Oman Travel Guide 2025: Itinerary, Seasons, Currency & Tips for First-Time Visitors
Oman, the hidden gem of the Arabian Peninsula, is where ancient heritage meets dramatic landscapes—from golden deserts and rugged mountains to pristine coastlines and turquoise wadis. Whether you’re wandering through Muscat’s souqs, camping under stars in Wahiba Sands, or marveling at the cliffs of Jebel Akhdar, Oman promises a rich, immersive experience for every kind of traveller.
Quick Facts
Currency
Omani Rial (OMR)
Language
Arabic (English widely spoken)
Religion
Islam (Ibadi sect predominantly)
Visa
eVisa available for most nationalities at evisa.rop.gov.om
Time Zone
GMT+4
Best Time to Visit
October to April (cooler and ideal for travel)
Best Time to Visit Oman in 2025
- Winter (Oct–Apr): Pleasant weather, perfect for desert, beach, and mountain exploration
- Spring (Mar–May): Warmer, but still good for coastal visits and sightseeing
- Summer (Jun–Sep): Very hot inland, but Salalah transforms into a lush green haven during the Khareef monsoon
Top Festivals & Events in Oman
- Muscat Festival (Jan–Feb): Celebrates Omani heritage with music, dance, and food
- Khareef Festival (Jul–Sep): Celebrated in Salalah, highlighting the monsoon season with culture, food, and greenery
- National Day (Nov 18): Patriotic celebrations, parades, and fireworks across the country
- Eid al-Fitr & Eid al-Adha: Religious holidays marked by feasting and gatherings
Suggested 7-Day Oman Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Muscat
- Visit Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque & Royal Opera House
- Explore Mutrah Souq & Corniche
- Try Omani seafood dinner by the coast
Day 2: Muscat Continued
- Visit Bait Al Zubair Museum & Al Alam Palace
- Drive to Qantab Beach or take a boat to spot dolphins
Day 3: Jebel Akhdar or Jebel Shams (via Nizwa)
- Explore Nizwa Fort & Souq
- Drive up to the mountains for stunning cliff views and terraced villages
Day 4: Bahla, Al Hamra & Misfat Al Abriyeen
- Visit UNESCO-listed Bahla Fort
- Explore ancient mud-brick houses in Misfat Al Abriyeen
- Overnight stay in a traditional guesthouse
Day 5: Wahiba Sands Desert Adventure
- Ride camels, go dune bashing, and enjoy desert sunset
- Stay in a Bedouin-style camp with stargazing
Day 6: Wadi Bani Khalid + Drive to Sur
- Swim in turquoise pools at Wadi Bani Khalid
- Visit Sur’s traditional dhow yards
- Overnight stay by the coast
Day 7: Ras Al Jinz & Return to Muscat
- Early morning turtle watching at Ras Al Jinz
- Scenic coastal drive back to Muscat via Wadi Shab (optional hike)
Budget Breakdown (Per Day, Per Person in INR)
| Type | Budget Traveller | Mid-Range | Luxury |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | ₹2,500 – ₹5,000 | ₹7,000 – ₹12,000 | ₹18,000+ |
| Food | ₹1,000 – ₹2,000 | ₹2,500 – ₹4,000 | ₹6,000+ |
| Transport | ₹1,000 – ₹2,000 | ₹3,000 – ₹5,000 | ₹7,000+ |
| Attractions | ₹700 – ₹1,500 | ₹2,000 – ₹4,000 | ₹5,000+ |
| Total | ₹5,200 – ₹10,500 | ₹14,500 – ₹25,000 | ₹36,000+ |
Money-Saving Tips
- Use shared taxis (maxi cabs) or rent a car with friends
- Eat at local cafeterias or small Omani restaurants
- Purchase a local SIM card for navigation and deals
- Many wadis, forts, and mosques are free or low-cost to enter
- Travel in shoulder season (March or October) for lower rates
Packing Guide
- Clothing: Light layers, modest outfits (especially for mosques and rural areas)
- Footwear: Hiking shoes for wadis and comfortable sandals for city strolls
- Essentials: Hat, sunscreen, refillable water bottle, power adapter (Type G), sunglasses
Health & Safety
- Oman is one of the safest countries in the Middle East
- Emergency Number: 9999
- Tap water is generally safe, but bottled water is recommended in rural areas
- Always carry basic medicines and travel insurance
Connectivity & SIM Cards
- Top Providers: Omantel, Ooredoo
- Where to Buy: Airports, malls, mobile shops
- Cost: ₹400–₹1,000 for 10–20 GB data
- Wi-Fi: Available in hotels, malls, and major tourist spots
- Network: Strong 4G/5G coverage across the country
Ready to Discover Oman in 2025?
From golden dunes to turquoise wadis, ancient forts to mountain villages, Oman is an immersive journey through culture, silence, and soulful beauty. Whether you’re chasing sunsets in the desert or sipping Omani kahwa by the sea, Oman in 2025 promises warmth, wonder, and unforgettable memories.
Desert dreams, mountain air, and coastal calm — Oman awaits.
