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Arctic Spring | Eid in Svalbard Archipelago, Norway
Nestled high in the Arctic Ocean, far north of mainland Norway and just **1000 km from the North** Pole itself, the Svalbard archipelago feels like the edge of the world, and in many ways, it truly is.
This breathtaking cluster of islands is a **frozen masterpiece**: dramatic snow-capped mountains tower over massive glaciers, endless ice fields stretch to the horizon, and colossal icebergs drift silently through the fjords. During the long polar night, darkness wraps the land for months, yet the sky often explodes with the **dancing colours of the northern lights.**
**Svalbard is wild and untamed.** More polar bears roam these islands than people live here (around **3000 bears compared to roughly 2600 human** residents), so every journey comes with a gentle reminder that we are guests in their kingdom. With only about 50 km of paved roads in the entire archipelago, most of them simply the short streets of Longyearbyen, the car quickly gives way to the snowmobile, the true king of Arctic travel. Hopping on a snowmobile is the fastest, most exciting, and most authentic way to plunge deep into the vast, silent wilderness that surrounds the settlements.
From the moment you arrive, Svalbard casts its spell: crisp air that tingles in your lungs, mountains glowing pink at twilight, and a sense of pure wonder that stays with you long after you have left. This is definitely one of the last great frontiers on Earth.
**Get ready for polar wilderness!**
**DAY 1 // Longyearbyen**
Meeting at Oslo airport at 09.00 for a flight to Longyearbyen 10:50-15:10. Longyearbyen, located on the island of Spitsbergen, is proudly called the northernmost “real” town in the world. It is one of those magical places that everyone should experience at least once in a lifetime! In March, temperatures are a bit kinder than in the heart of winter, usually around -10°C, and the harshest cold starts to ease. After checking into our hotel, you will have some free time to freshen up, enjoy a warm meal, and then step outside in the evening for our first chance to spot the northern lights dancing across the sky.
**DAY 2 // Snow mobile safari East Coast**
Today is pure adventure! Bring your driving licence because we’re jumping on snowmobiles and heading toward the huge Storfjorden on the east coast (190 km round trip – about 8 hours of fun!). We’ll zoom across frozen seas, pass gigantic glaciers, and explore the natural home of the world’s largest land carnivore - the polar bear. Midway we’ll stop for a warm lunch while enjoying insane panoramic views. Keep your eyes open, you never know when a curious polar bear or reindeer might appear!
**DAY 3 // Snow mobile Safari to Tempelfjorden & the Legendary Trapper’s Valley**
We ride through long, snow-covered valleys towards Tempelfjorden and the historic hunting cabin of Hilmar Nøis, a legendary Norwegian trapper nicknamed “The King of Sassen”. If the weather is kind to us, we’ll continue across the frozen fjord to the stunning Tunabreen glacier area. We’ll enjoy a lunch break surrounded by wilderness, take plenty of photos, and then head back to town. Expect 6 to 8 hours of pure Arctic magic!
**DAY 4 // Hike to the Seed Vault and Blomsterhøgda** **+ Husky Dog Sledding**
In the morning we hit the trail for short but rewarding hike up the mountainside above Blomsterdalen, or “Flower Valley” in Norwegian. The trail has some steeper sections, and we typically gain around 300 meters in elevation. Along the way, we stop a few times to take in the view overlooking Adventfjorden. On clear days, we can see all the way to Isfjorden and its glaciers in the distance. Continue along the ridge, as you learn more about the rich history of coal mining on Svalbard, while passing the entrance to the old Coal Mine 3, a visible reminder of the town's industrial heritage.
After the hike, we drive to the futuristic Global Seed Vault, located at the base of the mountain. While the Vault itself is closed to the public, its entrance building is a striking sight – blending into the landscape in summer and glowing with its unique light installation during winter.
Since the Vault lies outside Longyearbyen’s safety zone, visiting with a guide is the safest and most informative way to experience this unique site.
The highlight of the day is a dog-sledding safari. You’ll glide through a sparkling winter wonderland pulled by your eager husky team. A warm lunch will be served inside a cosy igloo, pure Arctic magic!
**DAY 5 // Return**
Enjoy our last breakfast and head to the airport to catch the return flight at 12:10. Arrival in Oslo 16:45. Fly home with frost-kissed cheeks and a heart full of incredible memories.
\*\*\*
**Level of difficulty:** Moderate and challenging!
**Activities:** Husky dog sledging, snow mobile safaris, ice caving, sightseeing.
**Accommo & meals:** 4 nights in 4 star hotel, double sharing, meals excluded.
**Cost: 9,410 AED** **excl. flights until FEB 19. Past this date cost will change, if we have availability,**
**Flights:**
Dubai - Oslo
Oslo - Longyearbyen (220-480 EUR) - book early to avoid price hike.
**Specifically excluded:**
Schengen visa, insurance, flights, meals.
See yah in Arctic Circle x
**Trekkup Crew**
Whatsapp 050 4848238 / [docs@trekkup.com](mailto:docs@trekkup.com)
Find all trekkups at [linktr.ee/trekkup](http://linktr.ee/trekkup)
Basketball Game 5 Vs 5 for all levels with Both male and females🏀⛹️♀️⛹️♂️
Freindly basketball Game indoors
Game for both gender and all levels 🏀
2 Hours
Refree available
**Please join our WhatsApp community 👇**
https://chat.whatsapp.com/KmLfGw3KDSCKW9Mwv98L4v
**Message admin issam on WhatsApp** 0506319390
Entry fee 50AED Including free waterr
North of South | Journey Across Mozambique, Eswatini and Lesotho via SA
Through ancient lands, over mountain peaks, and along endless coastlines, Southeastern Africa is a fascinating corner of this vast continent, with hidden gems at every turn.
Located on the shores of the Indian Ocean, **Mozambique**’s thousands of miles of coastline have made the country a popular destination for its warm, turquoise waters, stunning marine life, and white-sand beaches. Meanwhile, the Kingdom of **Eswatini** (formerly Swaziland) and **Lesotho** are two of Africa’s only three **present-day kingdoms**.
Beautiful Eswatini may be a small country, but it packs a punch, offering an opportunity for an unforgettable road trip via rolling hills, lush forests, and thundering waterfalls. It’s home to national parks and nature reserves that offer the chance to spot elephants, lions, giraffes, and more, and it features a proud and ancient history as well as the rich cultural traditions of its indigenous people, the Swazi.
Lesotho, a high-altitude nation known as **“the Kingdom in the Sky,"** is packed with imposing mountain ranges. With one of the world’s smallest networks of roads, due to the extreme terrain, this is a truly off-the-beaten-path destination where you’ll feel on top of the world.
Get ready to island-hop in the tropics, encounter bucket-list wildlife, meet with local tribes, and traverse dramatic mountain passes as you trek in some of Africa’s most remote treasures.
**Let’s go!**
**Day 1 // MOZAMBIQUE**
Arrival at Maputo International Airport, immigration clearance, transfer to hotel for overnight. Free time at leisure.
**Day 2 // MOZAMBIQUE**
Time to discover Mozambique’s stunning coastal areas! Our first stop is Santa Maria, where we will spend the morning snorkeling and swimming. Later we’ll take a short boat ride to Inhaca Island, where we’ll enjoy a seafood lunch and visit the local market, and our last stop of the day will be the pristine beaches of Portuguese Island.
**Day 3 // ESWATINI**
Today we cross the border into the **Kingdom of Eswatini.** Our destination is **Hlane National Park**, where we’ll hop into safari vehicles for a drive around the park in search of lions, elephants, rhinos, hippos, giraffes, zebras, and an array of birdlife. After lunch we’ll rest and then set out for a sunset drive.
**Day 4 // ESWATINI**
It's time to drive towards the centre of the country, visiting **Mantenga**, a place where Swazi history, culture, and tradition are brought alive against the stunning backdrop of the Mantenga Falls and Nyonyane mountain. Later we’ll make a stop at a contemporary **Swazi art market**.
**Day 5 // ESWATINI**
In the morning we’ll hit the trails for a visit to the famed **Sibebe rock**, a geological wonder that is some **3 billion years old**, over three times older than Australia’s famed Uluru (Ayers) Rock. The surrounding trails provide magnificent vistas all the way to the Lubombo Mountains in the east. Sundowners at Sibebe infinity pool to cheer the discovery of this hidden gem.
**Day 6 // ESWATINI - LESOTHO**
Start with two short connecting flights via JNB to **Maseru, the capital of Lesotho,** and a drive through lowlands, where the twin peaks of Thaba Li Mele, known as Nipple Mountain, rise against the horizon. The road leads upward into the Maloti Mountains, with **grand landscapes of river valleys and basalt cliffs of the Kingdom in the Sky.** At Semonkong, beside the Maletsunyane River, have dinner with local specialties, Famo music, and a presentation of a Basotho blanket-famous tribe hospitality.
**Day 7 // LESOTHO**
Exciting day ahead, as we **saddle up Basotho ponies and packhorses** to **depart for a 6-hour trek** towards highlands with rivers, ridges, and picture-perfect scenery. Stop at midway viewpoint for picnic lunch. In the afternoon we’ll arrive in Ketane Village, not far from a river for a swim with sundowners. Evening under the stars, stay in Basotho huts or camp.
**Day 8 // LESOTHO**
After breakfast hit the trail to **Ketane Waterfall, seen only by few outsiders.** You'll be quickly rewarded with some grand views in the mist. Later on pack up and ride back to Semonkong, different trail, crossing mountains and rivers with nature mix and local snacks. In the afternoon reach Semonkong Lodge for a shower and perhaps a sundowner at the Duck & Donkey.
**Day 9 // LESOTHO**
Leaving Semonkong behind, **keep your camera ready** as we wind up a drive to Malealea Lodge. Kaleidoscope of landscapes unwinds along the road, flexing Kingdom's treasures. Stop at **Thaba-Bosiu**, the fortress of King Moshoeshoe I, for a short glimpse into Basotho nation's history through exhibits, dances, and songs. Next to the **Kome Caves**, used for refuge during the Lifaqane Wars over 200 years ago and still home to descendants. Lunch before reaching Malealea for musical dinner.
**Day 10 // Departure**
Sadly it's time for the last valley's views. We’ll shortly get back on the road for a transfer to airport, where we’ll wave goodbye to The Mountain Kingdom and Africa.
**Level of Difficulty:** Easy, available for everyone.
**Duration:** 10 days.
**Activities:** Trekking, boating, swimming, snorkeling, sightseeing, wildlife and indigenous tribes encounter.
**Rooms:** African upmarket standards, hotels and lodges – shared rooms, single at extra cost subject of availability.
**Meals:** Restaurant meals excluded.
**COST: 9,600 AED excl. flights until MAR 05.**
**Flights:** Emirates + Airlink, approx. 4500 AED.
**Requirements:** Yellow Fever Vaccination certificate, malaria prophylactics.
**Visas:**
**MOZ:** Visa free / on arrival / eVisa, [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Visa_policy_of_Mozambique](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Visa_policy_of_Mozambique)
**ESW:** Most of passports visa free entry / consulate visa,
[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Visa_policy_of_Eswatini](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Visa_policy_of_Eswatini)
**LES:** Visa free or pre-arranged visa, support available.
[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Visa_policy_of_Lesotho](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Visa_policy_of_Lesotho)
**SA:** Visa free or eVisa
[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Visa_policy_of_South_Africa](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Visa_policy_of_South_Africa)
*It is sole responsibility of participant to secure admission to the country of destination.*
**YELLOW FEVER Vaccination Certificate** is mandatory for crossing inter-african borders.
See yah in Africa x
Trekkup Crew
[Whatsapp 00971 50 4848238](https://wa.me/971504848238)
Find all trekkups at [linktr.ee/trekkup](http://linktr.ee/trekkup)
Sunset Beach Sea Swim
Hi, I'm Frank, 47 years old from the UK. This is for anyone that is a decent swimmer and fancies creating a community of like minded sea creatures. Have swam all over the world and have never enjoyed anythying as much as swimming on this stretch watching the sun rise over the Burj Khalifa! I swim for about an hour and get 6 laps in over that time (just under 3km). Aiming to go further pver the coming weeks...
Jordan: Kingdom of Time
Explore the wonders of Jordan on this 5-day adventure. Begin your journey in the bustling capital, Amman, where you'll delve into its rich history and vibrant culture. Discover ancient treasures at the Citadel, explore the intricate mosaics of Madaba, and marvel at the breathtaking views from Mount Nebo. Immerse yourself in the mystical atmosphere of Petra, the 'Rose City,' and uncover its hidden secrets as you traverse the Siq and marvel at the Treasury. Journey through the stunning landscapes of Wadi Rum, where you'll encounter Bedouin traditions and rugged desert beauty. Conclude your unforgettable experience with a relaxing stay by the Dead Sea, where you can float in its therapeutic waters and soak in the serene surroundings. This 5-day tour promises an unforgettable blend of history, adventure, and natural beauty in the heart of Jordan.
**Inclusions:**
* A total of 12 meals: 4 breakfast, 4 lunches and 4 dinners. Note: Vegan/Vegetarian food options are available
* Transport to all the destinations of the trip
* Round trip transport from and to airport
* Accommodation for 4 nights in below hotels (or similar) in twin-share rooms of the same gender:
* Petra: (Sella Hotel) - 4 stars (or similar)
* Wadi Rum: Hasan Zawaideh Camp - Standard Tent (or similar)
* Dead Sea: Grand East Hotel - 4 stars (or similar)
* Free entry visa upon Arrival at Amman Airport for most of the nationalities (Passport details are needed in advance)
* The best Jordanian guide in town
* Entrance fees
* Tours in all locations
* 2 hour 4x4 ride in Wadi Rum
* Great people and great fun!
**Important Notes:**
* **Group size:** Small group experience - Avg. 10. Max 16.
* **Physical rating:** Light physical activities are included.
* **Meeting point & time**:
* Meetup time: 12:00pm.
* Meetup location: Queen Alia International Airport Arrivals
* **Solo & women friendly:** Solo and female travelers are more than welcome; 70% of our participants are usually solo adventurers and women.
* **Important Note:** Bookings cannot be rescheduled within 14 days of the trip.
* **Single supplement:** You can book a single room supplement (to have your own room) for 500aed per person. Please let us know if you want to book this and we will process it separately based on availability.
* **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 JOD for tipping.
* **Visa requirements:**
* We can issue for you a visa on arrival to Jordan (that is included as part of the trip) for all nationalities except for the below (for which we can issue a visa but needs 14 working days):
* Nigerian
* Bangladesh
* Sri Lanka
* Iran
* Iraq
* Cuba.
* Pakistan
* Vietnam
* Philippine
* Cambodia
* Senegal
* Sudan
* Magnolia
* Myanmar
* Uganda
* **Instagram:** Follow us on instagram for our latest adventures: [arabian.wanderers](https://www.instagram.com/arabian.wanderers/)
**Itinerary:**
**Day 1:**
**Amman Airport – Amman City Tour – Petra Hotel**
Ahlan Wa Sahlan! Welcome to the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan!
Arrive to Amman on any flight on the morning of the trip **before 10:30am**, our representative will assist you on arrival with the immigration procedure.
**Meeting time in Airport:** 12pm
Begin your day with a city tour of Jordan's capital. Amman, also known as Rabbath Ammon in the Bible, is a vibrant modern city. The historical sites are situated downtown, where we will visit the Citadel, housing remnants from the Roman to the early Islamic period. We'll then visit the Archaeological Museum, wander through the Souq to experience daily life, and conclude at the 2nd-century Roman Theatre with 6000 seats. Afterward, we'll proceed to your hotel in Petra for check-in and overnight stay.
**Day 2:**
**Petra Visit**
After breakfast, we will journey to the captivating red rose city of Petra, Jordan's most renowned attraction. Petra's origins date back to around the 6th century B.C., when it was established by the Nabataean Arabs, a nomadic tribe that settled in the region and established a thriving commercial empire that stretched into Syria. Accompanied by our adventure leader, we will traverse the canyon known as the Siq, leading to Petra's most iconic structure: the Treasury. Continuing along the Street of Facades, we'll explore the Royal Tombs and Pharaoh's Castle. You'll also have some free time to explore Petra at your leisure, perhaps even climbing the 800 stairs to reach the Monastery El Deir.
**Day 3:**
**Petra Hotel – Little Petra – Wadi Rum 2 H Jeep Ride – Wadi Rum Camp**
In the morning, we'll embark on a journey to the otherworldly landscape of Little Petra, where we'll explore Siq el-Barid, often referred to as the "Mini Petra," featuring its own modest gorge (Siq) leading to an array of intricately carved tombs and monuments. Following our visit, we'll continue our journey southward for approximately 1.5 hours to the protected expanse of Wadi Rum, renowned as one of the most striking desert landscapes globally. Here, traditional Bedouin communities still thrive, and on a thrilling 4x4 Jeep tour, you'll traverse through canyons, across sand dunes, and encounter ancient Nabatean rock inscriptions. Upon arrival at your camp, check-in and indulge in a delightful dinner amidst the tranquil desert surroundings.
**Day 4:**
**Wadi Rum Camp – Kings Way – Mt. Nebo – Madaba – Dead Sea Hotel**
After breakfast, we embark on a scenic journey along the historic King's Way, an ancient caravan route of great significance. Our first stop is at Wadi Al-Mujib, a vast valley adorned with magnificent geological formations. Continuing our expedition, we arrive at Mount Nebo, the revered site where Prophet Moses beheld the Promised Land before his passing. Here, you'll have the opportunity to explore the ancient monastery and marvel at panoramic views encompassing the Jordan Valley, the Dead Sea, and segments of the Holy Land. Our journey then takes us to Madaba, where we'll visit the renowned St. George's Church to admire its celebrated 6th-century mosaic map of Palestine. Finally, we proceed to your hotel by the Dead Sea for check-in, where the unique, mineral-rich waters await. You can spend the remainder of the day at your leisure, perhaps by floating effortlessly in the buoyant waters, indulging in a therapeutic black mud treatment known for its skin benefits, and soaking in the serene atmosphere and unique landscape.
**Day 5:**
**Dead Sea Hotel – Amman Airport**
After breakfast, we will collect you from the lobby of your hotel and drop you off at Amman Airport by 9 a.m. Bid farewell to Jordan—Ma'a Salamah!
Wednesday Beginners Plus and above Queuing @ Mirdif
Beginners plus and above Badminton Queuing - 35 AED per head
EID 2026 | Oman Adventure – Mountains, Wadis & History
Just updated, as it's been announced that EID holidays will start on Thursday. Yey!!
This EID, we go deeper into Oman.
High mountain plateaus, remote cave regions, turquoise wadis, dramatic cliff-top camping at **Jebel Shams**, and historic villages — this is a true multi-terrain expedition designed for adventurous spirits.
We move as a team. We camp high. We explore wild.
***
## 🗓️ Itinerary
### **Wednesday – Arrival in Ibri**
* Drive from Dubai (\~3 hrs)
* Hotel check-in at your convenience
* Rest night
* Group breakfast meet-up Thursday morning
***
### **Thursday – Salmah Plateau Camp**
* Breakfast at hotel
* \~4 hr highway drive toward **Salmah Plateau**
* 1–2 hr sharp unpaved mountain ascent
* Camp near **Majlis al Jinn**
* Sunset on the plateau
* **Camp dinner included**
* Overnight wilderness camping
***
### **Friday – Sinkhole, Wadi & Nizwa**
* Camp breakfast
* Visit **Bimmah Sinkhole**
* Continue to **Wadi Al Arbaeen** (short hike & swim if water allows)
* \~3.5 hr drive to **Nizwa**
* Hotel check-in & rest
***
### **Saturday – Valleys & Jebel Shams Camp**
* Breakfast & hotel check-out
* Drive toward Jebel Shams (\~2+ hrs)
* Side track at Valley Necrosis
* Visit historic village **Bani Subh**
* Camp setup at Jebel Shams
* Optional short section of the **Balcony Walk**
* **BBQ dinner at camp**
* Overnight high-altitude camping (cool evenings)
***
### **Sunday – Wadi Damm & Return**
* Camp breakfast
* Pack up & descend
* Stop at **Wadi Damm** (swim if water available)
* Return to Dubai
* Estimated arrival around **6 PM** (timing depends on departure & stop duration)
***
## 💰 Cost
**AED 850 per person**
### Includes:
* 1 hotel night in Ibri
* 1 hotel night in Nizwa
* 2 wilderness camp nights
* **Breakfast (Thu–Sun)**
* **Camp dinners (Thu & Sat)**
* Drinks: water, juice, coffee & tea
* Route planning & full trip coordination
### Optional:
* Camping equipment rental: **AED 150 per set per night**
* Car lift option: **AED 200 per person**
*(Fuel cost to be shared with driver)*
* **Single hotel room surcharge:** AED 150 per night per person
***
## 🚙 Vehicle Requirements (Essential)
* **4x4 vehicle mandatory**
* Must have **recovery points and basic recovery gear**
* Drivers are fully responsible for their vehicles
* Life Unbound is **not responsible for any vehicle damage**
***
## 🛂 Border & Entry Information
* **Valid passport required** (recommended 6+ months validity)
* **All UAE residents are visa-free for Oman**
* UAE tourist visa holders must check online whether an Oman e-visa is required
* UAE exit fee & Oman entry fee apply at the border
* Vehicles under bank loan require a **Bank NOC** to enter Oman
Participants are responsible for ensuring valid documentation.
***
## 💳 Payment Policy
* **Full payment required upon confirmation** to secure your spot. Please WhatsApp me at 052 818 4114.
***
## 🤝 Life Unbound Philosophy
This is not a rushed sightseeing tour — it’s a shared expedition.
We support each other.
We respect nature.
We leave no trace.
**Adventure is worthwhile.**
Switzerland Events This Week
Discover what is happening in the next few days
Soul of Sahara | Expedition to Ennedi, Chad
Chad, officially known as the Republic of Chad, is a landlocked nation in the north-east of Africa. Home to around 12 million inhabitants of different ethnicities, it is a place where cultures converge across three climate zones of the Sudan, Sahel and Sahara regions.
**Buried deep in the heart of the Sahara Desert is the** **Ennedi Massif – a UNESCO World Heritage Site** famed for its sandstone mountains and unique rock formations. Spanning 50,000km, the Ennedi Massif continues to provide much needed shelter for the inhabitants, the flora and the fauna of this region – and has done for millennia.
**Here natural beauty and biodiversity come together** to form some of the largest sandstone arches on the planet. And hidden among them are natural springs, known as gueltas that house the endangered West African Crocodile, while also serving as a life source for flocks of Barbary Sheep, herds of camels and generations of nomadic people since time immemorial – all while the Barbary falcons swirl overhead above the lofty sand spires.
The spectacularly unique landscape of the Ennedi Massif was formed by **millions of years of erosion**, and it is the permanent underground waters of this plateau that sustain such a rich ecosystem. With **thousands of paintings engraved on the rocky surfaces** of its caves and canyons, this region offers up one of the largest rock art collections in the Sahara to tell an ancient story.
Experts estimate some of the **oldest rock art in this region dates back to the repopulation of the Sahara at the end of the last ice age – about 10,000 years ago!** And because of the sheer volume of the paintings and engravings in this area, it has been possible to reconstruct, decipher and map out not only the daily lives, cultural and economic values of our Saharan ancestors, but also form a perspective on the main stages of the climate and environmental change that took place here.
**The landscape of the Ennedi Massif is, in a word, breathtaking**. The silhouettes of the cliffs, rock formations and tassilis plateaus set against a backdrop of glistening golden sand dunes in some parts, and forest covered valleys in others, offers a symphony of contrasting beauty.
With one sweep of the eyes, you are transported from dizzying heights to the depths of narrow gorges, and from immense desert plateaus to refreshing water basins, framed by delicate and imposing natural stone arches.
**A sanctuary of calm and beauty, the Ennedi Massif is a magical kingdom** that has stood the test of time. And standing proud as one of the last remaining biodiverse ecosystems in the world’s largest desert, the Ennedi Massif is a testament not only to the existence of our prehistory, but also a real snapshot in time of life during the ‘green Sahara’ era.
**Let's go!**
**DAY 1: N'Djamena**
Meet at the airport for the Ethiopian flight via Addis Ababa to N'Djamena. After the immigration process and police registration, take a quick look at the capital city. Tonight, we will stay at a city hotel.
**DAY 2-3: N'Djamena – Moussoro – Road to Kalait**
Leave the city toward Moussoro and continue to a desert camp in the village of Kalait. The road leads north across the alluvial plains of Lake Chad, passing small Sahelian settlements with villages, mud huts, and markets that offer a glimpse of simple African life.
Make a short stop for supplies before continuing to Massakory, which marks the end of paved roads and the start of true off-road ride. The landscape gradually transforms into the semi-desert of the Kanem region, with acacia trees and sandy tracks along the dry Bahr el Ghazal riverbed.
Arrive in Moussoro, a small town serving as a key stop for fuel, surrounded by semi-arid zones where nomadic Arab and Kreda families tend to their camel and cattle herds, a testament to the harsh yet resilient Saharan lifestyle.
Pushing onward through sometimes challenging sandy pistes, we head to Bathandjenna, a nomadic meeting point with numerous wells and herds of camels grazing on marginal pastures. If lucky, we will spot wild Dorcas gazelles or fennec foxes. The scenery becomes increasingly arid, with isolated tents replacing villages.
Welcome to Kalait, a bustling Saharan crossroads and market hub for the region, where we set up our desert camp amid the emerging sandstone formations signaling the approach to Ennedi. Overnights are in mobile tent camps, with meals prepared by our team under the stars.
**DAY 4: Kalait – Guelta Bachikélé – Ennedi**
Our first stop in the village of Kalait is a market for last minute supply pickup before heading into the Ennedi mountains. Here, we will spend our time exploring numerous sandstone rock formations carved by wind and erosion to create unreal shapes. We will also visit several rock art sites with works overhead depicting cows, camels, and warriors. If time allows, we will pass by an ancient burial site in the Tubu territory. First, we reach the Ennedi Guelta of Bachikélé, a water source differing from others with clean waters from a permanent spring, surrounded by abundant vegetation, palm trees, and fruits that feed local baboons.
Here, we will meet indigenous inhabitants - nomads, passing small groups of tents as we spot them on their way to pasture with their camels or drawing water from wells.
**The landscape in this region is truly spectacular, and we will camp in one of the prettiest areas in the Ennedi mountains in the northeast, known for its all shades of red. This is one of Africa’s most unexpected areas, with natural arches and isolated deep gorges.**
**DAY 5: Ennedi – Rock Formations and Arches**
Today, we head to the Arch of Julia, an imposing and inexplicable structure carved by wind and sand into a magical setting, followed by the enormous Arch of Aloba, one of the world’s largest at 120 meters high and 77 meters wide, where wind creates challenging circuits. Nearby stands the Five Arch, a stunning cluster of five natural bridges.
**DAY 6: Ennedi – Labyrinth and Rock Art Exploration**
As we delve deeper into Ennedi’s hidden gems, we start with the labyrinth of Oyo, a maze of wadis bordered by sandstone mountains with yet another set of fantastic shapes, as we cross sinuous passages and precarious pinnacles. Next is the rupestre peintes of Terkei, one of the richest Saharan cave art sites featuring Neolithic depictions of animals like giraffes and elephants, shepherds, warriors, and enigmatic "flying" horses. Continue to Wimina, a site with additional prehistoric rock art echoing ancient narratives of daily life and culture.
**DAY 7: Guelta d'Archei – Trekking Guelta - Kalait**
Today’s highlight is undoubtedly the **Guelta d’Archei, the only permanent waterhole in the region**, **situated amid a dramatic and towering gorge**. Here, we will see possibly up to 600 camels quenching their thirst as their bellowing echoes bounce off the rock walls.
The guelta is also home to one of the **last populations of the Saharan crocodile**, which live in small waterholes. Reduced to a population of around only 10, no young Saharan crocodiles have been seen for years, leading to speculation that the population is either entirely male or female and headed for extinction soon. With a bit of luck, we should be able to spot them.
As we head out of Ennedi, we stop back in Kalait before heading south. The landscape changes back through a more typically African setting, with settled villages and mud huts replacing the camel hair tents of the Tubu.
**DAY 8: Kalait – Moussoro**
The drive leads southwest through the Bahr el Ghazal wadi, that drains into Lake Chad during rare floods. This region is part of the Kanem prefecture, where archaeological sites have yielded human remains from 7 million years ago. Passage includes areas with acacia stands and low vegetation supporting wildlife such as jackals and fennec foxes, with Chad's total mammal count at 134 species. Nomad camps of Kreda groups, who form the largest subgroup in Bahr el Gazel, appear along the track, often near wells providing water from aquifers. Arrival in Moussoro, the capital of Bahr el Gazel province, to refuel.
**DAY 9: Moussoro – N'Djamena**
The final stretch of 230 kilometers head south on a mix of tracks and paved sections through Sahelian zones in the Chari-Baguirmi region, passing sparse settlements. The route borders areas affected by Lake Chad's shrinkage, which has reduced from 25,000 square kilometers in the 1960s to about 1,500 today, impacting local fishing communities. Arrival in N'Djamena in the afternoon will mark the end of our Sahara-Sahelian expedition. Overnight in a hotel.
**DAY 10: Return**
It is time to bid farewell to Chad and head back to the airport for the return flight home.
**Level:**
Easy, however it is a journey to the heart and soul of Africa, area with limited facilities.
**Activities:**
Trekking, off roading, immersion of Saharan and Sahelian cultures, experiencing one of the simplest life on the planet.
**Duration:** 10 days
**Accommodation & meals:**
2 nights in the hotels in N'djamena - double sharing and mobile camping. Meals included except meals during transfers.
**Specifically excluded:**
E-visa, restaurant meals on transfers, entry fees if any, insurance.
**Cost:** **2350 EURO** + flight approx. 4,950 AED. **Cost valid until FEB 28.**
**Requirement:**
Comfortable shoes, camping equipment, head lamp, hat, sunscreen, sunglasses, sleeping bag, disposable plates and cutlery, gifts for tribes.
**Visa:**
E-visa for all passports.
**Yellow Fever Certificate** is required for entry to Chad.
This is a travel to malaria endemic region, prophylactics is compulsory for all participants.
**Expect:**
**Real, raw Africa!** Limited facilities with shower only every other day, lifetime experience with indigenous African tribes, waking up to sound of villages, stunning landscapes, tons of smiles but also striking poverty - share your t-shirts! Come back home with high appreciation of your life.
See yah in Chad xx
Trekkup Crew
[Whatsapp 050484823](https://wa.me/971504848238)
Find all trekkups at [linktr.ee/trekkup](https://linktr.ee/trekkup)
Musandam Khasab: The Land Of Dolphins & Fjords
**Day 1:**
**Road trip & Sunset on the Fjords**
**12:00 PM – Departure from Dubai (for the ones who booked transport)**
* Begin your journey from Dubai on one of the most scenic drives in Arabia, with captivating views as you head towards Khasab, famously known as the "Norway of Arabia."
**03:30 PM – Border Crossing**
* Arrive at the UAE–Oman border and complete the crossing formalities.
**04:30 PM – Arrival at Khasab Port & Dhow Boarding**
* Reach Khasab Port and board your traditional Omani dhow.
**05:00 PM – Scenic Fjord Cruise & Dolphin Watching**
* Sail into the dramatic Musandam fjords. Pass by fishing villages and keep an eye out for playful dolphins alongside the dhow.
**06:00 PM – Sunset Stop: Swimming, Snorkeling & Kayaking**
* Anchor in a calm bay for water activities. Dive in for swimming, snorkeling to spot vibrant marine life, or kayaking through the turquoise fjords as the sun sets.
**07:30 PM – Dinner, Music & Games**
* Enjoy a traditional buffet dinner on board, followed by music, stargazing, and social games under the night sky.
**Overnight Stay on the Dhow**
* Sleep peacefully amidst the fjords.
**Day 2:**
**Sunrise Hike & Fjord Adventrue**
**05:30 AM – Short Sunrise Hike**
* Disembark for a guided short hike up a nearby viewpoint to witness the fjords illuminated by the golden sunrise.
**07:30 AM – Breakfast on the Dhow**
* Return to the dhow and enjoy a hearty breakfast surrounded by stunning views.
**08:30 AM – Dolphin Spotting**
* Another chance to see dolphins gliding alongside the boat.
**09:30 AM – Traditional Fishing Experience**
* Try Omani fishing techniques guided by the crew.
**11:00 AM – Swimming, Snorkeling & Kayaking**
* Anchor at another pristine spot for water activities: swim, snorkel among coral reefs, or kayak in crystal-clear waters.
**12:30 PM – Buffet Lunch near Seebi Island**
* Enjoy a traditional lunch on board with fjord views all around.
**02:00 PM – Relax & Scenic Cruise Back**
* Unwind on deck, soaking in the views as the dhow sails back.
**04:00 PM – Return to Khasab Port**
* Disembark and prepare for your journey back.
**04:30 PM – Border Crossing**
* Complete border formalities.
**09:30 PM – Arrival in Dubai**
* Conclude your overnight Musandam adventure with unforgettable memories\*\*.\*\*
**Including:**
* A total of 3 meals including lunch buffet, breakfast and dinner buffet on the boat. Note: Vegan/Vegetarian food options are available
* Beverages (Soft drinks, tea, coffee, water) on the boat
* Accommodation on the dhow (mattresses, pillows, blankets)
* Card games
* Adventure leaders - fun guides who know the ins and outs of Khasab
* Traditional Dhow boat cruise including snorkeling equipment, kayaks & snacks/refreshments
* Great people and great fun!
**Price:**
**Full plan without transport:** 700 aed
**Full plan including transport:** 956 aed
**What to bring with you:** Nice vibes!
**Notes:**
* **Important note**: Your booking will only be confirmed once you've completed the process on the following link: [https://www.arabianwanderers.com/tour/musandam-khasab-the-land-of-dolphins-fjords](https://www.arabianwanderers.com/tour/musandam-khasab-the-land-of-dolphins-fjords). 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.
* **VISA REQUIREMENTS:**
* It is your responsibility to ensure that you have a valid visa or are eligible for a visa on arrival. Please visit [https://evisa.rop.gov.om/](https://evisa.rop.gov.om/) for the latest updates on visa requirements for Oman. The information provided below is for general guidance only and is subject to change:
* Most nationalities (excluding certain African nationalities, Pakistani and a few other nationalities) holding a UAE work visa with more than **3 months of validity remaining** and a passport valid for over **6 months** can enter Oman visa-free or obtain a visa on arrival.
* If you hold a dependent visa and your dependent meets the above criteria, you can also enter visa-free or obtain a visa on arrival, provided your dependent is traveling with you.
* If you are in the UAE on a tourist visa, please check the visa requirements for both Oman and the UAE.
* We do not provide refunds if you are denied entry to Oman for any reason, as entry and visa arrangements are outside our scope.
* **Important details if you are driving to Oman**:
* If you have a loan on your car, you will need to get a NOC from your bank/dealership to be able to cross the border to Oman. You will also need Oman insurance for your car which you can get at the border if you don’t have one.
* You are not allowed to take a car that is not under your name unless you have a RTA permit.
* **Physical rating:** Beginner
* **Group size:** Small group experience - Avg. 15, Max 20.
* **Meeting point & time:**
* **If booking our transport**:
* Dubai at 12:00pm : [Artisan Bakers - https://maps.app.goo.gl/yH6QEtZpH7UQceCq5](https://maps.app.goo.gl/yH6QEtZpH7UQceCq5) in Al Barsha, Dubai. RTA parking is available if you want to come with your car.
* **If not**:
* Khasab at 4:15pm: [Khasab Port - https://www.google.com/maps?q=26.2071943,56.2540101&z=17&hl=en](https://www.google.com/maps?q=26.2071943,56.2540101&z=17&hl=en) :
* **Nature calls:** Toilet will be available on the boat
* **Solo & women friendly:** Solo and female travelers are more than welcome; 70% of our participants are usually solo adventurers and women.
* **Not pet-friendly:** This trip is not suitable for pets due to border crossings.
* **Disclaimer**: In joining the hike, you confirm that you voluntarily, freely, and expressly chose to incur all risks associated with the the hike on your own responsibility. Hike leaders are not liable for any risks in the outdoors including exhaustion, bodily and personal injury or even death.
* **Tipping Information:** If you'd like to show your appreciation to your guide, please bring cash in OMR or AED for tipping.
* **Mobile Coverage:** Reception is weak or nonexistent in Khasab.
* **Important Note:** Bookings cannot be rescheduled within 14 days of the trip.
* **Instagram:** Follow us on instagram for our latest adventures: [arabian.wanderers](https://www.instagram.com/arabian.wanderers/)
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]()
No Paine, No Gain | Trekking Across Patagonia, Argentina + Chile
In the southernmost part of South America at the southern section of the **Andes Mountains, spread over hundreds of thousands of square kilometres across Argentina and Chile** is a region of unimaginable beauty, packed with dramatic rocky mountain peaks reaching for the sky, an abundance of glaciers gliding into turquoise mirror lakes dotted with ice bergs, Andean green forests along steep elevations and deep wide valleys, with awe-inspiring views considered by many the most beautiful in the world!
**Welcome to Patagonia!**
El Chalten, on the banks of the Rio de las Vueltas in Los Glaciares National Park and at the base of the Cerro Torre and Cerro Fitz Roy spires, is the **trekking capital of Argentina**! A small community of locals and adventurers, it’s the gateway to numerous trails and treks to the glacial lakes Laguna Torre and Laguna de los Tres and especially to the surrounding mountain peaks of Mt. Fitzroy.
Rising majestically from Laguna de los Tres, the **mythical Mt. Fitz Roy’s spectacular sawtooth spires** and smooth frost-polished granite can be seen near and far, from snowy mountain passes to lush green plains, all the way to the lake which sits at it’s base. It’s name comes from Captain Fitzroy of the HMS Beagle, which accompanied Charles Darwin up the Rio Santa Cruz in 1834.
**Torres del Paine** National Park encompasses even more mountains, glaciers, lakes, and rivers in Patagonia with the Cordillera del Paine as the centrepiece in between the Magellanic subpolar forests and the Patagonian Steppes. Paine means “blue” in the native Tehuelche language, which is the right way to view the three granite peaks of the massif. Extending up to 2500 meters and surrounded by countless lakes named for various explorers like Grey, Pehoe, Nordenskiold, and Sarmiento.
**Grey Glacier, which once covered all of southern Argentina and Chile** **18,000 years ago,** now sits neatly within the lake which bears its name. With luminous sides, deep blues, ice folds, and cave slivers, it’s one of the most famous glaciers in Patagonia.
On the edge of the Strait of Magellan is Punta Arenas at the literal bottom of the Americas and the gateway to Antarctica. We’ll finish our Patagonian adventures here and dream of more to come!
**Let’s go!!**
**DAY 0 // Arrival**
Arrival to Buenos Aires, overnight.
**DAY 1 // HELLO BUENOS AIRES – EL CALAFATE**
Quick look at Buenos, afternoon flight to El Calafate and begin journey to El Chalten.
**DAY 2 // LAGUNA DE LOS TRES**
Good morning, Patagonia! After early breakfast, we hit the trail to Laguna de los Tres. With a steep start and endless viewpoints of the valley of De las Vueltas and Mount Fitz Roy before reaching Poincenot Base Camp to catch our breath over lunch. Cross the Blanco River before ascending the final stretch to Laguna de los Tres where we’ll be greeted with a glacial lagoon and face-first views of Mount Fitz Roy before our well-earned rest in El Chalten.
**Trekking: 25km/9hrs**
**DAY 3 // LAGUNA TORRE**
After a strong coffee and a sunrise like no other, we start our march along a relatively flat trail to Laguna Torre and the peaks guiding our way till we reach camp. We’ll stop for lunch, catch a glimpse of the Margarita waterfall, spot a few ice bergs floating in Torre lagoon, and end the day like we started, with the sun lighting up the peaks in bright orange and red!
**Trekking: 19km/8hrs**
**DAY 4 // EL CHALTEN – EL CALAFATE – PERITO MORENO GLACIER**
After breakfast we’ll start the drive to El Calafate and Glaciales National Park where we’ll lay our eyes on the majestic Perito Moreno Glacier and land and boat, stopping at several viewpoints to soak in this natural wonder from all angles. At a whopping 30kms, this famous glacier cuts off Lake Argentino with it’s grounded ice tongue forming a natural dam. We’ll take a few short walks around the glacier, from above and below, and have our toast on the “rocks” before resting for the night in our hotel.
**DAY 5 // EL CALAFATE – PUERTO NATALES**
Leisurely breakfast before we depart for Puerto Natales, the gateway to Torres del Paine and the Patagonian fjords.
**Welcome to Chile!** We’ll wander the streets of this quaint city and rejuvenate before tomorrow’s trekking.
**DAY 6 // TREK TO BASE LAS TORRES**
Rise and shine for Torres del Paine! Today we’ll earn our views of turquoise lakes, snowy-white glaciers, gushing rivers, and finally the colossal Torres towers above Lake Torres at the base. Along the Ascencio River, through the Windy Pass and Chileno refuge and a steep ascent on the last leg up to the lake, we’ll reach our destination by late afternoon for what is considered one of the world's most beautiful views! We’ll set up camp and soothe our sore muscles by fireside as the sun sets and stars alight.
**Trekking: 23km/10hrs**
**DAY 7 // LAGO GREY**
We’ll take it easy this morning as we **hop aboard our boat** in search of Glacier Grey on Lago Grey before we take a short trek to Paine Grande to soak in the surrounding views of glaciers, more mountain peaks, and settle in to our panoramic bunk for dinner and rest.
**Trekking: 12km/4hrs**
**DAY 8 // PUNTA ARENAS - SANTIAGO CITY**
After breakfast **we’ll set sail on the calm waters of Lake Pehoe** and onwards to a leisurely trek to Mirador de los Cuernos viewpoint before driving further on to Punta Arenas, or “Sandy Point”, the capital of Chile’s southernmost region, Magallanes and Antarctica Chilena, the gateway to Antarctica. You’ve never felt more on top of the world until you’ve been to the bottom of the Americas!
**DAY 9 // SANTIAGO**
Today we catch our morning flight to Santiago and make our evening farewells to Chile, or perhaps continue your journey further to Antarctica or Rapa Nui.
**Grade:** Moderate to hard, **N/A for beginners.**
**Cost: 10,990 AED** excl. international flights (2 domestic flights included), until FEB 10th.
**Flights:** Based on Emirates connections to Buenos Aires and Santiago de Chile, approx. 8,000 AED.
**Accommodation and meals:** hotels and lodges (double sharing). 1 night in remote, mountain hostel (no camping). Breakfasts included.
**Visas:** [Argentina](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Visa_policy_of_Argentina) [Chile](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Visa_policy_of_Chile)
See yah in Patagonia x
Trekkup Crew
[Whatsapp 050 4848238](https://wa.me/971504848238) / [info@trekkup.com](http://info@trekkup.com/)
[Find all trekkups at https://linktr.ee/trekkup](https://linktr.ee/trekkup)
Basketball Game 5 Vs 5 for all levels with Both male and females🏀⛹️♀️⛹️♂️
Freindly basketball Game indoors
Game for both gender and all levels 🏀
2 Hours
Refree available
**Please join our WhatsApp community 👇**
https://chat.whatsapp.com/KmLfGw3KDSCKW9Mwv98L4v
**Message admin issam on WhatsApp** 0506319390
Entry fee 50AED Including free waterr
Saints & Sinkholes | Eid Weekend in Lebanon
**Lebanon is that pocket-sized powerhouse** that somehow fits 10,000 years of history, ski slopes, beach clubs, Roman mega-temples, and the world’s best mezze into an area smaller than Qatar. You can literally have breakfast by the Mediterranean, lunch in the mountains, and dinner in a rooftop bar that **feels like Paris and Dubai had a baby**. Buckle up – this place hits different.
**They don’t call it the “Switzerland of the Middle East” for nothing**: snow-capped peaks, ancient cedars older than Jesus, and valleys so deep monks built monasteries into the cliffs just to flex. The name “Lebanon” even comes from the ancient word for “white” – yeah, those snowy mountains have been the national brand since forever.
History? Phoenicians invented the alphabet here, Romans dropped the most over-the-top temples outside Italy, Crusaders built castles, Ottomans added souks and soap empires. Modern chapter got messy – civil war, heartbreak, rebuild, repeat – but Beirut rose from the ashes like the ultimate comeback kid and reclaimed its title: **“Paris of the East 2.0”.**
And the food? **Mezze spreads so good you’ll forget calories exist.** Labneh that slaps harder than your ex, grilled meats dripping with garlic sauce, and enough olive oil to keep the Mediterranean shiny.
Ready? Let’s roll.
**Day 1 // Thursday :: Touchdown Beirut**
Meet at DXB, hop on the direct FZ-159 to BEY. Land, breeze through arrivals, and get whisked to the hotel. Night owls? First taste of Beirut nightlife – the city that never sleeps (and probably invented after-parties).
**Day 2 // Friday :: Crusader Castles, Soap Kings & Cliff Monks**
Road-trip north to Tripoli, Lebanon’s underrated second city with serious old-school swagger.
* Citadel of Raymond de Saint-Gilles – biggest Crusader fortress in the country, panoramic sea views included.
* Get steamy (literally) at Hammam Ezzedine, a 14th-century bathhouse still looking fresh.
* Dive into the souks: spices, vintage caftans, and soap so legendary it has its own palace (Khan Al Saboun – watch olive-oil soap being born).
Afternoon: Qadisha Valley – aka the “Holy Valley.” Think Lord of the Rings scenery with monasteries carved into cliffs like ancient Jedi temples. Easy to moderate hike past hermit caves and cedar groves, ending at Qozhaya Monastery (home to the Middle East’s first printing press, 17th-century flex). Overnight inside the monastery, we’re going full spiritual glow-up.
**Day 3 // Saturday :: Waterfalls, Roman Megalomania & Wine O’Clock**
Morning magic: Baatara Gorge Sinkhole – a 250 m sinkhole abyss with three natural bridges and a waterfall that drops through like nature’s own stunt show. National Geographic called it one of the world’s most beautiful sinkholes; we just take pics, don't judge.
Then: Baalbek (ancient Heliopolis). The Romans showed up and said “hold my wine” – built the largest temple in the entire empire. Six columns of Jupiter’s temple still stand 19 m tall, and the Temple of Bacchus is so perfectly preserved it looks Photoshopped. Bonus: the biggest stone block ever cut (1,650 tons!) still chilling in the nearby quarry like the ancients gave up mid-lift.
Evening: Château Ksara – Lebanon’s OG winery since 1857, run by Jesuits who discovered Roman caves and thought, “Wine cellar, obviously.” Tour the creepy-cool tunnels, taste the goods, realize Lebanon makes banger reds. Back to Beirut for the night.
**Day 4 // Sunday :: Beirut, Baby**!
Capital energy unlocked:
* Downtown time travel: Phoenician ruins → Roman baths → Ottoman palaces → bullet-scarred “Holiday Inn” war relic (now iconic).
* Gemmayze & Mar Mikhael – street art, indie cafés, bars in stairwells, the works.
* Corniche stroll, mandatory Pigeon Rocks selfie, optional boat ride under the cliffs.
* Sunset drinks somewhere rooftop, mezze coma, then “keshek el-fouqara” (poor man’s goodbye) as we head to the airport.
Four days. One tiny country. Lifetime memories.
**Grade:** Easy – available for everyone.
**Activities:** Cultural immersion, trekking, sightseeing.
**Cost:**
**3,250 AED** **excluding flights or 6,300 AED incl. flights** **until FEB 28th.**
Past this date cost will change.
**Accommodation & Meals:** **4 star hotel** **&** **monastery** **stay** \- shared rooms\, meals excluded\.
**Specifically Excluded:** Visa expenses (if any), meals.
**Visa:**
Visa on arrival for most passports. See details [here](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Visa_policy_of_Lebanon).
*It is sole responsibility of participant to secure entry to country of destination.*
See you in the cedars! ✨ x
Trekkup Crew
[Whatsapp 050 4848238](https://wa.me/971504848238)
Find all trekkups at [linktr.ee/trekkup](http://linktr.ee/trekkup)
Head to Head with Rapa Nui | Chile & Out to Easter Island
**Welcome to Chile, the slender ribbon of a nation stretching along South America's western edge.** This is a land of breathtaking contrasts, from smoking volcanoes and dry deserts to green vineyards, rough oceans, and almost 900 serious moai statues that seem to judge your poses with ancient eyes.
It's here where you'll trek across towering mountains that fade into bizarre, otherworldly lunar terrains, smell the **bubbling geysers exploding from the soil** beside glittering salt ponds buzzing with vibrant wildlife. And then, venture to one of the planet's most isolated islands, where enigmatic giant stone heads stand sentinel, guarding secrets of ancient civilizations.
Our trip starts in Santiago, the busy capital full of South America's energy. We'll walk its streets, taste crispy empanadas and drink pisco sour in the warm Andean sunshine. Next, we head Valparaíso, a cozy harbor town that's great to look at: bright street art pops everywhere, and colorful houses tumble down hilly slopes to the ocean.
Next we’ll head to the **driest place on Earth, where some areas haven't had rain for more than 400 years.** Here we’ll walk Valley of the Moon, with its rough rocks that look like they're from another planet, and stare amazed at the Tatio Geysers, where hot water shoots up from cold ground. We’ll pass by groups of pink flamingos in clear salt lakes, see elegant vicuñas wandering like fancy llamas, and watch sunsets so bright and weird that your friends will think you edited them.
If that's not enough to satisfy your sense of adventure, get ready for Easter Island, or Rapa Nui, a tiny spot in the Pacific that's on every explorer's bucket list. **Here, we'll face the huge moai, a stone giants cut from volcano rocks.** At holy spots like Ahu Tongariki, a line of them gazes forever toward the sea, famous mysteries around the globe. We'll trek to Rano Raraku, the quarry where these giants were made, now a spooky place with half-buried, unfinished statues stuck in time.
Our expedition will finish at the green beauty of **Cajón del Maipo, a striking valley right outside Santiago packed with mountain views and great wine spots.** It's the perfect place to celebrate with smooth red and fresh whites, take amazing shots by falling waterfalls and snowy mountain tops, before we leave Chile.
**Let’s go!**
**DAY 0 // DEPARTURE**
Meet at DXB at 12:00 for a flight to Santiago via London (BA).
**DAY 1 // SANTIAGO CITY TOUR**
Morning arrival to Santiago, immigration, drop the bags to hotel and head out for a tour into Santiago’s gems: from the grand Plaza de Armas and La Moneda Palace to the bustling Mercado Central. We’ll wander through traditional neighborhoods, visit an enormous, fascinating cemetery, and finish at Los Dominicos, where local artisans make souvenirs actually worth buying. Lastly, we’ll take it all in by riding the cable car up to the top of San Cristóbal Hill for scenic vistas and incredible photos.
**DAY 2 // VALPARAISO & CHILL VIÑA DEL MAR**
Grab your camera – it’s Valpo day! Once a booming port, this city is now an artsy, hilly maze of murals, cable cars, churches and boho vibes. With incredible street art around every corner, we’ll explore the UNESCO-listed old town and pass by highlights including the cathedral, Sotomayor Square, and the picturesque harbor area. In the afternoon we’ll make a stop in nearby Viña del Mar, a chill, beachy town where we’ll enjoy the endless palm trees and cool sea breeze.
**THE ATACAMA DESERT – PLANET EARTH’S DRIEST**
**DAY 3 // DESERT VALLEYS**
Today we’ll fly into Calama Airport and transfer to San Pedro de Atacama, settling in before heading out for a midday exploration of Moon Valley's surreal, moon-like formations and salt caves. Hike through the dramatic dunes and ridges of Death Valley, feeling the intense aridity and vast silence of this otherworldly site. End the day watching a stunning sunset from a viewpoint in Moon Valley, where the golden light transforms the terrain into a magical panorama.
**DAY 4 // HIGHLAND LAGOONS**
After breakfast we ll travel southbound to the charming village of Toconao, admiring its historic church built from volcanic stone and browsing local artisan crafts. We will ascend to the breathtaking Lagunas Miscanti and Miñiques, hiking around the azure waters framed by towering volcanoes and spotting wild vicuñas. Descend to Laguna Chaxa in the expansive Salar de Atacama, observing flocks of flamingos wading in the salty shallows. Here we’ll enjoy a picnic lunch, immersing ourselves in the altiplanic beauty.
**DAY 5 // GEYSERS AND HOT SPRINGS**
Rise early for the trek to El Tatio Geysers, witnessing the powerful steam eruptions and bubbling pools at dawn in this high-altitude geothermal field. Short stop at Machuca village, tasting traditional llama empanadas and exploring the rustic adobe homes and church.
Well-deserved time to relax in the afternoon at Puritama hot springs, soaking in the cascading thermal pools surrounded by canyon greenery.
Time to return to airport for a flight back to Santiago.
**DAYS 6 – 8 // EASTER ISLAND – LEGENDS, MOAI & BEACH VIBES**
Off we go to one of the most remote places on the planet: Rapa Nui aka Easter Island. After an early morning flight, our guide will greet us with flower necklaces, setting the good vibes for our visit.
Over threer days, expect epic ocean views, sacred rocks, and mysterious legends. Rapa Nui’s undisputed highlight is Ahu Tongariki, the famed ceremonial platform holding 15 *moai* in a row, glowing in the sunset. We’ll also visit the lesser known Ahu Akivi, with seven majestic *moai* staring out to sea.
An unforgettable sight is Rano Raraku quarry – like a *moai* factory frozen in time, with nearly 400 statues scattered around like someone hit pause mid-construction. Then we’ll discover the red volcanic rock quarry of Puna Pau, where the *moai* got their giant red “hair buns”.
Of course we’ll need to get a taste of that island life, so we’ll be making stops at Ovahe and Anakena beaches – one is pink and wild, the other is soft, white, and perfect for doing absolutely nothing.
After getting our fill of this island of stone-faced mystery, we’ll catch an afternoon flight to return to the mainland.
**DAY 9 // WINE & WILDERNESS**
There’s no better way to conclude our Chilean adventure than with a day that pairs breathtaking nature with world-class wine. As we near the finale, our journey leads us into the majestic Andes Mountains, where the towering cliffs and winding river valleys of Cajón del Maipo create a spectacular natural backdrop.
From the wild beauty of the mountains, we’ll transition to the refined elegance of the Concha y Toro vineyards. Here, we’ll uncover the stories and secrets behind some of South America's most legendary wines, that have put Chile on the global wine map.
**DAY 10 // DEPARTURE**
Its time to say bye-bye to Chile and head back to airport for a flight back home.
**Level of difficulty:** Easy - available for everyone. High altitude ahead.
**Activities:** Trekking, off-roading, sightseeing, cultural immersion.
**Accommodation & meals:** Accommodation in 3- and 4-star hotels, double sharing. Single room available upon request for an extra cost. Meals excluded.
**Cost: 13,250 incl. 4 domestic flights, excl. international flights.**
**Cost valid until FEB 28.** Past this date cost will change.
**Recommended flights:** BA via London LHR at approx. 4600 AED.
**Excluded:** Visas, insurance, meals.
**Visas:** Western passports, Russia and Far East receive free visa upon arrival.
More info here: [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Visa_policy_of_Chile](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Visa_policy_of_Chile)
*Visa support is not available on this trekkup.*
See yah in Rapa Nui x
Trekkup Crew
WhatsApp 050 484 8238 / [[info@trekkup.com](http://info@trekkup.com/)]([docs@trekkup.com](http://docs@trekkup.com/))
Find all trekkups at [linktr.ee/trekkup](http://linktr.ee/trekkup)
Last Train to Lhasa feat. EBC & Pandas | Journey Across Tibet and Sichuan, China
**Secluded, distant, and untouched - Legendary Tibet** sits high in the storybook heights of the Himalayas, unlike anywhere else on Earth. With an average elevation of 4,500 meters, it earns its title as the **Roof of the World**, offering endless plateaus, snow-draped peaks, and skies so close they feel touchable. The landscape is stark, vast, and impossibly beautiful, painted with valleys, glaciers, and lakes that feel like they belong on another planet.
But Tibet is more than just a view, it’s the **spiritual heart of Tibetan Buddhism**, alive in every fluttering prayer flag and spinning prayer wheel. In Lhasa, the capital, you’ll stand before the towering Potala Palace, once the winter home of the Dalai Lama and now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Just a short walk away, Jokhang Temple anchors the city’s spiritual life, as pilgrims circle it clockwise on Barkhor Street, murmuring mantras and spinning hand-held wheels in a moving meditation centuries old.
Tibet’s identity hasn’t come without struggle. Once a theocratic state of monks and monasteries, it was occupied by Chinese forces in the 1950s and officially became part of the People’s Republic of China. The political future of Tibet remains a subject of global debate—but its cultural resilience is undeniable. **Tibetan nomads, with their yak-hair tents and deep connection to the land, still roam the high plains**. They keep alive traditional crafts like thangka painting and handwoven carpets, embodying a culture shaped by both hardship and deep spiritual calm.
Tibet is a place where nature and devotion blend into one, **where silence holds power and every view feels sacred**. And yes, the altitude might steal your breath—but the magic of this land will too.
**But Tibet is only part of this journey**. We’ll also meet **pandas** and ride the **highest railway in the world**.
Our adventure begins with the **Qinghai–Tibet Railway, a marvel of high-altitude engineering** that reaches a jaw-dropping 5,072 meters at Tanggula Pass. **It glides over 550 km of permafrost**, using futuristic tech to keep the tracks stable. **Oxygen is pumped into the cabins** to ease the ride—making it the perfect way to acclimate while watching the wild Tibetan plateau unfold outside your window.
And when we reach Chengdu, prepare for a **totally different kind of thrill: pandas**. At the research center, **these sleepy rockstars** are most active in the morning, so we’ll time our visit to catch the cubs tumbling, munching, and stealing hearts. You might be surprised to learn that pandas have six fingers, including a thumb-like adaptation for grabbing bamboo.
**Are you ready for an unforgettable fusion of ancient and modern? Let's go!**
**Day 0: Departure**
Meet at the airport for your direct flight to Chengdu.
**Day 1: Chengdu - Chonguing**
Immigration formalities and bullet train to Chongqing. Day and night tour across the highlights of so-called Cyber Punk city. Overnight in Chonguing.
**Day 2: Chongqing - Xining - High Altitude Train to Lhasa**
Departure to Xining by flight and take a short city tour.
Catch the afternoon train to Lhasa (the best views star here). Overnight on the train of soft sleeper (4 persons in 1 cabin) around 20hours.
**Day 3: Arrival in Lhasa**
Arrive in Lhasa in the afternoon and transfer to the hotel. The rest of the day is at leisure for acclimatization to the staggering 3,650m altitude. Take it easy and hydrate.
**Day 4: Explore Lhasa**
We begin with Jokhang Temple, the holiest site in Tibetan Buddhism, where pilgrims from across the region gather to worship at this 1400-year-old temple. Then we explore Old Town and Barkhor Street, a vibrant market maze filled with incense, prayer flags, and centuries of tradition.
**Day 5: Lhasa – Yamdrok Lake – Karo La Glacier – Gyantse – Shigatse**
This morning we hit the road early, traversing the picturesque Yarlung River towards the sacred Yamdrok Lake, one of the three largest lakes in Tibet. We'll discover the vastness and serenity of this holy lake and its surrounding mountains from the Kamba La Pass. As we drive along the lake shore to Nankartse and ascend to the stunning Karo La Glacier, we'll have close-up views of Mt. Nojin Kangtsang. Here we will stretch our legs on a 2-3 hour trail to discover higher glacier lakes.s.
**Day 6: Shigatse – Gyatso La Pass – Everest Base Camp (North)**
Today we travel through remote areas, passing through picturesque but isolated Tibetan farming villages before heading over Gyatso La Pass (5,248m) for jaw-dropping views. Continuing on through Geu La Pass, we'll reach **Rongbuk Monastery, the world’s highest**. Here we’ll walk near the Everest North Base Camp (5,150m)—an unforgettable place to breathe in the Himalayas.
**Day 7: Rongphu Monastery – Shigatse**
We'll catch the sunrise at Rongphu Monastery, with chanting monks setting the tone. If time allows, there will be a quick visit to Tashizom village before we return to Shigatse.
**Day 8: Shigatse – Chengdu**
We return to Lhasa and catch a connecting flight to Chengdu. Free time in the afternoon.
**Day 9: Pandas**
Before we say 再见 (goodbye) to China, we’ll visit the Chengdu Panda Research Center. These charming black-and-white creatures are most active in the mornings, with the baby pandas being particularly playful.
It won't take long for you to see just how extraordinary they are! Growing to heights of 1.2m to 1.5m and weighing up to 135kg, pandas spend over half their day consuming bamboo. And yes, they are born pink and measure around 15cm.
After, we'll have some time for a last round of souvenir shopping before heading to the airport for our direct flight back home, with heads and hearts full of unforgettable Sichuan-Tibetan memories!
**Level**: easy to moderate (high altitude ahead).
**Activities:** trekking, sightseeing, cultural immersion.
**Accommodation & meals:** 4 star comfortable hotels - double sharing. Restaurant meals excluded.
**Cost:** **12,310 AED** all-inclusive of international and domestic flights + train rides. **Cost valid until FEB 28, on this date we will close the list.**
**THIS TRIP IS STILL AVILABLE FOR PASSPORTS ELIGIBLE FOR VISA ON ARRIVAL** .
**Visa: AUS, EU passports visa free,** except Czech Republic, Lithuania and Sweden. [Other passports ](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Visa_policy_of_mainland_China)\- third party visa agency only\.
**Minimum processing time for visa and permit is 4 weeks.**
*It is sole responsibility of participant to secure entry to country of destination.*
西藏见 x
Trekkup Crew
[Whatsapp 050 4848238](https://wa.me/971504848238)
Find all trekkups at [linktr.ee/trekkup](https://linktr.ee/trekkup)
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