Trekkup Dubai ✔

The coming of spring offers an opportunity for an East Asian adventure of remarkable contrasts – from the Instagram-worthy cherry blossom season in South Korea’s buzzing capital of Seoul, to timeless pastoral traditions in the remote nomadic camps of Mongolia, and finally to the imperial grandeur of Beijing’s Forbidden City and the Great Wall of China. Linking Mongolia and China, we will travel on the legendary Trans-Mongolian Railway – a true bucket-list experience for many travellers.

While Korea has much to explore, a few days are enough to see the main sights in and around the capital and enjoy the magical backdrop of bright pink blossoms in full bloom. Highlights of Seoul range from ancient palaces to vibrant modern shopping districts, and a day trip from the city offers the chance to delve deeper into the country’s fascinating nature and culture.

Mongolia, by contrast, remains shrouded in a mystery despite its gradual opening to the world. This vast, landlocked nation between Russia and China is home to only around three million inhabitants. With grassland and desert steppe landscapes covering an area the size of Western Europe, a large share of the population still upholds its ancestral nomadic heritage. Here, more than half of Mongolia’s nationals continue to live in round yurts, or gers, which are as mobile as the people themselves. Yet Mongolia is a country of striking contrasts. There is a clear divide between its capital, Ulaanbaatar – with its upscale restaurants and high-end boutiques – and the rural heartlands, where traditional ways of life remain firmly rooted.

Genghis Khan, regarded as the founding father of Mongolia, came to power in 1206. By uniting several nomadic tribes in the northeast, he laid the foundations of what would become the world’s largest contiguous empire – surpassed only by the British Empire in the 19th century. In just a few decades, his cavalry conquered a realm greater in both size and population than that of the Romans at their peak.
It is hardly surprising that he is revered as a national hero, immortalised by an imposing 40-metre-high statue – the world’s largest equestrian monument – located in a complex just outside Ulaanbaatar.
Today, Mongolia is undergoing rapid change. Yet despite these transformations, its country dwellers, scattered across immense landscapes with limited communication, remain unfailingly hospitable – always ready to welcome a visitor with a bowl of warm, salty milk tea.

After exploring Mongolia’s sweeping wilderness and vibrant capital, the journey continues south along one of the world’s most storied rail routes. Boarding the Trans-Mongolian train in Ulaanbaatar offers a gentle transition from the steppe to the cities of China, with hours of evolving scenery framed by the carriage windows. The steady rhythm of the train, conversations in the dining car, and the gradual shift in landscape create a sense of travelling through time as much as through geography.

Beijing greets travellers with an immediate sense of scale and history. Its landmark attractions are impressive not only for their grandeur, but also for the way they bridge imperial tradition and modern urban life. A visit to the Forbidden City offers a glimpse into the former seat of Chinese power, its courtyards and halls laid out with a precision that reflects centuries of dynastic rule. From there, a day trip to the Great Wall reveals the sheer ambition of ancient engineering – watchtowers marching across rugged mountains in a way that almost defies belief when seen in person.

Yet some of Beijing’s most memorable moments are found in its quieter corners. The hutongs, with their narrow lanes and traditional courtyard homes, provide a more intimate view of the city’s daily rhythm. Small cafés, family-run noodle shops and simple scenes of local life offer a striking counterpoint to the imposing monuments and broad avenues elsewhere in the capital.

Let’s go!

Day 0 // Departure
Meeting at airport for a direct flight to Seoul.

DAY 1 // Arrival in Seoul
Welcome to Seoul, the energetic capital of South Korea and a major hub for commerce, fashion, beauty and youth culture. After arrival and hotel check-in, enjoy an easy first day to recover from travel while getting an authentic taste of local life.
Visit Noryangjin Fish Market, where stalls are piled high with fresh seafood and you can watch vendors and buyers in action or sample a simple meal. Continue on to Museum Kimchikan to learn how Korea’s most famous dish is made and why it is such an essential part of everyday life. In the evening, head to the Banpo Bridge area for a relaxed riverside stroll and views of the illuminated bridge before returning to the hotel to rest.

DAY 2 // Seoul & Cherry blossoms
After breakfast at the hotel, meet your guide in the lobby and set out for a full day of sightseeing around Seoul. Begin at Jogyesa Buddhist Temple and then witness the Changing of the Guard ceremony before visiting Gyeongbokgung Palace (or Deoksugung Palace on Tuesdays), with time to explore its grand courtyards and palace buildings. Stop at Cheongwadae Sarangchae (or the National Palace Museum on Mondays) to gain more insight into Korea’s history, then visit a Ginseng Center before a lunch break at your own expense. In the afternoon, browse traditional shops and galleries in Insadong, then continue to busy Namdaemun or Dongdaemun Market to experience the city’s lively street scenes and bargain-filled stalls. Finish the day with a ride on the N Seoul Tower cable car (tower admission without lift) for panoramic views of the city, and then be dropped off in the Myeongdong or City Hall area for an evening at leisure.

DAY 3 // Cherries in countryside
Leave the city behind this morning for an escape into the lakes and hills of Gangwon-do. Drive towards Chuncheon, where we'll visit Alpaca World to meet gentle alpacas in a mountain setting, or opt instead for a scenic rail bike or canoeing at Chuncheon Mulle-gil, along the Bukhan River. Continue to Mt. Samaksan for one of Korea’s longest cable car with sweeping views over Uiam Lake. In the afternoon head to Nami Island, known for its cherry-lined avenues, riverside paths and famous K-drama filming spots. Free time to stroll or relax in the shade. Return to Seoul in the evening, free time at leisure.

DAY 4 // Mongolia – Ulaan Battar
In the morning short flight to Ulaan Battar, capitol of Mongolia.
We’ll start with Sukhbaatar Square, the city’s grand central plaza, framed by the Parliament House and statues of Mongolia’s national heroes, for an introduction to the country’s political and cultural heart. Continue up to the Zaisan Hill Memorial, a Soviet-era monument perched on a ridge above the city, where wide views open over Ulaanbaatar and the surrounding hills. In the evening, experience a traditional Mongolian folk performance, with music, dance and perhaps a taste to set the tone for your journey.

Day 5 // Terelj National Park & Ger Life
Begin the day at Gandan Monastery, the spiritual heart of Mongolian Buddhism, where monks gather for prayers beneath towering temple halls. Next we'll leave the city and drive east to the Genghis Khan Statue Complex, where a gleaming 40-metre equestrian statue of the Great Khan rises from the steppe; explore the small museum beneath and climb up inside the monument for panoramic views. From here, continue into Gorkhi–Terelj National Park, a landscape of granite outcrops, larch forests and wide meadows. Stop at the iconic Turtle Rock, a natural formation shaped like a giant turtle, then, time permitting, make the short walk up to Ariyabal Meditation Temple, a peaceful hilltop sanctuary overlooking the valleys below. Later, visit a local nomadic family to sample traditional dairy products and learn about the rhythms of Mongolian nomadic life. In the evening we'll settle in a Terelj ger camp, enjoying the quiet of the countryside under big Mongolian skies.

Day 6 // Modern Ulaan
Enjoy breakfast in the ger camp before drive back, watching the steppe slowly give way again to the city’s skyline. On the way, stop at Sain Nomuun Monastery, a lesser-visited Buddhist complex that offers a more intimate glimpse of contemporary religious life. Back in the capital, visit the Bogd Khan Palace Museum, the former winter residence of Mongolia’s last spiritual and political ruler, with richly decorated temples and chambers filled with thrones, gifts and ritual objects. In the late afternoon, visit local bazaar and souvenir shopping.

DAY 7 :: Trans-mongolian train to Beijing
Today we board the Trans-Mongolian train in Ulaanbaatar and settle into our compartments as the city slowly slips away and the wide Mongolian steppe opens up outside the window. The first hours are spent watching familiar scenes of grazing horses, distant gers and rolling grasslands, all framed by the steady rhythm of the train on the tracks. As the route bends south, the landscape gradually changes, becoming more rugged and varied, with hills, valleys and scattered settlements marking the approach to the Chinese border. We’ll have time to read, chat with fellow passengers, visit the dining car for a simple hot meal and step into the corridor to photograph the views as they unfold. By evening, after border formalities, the train continues through the night towards Beijing, and you fall asleep to the gentle motion of the carriage, crossing quietly from the vast Mongolian steppe into northern China.

DAY 8 :: Arrival in Beijing & Hutongs
Arrive in Beijing at 14:35, where you are met at the station and assisted with a smooth transfer into the city. After check-in, set out to explore the historic hutongs, wandering through narrow alleyways lined with traditional courtyard homes. As you walk, soak up the everyday rhythm of local life, from old men playing cards to tiny shops selling snacks and trinkets. Continue to nearby markets or commercial streets, where you can browse for souvenirs and get a first taste of modern Beijing’s energy. Return to the hotel in the evening and unwind after your journey, overnight in Beijing.

Day 9 :: Forbidden City & Great Wall
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before setting out for a full day of sightseeing in China’s capital. Begin with a guided visit to the Forbidden City, the vast former imperial palace of the Ming and Qing dynasties, with its grand halls, courtyards and rich symbolism. Learn about the lives of emperors and the rituals of court life as you move through this UNESCO-listed complex. In the afternoon, drive out to the Great Wall at Juyongguan, where you have time to walk along the ancient ramparts and take in sweeping mountain views. Return to the hotel in the evening for some free time at leisure and overnight in Beijing.

Day 10 :: Temple of Heaven & Departure
Start the day with breakfast at the hotel, followed by check-out. This morning, visit the Temple of Heaven, an elegant complex of temples and altars once used by emperors to pray for good harvests. Stroll through the surrounding park, where locals often practise tai chi, dance or play traditional games, giving a relaxed glimpse of everyday Beijing life. After some free time for a final walk or last-minute shopping, transfer to the airport in the afternoon. Bye, bye East Asia!

In brief:
DAY 1 :: Arrival in Seoul
DAY 2 :: Seoul & Cherry Blossoms
DAY 3 :: Cherries in countryside
DAY 4 :: Mongolia – Ulaan Battar
DAY 5 :: Terelj National Park & Ger Life
DAY 6 :: Modern Ulaan
DAY 7 :: Trans-mongolian train to Beijing
DAY 8 :: Beijing & Hutongs
DAY 9 :: Forbidden City & Great Wall
DAY 10 :: Temple of Heaven & Departure

Level of difficulty: Easy, available for everyone
Accommodation & meals: Hotels - double sharing, 1 night aboard a train in soft sleeper, shared cabin. Meals excluded.

Cost: AED 14,370 all inclusive of flights and train until MAR 30.
Past this date cost will change.

Specifically excluded: Meals, visa, insurance.

Before becoming modern day Saudi Arabia, this land consisted of four distinct historical regions: Hejaz, Najd, and parts of Eastern Arabia (Al Ahsa) and Southern Arabia (‘Asir). These regions made up the Arabian Peninsula, that over centuries have played an important role in history as an ancient trade centre, the birthplace of one of the world’s three major monotheistic religions, and our roots as a species.

About two-thousand years ago, the Nabatean Empire – the most prominent civilization in the Arabian Peninsula at the time – took control of local trade routes, developing their settlements into cities. They excelled at carving rocks made of sand, and eventually transformed the landscape on both ends of their empire into majestic metropolises.
Jordan’s Petra is typically associated with this great Empire, yet not many are aware that Hegra, Saudi’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site, is also a Nabatean relic, built in a climate and topography harsher than Jordan’s; making what was accomplished in Saudi seem like an engineering miracle from the past.

However, Alula is only a part of vast Saudi landscape, now fully open for explorations!

It’s not widely known that parts of Saudi Arabia’s landscape stretch across 2,000 dormant volcanoes dating back thousands of years. Known in Arabic as Haraat, the lava fields are nothing uncommon here, reaching even a mere 8.2km away from the mosque of the Holy Prophet in Medina – Saudi’s fourth largest city and one of the holiest.'
One of such volcanic fields is Harrat Khaybar, spanning an area of 14,000 square kilometers. Volcanic field was formed over the past 5 million years through eruptions along a 100-kilometer vent system.

For all its worth, we will start our expedition in Jeddah, take a sneak peek at old city, move to Medina, for quick look at Holy City before we head off to volcanoes, stretch the legs on white crater and continue to Alula, visit famous Hegra site with few stops at Elephant Rock and Arch. Given that Saudi’s tourism is still in its infancy, there is no better time to go than now, so yalla!

Let's go!

DAY 1 // Jeddah + Moon Valley
Meeting at airport at 7.30 am for a direct flight to Jeddah. Immigration clearance and head to Al-Ballad, famous for its unique architectural heritage, in particular tower houses constructed in the late 19th century by the city's wealthy merchants. The city's coastal coral building traditions, combined with influences and craftsmanship from trade routes, further add to its charm. During the tour, you will stroll through historic neighborhoods (harrat), explore ancient buildings, markets, and sights.

After lunch, we will head out of the city to Moon valley, owning its name to surreal barren rock formations, some of which appear to have been crafted by humans. Upon closer sighting, there are no signs of chisels or tools being used on these rocks. They have naturally formed over millions of years into such astonishing shapes. Sunset at the viewpoint and drive back to Jeddah for overnight.

DAY 2 // Harrat- Madinah
Shortly after breakfast we will leave Jeddah behind and drive through the desert northeastwards, arriving at the Al Wahbah Crater in the Harrat Kishb lava field The crater is one of the world’s most magnificent volcanic features: a vast dry maar formed by a violent phreatic eruption when magma met groundwater, producing a massive explosion. Measuring around 2.2–2.3 km in diameter and about 250 m deep, it stands out both in scale and its otherworldly beauty.
We’ll hike to the rim, taking in the dramatic views of the steep crater walls, the contrasting pale floor often blanketed in white sodium-phosphate crystals, and the stark surrounding lava field.

After our visit we will continue to Madinah for dinner and overnight stay.

DAY 3 // Madinah + Alula
We start with Madinah visit with the Holy Mosques, destinations for endless pilgrimages from around the world. Lunch at Old Souk of Medina, sampling some delicious local foods. In the afternoon we will set the compass on Alula, where we will arrive on time for local dinner in the old city and a visit to Elephant Rock.

DAY 4 // Alula
Early in the morning we will head out to explore Hegra and the nearby desert curiosities. We will not hesitate to examine the petroglyphs, before we arrive at Pink Camel for high tea. In the afternoon, we will take one last desert drive, this time heading back to Tabuuk airport to catch our flight home. Back in Dubai 22.30.

Activities: Trekking, sightseeing, off-roading.
Grade: Easy, with short but steep hike up the crater. Available to everyone.
Rooms & Meals: Hotels and guesthouse - double sharing. Meals excluded.

Cost: AED 5990 AED incl. flights until APR 10.

Specifically Excluded: meals, insurance, visa.

Are you ready to spend your weekend away Indiana Jones style and pocket the memories of a lifetime? Here comes another chance to visit Petra with a plunge into super salty Dead Sea, but thats just the beginning! We will also take a look at the highlights of Amman, do the short hike across the gorgeous wadi with year flowing stream, and follow steps of Lawrence of Arabia in Wadi Rum. Little known 2 hours trail will lead us to the famous pink rock complex from the backside, making our way to the one of Worlds 7 Wonders directly to its highest point - Monastery. Standing alone towards ancient facades, will make you feel like Indiana Jones!! Lets go!

Petra is famous complex of rock-cut architecture, established in 312 BC as a capitol of Nabataeans Empire. It was only possible to create a city in a dessert by building a water supply system but that's not all, the area was flash flooded regularly so the system of dams was built around it too. The whole area obviously found its way to UNESCO Heritage list.

A walled city of monuments, palaces, mosques & shrines and blend of Mughal, gothic & Victorian styles, the Pakistani city of Lahore promises many first experiences. We will inspect the 17th Century frescoed Wazir Khan Mosque and nearby Shahi Hammam, wander the bazaars in search of the Sunehri Masjid, with many surprises and new discoveries along the way.

Highlight of visit will be the Wagah Border Ceremony at sunset. Known as the Beating of the Retreat and mirrored from the Punjab state of Amritsar from India next door, we will witness the high kicks and pomp of this most unique military border ceremony.

Lahore is also known as the food capitol of Pakistan. You will quickly realize that it deserves its title fairly, as we will dine at the famous Food
Street but also fine restaurants with spectacular views.

Let's go!

Day 1 // Friday // Departure
Meeting at airport for a direct flight Sharjah to Lahore. immigration clearance, overnight in hotel.

Day 2 // Saturday // Lahore Fort & Border Ceremony
We will start our day with a hearty chai paratha breakfast in The Old City before exploring Fort and proceeding in the afternoon to Waqah Border Ceremony.

After the ceremony we will visit the Famous Anarkali Bazar for quick shopping and souvenirs. Evening dinner at top of Haveli Restaurant on a rooftop with a view for Badhsahi Mousque.

To complete our experience, we will end our trip at beautifully lit up Fort to enjoy the traditional dance performance in the stunning historical ambience, that will make you feel like visit at Royal Family.

Day 3 // Sunday // Walled City & Monuments
Within its City Walls, Lahore contains amazing cultural and historical treasures, similarly to its twin city Jaipur. Today we will visit Wazir Khan Mosque and Shahi Hamman, seek out the Sunehri Masjid in the dazzling Kashmiri Bazaar, wander the many Mughal Havelis with stops for tombs, shrines, monuments and palaces like every street has its own importance and history.
In the afternoon flight back to home - to DUBAI.

Level of difficulty:
Easy, available to anyone.

Activities:
Sightseeing, urban exploring.

Duration:
Weekend.

Accommodation & meals:
Comfy boutique hotel double sharing & meals included. Single room at extra cost.

Cost: 3410 AED including flights until APR 12.

Specifically excluded:
Any costs related to visa, insurance.

Visas:
Pakistan has launched a mobile application, "Pak ID", to facilitate visa-on-arrival for citizens from 120 eligible countries.