Trekkup Dubai ✔

Kalash, yet another stunning valley in highlands of Pakistan, shares its name with a tribe of the only pagan, or call them non-believers, minority residing in Pakistan. Fortunately to the location, deep in Hindu Kush range, natural beauty is hidden away here from influence of modern world. The villagers claim to be descendants of the soldiers belonging to Alexander the Great and lived in seclusion ever since the Macedonian warrior king invaded the region over 2,300 years ago. Developing their own traditional meteorological and astronomical knowledge system, earned them a place at UNESCO list of intangible cultural heritage.

Considered as taboo by their neighbours, the Kalasha people celebrate annual Chilam Joshi, festival of Spring. Love to music and dance is inherited over generations – both men and women never miss a chance to celebrate. It may seem Tinder got not much of use in here, finding someone to marry is in fact, the primary goal of the festival. To the rhythm of the drums, they sing and dance in a circle, while discretely swiping left and right. New, traditional clothes are worn by everyone, and so bachelors and bachelorettes are expected to make an effort to select their spouses and announce their names on the last day of the festival. Although festival repeats every year, only a small community of 4,000 Kalashas exists, but their presence holds a power unmatched by numbers.

Starting with the milk day, related to a pray for safeguarding fields and animals by their Gods, Kalashas stockpile milk in their houses for ten days prior to the event, once ready traditional drink is offered on the day of the festival. The villagers then take to the streets, and to the beat of drumming, they sing and dance wearing vibrant, traditional clothes.

Its not easy to reach here and only a family-run guesthouses provide accommodation to visitors. However, this provides an opportunity to fully immerse in the spirit of Kalasha culture. We will awaken each day to the sounds of their ancient melodies, discover the secrets hidden within their handicrafts, and taste the flavours of their traditional delicacies.

Such combination of the festival’s vibes against the backdrop of snow-covered peaks makes it a perfect combination for travel connoisseurs.

Let’s go!!

DAY 1 // MAY 12 // DEPARTURE
Arrival, immigration formalities and overnight in Islamabad.

DAY 2 // MAY 13 // CHITRAL
Drive via Timergara to Chitral. After lunch, we will reach Kalash valley. On the way we will see first snow peaks, among others if weather allows, the highest peak of the Hindukush Mountains - Trich Mir.
Dinner and overnight in hotel.

DAY 3 // MAY 14 // KALASH VALLEY
We are going to spend this day in the Rumbur Valley, which is a very home to the Kalash people. Here, we will begin the celebrations of the Chilam Joshi Festival.

The festival starts from Rumbur and then moves to Bhamboreet and Barir. On this day, the Kalash pray for the protection of their homes and animals, offering milk to the gods, visitors and spilling it in the fields. There will be a lot of local music and dances. Kalash music is all about drumming and singing melodic repetitions. The lyrics range from ritualistic themes to those reflecting the mythology and history of the Kalash people. The primary purpose of singing is to pray for a prosperous milk harvest and to reinforce the shared identity of the Kalash community. You will quickly learn Kalash are all about love, music and dancing. Overnight in guesthouse.

DAY 4 // MAY 15 // CHILAM JOSHI
Today we will participate in the street parades of Chilam Joshi. Visit to the Bahshali house, hear the stories of local culture and customs. In the evening we drive to Bamburate, dinner and overnight in hotel.

DAY 5 // MAY 16 // BAMBURATE
In the Bumburet valley during the morning, young women gather with milk containers and flowers that were collected the previous day for the Chirik Pipi ceremony. When the ceremony commences, all the children and ladies proceed to the sacred livestock shed. According to the villagers, this goat’s milk has been stored since May 1st and is considered sacred. It is then distributed to the women.
Further on we will also visit graveyard in Krakal village and move to Batrik for dance festival. Dinner and overnight in the hotel.

DAY 6 // MAY 17 // ISLAMABAD RETURN
Today we leave Bamburate and hit the road to Islamabad and further back home.

Grade: Easy, available for everyone.
Activities: participating in vibrant festival, encounter of secluded Kalash culture.
Accommodation and meals: local guesthouses and hotels, double sharing. Meals included, except meals on transfers. Single occupancy subject of extra cost and availability at the time of booking.

Cost: 5620 AED all incl. flights until MAY 09.

Specifically excluded: visa, insurance, entry fees - if any, extras such as water, restaurant meals on transfers.

The Isle of Skye is a place of speechless natural beauty but also intriguing historical significance. This magical island was once a stronghold of Scottish clans with intense battles and legendary tales.
Its rugged landscapes and jagged coastlines have witnessed clan warfare and ancient rebellions.

Skye's stunning landscapes feature the famous Cuillin Mountains, dramatic sea cliffs, and beautiful lakes inspiring artists and writers, such as J.K. Rowling. Skye's medieval castles, like Dunvegan Castle, offer a glimpse into the lives of the ruling clans.

Here you can delve into the deep roots of Scottish heritage, tracing the footsteps of early Mesolithic hunter-gatherers, the influence of Norse Vikings, and the medieval power struggles between the MacLeod and MacDonald clans on Skye.

As we'll hike through the landscape, we'll keep an eye out for the dinosaur fossils that have been discovered in certain areas, offering a glimpse even into Skye's pre-historical times.

While enjoying the picturesque scenery of this island, we will explore its iconic castles, trek through breathtaking landscapes, and admire its dramatic coastline. We'll also have the opportunity to visit a whiskey distillery and indulge in the delicious and hearty cuisine that Scotland is famous for. The Isle of Skye offers a captivating journey into Scotland's past and present.

Let’s go!

Day 1 // Highland Views + Fort William
We'll begin our adventure by driving through the breathtaking landscapes of the Highlands. Along the way, we'll stop to admire the stunning views and immerse ourselves in the raw beauty of the Scottish countryside. One of our key stops will be at the famous Three Sisters mountains, a breathtaking range that epitomizes the rugged beauty of the Highlands. We'll also take a break for lunch near a location famously featured in the Harry Potter films, a spot with truly awe-inspiring scenery. Afterward, we'll continue to Fort William, a charming town at the foot of Ben Nevis, the highest mountain in the UK. Here, we will have time to explore the town and take in the Highland atmosphere.

Day 2 // Glenfinnan Viaduct + Fairy Pools
We’ll start the day with a traditional Scottish breakfast featuring black pudding and square sausage - a delightful introduction to local cuisine. Our first destination will be the Glenfinnan Viaduct, a famous location seen in the Harry Potter movies. Here, we'll have the opportunity to explore the viaduct and the picturesque town nearby. From there, we'll make our way to the Fairy Pools, where we'll embark on a mesmerizing trek through scenic landscapes, crystalline pools, and enchanting waterfalls. As the day unfolds, we'll drive to Portree, the vibrant capital of Skye, and enjoy dinner in one of the local restaurants.

Day 3 // Cliffs of Skye + Old Man of Storr + Dunvegan Castle + Neist Point Lighthouse
We'll begin the day by admiring the stunning cliffs of Skye, offering breathtaking views of the rugged coastline and the Atlantic Ocean. Next, we'll visit the iconic Old Man of Storr, an awe-inspiring rock formation with panoramic vistas. After that, we'll explore Dunvegan Castle, an ancient stronghold of the MacLeod clan for the last 800 years, making it the oldest continuously inhabited castle. Finally, we'll end the day at Neist Point Lighthouse, an iconic rock formation with breathtaking views. If time allows, we will also visit Lealt Falls and Bearreraig Bay for more scenic walkabouts.

Day 4 // Journey to Edinburgh + Eilean Donan Castle
We will begin our journey to Edinburgh, with a visit to Eilean Donan Castle, one of Scotland’s most iconic castles, set on a small island where three great sea lochs meet. We'll explore its rich history, admire its picturesque setting, and take in the stunning views before continuing our journey. Optionally, we may also visit the Talisker Distillery, where we can explore the craftsmanship behind one of Scotland's most famous whiskies and enjoy a tasting experience. It's an ideal spot to immerse yourself in nature's wonders or capture the perfect photograph.
On our way to Edinburgh, we'll drive along the famous route featured in James Bond films, offering breathtaking views of Scotland's dramatic landscapes. Finally, we'll arrive in Edinburgh to check into our hotel. You'll have the evening free to explore the charming alleys, join a night city tour, or unwind at a traditional Scottish pub.

Day 5 // Departure Early start for a trek up Arthur's Seat, an ancient volcanic hill with panoramic views of the city. If time allows, we will explore Holyrood Palace, the official residence of the British monarch in Scotland. Next, we drive to Glasgow Airport for the return flight home.

Welcome to Kazakhstan! 9th largest world country is filled with diverse nature, steppes and mountains, which makes it difficult for us to choose its best locations. The most representative to the whole region are Tien Shan Mountains, massive mountain range that runs all throughout stans, all the way to China. What is remarkable here is the gorgeous Alpine landscape with forest, valleys and snowy peaks.

We will travel North to Kolsay Lakes to experience its tranquility and stretch our knees over some wonderful trails nearby, before we hit the Gorge called Grand Canyon, known for its stunning similarity to its bigger brother.

Let's go!

DAY 1 // Friday
Meeting at Abu Dhabi Airport at 12:00 for a direct flight to Almaty at 14:15. Arrival, immigration clearance, overnight in hotel.

DAY 2 // Saturday
Transfer to Kolsay lakes with breakfast on the way, short rest.

Kolsay Lakes area is one of the most beautiful examples of Kazakhstan nature, known as the pearl of Northern Tien Shan. The lakes are located 1800, 2250 and 2700 meters above sea level. Kolsay is a perfect place for camps, trekking and mountain biking. The lower and the middle lakes are filled with playing trout at sunsets. The Upper Kolsay is located 4 km further and 600 meters higher than the second lake, while Kyrgyzstan border is 6 kilometres away from the lake.

There is a great view here of the Kyrgyz Lake Issyk-Kul from the Sary-Bulak pass (3278 masl). If you visit the place, you will never forget its beauty, quietness and tranquility surrounding it. When the water is perfectly calm, it reflects the sky and the fascinating mountainous scenery.

We will do 2 treks today: along Kolsay (1hr) and Kayindy (2hrs) lakes, enjoying crystal clear, natural beauty at its best.

After lunch, we move further on to Kaindy. You can optionally do horse riding at the village.

Lake Kaiyndy is a mysterious place in a piedmont area 1800 meters above sea level, surrounded by a spruce forest and mountain peaks. Kaiyndy in Kazakh means "birch". The paradox is that the Kaiyndy Lake is surrounded by a magnificent pine forests. The explanation is simple: the biggest birch grove on the entire Tien Shan is in the gorge below the lake, which gave its name to the gorge, river and lake.

The reservoir was created after tectonic collapse as a result of the catastrophic earthquake in early twentieth century.

Overnight at homestay.

Day 3 // Sunday

Charyn Canyon is an astonishing natural monument comprising of rock, sediments, pillars and towers from around 12 million years ago. It is one of the unique natural objects, where the erosion process played the artist and sculpted the fragile sedimentary rocks in the artwork. The canyon is often compared to the North American Grand Canyon. Gorge is located in the Charyn national park created to preserve its natural and geological objects, a home to a large number of rare and endangered species of animals. We will have a chance to trek inside the Canyon to see it from various angles. Further on we will go back to Almaty, enjoy dinner in local restaurant. Transfer to airport for a a flight back to Abu Dhabi. Back home at 00:25 am.

Level of difficulty: easy, available for beginners.

Activities: trekking, sightseeing, optional horse riding.

Cost: AED 3770 all incl. flights, until MAY 14th. Past this date we will close the list.

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

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

Visas: cost not included in trip budget:

At the time of writing 60 nationalities are visa free: EU, Argentina, Armenia, Australia, Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Belarus, Brazil, Canada, Chile, China, Colombia, Ecuador, Georgia, Hong Kong, Iceland, India, Indonesia, Iran, Israel, Japan, Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Liechtenstein, Malaysia, Mexico, Moldova, Monaco, Mongolia, New Zealand, Norway, Oman, Philippines, Qatar, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Serbia, Singapore, South Korea, Switzerland, Tajikistan, Thailand, Turkey, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, United States, Uzbekistan, Vietnam

Other Passports: Evisa or Consulate visa.

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

See yah in Kazakhstan x

Turtles are no doubt the national animals of Oman. Those mysterious creatures are in fact air breathing reptiles and so they need to surface every couple of hours, depending on activity. A resting or sleeping turtle can remain underwater for 4-7 hours.

The green turtles - subject of our discovery, spend their whole life in the water. Only at the age of 37-40 yo, and only female turtles, crawl up the sand beaches to lay the eggs. This is an enormous effort to the animal which is not used to tis environment. You can probably only understand how difficult it is for them, when you see the female crawling back, without any energy left, back to the ocean, after only few hours spent on shore.

Adult green turtles are as big as 1.5 metres and weight upto 190 kg. Baby turtles are not bigger than 10cms and start their lives with the most dangerous journey - from the sands they were born at - to the sea. Most of them will do it at night, trying to avoid hungry foxes, crabs or birds.

There are plenty of other interesting aspects - for example gender of baby turtle depends on the sand temperature in which eggs are hatching. If sand temperature is less than 28C, those will be males, above 28C - females. Now just imagine, how global warming can reduce their population.

We are absolutely astonished by those mysterious creatures and so we have decided to design a weekend dedicated in large part to them. With the high season started, we will observe them popping up the water for breathing (if we re lucky they will pop up like a popcorn) snorkel with them, see them hatching and cheer the babies crawling to the sea. But thats not everything!

We will have enough time to explore two of the most beautiful nature wonders nearby - Wadi Shabb and Bimah Sinkhole. Great for exploration in the spring/summer, with year round chill water, those two have been serving as a natural water park and inspiration for Wild Wadi alikes.