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Khasab

Dubbed the "Norway of the East" thanks to its vast lakes and towering mountainous landscape, Khasab is the capital of Oman's Musandam Peninsula that overlaps into the United Arab Emirates next door. The bustling port towards the north is a hub of activity and an icon of the city, with waterside eateries and traditional tea shops overlooking all the hustle and bustle. This port area is famous throughout the Middle East thanks to its thriving privacy trade; smugglers zip along the 35 miles of water to Iran in their modified fiberglass boats packed with US cigarettes, trading them for goats before making the short journey back to the port.

This trade has been a long tradition of Khasab, and the additional income is generally welcomed by the locals. Tourist numbers are slowly creeping up too - partly thanks to a brand new highway that links up with Dubai in the East - and the old town centre has plenty in the way of attractions to keep the day trippers busy. Historical souqs still stand as the main places to do some bargain hunting, and popular boat trips cruise along the picturesque rocky shoreline around the Musandam Peninsular.

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Cruises

Perhaps the most popular activity for tourists here are cruises; several well-established companies run full and half day trips, making their way along the pretty coastline and around Oman’s far eastern peninsular. Most of the companies can be found advertising around the port area and depart twice daily.

Khasab Castle

This 17th-century castle was built by the Portuguese, and has been home to everybody from Sultans to prisoners over the last 300 years. Recently, the impressive stone structure was given a much-needed makeover and transformed into a regional museum. The building is open to all and a ticket costs 0.50 Rials.

Khasab Dhow Port

Whether you’re coming to board a cruise, chill out at one of the waterside eateries, or just find curiosity in the city’s thriving pirate trade (whereby US cigarettes are smuggled over the water in exchange for Iranian goats), Khasab’s buzzing port is a must-visit for all.

Mountain Safari

Outside the city, the surrounding Khasab landscape is quite spectacular, offering a range of sizeable mountains that can only really be tackled off-road. Fun 4x4 tours depart the city regularly, heading to popular spots such as the rocky Jebel Harim region that lies almost 7,000 feet above sea level.

Snorkeling

The Musandam coastline has some excellent conditions for both diving and snorkeling, with the latter being the preferred choice for tourists. Clear and calm waters allow you to see the rich marine life below the surface; just grab a snorkel set from one of the local beachside vendors and head out either by yourself or from a departing boat.

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Central Coastal

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Musandam Peninsula

Northern Oman

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TRAVELOGUES

Khasab: Smugglers, Dolphins, and Dhows in the Fjords of Oman

Author : Richard Collett

Smugglers run goods to Iran, oil tankers rest on the Strait of Hormuz, and dolphins swim bright, coral waters surrounded by arid cliffs. This is Khasab.

3 Easy-to-Do Wildlife Adventures in Oman

Author : Tyler Roney

From the turtles of Ras al Jinz to the dolphins off Musandam, the warm waters of the Gulf of Oman provide wildlife pleasures that are both fascinating and easy

Dhow You Believe in Magic?

Author : Travelogues

From Doha to Dubai and from Abu Dhabi to Muscat, a private dhow cruise is a must-do for the Middle East aesthete: transport from centuries ago and luxury for today.