Planning Your Omani Adventure
The best time to visit Oman is between October and April, when the weather is pleasant for hiking and exploring. For Indian travellers, obtaining a visa is a straightforward online process. Most visitors can apply for an eVisa through the official Royal
Oman Police portal. You'll typically need a passport with at least six months of validity, a recent photograph, and proof of a hotel booking and return flight. Options often include a 10-day or 30-day tourist visa. While Oman announced a free 14-day visa for certain nationalities in August 2026, the list of eligible countries has not yet been confirmed, so it is best to stick to the standard eVisa process for now. A daily budget of 25-40 Omani Rials (OMR) is a realistic target for a backpacker.
Muscat: The Captivating Capital
Your journey will likely begin in Muscat, a city that beautifully blends the old and the new. A must-visit is the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, an architectural marvel that is free to enter (remember to dress conservatively, covering arms, legs, and hair for women). Spend your afternoons wandering the Mutrah Corniche and getting lost in the Mutrah Souq, where the cost is only what you decide to buy. For accommodation, Muscat has a few hostels with dorm beds, which are the most budget-friendly option. Many of the city's key sights are accessible via the local Mwasalat buses, which are cheap and efficient.
Wadi Shab: A Natural Oasis
Roughly two hours from Muscat lies one of Oman's most famous natural attractions: Wadi Shab. While there is no direct public transport, you can take a Mwasalat bus towards Sur and get off at the stop near Tiwi, from which the wadi entrance is a short taxi ride or a 15-minute walk away. The only mandatory cost is the 1 OMR boat ride to cross the river to the trailhead. From there, it's a 45-minute hike through a stunning canyon. The trail involves walking over rocks and through shallow streams, so sturdy shoes that can get wet are essential. The reward is a series of crystal-clear turquoise pools perfect for swimming. The ultimate prize is a hidden waterfall inside a cave, accessible by swimming through a narrow opening.
Nizwa: Gateway to History
From Muscat, you can take a Mwasalat bus directly to Nizwa, a journey of about two to three hours. This historic city was once the capital of Oman and is the perfect base for exploring the country's past. The main attraction is the imposing Nizwa Fort, built in the 17th century. The entrance fee for tourists is 5 OMR. Adjacent to the fort is the Nizwa Souq, which is a great place to see local life, especially on Friday mornings during the lively goat market. Nizwa offers a range of affordable guesthouses and hotel apartments, many located within walking distance of the main sights.
Getting Around and Eating on a Budget
Renting a car, especially if shared among a group, offers the most flexibility for exploring Oman. However, it's possible to navigate between major towns using the Mwasalat bus network, which is reliable and affordable. For shorter distances within cities, look for shared taxis, known as "baiza taxis," which operate on fixed routes and are very cheap. Food is another area where you can save significantly. Avoid tourist-heavy restaurants and instead seek out the countless small coffee shops and local canteens, often run by members of the Indian and Pakistani communities. Here, you can get delicious and filling meals like biryani or shawarma for just 1-2 OMR.
