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, which is decorated with elaborate mosaics and wood inlays. Commonplace activities like strolling along the corniche or playing football on the beach at sunset take on a new allure. The very name Muscat is enough to set off intense daydreaming. Explore the rest of the country with a firm grounding in Omani history and culture from the world-class museums and galleries in the nation's capital. Famous tourist attractions like the Royal Opera House pale compared to traditional Islamic architecture in terms of majesty and scale.

4. An Underwater Heaven In The Al Daymaniyat Islands Close To Muscat

The Al Daymaniyat Islands (also known as the Ad Dimaniyat Islands) are close to Muscat and may be reached on a day trip. Around the nine islands that make up the archipelago, the ocean and reefs are magnificent. Snorkeling and scuba diving enthusiasts will love this Oman spot. Since these islands are so important to sea turtles and migrating birds, they attract a lot of eco-tourists and birdwatchers. Stunning white sand beaches may be found on the outer islands, which can be reached by boat if you're looking for a peaceful place to unwind. The Al Daymaniyat Islands have a daily fee of 3 OMR for all non-Omanis. A travel agency can help you get permission from the Ministry of MECA. Camping on the vast islands is available for ten OMR per night for Muscat residents, so if you need more than a day excursion, you can spend up to five nights there.

5. Nizwa, The Creative Heart Of Oman, Is Our Sixth Pick.

It would be best to visit Nizwa, Oman's second-largest city. In the sixth and seventh centuries, Nizwa was the capital of Oman. It grew into a cultural hub on the country's main trade route during this time. Located inland, Nizwa is cut off from modern Muscat and the coast by the Hajar Mountains. Because of its distance from the nation's capital, it exudes a character all its own. Nizwa is also home to the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque. The largest and most well-known landmark in Nizwa is the fort itself, a sand-colored maze of turrets, staircases, flat roofs, underground passages, and hidden rooms built in the 17th century. While the citadel's belly is home to a beautiful museum, the nearby Nizwa Souq is a shopper's paradise, famous for its silversmiths and Friday morning goat market. In a day, you can see all the major attractions, including Nizwa Fort. From Muscat, you can travel to the nearby Jabrin Fort (Jibreen Castle) and the Samail Fort. Nizwa is a wonderful base for exploring the Al Hajar Mountains on foot.

6. Bimmah Sinkhole

Tourists go to Oman's Bimmah Sinkhole because it's the best picturesque location and a great place to swim on a hot day. Located about 1.5 hours south of Muscat, it is conveniently located off the coast route and makes for a pleasant stopover. The Arabic name for the sinkhole is Hawiyyat Najm, a natural depression with a lake at its bottom (300 feet at its deepest point). The local Omani mythology attributes its construction to a meteorite, although geologists know it was formed when the limestone caved in on itself due to natural erosion. The sinkhole is accessible daily at 8 a.m. when the park opens (entry is free). Swimming is risk-free, but some tiny fish might nibble at your toes if you get there early. Teenagers from the neighborhood might be there to put their diving talents to the test at the Bimmah Sinkhole.

8. The Last Oasis In The Desert, WADI SHAB

Located on the coast of Oman, Wadi Shab (also known as Wadi Tiwi) is a breathtaking gorge that is a little harder to access than the more well-known Wadi Bani Khalid. Enter "Wadi Shab Parking" into your GPS to locate the legal parking area. To go to the swimming area from there, you will need to take a fast boat ride for 1 OMD per person. The turquoise pools are easily accessible after a short ascent along the canyon wall. If you're up for some boulder scrambling, the canyon's depths are yours to discover; otherwise, dive into the first pool and swim up. Natural ponds and slippery underwater slides occur on the rocks when the canyon walls narrow and stretch out. The stunning Wadi Shab Waterfall is "hidden" behind a small rock crack. Therefore only the bravest of adventurers should venture there.

9. The Mud Town Of Misfat Al-Abyeen Is A Prime Example

To create Misfat al Abryeen, nature and cultural sophistication were brought together in perfect balance (Misfah al Abriyyin). A typical Omani town with a completely distinct architectural style can be found in the southwestern part of the Al Hajar Mountains; all houses are constructed entirely of mud and perched on top of enormous stone boulders. This spruces an otherwise unimpressive settlement and opens up a wealth of fresh avenues for exploration. There needs to be more room in the alleys to allow cars. It takes a lot of energy to navigate the roads of Oman. You can park your automobile for a few days while on foot adventures here. Fascinating features of the neighborhood include a creative irrigation system made up of high water conduits and outdoor spas and dense groves of palm trees packed with golden dates. You can go in any direction you like, whether you follow one of the many trails around the village.

10. Oman's Grand Canyon, Jebel Shams, And Al Nakhr

Jebel Shams, the highest peak in Oman's Al Hajar range, is a favorite hiking destination when summertime rises over the pleasant 20°C mark. The W6 Balcony Walk Hike is the most well-known; it crosses cliffs and ends in the abandoned settlement of As Sab. Any reasonably fit person can accomplish the hike in a couple of hours. Although the trail is wide and stable, the views are dangerous. For access to the trailhead, you'll need a high-clearance vehicle. You can take several different, easier routes to reach the hidden lakes and mud towns surrounding Wadi Ghul. Camping and lodgings, along with various vantage spots, may be found outside Al Hall. The stunning Jebel Shams Canyon, also known as the Al Nakhur Canyon, is unquestionably the most striking feature of the Jebel Shams region. The Grand Canyon of the Middle East's round form in certain spots makes it as deep as a kilometer.