Fjorde & Dhow
Fjorde & Dhow
One of the most famous images from Musandam is the fjord-like bays that can be found in many places along the steep coast; breathtaking cliffs that plunge into the sea and create pictures that inevitably remind some travelers of Norway. No wonder that Musandam has earned the nickname 'Norway of the Middle East'. These beauties can be experienced and learned about in various ways.
Experience the fjords up close
Anyone visiting Khasab will quickly notice that the capital of Musandam has quite a bit to offer, but is not necessarily suitable for a longer stay – unless one wants to use their accommodation in Khasab to explore the beautiful surroundings and coastal regions of Musandam. For example, a whole range of jeep and bus tours to the bays and fjords along the coast are offered. On these trips, one can gain a deep insight into the beauty of the country and will quickly realize that Oman has much more to offer in terms of natural beauty than one might think.
The second option is a classic one, used by the locals for several centuries. Taking a Dhow boat into one of the fjords is one of the things a traveler from Khasab should definitely do. Unlike other types of ships, the Dhow is not a fixed ship category. More than 50 ship types carry the name Dhow, even if they only somewhat resemble each other in construction. These are sailing ships of various sizes, which feature several characteristic traits, such as the trapezoidal sails. Dhows come as single, double, and triple masted. The ship type, which probably originates from ancient India and gradually flooded into the Arab world, is today a popular means of transportation when one wants to make the trip interesting and enjoyable for tourists. Sailing back from a fjord to Khasab on a Dhow at sunset is a dream that definitely makes the hearts of many romantics and nature lovers beat faster.
Cruising past the fjords of Musandam
Cruise lines like Costa have long recognized Khasab as a port for their Orient cruises and have come to appreciate it. Anyone deciding on an Orient cruise with a stay in Khasab will also pass by some fjords on the onward journey and will be able to admire the beauty of this coastal region at least from a distance.
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