Cyclists.com

Musandam Grand Loop from Khasab

Khasab, Musandam, OmanRoad

Route contributed by Marcus · Last ridden Saturday 14th December 2024

147 km
Distance
979 m
Elevation gain
Hard
Difficulty
Paved
Surface
Download GPXMap
On the road: Musandam Grand Loop from Khasab

Elevation profile

Total ascent
979 m
Distance
147 km
-50050100150200250m0 km50100147 km194 m · highest, at 117.8 kmStartFinish · back at the start

Route overview

Suitable for experienced cyclists prepared for a long 146 km ride with moderate climbing and fast main roads.

146.6 km loop from Khasab in Musandam, Oman with 768 m climbing on mostly paved roads.

This loop ride starts and finishes in Khasab, covering 146.6 km with 768 m of elevation gain. The route begins through the towns of Tibat at 4.2 km, Ghamḑā’ at 9.2 km, and Fadgha at 10.6 km. Climbing starts around 25 km with a 2.6 km ascent gaining 154 m at an average gradient of 5.9%, reaching 193 m near Jabal Mustah past 27.7 km. The first half contains 78% of the total climbing. The ride follows a mix of main roads and major roads, with 61% on major roads and 31% on main roads. Notably, 129 km are on main roads without cycle lanes, with 74.7 km on roads posted at 80 km/h or above. The surface is 99% paved. Facilities such as cafés, restaurants, shops, water, and toilets are available but note the longest stretch without any café, shop or water is 32.1 km between 44.5 km and 76.6 km. There are two climbs, the second starting at 108.3 km, 3.4 km long with 174 m gained at 5.2% average gradient. The route loops through several towns before returning to Khasab. Along the way are petrol stations at 12.4 km, 44.5 km, and 100.5 km. Food options include cafés at 43.4 km, restaurants at 76.6 km, 93.3 km, and 100.5 km, and fast food near 13.9 km and 121 km. Several toilets lie on the route at 19.4 km, 25.8 km, 38.4 km, 94.8 km, and 117.8 km. The highest point is 193 m, the lowest at sea level around 98.2 km, with a longest descent of 2.6 km dropping 166 m.

Highlights

  • Climb near Jabal Mustah at 27.7 km
  • Climb starting at 108.3 km
  • Longest stretch without café or shop for 32.1 km
  • Highest point 193 m near 27.7 km

Along the route

Measured from the recorded track and OpenStreetMap.

Places passed· crosses into Oman

  1. Tibat 4.2 km
  2. Ghamḑā’ 9.2 km
  3. Fadgha 10.6 km
  4. Ḩill al Gharbīyah 18.3 km
  5. Hil 19.1 km
  6. Wa‘ab Mubārak 35.3 km
  7. Qada 35.6 km
  8. Wa‘b al Laff 49 km
  9. As Salyan 50.8 km
  10. al Habalyah 53.3 km
  11. Ra's Hafif 54.8 km
  12. Khabbat Fatim 57.8 km
  13. Sima 60.9 km
  14. Sall A'la 68.1 km
  15. Ghaban Hamad 78.3 km
  16. Khazinuh 81.9 km
  17. Al Haqat 85.2 km
  18. Ruwaybah 87.2 km
  19. Khasab 93.2 km
  20. Sharqi 103.8 km
  21. Wa`ab Salim 104.3 km
  22. Mūkhī 106.3 km
  23. Ţaff ar Rakham 106.3 km
  24. Ḩannā 109.6 km
  25. al Harf 113 km
  26. Al Jari 117.1 km
  27. Al Jādī 123.4 km
  28. Bukha 126.8 km
  29. Ra'alat Ad Darah 139.6 km
  30. Al Jeer 140.4 km

Climbs

ClimbStarts atLengthGainAverageMaxTop
—25 km2.6 km154 m5.9 %11.3 %193 m
Mūkhī climb108.3 km3.4 km174 m5.2 %13.9 %190 m

High point 193 m at 27.7 km; low point 0 m. Passes beneath Jabal Mustah, Jabal Haragah.

Mūkhī climb · starts at 108.3 km

3.1 km at 5.9% · 182 m
50100150m8.4%0 km123.0 km188 msteepest 8.4%
< 4%4 – 7%7 – 10%> 10%

What this ride is like

Measured from OpenStreetMap along the track and the elevation profile.

Roads
61% major road · 31% main road · 4% quiet street · 3% minor road
Main roads
129 km on main roads without a cycle lane — likely busier
Fast roads
74.7 km on roads with a limit of 80 km/h or more
Main roads used
Khasab - Tibat Road (77 km), Sall A'la Road (41 km), al Sina'iyah Road (5 km)
Surface
Paved throughout
Gradient
10% climbing · 9% descending · 81% flat
Steep sections
4 km over 5% · 2.3 km over 8% · 0.4 km over 10% · steepest 500 m averages 10.9% at 115.8 km
Longest descent
2.6 km from 29.4 km, dropping 166 m

Along the way

Within a few hundred metres of the track, from OpenStreetMap. Opening hours change — treat this as where to look, not a promise.

Longest stretch without a café, shop or water: 32 km, from 45 km to 77 km.

Food, water and shops

  1. 12.4 kmBukha Service Station · petrol station · 50 m off route
  2. 13.9 kmFast food · 210 m off route
  3. 13.9 kmBukha Hospital · hospital · 270 m off route
  4. 19.4 kmToilets · 50 m off route
  5. 25.8 kmToilets · 50 m off route
  6. 38.4 kmToilets · 60 m off route
  7. 43.4 kmCafé · 170 m off route
  8. 44.5 kmKhasab Service Station · petrol station · 60 m off route
  9. 76.6 kmAbu Maktoum · restaurant · 60 m off route
  10. 76.6 kmGrocery Stores · convenience store · 60 m off route
  11. 93.3 kmPakistani Restaurant, great and cheap · restaurant · 70 m off route
  12. 94.8 kmToilets · 70 m off route
  13. 97.8 kmPharmacy · pharmacy · 70 m off route
  14. 100.5 kmYemen Restaurant · restaurant · 90 m off route
  15. 100.5 kmQarah Filling Station · petrol station · 70 m off route
  16. 117.3 kmConvenience store · 60 m off route
  17. 117.8 kmWater tap · on the route
  18. 117.8 kmToilets · on the route

Need to bail out?

  • 100.8 km — Ferry, 190 m off route

Whether bikes are carried depends on the service — check before relying on it.

Worth a stop

  • 14.2 km — Bukha Fort (castle)
  • 28 km — Jabal Mustah (peak, 223 m)
  • 43.9 km — Khasab AirPort Central Roundabout (viewpoint)
  • 97.5 km — Khasab Fort (castle)

Practical information

Surface
Paved
Route shape
Loop
Riding time
5½–7½ hours riding
Season
Dec, Jan
Best months
Dec to Mar — daily highs of 23–27 °C in those months

Know before you go

  • 129 km on main roads without cycle lanes
  • 74.7 km on roads 80 km/h or faster
  • Longest stretch without café, shop or water: 32.1 km from 44.5 km to 76.6 km

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

11 photographs from the road

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