Transportation to start and back to Muscat

Meals as indicated in itinerary

Snacks/drinks/coffee & karak

English speaking guide

Untravelled Roads tour pack (beautiful Untravelled Roads Jersey, socks and nutrition – what else do you need!)

Not included: Flights, travel insurance, visa (if required), accommodation in Muscat (if applicable)
Optional: Bikepacking Bike ($105) , Bags ($45)

How to join

In order to join you simply notify us of your wish to book the tour. A deposit of $250 is all that is needed to guarantee your spot on this adventure. Once a tour has reached the minimum required ammount of participants we will guarantee the tour and update you directly. We advice you to not book non-refundable flight tickets before the tour is guaranteed.

Muscat, Oman can be reached by many carriers that frequent the Gulf countries. You can fly directly from a growing group of European cities using Oman Air, but other carriers like Etihad Airways, Qatar Airways and Emirates all offer great flights to Muscat through their respective homebases from all over the world. If you bring your own bike we recommend checking the carriers’ websites for up to date rules and regulations.

Our advice is to arrive one day before the start of this adventure.

What can I expect

Three days of adventure-packed riding through some of Oman’s most spectacular mountain scenery.

This is not a race, but it is a demanding ride. The Sharqiyah Mountains are steep, and some climbs will test your legs and determination. On a few short sections you’ll likely need to push your bike, but every meter gained is rewarded with incredible views and unforgettable riding.

The route is largely non-technical, making it accessible to confident cyclists, although some experience riding off-road is recommended. You’ll be carrying your own bikepacking gear, so expect the climbs to feel a little harder and the achievement at the end of each day to feel even better.

If you’re looking for a short but genuine bikepacking adventure that fits into a long weekend, including the comfort of a good bed at night, this trip is for you.

Bike choice                                       

We recommend wide tyres first and foremost. A gravel bike is a great bikepacking option. Add a wide range of gears and you will be able to conquer even the steepest roads. Besides the big-volume tyres (40mm+) you can choose to add a bit of comfort through suspension (stem, saddle, front-fork). A hardtail MTB is another great choice of bike for the terrain Oman offers. This advice does not exclude any other options, but if you are in doubt please contact us to discuss your options.

Hardtail MTB are available for rent, let us know if you plan on renting on of our bikes and/or bikepacking equipment.

Food

This is an unsupported bikepacking adventure. Our experienced guide we will make sure you stay hydrated and fed. Cycling with a loaded bike is demanding and we will leave no chance unused to  stock up, especially when we cross the high mountains.

In general: Oman offers a rice-based cuisine heavily influenced by Arab, Indian, East-African and Persian food traditions. Long-grain rice with meat, chicken or fish are staples in every meal. Vegatarian options are available too. The food is warmly spiced rather than spicy/fiery. Coffee (with cardemom), Karak tea (sweet milky spiced tea) and DATES are everywhere!

Accommodation

Oman, although being part of the GCC countries, has kept his traditions alive amidst a region that is rapidly modernizing. It is more understated and puts high value on its history and culture. This is reflected in the accommodation we will stay at during this trip. We stay at two quality hotels/resorts with a genuine local feel. Showcasing Omani hospitality while maintaining high standards of comfort and hygiene.

What to bring

Pack lightly is the name of the game. We will travel by bike for three days and bring our own gear – this means we want to be careful what else we pack in order to keep the weight down. Even though we don’t bring any tents for this edition we are limited by what our bags can carry. A recommended packing list will be provided in preparation of the tour with all participants.

If you decide to rent our bikepacking bags you will get a frontloader, midloader, toptube bag and saddlebag to help you bring what you need on the trip.

General information

• Visa are usually not required for 14 days (depending on your nationality) or easily applied for online.
• Weather: Expect 22-28 degrees Celsius. When we stay in the high mountains it cools down to around 18-25 at night only.
• Vaccinations: no specific requirements, but please check your countries Travel Advice.
• Medical care in Oman: Our team is trained in first-aid. Hospitals are available in most larger towns, but best care is provided in Muscat. Private hospitals are of high standard and if needed we will take care of you on the way there. Please be advised that travel and/or health insurance is your own responsibility and any cost made to receive car will have to be paid immediately.
• Money: Omani Riyal. ATM are available on many occassions and bank cards are excepted at most shops throughout our trip.
• This adventure requires a good physical fitness and some off-road cycling experience.