North Qatar: Day Trips and Tours from Doha

Outside of the soaring skyscrapers of Doha lies another version of Qatar steeped in ancient history and unique culture, along the northern coast.

Visitors on a day trip to North Qatar can explore historic ruins, such as the Neolithic carvings of Al Jassasiya, or take in the sensational scenery of the mangrove reserve in Al Thakhira.

These excursions from Doha are a great way to explore North Qatar without having to commit to a longer stay — ideal for those who are pressed for time or on a tight budget.

Here's all you need to know about North Qatar, one of the most exciting day trips from Doha.

How to get to North Qatar from Doha?

The gateway city to the northern part of Qatar is Al Khor, located approximately 50 kilometers away from Doha. From this coastal town, you can explore an abundance of destinations in the upper section of the country.

From Doha to North Qatar by car

To make the journey to North Qatar from Doha, you’ll leave the city in a northerly direction and follow the Al Khor Coastal Road.

You’ll reach the city of Al Khor within 40 minutes, and from there you can continue around the coast to see the other jewels of North Qatar.

From Doha to North Qatar by public transport

In order to make the jaunt to North Qatar by public transport, you’ll begin by taking the Line 777 bus out of the city from Souq Waqif. You’ll depart at Al Qassar station, and hop on a train to Lusail.

From there, you can take the Line R702 bus as far as Al Khor. The total journey takes around 1.5 hours and you can journey further along the coast from the city of Al Khor.

Guided tour to North Qatar from Doha

Another option is to leave the planning to a professional and book a guided excursion to North Qatar. These tours always include a hotel pickup service and you’ll usually travel in a private vehicle.

You can choose between a morning or afternoon trip, and these typically last between 4, and 7 hours.

What is the typical itinerary?

Generally, on a North Qatar day tour, you’ll be picked up from your accommodation on the morning of your tour and travel the relatively short distance to Al Khor.

Here, you’ll learn about the pearling history of the seaside city and tour its harbor. Slightly further up the coast, you’ll find the pristine sands of Al Thakhira Beach.

While the shores here are divine, its mangrove reserve is what makes this patch of coast so exquisite. Nature lovers and bird watchers will be in their element, exploring one of Qatar’s few areas of biodiversity.

From here, some North Qatar day tours journey to see the rock carvings of Al Jassasiya, while others head straight to Zubarah Fort — a monument that originally served as a coast guard station.

Many excursions make a stop to explore the abandoned village of Al Jumail, or alternatively, another populated township to show traditional Qatari life.

If you’re a thrill seeker, you may consider participating in a combination tour, which goes on to explore the southern Inland Sea via 4x4, dune bashing along the way.

What kinds of tours are available?

There are several types of day trips to North Qatar that you can participate in. Each one visits several spots along the north coast and includes different activities along the way.

Guided tour to North Qatar from Doha

On a day tour to North Qatar, you’ll journey first to Al Khor to learn about the country’s pearling history.

After wandering the quaint streets and witnessing traditional fishermen aboard their vessels, you’ll discover the dense mangroves — home to an abundance of fauna — at Al Thakhira Beach.

Amidst the flourishing mangroves, you’ll find Purple Island and delve into the history behind the 20th-century Al Zubara Fort. End your tour with a visit to the charming yet abandoned village of Al Jumail.

Day tour to North Qatar plus Al Shamal from Doha

On this alternative North Qatar day tour, you’ll travel to the Al Khor Harbor where you can witness local fishermen going about their daily lives.

You’ll also visit Al Thakhira Beach and Al Jassasiya — home to almost 900 Neolithic carvings — offering an insight into Qatar’s cultural past.

Tour Zubarah Fort, which now serves as a museum of archaeological and historical finds. Stop off at a traditional village before delving into the hustle and bustle of Al Shamal city, the highlight of which is its impressive football stadium.

Day trip to North Qatar plus desert safari

On this wide-ranging excursion, you’ll start with a tour of Al Khor and Al Thakhira Beach, admiring the striking landscape of mangroves perched upon the water’s surface. From there, you’ll travel to the Inland Sea.

Here, you’ll make the most of the endless sands by participating in Qatar’s favorite knuckle-biting activity — dune bashing — set against a magnificent backdrop of sparkling seas and golden mounds of sand.

How much does a day trip to North Qatar from Doha cost?

Generally, day trips to North Qatar from Doha are private and you’ll pay between US$90, and US$110 per person for an excursion that includes transportation and lunch.

Adrenaline seekers can choose a North Qatar day trip that includes a desert safari for approximately US$200 per person. This type of tour includes a camel ride, as well as a tour guide.

If you wish to include Al Shamal in your sightseeing adventure, you’ll pay US$670 for a private group of 2 participants. Alternatively, book this tour for up to 5 guests for US$1,290.

You’ll have a knowledgeable driver guide on hand, and there is the option to add a professional multilingual guide for an additional fee.

What will you see and do?

Al Khor

Just 50 kilometers from Doha lies the “pearl of the Gulf” — the city of Al Khor. This historic hub was founded in the 18th century and served as a major trading port for pearl merchants, because of the abundance of oysters found in its waters.

However, a number of factors caused the pearling industry to decline in the 20th century, including the development of cultured pearls and the depletion of natural pearl beds.

Today, Al Khor is home to a museum, which houses a plethora of anthropological artifacts from its marine history.

Al Thakhira Beach

Al Thakhira Beach is a captivating stretch of coastline just outside of Al Khor. It's known for its clear waters and white sand, as well as its rich biodiversity.

Home to one of Qatar’s oldest and most prosperous mangrove reserves, Al Thakhira attracts many species of sea life, and birds to the area.

These include flamingos and herons, as well as crustaceans. Visitors can stroll along its long jetty to peruse the nature reserve without harming the delicate mangroves or simply soak up the sun on its shores.

Al Jassasiya

The rock carvings of Al Jassasiya are what spark tourists’ interest in paying a visit to this small and humble village.

Despite Qatar’s limited history as an independent nation, these lands have been inhabited for millennia — the evidence of which can be seen by exploring its 874 carvings.

These rock drawings depict several creatures, such as scorpions and ostriches, as well as human footprints, and traditional dhows — a type of boat used as far back as 600 B.C.

There is some debate over the age of these rock carvings — several experts believe them to date back to the Neolithic period, while others estimate they were created between the 8th and 10th centuries A.D.

When is the best time to visit North Qatar?

The best time to plan your day trip to North Qatar is during the winter months, from November to March. At this time of year, the weather cools and temperatures are manageable, ranging from 21 to 25 degrees Celsius.

Travel tips

• Avoid visiting North Qatar during Ramadan, which usually begins in March, when the normally bustling streets are deserted during the daytime.
• All tourists on a day tour to North Qatar are expected to cover their shoulders and knees, although women are not required to conceal their hair.
• If you choose to visit North Qatar during the summertime, you’ll experience scorching conditions, so prepare yourself properly before embarking on your day tour. You’ll need sunscreen, a sunhat and plenty of water.