Oman · Trip plan
5 days in Muscat & Oman
Wadis, forts and dunes in the Gulf's most beautiful landscapes.
- Best time
- Nov – Mar
- Ideal length
- 5 days
- A day, mid-range
- ₹11,000 per person
- Trip for two
- about ₹1,10,000
Planning a 5-day trip to Muscat & Oman? Here's a day-by-day Muscat & Oman itinerary with what it costs, where to stay and how to get there, ready to follow or make your own.
Why go now
Oman's winter is ideal for hiking wadis, swimming in sinkholes and nights in the desert.
Oman offers some of the Arabian Peninsula's best landscapes: mountains, wadis, desert and coastline, with a gentle, traditional culture. Muscat is a calm capital of white buildings between rocks and sea.
- Jan: a good time to go
- Feb: a good time to go
- Mar: a good time to go
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov: a good time to go
- Dec: a good time to go
November to March: 20–30°C, dry and sunny.
Don't miss
Best things to do in Muscat & Oman
- 01
Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque
A vast chandelier and serene courtyards.
- 02
Mutrah Souq
Frankincense, silver and the corniche at dusk.
- 03
Wadi Shab
Swim through a canyon to a hidden waterfall.
- 04
Wahiba Sands
A night in a desert camp.
Day by day
Muscat & Oman itinerary for 5 days
- D1
Day 1: Mosque and souq
- Morning
- Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, open to non-Muslims from 8 to 11 AM, with its vast chandelier and courtyards.
- Afternoon
- Royal Opera House and the Bait Al Zubair museum.
- Evening
- Mutrah Souq for frankincense and silver, then a corniche walk at dusk.
Women need headscarves and covered arms at the mosque.
- D2
Day 2: Sinkhole and wadi
- Morning
- Drive the coast road to Bimmah Sinkhole for a swim in turquoise water.
- Afternoon
- Hike and swim through Wadi Shab to the hidden waterfall cave (about 3 hours).
- Evening
- Drive on to Sur for the night.
Wear water shoes and carry a dry bag.
- D3
Day 3: Wahiba Sands
- Morning
- Drive inland to Wahiba Sands; stop at Wadi Bani Khalid's pools on the way.
- Afternoon
- Dune bashing and a camel ride with a Bedouin guide.
- Evening
- Desert camp dinner under a sky full of stars.
You need a 4x4 for the dunes.
- D4
Day 4: Nizwa and the mountains
- Morning
- Nizwa Fort and the Friday cattle market (if it's a Friday) or the souq.
- Afternoon
- Drive up Jebel Akhdar's terraced villages.
- Evening
- Mountain resort for the night.
Jebel Akhdar is 4x4 only; checkpoints enforce it.
- D5
Day 5: Back to Muscat
- Morning
- Drive to Muscat (about 2 hours).
- Afternoon
- A last swim at Qurum beach.
- Evening
- Fly home.
Allow time for the drive and returning the car.
Shorter or longer
Muscat & Oman in 4, 5 or 7 days
4 days in Muscat & Oman
Follow days 1 to 4 above and leave out “Back to Muscat”. Start early each day and book the main sights ahead.
7 days in Muscat & Oman
Slow down with a free day for a spa, a cooking class or simply wandering.
What it costs
Muscat & Oman trip budget
| Style | Per person, a day | 5 days for two |
|---|---|---|
| Budget | ₹5,000 | ₹50,000 |
| Mid-range | ₹11,000 | ₹1,10,000 |
| Luxury | ₹30,000+ | ₹3,00,000 |
Stay, food, local transport and entry fees; travel to Muscat & Oman is extra. Rough guides from recent prices, so check before you book.
Where to stay
Best hotels in Muscat & Oman for every budget
What to eat
Food to try in Muscat & Oman
Shuwa
Slow-cooked spiced lamb.
Omani halwa
Sticky sweet with rosewater and saffron.
Kahwa and dates
Served as a welcome.
Getting there
How to reach Muscat & Oman
- Travel
- Direct flights to Muscat from Delhi, Mumbai, Kochi and more (about 3 hours).
- Getting around
- Rent a car; a 4x4 for the desert and mountain roads.
- Visa
- Indians can apply for an Oman e-visa online.
- Rent a 4x4 for Wahiba Sands.
- Mosque visiting hours are mornings only for non-Muslims.
Before you go
What to pack for Muscat & Oman
- Power bank and charging cables
- Passport and visa printouts
- A scarf for sun and sand
- A warm layer for desert nights
- A small first-aid kit
- A reusable water bottle
- A forex card or some local cash
- Travel insurance
Good questions
Muscat & Oman trip FAQs
How many days are enough for Muscat & Oman?
5 days are enough to see the highlights: Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, Mutrah Souq, Wadi Shab. Add a day or two if you like a slower pace.
How much does a 5-day Muscat & Oman trip cost?
Roughly ₹5,000 a day per person on a budget, ₹11,000 mid-range and ₹30,000+ for luxury, not counting travel to get there. For two people mid-range, that's about ₹1,10,000 for 5 days.
What is the best time to visit Muscat & Oman?
Nov – Mar. Oman's winter is ideal for hiking wadis, swimming in sinkholes and nights in the desert.
Where should I stay in Muscat & Oman?
Budget: Hotels in Ruwi & Mutrah (Old Muscat), from about ₹4,000 a night. Mid-range: Desert camps (Wahiba Sands), from about ₹9,000 a night. Luxury: The Chedi Muscat (Al Ghubra), from about ₹35,000 a night.
How do I reach Muscat & Oman?
Direct flights to Muscat from Delhi, Mumbai, Kochi and more (about 3 hours).
Do I need a visa or permit for Muscat & Oman?
Indians can apply for an Oman e-visa online.
Is 4 days enough for Muscat & Oman?
Yes, if you focus: follow days 1 to 4 of the itinerary above and skip "Back to Muscat". 5 days is the comfortable length.
What is the weather like in Muscat & Oman?
November to March: 20–30°C, dry and sunny.
What food should I try in Muscat & Oman?
Shuwa: Slow-cooked spiced lamb. Omani halwa: Sticky sweet with rosewater and saffron. Kahwa and dates: Served as a welcome.
How do I get around Muscat & Oman?
Rent a car; a 4x4 for the desert and mountain roads.
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