Trekkup Dubai ✔

The Pamir Mountains, called “The Roof of the World,” stretch across Tajikistan, Afghanistan, China, and Kyrgyzstan. Towering peaks, ancient cultures, and wild, open spaces define this stunning corner of Central Asia. This journey winds through the heart of the Tajik Pamirs along Afghanistan border across areas of unspoken beauty and a crossover of unique cultures.

The Pamir Highway, also known as the M41, was originally part of the ancient Silk Road network, used by traders and caravans crossing Central Asia. During the Soviet era in the 1930s, it was rebuilt as a military and strategic route to secure access through the remote and mountainous regions of Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan. Built by forced labor in harsh conditions, the road is a feat of engineering, cutting through high-altitude passes and unstable terrain. It became a crucial supply line for Soviet troops and served as a link between scattered mountain communities. Today, the Pamir Highway stands as one of the world’s most dramatic and remote road trips, rich in both history and resilience.

We’ll travel alongside the Afghan border through the Wakhan Corridor, a region filled with ancient forts, Zoroastrian shrines, Buddhist stupas, and villages that haven’t changed much in centuries. This route once echoed with Silk Road caravans—and still carries whispers of that past in every step and stone. Expect massive peaks, alpine lakes, steaming hot springs, and warm welcomes in remote mountain homes.

Not many travelers ever set foot on the trail to Jizev, your soon-to-be favorite hidden village tucked deep in the Pamirs — or take a dip in the healing hot springs of Garmchashma and Bibi Fatima, long cherished by locals.

On this journey, you'll ride a yak across the high plains of Alichur, sip a tea with Kyrgyz shepherds in windswept valleys, and feel the vastness of the landscape press pause on everything else. We’ll drive across Ak-Baital Pass (4,656m), the highest stretch of the legendary Pamir Highway, then bed down in yurts near Tulpar-Kul Lake, right beneath the shadow of towering Lenin Peak (7,134m).

Once we enter Kyrgyzstan, the road takes us over the unforgettable Taldyk Pass, with sweeping views that will make you pause in awe. From there, we descend into the lush valleys of the Alay Range, a striking contrast to the high-altitude desert behind us. Our journey winds down in the ancient city of Osh, one of the oldest in Central Asia, full of history and character.

You’re heading into the heart of Central Asia’s wildest frontier—a journey through the legendary beauty of the most breathtaking mountains in the former Soviet Union. This is where travelers’ dreams of raw, little-visited lands become reality. You’ll cross towering high-altitude passes, walk along the shores of crystal-clear alpine lakes, stand face-to-face with the dramatic cliffs of the Hindu Kush, and gaze up at the mighty Lenin Peak, one of the true giants of the Pamirs.

Along the banks of the River Congo on the western side of Central Africa are two capital cities, the Democratic Republic of Congo’s Kinshasa, and the Republic of Congo’s Brazzaville, both home to dapper Sapeurs, gateways to vibrant tribes of mystical dancers, gorillas, geologic wonders in heart of darkness rainforest jungles, and kingly incarnations among ancient tribal kingdoms.

If you haven’t heard the term before, Sapeurs are followers of a fashion culture in Brazzaville and Kinshasa, members of the Society of Ambiance-Makers and Elegant People, made up of day labourers, taxi drivers, or even gardeners, but dressed to impress in dapper designer suits and treated like rock-stars in their communities for the joy and colour. We’ll find these Ladies and Gentlemen of the Congo in both capital cities and they’re looking forward to meeting you!

Beyond Brazzaville and into the heart of the Republic of Congo we’ll find the Téké Kingdom and it’s own capital village Mbé where we’ll meet the modern incarnation of their King Makoko. The village has preserved the vestiges of this once heroic kingdom which once spread across 85,000 square kilometres extended into Congo and the former Zaire. Expect to hear stories from village elders, chieftains painting their faces in bright yellows and reds, and tribal ceremonies to keep you up at night.

Our trip would not be completed without meeting eye to eye with lowland gorillas, for which one of best spot is on our way in Lesio Louna.

Further on into the rainforests is the Nkila Ntari Caves, a descent of more than a kilometers deep underground will take us past cave paintings. Last stop at Pointe Noire, on the Atlantic Ocean, for a breezy beach stop and our last toast to the Kings of Congo!

Let’s go!!

Day 1 // Kinshasa Arrival
After arrival and immigration formalities, we’ll have a first look around Kinshasa and take in the high fashion of the Sapeurs before dinner and overnight at hotel.

Day 2 // Zongo Falls
Congo coffee and fufu breakfast before we hit the bumpy road to Zongo Falls. We’ll trek around the falls in search of beautiful shots and perfect spots to wash off the mud before exploring local safari and our jungle reserve for dinner and night in the park.

Day 3 // Crossing to Brazzaville
We’ll drive back to Kinshasa and head to port for boat crossing to Brazzaville! Take in the Sapeurs performance on the other side and wander around town before we check-in to hotel. Enjoy a dinner and toast to our border crossing into the Republic!

Day 4 // Lowland Gorillas and Teke Kingdom
Departure to Lesio Louna Reserve for encounters with the Lowland Gorillas. Then we’re off to Mbé village to meet King Makoko in the capital of the old kingdom of the Tékés! Village elders will tell tales of the old kingdom, chiefs will paint their faces in red and yellow, and we’ll have a chance to talk to the King himself. After our encounters with kings, head to our lodge in Ngabé for dinner and rest.

Day 5 // Queen Ngalifuru and Kebe-Kebe in Ngabe
This morning we meet Queen Ngalifuru and deliver a few gifts as tribute. Be mindful, she has a few magical powers! We have much to explore and people to meet in Ngabé before the mystical dance of the Kébé-Kébé in the evening, a performance not to miss! We’ll spend the night here in Ngabé.

Day 6 // Nkila Ntari Caves and Punu Tribe
Very early breakfast before drive to the Nkila Ntari Caves where we’ll have a speleologist-led look around the rock arts and formations of this kilometre-long tunnel. Afterwards continue on to Nkayi to meet and see the Punu tribes’ performances. We’ll spend the night at camp.

Day 7 // Nkayi to Pointe Noire
Today we’re headed to port city of Pointe Noire, at the terminus of the French Colonial Congo Ocean Railway, and many other colonial curiosities. We’ll enjoy quick view at the city over relaxing afternoon at the beach and finish the day in style at our resort with Atlantic views.

Day 8 // Departure
Last minute souvenir shopping, transfer to airport for return flight home.

Room & Meals: Lodges and hotels - double sharing, 1 night camping. Restaurant meals excluded.

Cost: 10,800 AED excl. flights until JULY 8th.

Specifically Excluded: international flights, restaurant meals, insurance.

Flights on Ethiopian, approx. 5000 AED.

Join us and experience one of the most magical – and least visited – places in Asia, the meeting point of the world’s three highest mountain ranges: the Karakoram, Himalayas and Hindu Kush. We will travel along the Indus River on the legendary Karakoram Highway, with its deep gorges and dramatic views. As we trek to the base camp of 9th highest mountain of the world, we’ll make our way through remote valleys and pass by glaciers flowing down from the soaring peaks of these mystical mountain ranges.

Deep in the reaches of Pakistan’s Fairy Meadows National Park is a pristine valley at the foot of the looming Nanga Parbat, known as the meeting place of fairies. Surrounded by thick alpine forest, home to brown bears and musk deer, the area provides stunning views of the 8,125 meter mountain, and serves as a starting point for those looking to climb its heights.

It is here that we’ll find the western end of the Himalayan range, intersecting with both the Karakoram and Hindu Kush. The Raikot face of Nanga Parbat offers an excellent trek in this mighty playground of mountaineers. If you don’t fancy a hike, no problem – those who prefer a quiet, relaxing day can stay at the camp and soak in those mesmerizing views.

Let’s go!

DAY 1 :: Skardu + Fairy (~3300m / 3 hrs)
Meeting at 07:00 for a domestic flight at 08:45 am. Arrival, and drive to Raikot, passing by the confluence of the Indus and Gilgit rivers near to the townships of Juglot and Bunji. This place marks the meeting point of the three mountain ranges: the Hindu Kush, the Himalayas, and the Karakoram.

At Raikot we’ll change our transport to 4WDs, and after a one-hour drive we will arrive at Tattu. This small village is inhabited by Chilasis, speakers of the local Shina language which, until recently, had no written form.

Here we will meet our team and start the trek. We’ll ascend gradually, walking through the dry lunar landscape of this collision point of rocky mountain ranges. Soon we’ll enter the narrow, barren gorge of the Tato River, the track clinging high on its left bank. Passing through forests of green juniper and pine trees, we will arrive at the Fairy Meadows, staying overnight here in huts.

Day 2 :: Trek to Base Camp of Nanga Parbat (~ 4000m / 7-8 hours)

Today we will follow the trail through a pine-covered valley, with the Raikot glacier appearing to our left and the summit of Nanga Parbat straight ahead. After about two hours we’ll traverse a section of rocks and debris deposited by the glacier, emerging into a meadow of Himalayan wildflowers and eventually making our way to the old Nanga Parbat base camp. Here we’ll enjoy a much-deserved lunch at 4,000 meters, taking in the spectacular views of Nanga Parbat and its surrounding peaks. Later we’ll head back to our camp at Fairy Meadows.

Day 3 :: Descent to Tattu – Raikot - Skardu

Today we’ll make the fairly easy two-hour descent from Fairy Meadows along the Tattu River. When we reach Tattu we’ll hop into our 4WDs and once again cross the Indus, heading back over the Raikot bridge on Karakorum Highway to our destination of Skardu, where we’ll spend the night.

Day 4 :: Return

Time to say bye-bye to Pakistan and the fairies! Head out to airport for return flight to Islamabad and further to Dubai. Back home 6.30 PM.

Grade: Moderate, available for fit beginners. Cheat option available.
Activity: Trekking, sightseeing
Accommodation/meals: Hotels, lodges, double sharing. Meals on trek included, restaurant meals on transfers excluded.

Cost: 3710 AED excl. international flights, until JULY 15th. Past this date please inquire about cost and availability.

Specifically excluded:

• Visa

Armenia, located in the South Caucasus, is somewhat an extraordinary place, frozen in time living in its own rhythm. The history of first country in the world to adopt Christianity as the state religion, is shrouded in legends. It was in Ararat that Noah's Ark stopped, it was here that the miracle of Saint Gregory the Illuminator happened, who managed to survive in a cell under the monastery of Khor Wirap.

"Ararat" is first and foremost the name of the holy Armenian mountain on which, according to tradition, Noah's Ark settled. However, the story unfolded so that it is now located in the territory of Turkey. From Armenia, you can only admire its snow-covered peak from a distance, in good weather. Fortunately, there are many places worth visiting in Armenia. There are so many temples, monasteries and khachkars here that it is impossible to give their exact number. Nevertheless, each of these objects is gorgeous, beautiful and unique in its own way. Khachkars, literally "stone crosses", began to be forged in Armenia right after the adoption of Christianity. They were to replace pagan temples, later they also decorated crossroads, gardens and tombstones.

Established in 782 BC, Yerevan is older than Rome, considered the cradle of civilization, by 29 years! The capital of Armenia, despite its longevity, does not have a charming old town. It delights with something completely different - a mixture of modernity with places that perfectly remember nearly 70 years of communism.

Amazing Caucasus nature, hospitable inhabitants, world-class monuments and intriguing history is what awaits us on this short, spring weekend trip.

Lets go!

Day 1 // FRIDAY

Meet at AUH Terminal A at 04:30 AM for direct flight to Yerevan, at 06:30 AM. After arrival and immigration, we grab a quick coffee and begin our journey to the Vayots Dzor Province with some dramatic highland landscapes on the way.

Our first stop is the Khor Virap Monastery, the most iconic landmark in Armenia. Set against the backdrop of Mount Ararat, this monastery marks the site where Saint Gregory the Illuminator was imprisoned for 13 years before converting the Armenian king to Christianity. This event led to Armenia becoming the first country to adopt Christianity as its official religion in 301 AD. The monastery’s location near the Turkish border provides unforgettable views and a strong sense of Armenia’s spiritual and historical identity.

We continue to the village of Yeghegis, where we begin our ascent to Smbataberd Fortress, built in the 7th century at 2,000 meters above sea level. The 3 km hike takes approximately 1.5 hours, with some steep sections, but offers yet another set of breathtaking panoramas. After exploring the fortress, we hike 3.5 km to the Tsakhats Kar Monastery, dating back to 989 AD. Known as "Tsaghkats Kar" or “Flowering Stone,” the monastery is covered in intricate stone carvings and sits high above the valley, overlooking the southwestern branch of the Vardenis mountain range.

Time to descend to the village of Artabuynk and back to Yeghegis. Check-in at a charming mountainside hotel, followed by dinner and an evening at leisure.

Overnight in Yeghegis.

Day 2 // SATURDAY

After breakfast, we depart early for Tavush Marz, driving past Lake Sevan, one of the largest freshwater high-altitude lakes in the world and a national treasure of Armenia. We begin our hike near Lake Parz, starting at 1,220 meters and gradually ascending to 1,600 meters, before descending slightly to Gosh Village at 1,570 meters. This 5.6 km trek (approx. 2.5 hours) winds through lush forests and peaceful trails, ending in a beautiful village known for its medieval architecture and serene atmosphere.

In the afternoon, we drive back to Yerevan, check into our hotel, and enjoy the evening at leisure.

Overnight in Yerevan.

DAY 3 // SUNDAY

Today, we take part in Vardavar, one of Armenia’s most joyful and unique festivals. On this day, people of all ages throw water on each other—buckets from balconies, garden hoses, and playful ambushes from kids are all part of the fun. It’s a cultural experience like no other, rooted in ancient traditions but loved by modern Armenians alike.

After shower and check out, we head to a village home for a hosted lunch, where we’ll witness the traditional Lavash-making process in a stone oven and enjoy a hearty, home-cooked Armenian meal. Then we visit Garni, the only remaining pagan temple in Armenia, dedicated to the sun god Myrth. From the temple, we begin a short walk into Azat Gorge, also known as the "Symphony of Stones", famous for its natural basalt column formations that resemble a giant organ. A stop at the Azat Lake viewpoint wraps up our outdoor adventure.

Our trip would not be completed without traditional Armenian dinner and wine tasting before evening transfer to the airport for our return flight home. Back at AUH around 00:30 AM.

Activities: trekking, sightseeing, playing water festival, encounter of ancient Armenian culture.
Grade: Easy, available for everyone.
Accommodation and meals: 3 star hotels, double sharing. Dinners excluded (breakfasts and lunches included). Single room subject of extra cost and availability.

Cost: 2370 AED excl. flights from Abu Dhabi until JULY 15th.

Specifically excluded: visa if applicable, entry fees if any, dinners.

Visa: Most of passports eligible for free or e-visa. Visa on arrival for UAE residents.

It is sole responsibility of participant to secure entry to country of destination at the time of travel.

See yah in Armenia x