Trekkup Dubai ✔

Kazakhstan, the world’s ninth largest country, is a rugged natural wonderland of steppes, mountains, woodlands, canyons and lakes. Within its borders lies a section of the Tien Shan range, offering up the gorgeous Alpine terrain of forests, valleys and snowy peaks found in the Kolsay Lakes National Park.

In this magical landscape shaped by time and tectonics, more than 100 years ago, a great earthquake shook these mountains, resulting in the formation of a new body of water: Lake Kaindy, with its eye catching, bright turquoise waters. What makes this lake really stand out are the partially submerged spruce trees which stand in its waters to this day. Ghostly, bare trunks rise out of the chilly waters, making for a striking panorama – and amazing pictures!

Nearby are the Kolsay Lakes, known as the "Pearls of Tien Shan", reached by a hike through dense, tranquil forest. Trails connect these stunning bodies of water which range from altitudes of 1800 to 2850 meters, making for a great excuse to stretch our legs.

We’ll descend from green heights to dusty depths as we trek into the gorge known as Kazakhstan’s Grand Canyon. Known for its stunning similarity to its bigger brother in the USA, Charyn Canyon National Park’s red sandstone rock formations are a stark contrast to the country’s mountainous regions. The second largest canyon in the world, Charyn Canyon stretches about 154 km (96 mi) along the banks of the Charyn River. Over millennia, the elements have weathered and shaped the sedimentary rock into pillars, winding corridors and crevices just begging to be explored.

Grab your hiking boots, Let's go!

DAY 1 // Thursday
Meeting at DXB T3 at 19:30 for a direct flight to Almaty at 21:30.

DAY 2 // Friday
Arrival. After completing immigration procedures transfer to the hotel for overnight stay.

Start a day with a visit to Green Bazaar, Almaty’s bustling central market. Stroll through colorful stalls, sample fresh local fruits, nuts, kurt (fermented cheese), and buy some traditional sweets like chak-chak. Further on quick look at Zenkov Cathedral in Panfilov Park, one of the world’s tallest wooden buildings and a true architectural gem. Later ride toward the mountains - head towards Medeu, the famous high-altitude ice skating rink surrounded by forested slopes. From there, board the cable car to Shymbulak ski resort. Take your time as the views shift from urban to alpine. Continue on the second cable car line to the Talgar Pass station (3,200 m) the highest point accessible by lift. Enjoy jaw dropping views of the Zailiyskiy Alatau mountains and, if the weather is clear, take a short walk on the plateau to breathe in the thin, fresh mountain air. Grab a snack or hot drink at the panoramic cafe before heading back down.

We’ll end the day by unwinding in a local teahouse with a plate of manty (dumplings) or lagman noodles, and a pot of Kazakh tea.

DAY 3 // Saturday

Early wake up call, grab packed breakfast and transfer by 4x4 to the Kolsay Lakes area. Short rest upon arrival.

Kolsay Lakes are considered one of the most beautiful natural spots in Kazakhstan, often called the “Pearl of the Northern Tien Shan.” The lakes are situated at altitudes of 1800m, 2250m, and 2700m. The lower and middle lakes are home to local trout, especially visible at sunset. The upper lake is 4 km farther and 600 meters higher than the second lake, with the Kyrgyzstan border just 6 km away. From the Sary-Bulak Pass (3278m), you can even spot Lake Issyk-Kul in Kyrgyzstan. On calm days, the lakes reflect the sky and surrounding mountains with mirror-like clarity.

Today, we’ll do two treks: trek around Kolsay Lake and a hike at Kaindy Lake, soaking in the region’s crystal-clear natural beauty. After lunch, we continue to Kaindy village. Optional horse riding is available at the village.

Kaindy Lake, located at 1800 meters, is a mystical site surrounded by dense spruce forest and mountain peaks. Interestingly, "Kaiyndy" means “birch” in Kazakh, although the lake is bordered by pines, the name comes from a birch grove located further down the gorge. The lake was formed after a tectonic collapse triggered by a major earthquake in the early 20th century.

Overnight at local guesthouse.

Day 4 // Sunday

Today its time for Charyn Canyon, an awe-inspiring natural monument carved over 12 million years by erosion, creating stunning rock towers and sediment formations. Often compared to the Grand Canyon in the U.S., Charyn is part of a national park that protects its rare geological formations and diverse wildlife. We’ll explore the canyon on foot from multiple viewpoints.

Afterward, return to Almaty for dinner at a local restaurant. Overnight at the hotel upon arrival.

Day 5 // Monday
Transfer to the airport for departure at 03:40 AM. Back home early Monday morning.

Level of difficulty: easy, available for beginners.
Activities: trekking, sightseeing, optional horse riding.

Cost: AED 3,650 excl flights. Cost valid until JUNE 29th.

Accommodation. & meals: included - accommodation in local house and hotel - double sharing, local meals.

Specifically excluded: Any costs related to visas - if any, meals on transfers (in Almaty), optional horse riding, entry fees if any.

Visas:
Most of the passports visa free, otherwise e-visa.

Visa support available except Lebanon and Pakistan passports.

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

See yah in Kazakhstan x

Perched on the coast of southern Mozambique, Vilanculos is one of those destinations that seem to have won the geographical lottery. Soaring red dunes rise behind it; ahead lies the warm Indian Ocean, and beyond that, the white-sand Bazaruto Archipelago, scattered across clear turquoise seas.

Arab traders and later Portuguese navigators once passed through these waters, drawn by monsoon winds and lucrative commerce.

You, more wisely, arrive for sunsets and cold drinks.

The area is one of the most ecologically important marine environments in the Indian Ocean. Protected as part of Bazaruto Archipelago National Park, its waters are home to dolphins, migrating humpback whales, five species of sea turtle and one of the last viable populations of dugongs in East Africa. Coral reefs support extraordinary biodiversity, while onshore, freshwater lakes and towering dunes create landscapes that feel surprisingly varied for a small chain of islands.

Here, adventure is abundant, but rarely feels strenuous. Traditional dhows drift across to Magaruque Island, where shallow reefs, bright fish and seasonal flamingos make snorkelling and beach walks fascinating enough to fill a day. Further out, dramatic Bazaruto Island rises from the sea in sweeping dunes and freshwater lagoons, while Two Mile Reef offers some of the region’s best diving and snorkelling. Despite its growing popularity, it’s the kind of place that still feels like discovering a secret.

While the offshore scenery draws most visitors to Vilanculos, the true soul of the place lives on the mainland. Much more than a gateway, this is a buzzing town of markets, fishermen, music and colorful patterned sarongs fluttering in the breeze. The town remains deeply connected to the sea: fishermen pull in their catches at dawn and dhow builders work along the shoreline. Beyond the beaches, there is a strong Swahili and Portuguese influence woven into daily life, food and architecture, giving the town a character that feels distinct from elsewhere in southern Africa.

Then comes the art of relaxation. Afternoons are best left unscheduled, perfect for sea views, cocktails and strategic idleness.
At sunset, the nearby Govuro River beckons for a leisurely canoe trip through mangroves, reeds and birdlife – letting the ranger do the work of paddling, of course.

By the time departure day arrives, you’ll have a strong suspicion that nowhere else quite balances ocean, culture and stillness in the same way as Vilanculos.

Let’s go!

Day 1: Arrival
Early afternoon arrival and transfer to the hotel to drop our luggage. Next, we’ll get this trip started properly by heading out to the red dunes inland of Vilanculos for some nibbles, drinks, and a spectacular sunset over the impressive panorama.
After, we’ll return to town and you have the evening at your leisure.

Day 2: Magaruque Island
In the morning we’ll board our luxury dhow and make the one-hour journey to dreamy Magaruque Island. The day is yours to wander the white-sand coastline, spotting pink flamingos and other wildlife, or just relax on the beach and take in the picture-perfect scenery. For those who love getting in the water, the rocky reef teeming with fish is perfect for snorkeling. A tasty lunch of rice, fresh fish, salad, bread and fruits will be served right there on the beach.

We’ll return to Vilanculos by late afternoon. Dinner at the hotel.

Day 3: Vilanculos
This morning we’re diving in and discovering the local Mozambican life, making our way through the town’s busy markets and trying to resist the urge to buy an excessive amount of colorful capulanas (local sarong fabric). Around midday, we’ll enjoy a traditional dance performance and a delicious local lunch.
After, return to the hotel and you have the afternoon at your leisure.

Day 4: Bazaruto Island
Today we’re covering a bit more distance, so we’ll hop in a speedboat to cross the seas, taking about an hour to reach Punta d’Oundo in the southern part of Bazaruto Island. Once the tide is low, the skipper will bring us to Two Mile Reef for some incredible snorkeling.
Once back on the island, we’ll have time to climb Punta d’Oundo’s towering sand dune and take in the amazing scenery – imagine a desert adrift in the middle of the sea. After lunch at the foot of the dune, we’ll make a final stop at Benguerra Island for a bit more swimming before we return to the mainland.
Dinner and evening at your leisure.

Day 5: Govuru River canoe safari
Today we have the morning free to explore or just laze on the beach.
In the afternoon, we’ll head to the Govuru River for a canoe safari. Flanked by low trees and bamboo, and carpeted in water lilies, this narrow waterway is nothing short of magical. We’ll spot native birds and take in the incredible scenery all around us as the sun sinks below the horizon.
After our journey, we’ll return to the hotel.

Optional dinner on the banks of the river, with a bonfire and a local musicians.

Day 6: Departure
In the morning we’ll have a few last hours to enjoy our little slice of paradise, before heading to the airport to catch our flight home.

Grade: easy and relaxing tropical holidays.

Activities: island hopping, canoeing, sightseeing, beach strolling, boating. Optional diving.

Accommodation: Comfortable lodge, shared rooms. Single room at extra cost, subject of availability at the time of booking.

Meals: Dinners excluded, 3 lunches included.

Cost: 5,220 AED excl. flights. Cost valid until JUNE 29.
Past this date cost will change if we still have availability.

Recommended flights: Emirates via JNB + Airlink.

Mali, sitting at the dry heart of northwest Africa, is a place of legend. For centuries it has captured imaginations around the world, thanks to the ancient city of Timbuktu, a place which came to define mystery and remoteness. Yet for all its fame, Mali itself remains one of the world’s least understood destinations.

Though it has faced a complex history and many political challenges, Mali rewards those who seek it out with unforgettable sights: the world’s largest adobe mosque, mud-brick villages that rise organically from the earth, and the life-giving waters of the Niger River that wind through desert and savannah alike.

For centuries, Mali was a crossroads of wealth and ideas, the center of some of Africa’s most powerful empires. The great trans-Saharan trade routes passed through its territory, carrying salt, gold and knowledge from West Africa to North Africa, and on to the wider world. Cities like Timbuktu, Djenné, and Gao were renowned for their scholarship and riches.

Today, visitors find a country where history, tradition and creativity are woven into the daily lives of its diverse communities – from the Tuareg of the Sahara, the Bozo fishermen along the river, and the Fulani herders of the plains, to the Bambara (also known as Bamana), Mali’s largest ethnic group.

The Bambara are central to Mali’s cultural identity. Their masked dances, bursting with color and movement, are highlights of local festivals, combining artistry, spirituality and storytelling in unforgettable ways. Their traditions of woodcarving, music and agriculture have spread across the country, and their craft of bogolan, or mud cloth, has inspired designers and artists far beyond the country’s borders.
Our journey begins in the capital of Bamako, with its chaotic traffic, rhythmic street drummers and busy markets and riverside ports. Though thoroughly modern, Bamako has not lost touch with its roots. Artisan traditions are alive and well in its neighbourhoods, from instrument making to mask carving and textile production.

From Bamako, we’ll head north into the Ségou region, where the Niger flows wide and fertile. Just beyond the modern trade hub of Ségou, known for its pottery and textile workshops, lies Ségou-Koro, the ancestral capital of the Bambara kingdom. Founded in the 17th century, Ségou-Koro was an important center of power and culture. Today, wandering the streets of this quiet village, passing mudbrick houses, ancient tombs and sacred sites, time seems to stand still.

Further east, the town of San is a close-knit community featuring a striking mud-brick mosque, built in the distinctive Sudano-Sahelian style, and lively weekly markets that attract traders, farmers and artisans from surrounding villages. Here, the traditions of the Bambara are everywhere – in the finely carved masks, the many artisans crafting mud cloth, the dances that thrill the crowds at cultural events.

With its rich traditions and fascinating history, Mali offers but an extraordinary adventure into the heart of West Africa, revealing the remnants of a Sub-Saharan past and a present steeped in creativity.

Let’s go!

Day 1: Arrival in Bamako

Upon arrival, meet the team, short rest and drive to the Niger River to meet the sand fishermen and observe their traditional work. Enjoy a beautiful sunset before continuing to your hotel.
Overnight in Bamako.

Day 2: Bamako – Ségou

After breakfast, departure for Ségou. On the way, stop at Ségou Koro, a historic Bambara village. Visit its remarkable mud architecture, including traditional mosques, the king’s tomb, the village chief’s residence, and the palace with seven vestibules in Sudanese style.
Continue to Ségou for lunch. After check-in at a hotel with a view of the Niger River, visit a Bambara village known for gourd farming and artistic decoration using fire techniques.
In the evening, enjoy a boat ride on the Niger River at sunset.
Overnight in Ségou.

Day 3: Ségou Exploration

After breakfast, visit the Domo mud workshop and learn traditional mud construction techniques. Continue to the women’s craft center to discover cotton weaving.
Visit colonial buildings, a traditional cabaret to observe how local millet beer is made, and the Ségou Cathedral.
Overnight in Ségou.

Day 4: Ségou – Koulikoro

After breakfast, drive to Koulikoro.
Arrival around lunchtime and lunch on site.
In the afternoon, visit the sacred “Camels Rock,” a historic site used for sacrifices, as well as the port and the rock mosque.
Overnight in Koulikoro.

Day 5: Koulikoro – Sibi – Bamako

After breakfast, drive to Sibi. Arrival around lunchtime followed by lunch.
Visit a Manding village of local farmers and explore impressive natural rock formations along the way. Discover the famous natural arch.
Return to Bamako in the evening for overnight.

Day 6: Bamako City Tour

Full-day city tour of Bamako, including visits to the Grand Market, Point G hill for a panoramic view of the capital, the fetish market, the craft market, the recycling market, the Cathedral, the Independence Monument, and the Peace Monument.

Day 7: Departure
Last souvenir shopping and transfer to airport. Bye, bye Mali x.

Activities: Sightseeing, short hiking, boating.
Rooms & meals: Hotels – single rooms. Basic facilities ahead! Restaurant meals not included.

Cost: EUR 1750 + flight approx. AED 5000. Cost valid until May 15th.

Excluded: Any cost related to visas, restaurant meals.
Flights: Ethiopian Airlines via Addis.

Timbuktu extension: available on request, contact us for details.

Among the most amazing natural wonders of the world, the mountains of the national forest park of Zhangjiajie rank so high that they even inspired famous film director James Cameron. In fact, one of them has even been renamed after one of Cameron's blockbusters: It is now called Avatar Hallelujah Mountain. Here, in south central China, we won't need much fantasy, we will find ourselves in a different world all the way through. So welcome to the real Avatar!

The Zhangjiajie National Forest Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in the Wulingyuan Scenic Area. Prominent in the park are the pillar-like formations, often depicted in ancient Chinese paintings, resembling karst terrain but not formed by limestone dissolution. Instead, they've been shaped over time by physical erosion, notably from expanding ice in winter and plant growth.

It might come as a surprise to us UAE residents, but the park is also home to the world's longest and highest pedestrian glass bridge as well as the "hundred dragons sky lift" (Bailong Elevator), the world's tallest outdoor lift.

In Avatar's footsteps, we will have the chance to reconnect with nature's primal energy while hiking in the most awe-inspiring scenery of the Grand Canyon, The Golden Whip Stream and the Ten Mile Gallery. Towering peaks, deep valleys, and mist-shrouded cliffs, will offer a glimpse into the ethereal beauty that has inspired countless artists and poets throughout history.

But what would a trip to fantasy land be without exploring mysterious caves? With a massive size of 48 ha, the Huanglong Cave stretches over some 15 km; the highest of its three waterfalls reaching 50 m. We are not surprised that this place is called "Yellow Dragon's Cave" in Chinese!
If otherworldly impressions are your pair of shoes, here is one for the Avatar mountains floating in the clouds.

Let’s go!

Day 1
Meeting at airport at 01:00 for a direct flight to Beijing.
Arrival to Beijing, immigration clearance. Given the transfer time allows, short visit in the city. Connecting flight to Zhangjiajie, transfer to hotel and overnight.

Day 2
Prepare for an exhilarating day exploring Zhangjiajie National Forest Park. We'll begin by ascending via cableway to Huangshizhai, where breathtaking views await. After taking in the panorama, we'll embark on a hike down, immersing ourselves in the natural beauty of the area.

Later, we'll venture into the enchanting surroundings of Golden Whip Stream, where tranquil waters and towering sandstone pillars create a serene atmosphere perfect for exploration.

Day 3
Today we ascend the Bailong Elevator to Yuangjiajie, where we'll be greeted by stunning views of the towering pillar-like rock formations which provided inspiration for the otherworldly scenery in the movie Avatar. From here, we'll embark on a scenic hike down from Tianzi Mountain, where mist-shrouded cliffs and lush valleys awaits. There are dense woods, fragrant flowers and grotesque rocks in this valley, true natural art gallery. Later on, we'll explore the landscapes of the Ten-Mile Gallery with its 200 rocks vividly mimic profiles of human and animals.

Day 4
Lace up your hiking boots for an unforgettable trek through the majestic Grand Canyon of Zhangjiajie. We will cross longest and highest glass-bottomed bridge in the world, 430m long, 6m wide, suspended 300m above the valley floor. Built among high mountains and a gorge, it also has a bungee platform in the center.

Further on, we head inside the depths of Huanglong Cave, where stunning rock formations and underground waterfalls awaits for a charming glimpse on the underworlds.

Day 5
Our trip could not be concluded without visiting two iconic landmarks. First, we'll take in the serene beauty of Baofeng Lake, nestled amidst lush forests and towering peaks. Then, we'll ascend the summit of Tianmen Mountain via cable car. It will not be easy to bid farewell to Zhangjiajie as we transfer to the airport for flight to Beijing, overnight in Beijing.

Day 6
Check out early in the morning and transfer to the Great Wall of China, Ti’an men square and Forbidden City, given the time allows. Our trip to Beijing would, of course, not be complete without enjoying the famous Peking Duck for lunch. In the evening, transfer to the airport and fly back home.

Level: Easy, available for everyone.
Activities: trekking, sightseeing.
Accommodation & meals: 4 star hotel - double sharing, meals excluded, except lunch DAY 6.

Cost: 9,950 AED including flights on Emirates and Air China.
Cost valid until JUNE 30. Past this date cost will change.

NOTE: This trip is only available on our flight plan.