A lone palm tree stands in front of rugged mountains under a clear sky.

Mountains in Musandam

Mountains in Musandam

Written by: Luca Krohn Last updated at: May 21, 2025

The coastline of Musandam characteristic appearance is thanks to the limestone mountain range that rises there. No other region in Oman is as primitive, untouched, and natural as the mountainous world in Musandam. Those who set out to discover this mountainous world will find steep slopes, breathtaking gorges, dreamy small beaches, and overwhelming cliffs. The whole area is complemented by a few hotels in the mountain regions, which offer not only an excellent adventure holiday but also a wide range of options for families.

By car from Khasab to Ras al Kaimah

Anyone wishing to explore the mountains by car has a lot to discover on the approximately 70-kilometer-long route from Khasab to Ras al Kaimah in the United Arab Emirates. The areas where the mountain road becomes a coastal road are particularly stunning. It runs directly along the flank of a cliff that steeply descends into the sea beside the road. From here, there are unique views of secluded bays and beautiful beaches that seem to cling closely to the rocky coast and can only be reached by boat.

The As Sayh Plateau – a paradise in the mountains

Those seeking their very own paradise in the mountains of Musandam are recommended to drive from Khasab to Jebel Harim. At 2087 meters, it is the highest mountain in the mountain region of Musandam. However, at an altitude of 1100 meters, visitors are in for a real surprise. About 15 kilometers from the summit of Jebel Harim, one arrives at a paradisiacal plateau – the As Sayh Plateau. Amidst the rugged mountain world of Jebel Harim, the green expanse with date palms and almond trees appears strangely surreal. The plateau is predominantly populated by goats that satisfy their hunger on the lush meadows of the plateau. However, at 1600 meters, the journey ends. Military restricted area begins there. However, the view from up here is definitely worth a trip to the mountainous region.

Discover Oman with experts who have called it their home

Your dream holiday, tailor-made by experts.

We don't just know Oman from books, we visit the country several times a year to experience the culture, landscape and people first-hand.

From your first enquiry to your return home, we are there for you personally - by phone, email or WhatsApp, whenever you need us. Our trips are as unique as you are: individually planned and provided with exclusive privileges and high-quality arrangements that will make your trip unforgettable.

You might also like this

A view of rugged rocky terrain and deep canyon walls with winding paths and steep cliffs.

Mountains and Rocks

2 min read

Like hardly any other Arab country, Oman can be proud of a whole series of impressive and exciting mountain ranges. Indeed, these regions are one of the reasons why Oman is becoming increasingly interesting for more and more tourists. For spending a vacation here does not mean lying on the beach for 14 days and lounging around. Rather, one can discover a wide variety of things and natural wonders here. The mountains and rocky landscapes of Oman definitely belong to these natural wonders. Jebel Shams – the highest mountain of the Arabian Peninsula Jebel Shams (translated: Mountain of the Sun)...

People shopping at an indoor seafood market with long refrigerated display counters.

International Trade

2 min read

Oman's foreign trade in the first half of the last century was limited exclusively to agricultural products. Oman’s top exports early on were dates and regionally produced vegetables, fish, and frankincense resins. Trade during this time was primarily a domestic affair, with virtually no exchange with other states. Even rice, a staple of Omani food, was imported. Other types of goods were rarely imported nor considered necessary. There were no major trading ports in Oman, no serviceable airports, no infrastructure, and no modern communications technology. Oman was a dead country economically, ...

An elderly man with glasses and a checkered headscarf squinting in bright sunlight, sitting outdoors with a blurred blue background.

Literacy

2 min read

That the topic education is given such high importance that nearly a quarter of the civil expenditures of the state budget flows into the education system was not always the case in Oman. Until 1970, there were only Quran schools in the country, primarily focused on imparting religious values, as well as three public schools. These were boys' primary schools, with one located in Muscat, in Mutrah and in Salalah . In the entire country, only 909 students were taught by around 30 teachers. It was only in the following years that a school system was established, which is provided free of charge t...