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

Two men in traditional clothing stand near two leafless trees on a rocky, arid hillside in Salalah, Oman.

Frankincense Road

2 min read

“Tears of the Gods,” as frankincense is also called, were responsible for worldwide trade relations, power, and wealth. The resin, weighed against gold, was transported by camels on the frankincense road, the oldest trade route in the world. The first recorded transport of frankincense took place in the tenth century BC when the Queen of Sheba visited King Solomon. Trade within Arabia likely developed at this time due to the domestication of the camel since camels could carry heavy loads and go for several days without water, allowing trade routes to traverse barren desert areas as well. The r...

A camel standing in a desert with saddles and supplies on its back, with dunes and small structures in the background.

Camels in Oman

3 min read

The Arabian camel and favorite of the population of Arabia is actually a dromedary. The one-humped Camelus Dromedarius differs from the also well-known two-humped Bactrian camel. Both species belong to the family of Camels. The habitat is found in large parts of Asia and Africa. As a wild animal, the dromedary is extinct and only exists domesticated as a beast of burden. No matter how abandoned a camel looks in the vast desert, it always has an owner. There is evidence from Arabia that dromedaries have been domesticated for about 3,200 years. The one-humped camel has a body or shoulder height...

Two traditional boats float on clear blue water with rugged mountains in the background in Musandam.

Musandam and Its Surroundings

6 min read

Musandam, Oman’s northern exclave, has become a hidden treasure for travelers seeking off-the-beaten-path experiences. Often dubbed the “Norway of Arabia,” this remote region captivates with its stunning landscapes and rich cultural heritage. For those looking to escape the crowds and embrace an authentic adventure, Musandam offers untouched nature, deep-rooted traditions, and a rare sense of seclusion that’s hard to find elsewhere....