Trekkup Dubai ✔

Southwest Kazakhstan, called Mangystau, is a land of vast, wind-whipped deserts and stunning limestone mountains that form the bottom of deep depression basins. The area boasts an unparalleled variety of desert landscapes and geological wonders, making it a hidden surprise of a truly extraterrestrial character, in a remote Kazakh corner.

Here, the nature played an inspired architect and created colorful canyons, peaks and towers, which are translated today into rainbow castles, yurt mountains or tiramisu valleys.

The northern part of the peninsula is covered by fields of limestone concretions and fossils of ancient sea creatures. These fossils provide evidence of the region's connection to the prehistoric sea, housing remnants of fish, sponges, corals, and even whales. You are standing at the shores of Sarmatian Sea, remnants of the prehistoric Tethys Ocean, and the Paratethys, that 250 to 50 million years ago covered the Caspian and Black Seas, to the Aral Lake.

Mangystau is also known for its sacred places, making it famous in the region. What sets the local mosques apart is that they don't resemble typical Muslim temples with domed roofs and minarets. Instead, their facades are predominantly shaped by nature, showing little evidence of human interference.

Overload of geological eye candies until the horizon await the darest of visitors, who are ready to cross the vast landscapes to get their bounties.

Let’s go!

DAY 0
Departure from Dubai and connecting flight to Aktau, via Baku.

Day 1
Arrival, immigration procedure and rest in the hotel. We will kick start our 4WD expedition into wilderness with Kapamsay Canyon - chalk oasis of white cliffs standing against the azure sky. In fact it’s a bottom of a dry riverbed, an amazing hideout with rare but resilient plants.
Further on we continue to Shakpaktysai Canyon where will visit first the underground mosque Shakpak-Ata.
On our list of curiosities of the day, next one is Valley of Balls in Torysh.
We continue to Sherkala rock, which was once a fortress of the eldest son of Genghis Khan, Jochi and then to Valley of Castles for some panoramic sunset views, before we set our camp in the middle of nowhere.

DAY 2
Today we are set to explore Sor Tuzbair, salt flats desert with chalky hills and limestone cliffs. After rain the salt flats transform into a reflective surface mirroring the sky and the nearby dazzling white cliffs. This sight will stun even those who are not easily impressed. Here you ll learn the names of belemnite and ammonite, while if you re lucky you may come across fossilized prehistoric shark teeth.

DAY 3
We continue of expedition towards Bozzhira, but first we pass by Beket-Ata underground mosque, a pilgrimage site, known for its miraculous sin forgiveness. As we approach Bozzhira, you will quickly feel its otherworldly atmosphere. Chalky white cliffs and unique rock formations stand here over millions of years against erosion. Its sheer vastness and rugged landscapes give the impressions of a natural white castles.

DAY 4
On the last day of our expedition, its time for well-deserved dessert in the desert! First Tiramisu layers start appearing at Mt. Bokhty, which in fact in Kazak means “a pie”. Further on, Kyzylkup will not leave any doubts to Italian desert lovers! Gentle layers continue their horizontal alignment as far as your eye can reach.

A last stop at Karagiye depression (-132 MUSL) which is one of the deepest places in the world. Its time for farewell dinner and short rest before we head to airport for a night flight back home (on DAY 5).

Level: Easy with limited facilities.
Activities: Striking sightseeing, trekking, camping.
Accommodation & meals: Hotel (dbl sharing) and desert camping. Local meals included, except meals on transfers (in Aktau and Baku).

Cost: AED 7400 all incl. 4 flights via Baku until APR 23.

Specifically excluded: Any costs related to international flights, visas, insurance, 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, Hong Kong, Iceland, India, Indonesia, Iran, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Norway, Oman, Philippines, Qatar, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Serbia, Singapore, Switzerland, Turkey, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, United States.

Other Passports: Visa support available except for Pakistan and Lebanon passports.

Flight route via Baku - UAE residents are entitled for visa on arrival.

It is sole responsibility of participant to secure entry to country of destination.

See yah at Mangystau x

Welcome to Syria, home to one of the oldest civilizations in the world and rich with artistic and cultural heritage. From its ancient roots to its recent political instability and civil war, the country has a complex and turbulent history.

In this ancient land, archaeologists have uncovered human remains discovered dating back 700,000 years – even before the time of the Neanderthals. The city of Elba, thought to have existed around 3,000 BC, is one of the world’s oldest settlements ever to be excavated, while the famed Damascus is the world’s oldest continuously inhabited capital city.

Situated on the Eastern coast of the Mediterranean Sea, the nation was once part of a vast area known as Bilad Al-Sham (Greater Syria), which now corresponds to the modern-day Levant region, encompassing Syria and its neighbors Turkey, Jordan, Lebanon and Palestine/Israel.
Invasions and occupations through the ages resulted in a who’s who of ancient empires making their mark on this land. These include the Egyptians, Hittites, Sumerians, Mitanni, Assyrians, Babylonians, Canaanites, Phoenicians, Persians, Greeks, Romans, Mongols, Crusaders…and more! A melting pot for millennia, today it is home to diverse ethnic and religious groups including Kurds, Armenians, Assyrians, Christians, Druze, Alawites, and Shia and Sunni Arabs, the last making up the majority of the Muslim population.

There is no escaping the fact that the Syrian people have suffered greatly in recent decades, enduring military coups, a 50-year dictatorship, and brutal civil conflict resulting in death and destruction – and more than six million Syrians fleeing the country.
The future of the country is still being determined, but visit Syria today and you will find a destination of fascinating ancient landmarks, delicious cuisine, proud heritage and traditions, and welcoming locals who are eager to share their culture.

Let’s go!

Day 1 :: Departure via Jordan / Bosra

Meeting at airport for a flight to Amman, change of the ride to a private vehicle and drive towards Syrian border.

Welcome to Syria! Head straight to the southern city of Bosra, an ancient settlement mentioned by the Egyptians as far back as the 14th century BC. Later established as the first Nabatean city around 100-200 BCE, Bosra then became a prosperous provincial capital during the Roman era, followed by time as an important center of Christianity, before coming under Muslim rule.

Bosra is said to have played an important role in the life of Mohammed, and with strategic importance as Syria's southern gateway, during the Islamic era the city also became an important stopover on the ancient caravan route to Mecca and Medina. Today it known for its archaeological treasures and was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2010. Our tour will take us through highlights including Bosra Old Town, the magnificent 2nd-century Roman theatre, the Cathedral of Bosra, an important example of early Christian architecture, and several mosques, including Al-Omari Mosque, one of the oldest surviving mosques in Islamic history.

Continue to Damascus, check in and overnight in the hotel.

Day 2 & 3 :: Discovering Damascus

Over next two days we set out to discover the oldest continuously inhabited capital city on Earth. Designated an UNESCO World Heritage Site, the historic center is surrounded by Roman-era walls punctuated by seven ancient gates. As we wander the streets of the Old City, it’s easy to imagine a time long ago when Silk Road traders arrived to barter and sell their wares. Our first stop will be Azem Palace, a masterpiece of traditional Damascene architecture. Built in 1750 by the Ottoman governor, today it is a cultural and folklore museum where we will learn about Syrian history, customs, clothing and more. The rest of the day we will make our way between the city’s major historic and religious monuments and key areas, including the Umayyad Mosque, Straight Street, House of Saint Ananias, Khan As'ad Pasha Caravanserai, Al-Buzuriyah Souq, and Souq Al Hamidiyah.

In the evenings, after a quick refreshment, we will hit the streets of the old town for yet another setting of this fascinating city.

Day 4 :: Ma’aloula – Krak Des Chevaliers

After breakfast we leave Damascus and head to the village of Ma’aloula. Here we will visit the Greek Orthodox Convent of Saint Thecla, and walk the mountain path that holds the saint’s name. Next is the Church and Monastery of Saints Sergius and Bacchus, once of the oldest such sites in Syria, claiming to date back to the 3rd or 4th century. Today it is one of the only teaching centers in the world where scholars can still learn Aramaic, the ancient language of Christ.

We’ll hit the road again for the two-hour drive to the impressive Krak Des Chevaliers, or "Fortress of the Knights”, one of the most important preserved medieval castles in the world. Crossing the moat, entering the dungeons and climbing the ramparts we’ll explore this fascinating remnant of days gone by, which was founded in the 11th century and once occupied by Crusader forces.

On the way back to Damascus we’ll stop for dinner in Homs, the city made infamous by the three-year siege of Homs, a face-off between the Syrian military and the rebel opposition which resulted in widespread damage and destruction of entire neighborhoods.

Day 5: Departure
Bye bye Syria! Its time to hit the road to Amman airport for our return flight home.

Grade: Easy – available for everyone.
Activities: Cultural immersion, sightseeing.

Cost: 5,700 AED all incl. flights, cash payment during briefings only.
Cost valid until MAY 4th.

Accommodation & Meals: 5 star hotel, double sharing, meals excluded.
Specifically Excluded: Visa expenses, meals.

Visa:
Syria: arrangements for visa on arrival for ALL PASSPORTS are included in trip budget. Visa cost, if any, payable on arrival.
Jordan: visa on arrival, approx 40 USD.

See yah in Syria x

Afghanistan may fascinate, enchant, although this love can be difficult. In 2021, the Americans finally withdrew from Afghanistan, and the Taliban took power almost without a single shot being fired. They quickly established relative safety in the country, although unfortunately women lost many rights under the new regime. Nevertheless, Afghanistan once again became a country that is possible to visit.

Afghanistan has a fascinating history and material evidence of it. The hospitality of its people, beautiful landscapes, mountains, customs, and monuments will make you forget of any association with the conflicts.

Kabul – the capital and largest city of Afghanistan – will certainly make you think and feel many things, a destination for the bold at a time when many will have a word or two to share about your adventure choice, let’s have a quick look and see for ourselves. High in a mountain valley between the Kabul River and the Hindu Kush, dense with history dating back thousands of years, a Silk Road destination half-way between Istanbul and Hanoi, a crossroads between Tartary, India, and Persia, and ruled by dynasties and empires from the Kushans and Hindu Shahis to the Turks, Samanids, and Mongols, among many others.

The historical site of Bamiyan in Afghanistan was once home to several large Buddha statues. Before the destruction of the statues in 2001, there were two prominent statues known as the Bamiyan Buddhas. One statue was 53 meters tall, and the other was 38 meters tall. These statues represented the culmination of the Gandhara Buddhist art style and served as significant religious and cultural landmarks in the area.

DAY 1 :: Bamian
Meeting at airport for a direct flight to Kabul. Arrival, immigration and drive to Bamian. Start exploration by visiting the Buddha Niches. These ancient caves used to house large Buddha statues, some of which were tragically destroyed during the Taliban regime. Continue to nearby caves, still inhabited by Hazaris. Continue to the city of Zhonk. Visit the historic Qala Kephthar fortress, which overlooks the city and offers breathtaking panoramic views. Take a stroll through the local bazaars and interact with the friendly locals. If time allows: Shahr-e Gholghola (City of Screams) the ruins of an ancient city thought to have been built in the 13th century by the Mongol leader Genghis Khan. Admire the fascinating archaeological remnants and learn about their historical significance. In the evening traditional Afghan dinner, at rooftop restaurant (subject of trip karma) to check out delicious dishes like mantu (dumplings), kebabs, and qabuli pulao while enjoying the evening breeze and take in the panoramic views of the city and its surroundings. Overnight in Bamian.

DAY 2 :: Kabul
Return to Kabul. Subject to traffic condition, we should have ample time to visit Babur Garden, which is a charming and well-maintained historic garden with a Persian-style design. It was constructed in the 16th century by Babur, the founder of the Mughal Empire. This garden is renowned for its breathtaking terraces, pavilions, and vibrant flora.
Followed by Shah-e Soh Shamshira Mosque and Darulaman Palace, if its open for visitors. In the evening kebab dinner. Overnight in Kabul.

DAY 3 :: Shopping time & Departure
After having breakfast, we will visit a couple of intriguing markets in Kabul. First, we'll explore the Ka Faroshi bird market, which is a cherished hobby among the locals. Then, we will head to Chicken Street, known for being a part of the historic "Hippie Trail," but nowadays it is filled with local handicrafts and a few extraordinary items that are hard to find elsewhere. We will have our last lunch at a local bistro before transferring to the airport for our flight back home.

Grade: Easy.
Activities: Sightseeing, trekking.
Accomo & meals: included, shared local guesthouse and hotel in Kabul.

Cost: 5200 AED all incl. flights, until APR 22.

Visas: Costs related to visas are specifically excluded from the budget. We will guide you throughout visa process.

See yah in Bamian x

Trekkup Crew

Historically intriguing, culturally compelling and scenically magical, Eritrea is one of the most interesting countries in Africa – and to many travellers, one of the most mysterious.

To this day, Eritrea's government is one of the world's most repressive, with no legislature or free press. Public and private life is highly controlled, with restrictions imposed on freedom of expression, opinion and faith. The country possesses extensive agricultural and mineral resources, yet it is among the poorest nations on the continent.

But despite the tough political and economic landscape and the odd travel restrictions, Eritrea remains one of the most inspiring destinations in Africa.

For a relatively small country, Eritrea impresses with incredible scenery that’s just made for a road trip, from the plateaus and soaring peaks of the Abyssinian Highlands to the Filfil Rainforest and the deserted white-sand beaches of the Red Sea coast. Culturally, it is a melting pot, home to an array of ethnic groups, and boasting a delicious cuisine familiar to fans of Ethiopian food.

A walk through the old town of Massawa is like stepping back in time, its streets lined with gently crumbling Ottoman buildings and home to the oldest mosque in Africa. The cherry on top is Asmara, Eritrea’s scenic capital full of striking and whimsical Art Deco architecture.

Join us as we return to this fascinating destination and make sure Eritrea feels the love!