We planned to do a 3000km odd l, cross-country Middle East road trip in Nissan Xterra. We preferred a night travel and crossed UAE border around 2 am. Highway in Oman is narrow compared to Emirates and you need a SUV(4x4) to visit Salalah.
Journey is 1200 km one way with 1000+ kms in Oman. It’s a highway on arid desert with gas stations every 200 km. There are truck lay byes every 10-15 km but gas stations are the resorts if you want to refresh. Just few kms before Salalah you’ll find a entry toll gate. Thats gate of heaven where you’ll start feeling the misty air.
The monsoon season (also known as Khareef) typically starts around June and lasts until August. During monsoon, Salalah is transformed into a beautiful oasis due to the light drizzles that cool the air. The Salalah Tourism Festival takes place during the monsoon season from July 15- August 31, every year. Salalah is must visit during Khareef.
Other than wadi(springs) and mountains, Salalah is a known for its tombs and forts.
Ours is a two day trip to Salalah with day one covering the beaches and souq ( market) near the town.
Day 2 starts with a trip to Wadi Darbat. Wadi Darbat offers a serene escape with lush greenery, pleasant weather, beautiful springs and delightful boat rides. A must-visit destination for nature lovers
Sympathetically restored castle looks gorgeous with its surrounding green farms and white sand beach.
Cheraman Perumal Rama Varma Kulashekhara, king of Kerala that time went to a Madina to meet Prophet Mohammed and embraced Islam. On his way back he died of sickness and buried in Zafar (now Salalah) in Sultanate of Oman.Salalah, the historic port city of Oman, has the distinction of having the tomb of the first Indian to embrace Islam.
A hidden gem. Off roader paradise. Perfect camping spot with beach on one side and mountain on the other.