DRHoliday season is invariably linked to piling on the pounds but if Oman is your destination, the pleasant weather leaves one with every opportunity to enjoy the outdoors and that too in close quarters with nature. So jog, swim, climb or trek your way through the Sultanate this winter. Here’s how:
Jog along Muttrah Corniche
Located in Muscat, Muttrah is the oldest commercial centre and the first spot on every tourist’s itinerary. Flanked by the Arabian Sea on one side, joggers can use the pavement, taking in views of the ships docked at the port, the bustling souk and mountains in the backdrop.
Stand Up Paddle Boarding at the beach
Propel yourself through water and get a full body workout. Get in touch with clubs that conduct stand up paddle tours around Oman to explore the beaches from a whole new perspective.
Kayaking through Bandar Khairan
The mesmerising emerald waters of Bandar Khairan are perfect for kayaking. Yet another option to make the most of Oman’s beautiful waters, kayaking depends on the season and lasts from September to April.
Trek through Muttrah Mountains
If a fairly easy to moderate hike is all you want, look no further than Muttrah. Close to Riyam Park lies the Muttrah Geo Trek or Riyam Walk Trail. Start off at daybreak and you should be done well before noon. The route was used by miners to traverse the mountainous region. Once on top, get an amazing view of the Corniche promenade and the Old Town where traditional houses dot the landscape.
Swim through Wadi Bani Khalid
Topmost on the wadi scene is the azure waters course alongside mountains in Wadi Bani Khalid offering the perfect trek interspersed with swims when the trek through land gets too tiring. Do go only with a professional guide though. Don’t forget a life jacket if swimming is not your strength.
Caving in Oman
Whether it is the world’s largest underground cave, Majlis al Jin or the Teeq Cave atop Tawi Ateer, one of the biggest solvent sinkholes in the world or Jarnan Cave about which stories abound among the locals or even the famous Al Hoota Caves, there’s plenty of mystery awaiting cave explorers in Oman.
Via feratta atop Snake Canyon Gorge
The via ferrata mountain climbing adventure located in Wadi Bani Awf just above the Snake Canyon Gorge is not for the faint-hearted. Apart from this one, there are via ferrata options in Jabal Shams and Wadi Al Kawr. Located near the Saiq Plateau, the Alila Jabal Akhdar Resort offers a privately operated guided via ferrata experience overlooking the majestic mountains.
Rock climbing in Oman
Avid rock climbers will know that Oman is a climber’s paradise, waiting to be discovered. Be it Qantab, Khubrah Canyon or Wadi Daykah, there’s something in the Sultanate for every climber.
Cycle in Dhofar
If culture and heritage is your thing, then old souks, forts, antiquated houses and mosques in Oman are must for you to visit on a bicycle while working out those muscles. Oman sees a lot of adventure cyclists pass through the country as the Tour of Oman annual bicycle racing event takes place every year.
Quad Biking in the desert
Try quad biking in Oman’s longitudinal dunes Sharqiyah sands desert region for some thrill. Be warned, this will be one bumpy ride but the adrenaline rush is unmatched.
Yoga by the beach
Oman’s beaches are clean, leaving yoga practitioners with endless sandy shores for practise. There’s nothing like meditating with the sound of waves for company. So don’t forget to pack your yoga mat.
