Wilderness Hiking

Join us for adventure in Socotra, place like no other, where the **Dragon Bloods sway and the blue waters spray**. **This time the flights are available from Jeddah, so short 3hrs flight from UAE is now required to reach the departure point.** Lying in turquoise seas between Arabia and Africa hundreds of kilometers off the coast of Yemen is one of the world’s most untouched archipelagos, the Galapagos of the Indian Ocean, a treasure trove of biodiversity found nowhere else on Earth! From the umbrella-like Dragon Blood trees to the freshwater crabs scurrying across white sandy beaches, even the small population going about their lives unaffected by the world around them, you’ll think you’ve discovered a lost world on another planet. Used since antiquity as a medicinal cure-all, the crimson-red resin of the Dragon Blood tree earned its name through legends of battles between dragons and elephants and withstood millennia on this island paradise since the dawn of humankind. Recognized for its strange appearance, like an upside-down umbrella, it’s found only on Socotra and cannot survive anywhere else on Earth. Besides the Dragon Blood tree, Socotra is home to more than 300 species of flora and fauna endemic to the island, from tiny Socotri scorpions and terrestrial reptiles to countless birds, ghost crabs, bats, and chunky, pink-flowered bottle trees, the entire island is a UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site! Life evolves on Socotra uninterrupted from the modern world, before the airport was built in 1999, the only way to see the island was on a cargo ship! When such paradise is in our own neighborhood, making extended weekend possible to a place where such beauty is not long for this world to the Island of Happiness. **Let's go!!** **Day 1 :: Qalansiya / Detwah Lagoon / Shuab Beach** After arrival and immigration clearance we kick start our expedition with heading westbound. Our first stop is Qalansiya, a traditional fishing village. From here, we will take a boat to Shuab Beach, where we might see spinner dolphins and beautiful rock formations. At Shuab, you can swim, relax, and explore the white sand with rock formations and crystal clear water. After returning to Qalansiya, we head to Detwah Lagoon, a protected area known for its amazing scenery. You can also swim in the lagoon or just relax on the beach. Dinner and overnight at Detwah campsite. **Day 2 :: Dixsam Plateau / Derhur Canyon / Fermhin Forest** After breakfast, we will drive towards Dixsam Plateau via Shebahon viewpoint, at elevation of 700m, for the first views of the famous Dragon’s Blood trees. These umbrella-shaped species are the symbol of Socotra, and their red sap, called “Dragon’s Blood” is used for medicine and cosmetics. We will continue into Derhur Canyon, lined with palm trees, where we will swim in clear natural pools. Next is **Fermhin Forest, known for the largest concentration of Dragon’s Blood trees.** Dinner and overnight at Fermhin Forest campsite. **Day 3 :: Aomq Beach / Dagub Cave / Hayf and Zahaq Dunes** Wake up early to enjoy serene walk in Fermhin Forest before breakfast. Today we head to the southern coast of Socotra, where to see the turquoise-blue Indian Ocean and endless white sand beaches. In the evening, we will visit the Hayf and Zahaq sand dunes, beautiful and peaceful spots perfect for photos, especially at sunset. Time allows, we will visit Dagub Cave. Inside the cave you will find stalactites, stalagmites, and a small stream of fresh water, a rare sight on the dry south coast. Lunch, dinner, and overnight at Aomq campsite. **Day 4 :: Wadi Defarhu / Dihamri** Today we will travel from the south to the north of the island, crossing Wadi Defarhu. Along the way, we will cross the traditional villages, date palms, freshwater pools, and desert rose trees on the canyon walls. After lunch, we will visit the Dihamri Marine Protected Area, which has one of the richest coral reefs in Socotra with 70 endemic coral species. Dinner and overnight at Dihamri campsite. **Day 5 :: Homhil & Wadi Kalisan** After breakfast at camp, we’ll pack up and drive to Wadi Shafa and start our trek up to the Homhil protected area with more fabulous sceneries, you’ll think you’re in prehistoric times! The moderate ascent takes approximately 1.5 hours up the ravine. Once we reach the top, we will explore surrounding walking trails through the dragon blood and bottle trees. Some of the most spectacular views await while floating above the sea and mountains. After we’ve explored the area, we’ll descend back down the ravine and move onwards to Wadi Kalisan. We’ll take a short walk down the wadi and take a dip in smooth white stone pools before heading to our camp for the night in Delisha surrounded by stunning mountain views and Dragon Blood trees. **Day 6 :: Hoq Cave / Arher Beach and Freshwater Creek** After an early breakfast, we will drive to Terbak village to visit Hoq Cave, also known as Treasure Cave. Archaeologists found ancient Aramaic writings here dating back to 258 AD. We will hike about 1.5 hours to the cave entrance and spend about 1 hour inside exploring stalactites, stalagmites, and underground water pools. Then we will continue to Arher Beach, where white sand dunes meet the blue ocean. Next to Ras Erisel, the eastern tip of the island, where the Arabian Sea and Indian Ocean meet. Dinner and overnight camping at Arher Beach. **Day 07 // TBC** **Day 08 // Farewell Socotra** If you wake up early, you can take a final climb up the dune and bathe in the freshwater stream at Arher. After breakfast. we will leave for Socotra Airport. On the way, we will stop at a heritage and souvenir shop run by Socotri women, which helps support local families. Bye, bye Socotra! **Level of Difficulty:** Moderate with limited facilities ahead. **Activities:** Trekking/swimming/caving/camping. **Duration:** 7 days **Trip Start & End:** Direct flights from JEDDAH, SAUDI. **Accommodation & Meals:** Camping, all meals included. You'll need light sleeping bag; tents and mattresses provided. **Cost: AED 9,700 all incl. flights and visa, until APR 25th. Past deadline we do not guarantee availability or the cost.** **Flights:** JED – SCT 11:00-14:30 Report at check-in at 08:00AM SCT – JED 14:45 19:10 **Connections from Dubai** to Jeddah on Emirates, flydubai, Saudia, flynas starting at 1,100 AED. **Visa:** **Yemen** \- included in trip budget\. **Saudi** \- no visa for transit\, otherwise visa on arrival or e\-visa for UAE residents\. **Specifically Excluded:** Insurance - compulsory. See yah in Socotra x Trekkup Crew [Whatsapp 050 4848238](https://wa.me/971504848238) / [docs@trekkup.com](docs@trekkup.com)

**Day 1: Arrival and Arher Beach** Your flight departs from Jeddah at **11:00am** and arrives in Socotra at 2:00pm. Meet guide at the airport. Enjoy a homemade Yemeni meal with a local family before heading to Arher Beach, known for its stunning cliffs and freshwater streams. Spend the night on the beach. **Day 2: Hoq Cave and Sunset Hike** Start with breakfast on the beach, then hike to Hoq Cave, a unique natural wonder. After lunch, relax or take a strenuous hike for breathtaking views. Watch the sunset before returning to camp for dinner. **Day 3: Sunrise Hike, Dihamri, and Homhil** Begin the day with a sunrise hike, followed by breakfast and a visit to Dihamri Marine Reserve for snorkeling. After lunch, explore Homhil's infinity pool and rare Socotri trees. Enjoy dinner at camp. **Day 4: Kilisan Wadi, Zahek, and Aomak Beach** After breakfast, visit Kilisan Wadi for swimming and cliff jumping. Then, head to Zahek dunes for sunset before camping at Aomak Beach. **Day 5: Diksam (Dragon Blood Tree Forest)** Explore Dagub Cave and head to Diksam plateau to see the legendary Dragon Blood Trees. Enjoy lunch at Wadi Dirhur and a sunset photo walk in Firmhin forest. Dinner and overnight stay in the forest. **Day 6: Detwah Lagoon** After breakfast, head to Detwah Lagoon for swimming and beach exploration. Optional hike to overlook the lagoon for sunset. Dinner and overnight stay at the lagoon. **Day 7: Shoab Beach** Take a boat ride to Shoab Beach for swimming and dolphin watching. Meet a local guide for tea and a cave tour. Return to Hadiboh for exploration and a traditional Yemeni meal. **Day 8: Departure** Enjoy breakfast at the hotel and last-minute souvenir shopping at Hadibu City before heading to the airport. Your flight departs Socotra at 2:45 pm and arrives in Jeddah at **7:10 pm.** Depart with unforgettable memories of Socotra. **Including:** * **Meals** All meals: 7 breakfasts, 7 lunches, 7 dinners * **Transport** Private vehicle, 4x4 * **Accommodation:** High quality camping equipment (tent, mattress, mattress cover, pillow, pillow cover, blanket, portable toilet when needed) for 7 nights and 1 night in Heathrow or Diamond hotel. * **Included activities:** Arther beach visit Hike to Hoq Cave Snorkeling in Dihamri Hike and swim in the Infinity natural pool in Homhil Dragon Blood Trees Forest visit Swim and free time in Detwah Lagoon Boat ride along with dolphins to Shoab beach Short hike to meet the caveman * **Visit Visa** * **Round Trip Flight from Jeddah to Socotra** * **Entrance fees** * **Staff & experts** Adventure Leader throughout, local guides. **Price:** 9,855 AED PP **Notes:** * **Important note**: Your booking will only be confirmed once you've completed the process on the following link: https://www.arabianwanderers.com/tour/socotra-the-alien-island . RSVP on Meetup serves as an expression of intent to attend the event and does not guarantee your place, as spots are limited and tend to fill up rapidly. * **Group size:** Small group experience - Avg. 10. Max 16. * **Physical rating:** Suitable for everyone, includes beginner level hiking and walking. * Solo travelers are welcome. * **Instagram**: Follow us on Instagram for more adventures: [arabian.wanderers](https://instagram.com/arabian.wanderers?igshid=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ==). For further info, you can WhatsApp message by clicking on this link [https://wa.me/message/V53PMRXR5SCIH1](https://wa.me/message/V53PMRXR5SCIH1) or call us on: [+971522067219](+971522067219)

📍 **Venue:** Al Manara Sports Hall, near Onpassive Metro Station *(pick up and drop off available from Onpassive Metro Station) [(Google Maps)](https://maps.app.goo.gl/s3f3BmtB6s3SN4na6).* We play badminton here every Tuesday, 8-10 PM. Join our [Join the Al Qouz/Jumeirah Whatsapp Group Here](https://chat.whatsapp.com/KREbzal9A4899L5OzYYsOP) **👋 First time joining?** [Click here to WhatsApp Sarfaraz (+971551899547)](https://wa.me/971551899547?text=Hey%20Sarfaraz!%20This%20is%20my%20first%20time%20joining%20Badminton%20For%20All%2C%20Dubai.) and confirm your slot. **📝 Key Info** This is a group open for players of all levels, nationalities, genders and races. *Cost per session: 40 AED* *Duration: Each session lasts 2 hours* *Equipment: We use feather shuttlecocks; please bring your own racket* *Slots: Booked on a first-come, first-served basis* *Play: Players will be rotated around multiple courts and will get games similar to their level of play* **Late Backout & No-Show Policy** **We strictly enforce our late backout and no-show rules to ensure smooth operations.** Organising replacements on short notice is difficult and disruptive, especially as our organisers have day jobs. Please be mindful of our policy: * **RSVP Policy:** Please RSVP for sessions exclusively through the Meetup app. WhatsApp is mainly for regular updates on attendance, timings and last-minute changes. Any requests made via WhatsApp might not be considered for session sign-ups. * **Late Backouts:** Backing out within 9 hours of the session is considered a late backout. You will be required to pay the session fee in full, even if a replacement is found. * **No-Shows:** If you fail to show up without notice, you must still pay for the session. * **Respect for the Organisers:** Our organisers finalise the list the night before or early morning. Last-minute changes mean they need to leave their work to arrange replacements. This affects not just the organisers but the overall experience of the players. * **Waitlist Responsibility:** If you're on the waitlist and no longer wish to attend, it’s your responsibility to remove your name. We assume that anyone on the waitlist still wants to join the session if a spot opens up. * **First-Come, First-Serve Basis:** We ensure fairness by adhering to a first-come, first-serve system. Please do not ask for special treatment or last-minute slots outside of this. **Note: Players may cancel without penalty up to 9 hours before the session. After this time, the session fee applies regardless of waitlist status. Please book and cancel responsibly to avoid disruptions for everyone involved.**

**Note : Registration is confirmed only through [MeetNtrain](https://meetntrain.com/community/Volleyballpartners)** [WhatsApp Group ](https://chat.whatsapp.com/Hv4ZnN1kKA18JfPpxcpweN) Get ready for an exciting evening of **beach volleyball on soft sand** 🌴🏐 This session is designed for **intermediate-level players** who already know the basics and are ready for fast rallies, good energy, and competitive fun. Come play, vibe, and enjoy the beach atmosphere with a great group of people! **📍 Location:** Kite Beach - Dubai **🕘 Time:** 8:00 PM – 10:00 PM (2 hours of play) ⏳ *Spots limited to 18 players – secure your spot early!* ⏱ *Note: Timing may change – join the [WhatsApp group](https://chat.whatsapp.com/Hv4ZnN1kKA18JfPpxcpweN) for updates.* **💵 Fee:** 40 AED per player **✅ What’s Included:** * Cold water 💧 * International music with high-quality sound 🎶 * Guided games & refereeing by your host, Noah 🎤 📲 *Join our WhatsApp group for full details & to confirm your spot!* **📬 Contact:** Reach out via WhatsApp or email to confirm your participation. **[Book Now](https://meetntrain.com/community/Volleyballpartners)** **Noah : 0504746210**

**PADI® Advanced Open Water Diver Course** _“ Seek Adventure , Explore More ”_ Continue your Scuba Diving journey with the PADI Advanced Open Water Diver course. Experience new adventures , Fine-tune your buoyancy skills, Build confidence in your navigation abilities, and Try new activities like _wreck diving , night diving, or drift diving._ Your Advanced certification opens the door to dive sites deeper than 18m/60ft and a variety of dive sites you will able to explore . **PADI AOW Course consists of Two main portions :** Much easier online study eLearning + Much enjoyable 5 Open Water Dives . On the first day, you will do three Shore Dives , then we arrange for another day for two Boat Dives , then we can celebrate. 🥳 You may schedule the sessions with your instructor during weekdays or weekends every day or on separate days as the conditions and time permits. **How can you start and what will you do :** ♡ Booking your course, provide your name , birth date, profile picture, and e-mail. ♡ Redeem the eLearning code received on your email , fill and sign the liability and medical release forms, and start the course in your preferred language. ♡ Your instructor will select with you what you need to read and arrange to schedule your first 3 dives. ♡ Then, you may schedule your other 2 dives on the nearest convenient date. ♡ Once successfully completed all of the requirements the instructor will happily process your certification. **Requirements , Terms and Conditions :** ● AOW students should have gained an Open Water Diver certificate, be at minimum age of 12 years old , be able to swim and medically fit for diving. ● The course is a complete package , with a duration of 2 days as described. _We are pleased to answer any further questions and inquiries regarding the course._ See Your Bubbles 🐬 & Many Thanks Sea Secrets Scuba seasecrets@yandex.com IG Sea_Secrets_Scuba https://instagram.com/sea_secrets_scuba?igshid=MzMyNGUyNmU2YQ== +971562050943

Don't have a group, completely fine. badminton sessions for all levels.. Aed 45 for two hours, aed 28 for one hour come and play with us. teams will beade on levels to have exciting matched contact no +971 50 6658 933 join below WhatsApp group for regular updates. [https://chat.whatsapp.com/L5XeBmwIJ33GNRli4CF7Bc](https://chat.whatsapp.com/L5XeBmwIJ33GNRli4CF7Bc)

WHAT IS OM CHANTING? OM Chanting is a group practice, one of the techniques of Atma Kriya Yoga, that uses the transformational power of OM to activate the self-healing potential of the participants. BENEFITS OF OM CHANTING: • Activates self-healing • Transforms negativity into positive energy • Calms the mind • Helps to cultivate more joy, love and peace for the world • Purifies the environment through the OM vibration To preserve the energetic integrity of the circle, once chanting has started, participants arriving after the start time will be asked to sit on the outside of the circle. If you are running late, please let the OM Chanting Organiser know – if it is only a few minutes, they might be able to wait for you. HOW MUCH DOES IT COST? The event is run on a voluntary contribution basis. Recommended contribution AED 50 (cash only) THE EVENT MAY BE CANCELLED IF THERE ARE NOT 5 PARTICIPANTS. PLEASE CHECK IN WHATSAPP GROUP. PLEASE JOIN OUR WHATSAPP GROUP: https://chat.whatsapp.com/HPu7ZPoaANWLsDIcKCSqbv

Escape Dubai's summer heat and spend the weekend with us camping in beautiful weather at Jebel Jais (@1770m altitude), the highest summit in the UAE, and rejuvenating with a sunset short hike, meditation and a sunrise yoga class. You won’t believe it, but yes, in the UAE, only on top of Jebel Jais and specifically in Camp 1770, you can be outdoors in the middle of summer without air conditioning, with temperatures expected to go down to 16 degrees at night. The private venue offers a 180 panoramic view of the hajar (rocky) mountains covering Oman and Ras Al Khaimah. **Day 1: Road trip, sunset hike & meditation, BBQ, games, bonfire & camping** We will leave Dubai at **2:15 p.m.** and Sharjah at **3:00 p.m.** and Ras Al Khaimah at **4:00 p.m.** *(Timings might shift a little with sunrise and sunset. Don't worry we'll share the exact plan with you in a Whatsapp group before the trip)* to head on a beautiful 2 1/2 hours road trip to Camp 1770, Jebel Jais, the highest camp in the UAE @ 1,770m altitude where the temperature is \~12 degrees less than the city. Upon arrival, we will have a beginner friendly hike from to Camp 1770 where we will have a meditation session and watch the sun as it sets in the Arabian Gulf's Sea. We will then have the usual best bbq in town, drinks, campfire games, music, have some melting marshmallows on camp fire and camp under the clear skies full of stars. **Day 2:** Sunrise walk, sunrise, yoga & breakfast We will start the day with a walk to the top of Jebel Jais to see the sun rising from the Indian Ocean from the highest point of Jebel Jais. Then, we will do a sunrise yoga session, to give the day a blissful start. After yoga, breakfast will be served, after which we will head back to Dubai to start the week. **Price without transport**: 600aed **Price with transport**: 760aed **Including:** * A total of 2 meals, including the famous best BBQ in town for dinner (mixed grill with meat and chicken, falafel, hummus, moutabbal, tabbouleh salad, fattoush salad, bread, and snacks) and breakfast. * Beverages (Soft drinks, tea, coffee, water) * Exclusive access to the top of Jebel Jais * Accommodation in Camp 1770. 2 toilets are available. * Camp setup (Chairs, lights, private tents, mattresses, Fire pit & wood for bonfire) * Campfire games * 1 meditation session * 1 yoga session * 1 sunset hike * 1 sunrise short hike * Adventure leaders - fun guides who know the ins and outs of Jebel Jais * Great people and great fun! **Available Extras:** * A sleeping bag with a temperature rating that is 5 degrees less than the expected lowest temperature or a heavy comforter is required, we recommend to buy a high quality one from Adventure HQ to have a good night sleep or you can rent one from us for 50aed (available upon checkout) * Transportation from Arabian Wanderers' meeting point in Dubai to Jebel Jais and back (Available optionally for 160aed if you choose the option with transport) **Notes:** * **Important note**: Your booking will only be confirmed once you've completed the process on the following link: https://www.arabianwanderers.com/tour/jebel-jais-camping-weekend-getaway-from-dubai-s-heat-on-uae-s-peak RSVP on Meetup serves as an expression of intent to attend the event and does not guarantee your place, as spots are limited and tend to fill up rapidly. * **If booking our transport**: * Dubai at 2:15pm: [Artisan Bakers - https://maps.app.goo.gl/yH6QEtZpH7UQceCq5](https://maps.app.goo.gl/yH6QEtZpH7UQceCq5) in Al Barsha. RTA parking is available if you want to come with your car. * Sharjah at 3:00pm: ADNOC Service Station \| Al Sharjah \(564\) \- [https://maps.app.goo.gl/MqvsZgiraPLjhRzB8](https://maps.app.goo.gl/MqvsZgiraPLjhRzB8) * Ras Al Khaimah at 4:00pm: ENOC \| 1444 \| Ras Al Khaima \- [https://maps.app.goo.gl/6BKeFyt4jZ9AbQHH6](https://maps.app.goo.gl/6BKeFyt4jZ9AbQHH6) * **If not**: * Jebel Jais at 5:00pm: [Jebel Jais - https://maps.app.goo.gl/J1cdkoCmDLebnm4b7?g_st=ic](https://maps.app.goo.gl/J1cdkoCmDLebnm4b7?g_st=ic). Any car can reach the meeting point in Jebel Jais where you will follow us in a convoy until our camp (10 mins drive) and free parking will be available. There is no need for a 4x4 vehicle. * **Physical rating:** Beginner level - Light physical activities are included. * **Group size:** Small group experience - Avg. 12, Max 25. * **Nature calls:** Toilet will be available in the camp * **Solo & women friendly:** Solo and female travelers are more than welcome; 70% of our participants are usually solo adventurers and women. * **Not pet-friendly:** Due to the sensitivity of the area near Oman's border, Camp 1770 does not accommodate pets or animals. * **Health and travel insurance**: It is mandatory to have a health and travel insurance in the country where this experience is happening. If you don't have insurance or your current insurance doesn't provide coverage, you can obtain one [here](https://explore.safetywing.com/nomad-insurance-complete?referenceID=26286700&utm_source=26286700&utm_medium=Ambassador) ! * **Tipping Information:** If you'd like to show your appreciation to your guide, please bring cash in AED for tipping. * **Instagram:** Follow us on instagram for our latest adventures: [arabian.wanderers](https://www.instagram.com/arabian.wanderers/) * **Sunset Hike details:** * Duration: \~1 hour * Distance: \~2kms * Elevation gain: \~100m * Difficulty level: Beginner For further info, you can WhatsApp message by clicking on this link [https://wa.me/message/V53PMRXR5SCIH1](https://wa.me/message/V53PMRXR5SCIH1) or call us on: [+971522067219](+971522067219)

Imagine a place so beautiful that **conquerors, instead of burning it, bankrupted themselves building bigger domes** and taller minarets just to keep up. Uzbekistan is the Silk Road’s ultimate masterpiece of living legends: two immortal cities, one breathless whirlwind of domes and minarets, and enough beauty to quietly wreck your standards. [https://vimeo.com/215827711](https://vimeo.com/215827711) The Silk Road wasn’t a road, **it was the internet of the medieval world.** Ideas, gunpowder, paper, religions, and the best spices you’ve ever tasted all flowed through these dusty plains. Samarkand and Bukhara sat at the crossroads, grew obscenely rich, and spent every penny on turquoise tiles and gold leaf. The result? Architecture so breathtaking that six centuries later your phone still runs out of storage before your eyes do. **Samarkand first:** drop your bag and stand in Registan Square as the morning light hits the turquoise tiles for the first time. Three madrassas stare each other down across the sand like rival rappers, their façades exploding in cobalt, gold, and emerald. This was Tamerlane’s capital, the man who conquered half the known world and then commissioned buildings so perfect that the Taj Mahal is basically fan fiction. Gur-e-Amir, his mausoleum, glows under a ribbed turquoise dome that makes the sky look underdressed. Bibi-Khanym Mosque is so absurdly huge that **Timur executed the first set of architects for not going large enough**; the second team clearly got the memo. Then board the train to Bukhara, a city that feels like someone pressed pause on the 15th century. One hundred and forty monuments in a maze of caramel-coloured walls. The Kalyan **Minaret is so elegant that Genghis Khan, not exactly known for restraint, looked up and simply said “leave it.”** Lyabi-Khauz plaza at dusk is the kind of scene you thought only existed in movies: tea houses reflected in still water, mulberry trees older than most countries, and the call to prayer bouncing off ancient brick. Uzbek people have hospitality hardwired. Strangers invite you for tea, grandmothers stuff bread into your hands, and every second person wants to take a selfie with the foreigner who finally showed up. The Soviet chapter left concrete blocks on the outskirts, but the historic cores remain untouched, lovingly restored, and proudly lived in. **Weekend is short for a country this deep, but it’s enough to fall in love.** You’ll leave with the quiet realization that some places on Earth are so beautiful they almost feel unfair. **Uzbekistan doesn’t need filters. It just needs you for one weekend**. **Let's go!** **Day 1 // Friday** Meet at Dubai Terminal 2 at 21:30 hrs for a direct flight to Samarkand departing at 23:10. Land in the heart of the Silk Road. **Day 2 // Saturday :: Bukhara** Morning departure to Bukhara by bullet train or drive (subject to train tickets availability) and start discovering of city treasures: * Lyabi-Hauz Ensemble – the serene square with its pond, mulberry trees and surrounding madrassas. * Mausoleum of Ismail Samani – a 10th-century masterpiece of brick architecture. * Ark Citadel – the ancient fortress and seat of power for centuries. * Bolo-Hauz Mosque – famous for its beautifully painted wooden columns. * Poi-Kalyan Complex – majestic Kalyan Minaret, grand mosque and the active Miri-Arab Madrassah. Dinner and train back to Samarkand. Overnight in the historic center. **Day 3 // Sunday :: Samarkand** After breakfast we head straight into the wonders of Tamerlane’s capital: * Gur-e-Amir Mausoleum – resting place of Timur and his dynasty, crowned by the iconic ribbed turquoise dome. * Registan Square – the breathtaking ensemble of three grand madrassas, the undisputed jewel of Samarkand. After lunch: * Bibi-Khanym Mosque – once the largest mosque in the Islamic world, a true testament to 14th-century ambition. * Shahi-Zinda Necropolis – the stunning “Avenue of Mausoleums” lined with glittering blue-tiled tombs from the 11th–15th centuries. Free time at lively Siab Bazaar: taste freshly baked nan bread, stock up on saffron and dried fruits, and browse silk embroidery and ceramics. Optional: unwind in a traditional hammam. Before we say goodbye to Samarkand we will visit **Registan Square at night for the famous light show.** Late dinner, transfer to the airport for the return flight. Landing in Dubai Monday at 07:00. **Duration:** Weekend only! **Activities:** Sightseeing and immersion into unheard history. **Accommodation & meals:** included - 4\* hotels (double sharing rooms), local foods. 5\* hotel option available at extra cost. **Cost:** **AED 3490 incl. flights** **until APR 15th.** Past this date cost will change. **Single accommodation:** 360 AED extra. **Specifically excluded:** Any cost related to visas, entry fees, visit in Hamam, extra water, coffee etc. **Visas:** **UAE residents** with 3 months validity of residence visa **are eligible for free entry.** More info: [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Visa_policy_of_Uzbekistan](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Visa_policy_of_Uzbekistan) *It is sole responsibility of trip participant to secure admission to country of destination.* See yah in Samarkand x Trekkup Crew [Whatsapp 0504848238](https://wa.me/971504848238) / [info@trekkup.com](info@trekkup.com) [Find all trekkups at linktr.ee/trekkup](https://linktr.ee/trekkup)

**History** The history of [Blendon Woods Metro Park](https://www.metroparks.net/parks-and-trails/blendon-woods/) began long before its 1951 opening, rooted in a landscape of rugged ridges and deep ravines that made the land unsuitable for traditional farming. In 1945, a report proposing a metropolitan park system for Franklin County specifically highlighted these cliffs of Bedford Shale as some of the "wildest land in the vicinity". Following this recommendation, the recently formed park district purchased the first 229 acres in early 1949. Because the terrain was so uneven, developers had to cut a mile-and-a-half-long roadway through dense woods just to bring in heavy equipment. This initial preservation effort ensured that the mature second-growth hardwood forests remained largely untouched by the urban expansion spreading toward Westerville. Opening day arrived on Labor Day, September 3, 1951, marking Blendon Woods as the second park in the Columbus and Franklin County Metro Parks system. The final push to open was a frantic race; the State Highway Department only finished the primary gravel access road four days before the gates opened. Early staff members, consisting of just four full-time employees, had to hand-dig pit toilets and learn construction skills on the fly to build the first picnic shelters. Despite the dusty conditions and limited facilities, the park was an immediate success, drawing massive crowds from across Central Ohio. By the end of the 1950s, annual visitation had already climbed to over 190,000 people. As the surrounding suburbs grew in the 1960s, the park faced severe overcrowding that threatened its natural habitats. In response, Franklin County voters passed the first Metro Parks levy in 1960, providing the funds necessary for a decade of steady expansion. During this era, the park nearly doubled in size, growing from 264 acres to over 570 acres by 1968. Planners also addressed a critical water shortage by collaborating with the U.S. Soil and Conservation Service to build a lake in 1964. This body of water originally served as a temporary reservoir before its role shifted toward conservation and wildlife support. The 1970s marked a transition toward the specialized wildlife and educational focus for which the park is known today. In 1971, the Walden Waterfowl Refuge was established around the 11-acre Thoreau Lake, creating a sanctuary that remains restricted to provide a quiet habitat for migratory birds. A formal nature center was also developed during this period, expanding on the guided Sunday walks that had been a park staple since the early 1950s. The park’s famous "Monarch Mansion" also became a prominent fixture, starting a long tradition of raising and releasing thousands of monarch butterflies each September. These initiatives cemented the park’s reputation as a premier destination for birders and nature enthusiasts. In more recent decades, Blendon Woods has continued to modernize while maintaining its wilderness character. The 10-acre Natural Play Area was added in 2017, encouraging kids to explore the ravines and woods off-trail. This was followed by the opening of a $1.5 million inclusive playground in April 2025, designed to accommodate children of all physical abilities. The nature center also underwent major renovations to include immersive, three-dimensional exhibits and a new butterfly house. Today, the park encompasses 653 acres, preserving a unique geologic and biological corridor amidst the bustling Westerville and Northeast Columbus area. **Map of the Park** Here is a map of [Blendon Woods](https://www.metroparks.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/BLN_map_Inclusive-Playground-and-Butterfly-Trail_May-2025_1980px.png). **Summary** For this event, we will hike the Lake View, Hickory Ridge, Ripple Rock, Overlook, Brookside, and Sugarbush Trails. This sounds like a lot, but it will really be only a little over five miles. Blendon Woods has a few hills here and there, but it's not one of the more strenuous metro parks. **Where We'll Meet** We'll meet just in front of the Nature Center. This is about a mile into the park from the main entrance. You have to go past the Ranger Station and the Shadblow Reservable Area to get to it, so don't stop too early at the Ranger Station and get it confused with the Nature Center. **After the Hike** Afterward, we will head over to [Forbidden Root Restaurant & Brewery](https://forbiddenroot.com/restaurants/columbus-ohio/) at Easton for [drinks](https://forbiddenroot.com/restaurants/columbus-ohio/#dinner-menu) and [food](https://forbiddenroot.com/wp-content/uploads/Cbus-Food.pdf). We should be there by 5 if you can't make the hike and just want to join us for drinks. The brewery's actual address is [4080 Worth Ave, Columbus, OH 43219](https://www.google.com/maps/place/4080+Worth+Ave,+Columbus,+OH+43219/data=!4m2!3m1!1s0x88388a86d10b6619:0x4d42b470a5cf11d3?sa=X&ved=1t:242&ictx=111); however, I recommend pointing your GPS to the [Worth Garage](https://www.google.com/maps/place/Worth+Garage/@40.0542293,-82.9137962,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m6!3m5!1s0x88388b4df6082825:0x17582f0eccd9dda1!8m2!3d40.0542293!4d-82.9137962!16s%2Fg%2F11rzfvvv8b?entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI2MDQxNS4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D) across the street. Parking in this garage is free as long as you're not on the first floor, and it is literally right next to the brewery.

Join us for 2 loops of the 1.1 mile trail surrounding Civic Park In Reynoldsburg this Thursday (5/7) at 6:30 pm. This is a fully paved trail so no worries about mud after a rainy week. Just come and get some exercise while connecting with others.

Hi ladies. Let's hike the Edward Thomas, Spring Creek, and a little multi-purpose trail - approximately 4 miles. Please bring a water bottle as needed and appropriate shoes. Meet in the Maple Grove Picnic area.

Hi ladies. We will meet in front of the Nature Center and head to the two Observation decks. We will then hike Hickory Ridge, Ripple Rock, Overlook and Sugarbush trails to get approximately four miles total distance. We will walk approximately a 18 minute mile pace. Please wear appropriate hiking shoes.

Hi ladies. Let's hike the Edward Thomas, Spring Creek, and a little multi-purpose trail - approximately 4 miles so please wear your shoe of choice. Please bring a water bottle as needed and appropriate shoes. Meet in the Maple Grove Picnic area.

June 17, 2026: Worthington Library. Wild Ohio: The Best of Our Natural Heritage. Jim McCormac. Worthington, Ohio. 7 pm.

Hi ladies. Let's hike the edward thomas trail, lake trail , spring creek and a short walk on the multi purpose trail. This is one large loop . Wear your shoe of choice. Meet in the Maple Grove Picnic area. 4.2 miles in length .