Are you planning an Oman road trip? If you’re looking
for a destination that combines rugged mountains, emerald wadis, and ancient
history, the Sultanate of Oman is a hidden gem you can't miss. From the
white-washed streets of Muscat to the "Grand Canyon of Arabia"
at Jebel Shams, we spent 8 days exploring this breathtaking country in February
2025.
In this Oman travel guide, I’ll break down our exact
itinerary, must-visit places, and a detailed Oman trip cost to help you
plan your own self-drive adventure.
Traveling During Ramadan: What You Need to Know
Our trip coincided with the holy month of Ramadan.
Traveling during this time is a unique cultural experience, but it requires
planning.
- Public
Etiquette: Out of respect for those fasting, eating or drinking water
in public is strictly prohibited during daylight hours.
- Dining:
Most restaurants remain closed during the afternoon. The few that were
open offered takeaway only.
- Family
Travel: Since we were traveling with a toddler and senior citizens,
we found the rules to be slightly more flexible for them, but we made sure
to remain discreet and respectful of the local laws. It’s always a good
idea to carry snacks for kids to be consumed in private or inside your
vehicle.
The Logistics: Rental Cars & Flights
For an Oman road trip, a car is non-negotiable. We
simplified our logistics by picking up our rental car directly from the Muscat
International Airport upon arrival. We kept the same vehicle throughout the
entire 8-day journey, which provided immense flexibility for our
multi-generational group. On our final day, we returned the car back at the
airport just a few hours before catching our flight back to Bangalore.
Day 1-2: Cultural Immersion in Muscat
Our journey began in the capital. Unlike its flashy
neighbors, Muscat keeps it traditional.
- Mutrah
Fort & Corniche: We spent our first evening walking the harbor.
The views from the fort at sunset are the best in the city.
- Mutrah
Souq: A maze of silver, spices, and the intoxicating scent of
frankincense. Don't forget to pick up some local Ittar (perfume oils)!
- Where
we stayed: Mercure Muscat – a great mid-range option with
excellent connectivity.
Day 3-5: The Historic Heartland & Mountains (Nizwa)
We drove toward Nizwa, the cultural heart of the
country.
- Across
Ages Museum: A modern architectural marvel in Manah that tells the
story of Oman’s evolution.
- Jebel
Shams: Standing at the edge of the rim walk, looking into the deep
abyss of Wadi Ghul, was easily a highlight.
- Where
we stayed: Golden Tulip Nizwa – the perfect base for exploring
the mountains and ruins like Bahla Fort and Jabreen Castle.
Day 6-8: Desert Dunes and the Hidden "Yenkit
Viewpoint"
- Wahiba
Sands: We traded the pavement for golden dunes at Sands Dream
Tourism Camp.
- Wadi
Bani Khalid: One of the most beautiful wadis in Oman, featuring
crystal-clear pools.
- The
Hidden Gem - Yenkit Viewpoint: En route to the Bimmah Sinkhole,
we detoured to Yenkit Viewpoint. Fair warning: there is literally
no road, and the drive was quite scary as we were completely alone.
However, the reward was a panoramic view that was arguably the best of the
entire trip.
Oman Trip Budget: How Much Does it Cost?
Here is our total breakup for a group trip (8 days):
|
Expense Category |
Amount (INR) |
|
Flights |
₹1,06,000 |
|
Hotels & Stays |
₹1,33,946 |
|
Car Rental (4x4) |
₹41,000 |
|
Sightseeing & Entry Fees |
₹20,587 |
|
Food & Snacks |
~₹24,000 |
|
Petrol/Fuel |
₹6,205 |
|
Total Expenditure |
₹3,67,340 |
Why You Should Visit Oman
Oman is the perfect destination for travelers who want authentic
Arabian hospitality. Despite the restrictions of Ramadan, the quiet beauty
of the desert and the thrill of off-roading to spots like Yenkit made this a
trip of a lifetime.
Have questions about our Oman itinerary? Drop them in the
comments below!
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