Musandam grand loop from Khasab

Route overview

Suited to riders comfortable with a long day of 146.6 km, though the 768 m of climbing keeps the gradients modest.

A 146.6 km loop from Khasab through the coastal villages of Musandam, with 768 m of climbing and a high point of 171 m.

The loop starts at sea level in Khasab, in fact dipping to -11 m in the first metre of the ride, and heads out past Tibat at 4.2 km, then Ghamḑā', Fadgha and the small settlements of Ḩill al Gharbīyah and Hil around 18-19 km. The road runs beneath Jabal Mustah (223 m) at 27.9 km and Jabal Haragah (266 m) at 40.1 km, with restaurants at 40.4 km and 41.4 km and filtered water tanks at 42.3 km and 42.8 km, just before the viewpoint at Khasab AirPort Central Roundabout at 43.9 km. Most of the climbing comes early: 78% of the 768 m of gain falls in the first half. Beyond Qada the route threads through As Salyan, Ra's Hafif and Khabbat Fatim to the town of Sima at 60.9 km, then reaches the high point of the day, 171 m, at Sall A'la (68.1 km). From there it descends through Ghaban Hamad, Khazinuh, Al Haqat and Ruwaybah back into Khasab at 93.2 km, where a Pakistani restaurant is noted. The second half is flatter, passing Mūkhī, Ḩannā, al Harf and Al Jari to Bukha at 126.8 km, then Ra'alat Ad Darah and Al Jeer at 140.4 km before the final run to the finish.

Highlights

• High point of 171 m at Sall A'la, 68.1 km
• Beneath Jabal Haragah (266 m) at 40.1 km
• Viewpoint at Khasab AirPort Central Roundabout
• Coastal towns of Sima and Bukha

Practical information

Surface

Paved

Route shape

Loop

Riding time

5½–7½ hours riding

Season

December and January, when temperatures of 25-27 °C were recorded.

Know before you go

• No water or food listed between 43.9 km and the restaurant at 76.5 km
• Last water tap at 117.7 km, then 29 km to the finish
• Recorded at 25-27 °C in December and January; hotter outside those months

Routes are for inspiration. Roads, surfaces and conditions change — check locally and ride within your limits.