Summary
Nakhal Fort was probably my favorite castle/fort near Muscat, Oman. Not only is it super photogenic from a distance, but going up to the rooftop also gives you some incredible views of the surrounding area. This travel guide will explain how to get there, along with everything you need to know before you go!
Best Oman Tours
First of all, if you’re wanting to explore Oman with a tour guide and private car, my top recommendation would be Klook. Oman is not the cheapest country to travel in; however, Klook offers Rustaq day tours starting from $65 USD, and Nizwa tours for similar prices. Both tours initiate from Muscat, allowing you to see some of the best Omani castles, forts, and traditional markets.
We’ve used Klook for many tours and activities around the world, and they’re great! Highly recommended.
Visiting Nakhal Fort
This fort was originally built in pre-Islamic times (as early as the 9th century), while a significant portion of the current fortifications were added in the 17th century. Therefore, the walls are quite impressive, with the fort’s top lined with cannons and other defenses. Moreover, you can see the rocky Al Hajar mountains stretching out in the distance.
Before you tour the inside of the fort, I recommend walking in a loop around the outside to gain a better perspective of the walls. These are intriguing and make you feel as if you’ve journeyed back to medieval times.
As you step inside the fort, it resembles a mini-museum, showcasing period decorations and Omani weapons from its operational days. Nakhal is one of the few forts in Oman that includes an audio guide. Although I didn’t use it, I’ve heard it’s extremely informative and provided in clear English. Importantly, it’s absolutely free!
There are designated spots in the fort where you can use the audio guide to gain further insights into 17th-century Omani life and the fort’s historical significance.
Don’t forget to bring water! The climb to the top of the fort can be quite hot depending on the season. Nakhal Fort is conveniently located near Rustaq, making it easy to visit if you’re planning to see Rustaq Fort or Al Hazm Castle! I’d definitely say it’s worthwhile!
Entrance Fees
There’s an entry fee of 0.5 Omani Rials ($1.30 USD), but most tours usually include this in their price.
How To Get To Nakhal Fort
The fort is located near Barka, approximately 90 kilometers (55 miles) from Muscat. You can either drive yourself using a rental car or opt for prepackaged day tours to Rustaq from Muscat that feature the castle in their itinerary.
EXTRA: Al Thowarah Hot Springs
This is a natural hot spring very close to Nakhal Fort. The springs are pleasant, but I believe an even better reason to visit is the stunning surroundings. Just check out those mountains!
Where I Stayed
I stayed at the 2-star Mutrah Hotel in Muscat, in a private room for $38 USD per night. Oman is not the cheapest country to travel in; however, the room was spacious and clean, with nice cold A/C. The location was a significant advantage, as there was a mini-mart right across the street, and it was near the Mutrah Souq (traditional market) and other interesting spots. Prices may fluctuate, so it’s wise to watch for a good deal.
