Trekkup Dubai ✔

Whatever fantastic tales you’ve heard of Sri Lanka is surely correct! Gigantic jungle chunks, every square meter infused with thousands of plants, blended with tea plantations, roaming elephants, and monkeys swinging from tree to tree. Picture perfect country-wide, central Sri Lanka draws our attention with rock fortresses among rolling hills and lush green plains.

Set on plateaus of tea plantations and tropical rainforests surrounded by mountain-scapes sits the city of Kandy, famed for its sacred Buddhist sites and temples and the last capital of the ancient kings of Sri Lanka.
The Temple of the Tooth within the royal palace complex of the former Kingdom of Kandy houses the relic tooth of the Buddha, it is believed that whoever holds the tooth, holds the governance of the country. For many reasons, this temple is considered one of the most sacred places of worship in the Buddhist world!

The surrounding city of Kandy, with its architectural gems of shrines and temples of Indian and Sinhalese designs set among the grand structures of the British colonial period make for picture perfect strolls along the lake and city streets.

Situated in the Central Province of Sri Lanka close to Dambulla lays Sigiriya, or “Lion Rock”, a fortress complex of ruined palace atop a massive 200-meter rock among the jungle plains. A UNESCO World Heritage Site and the most treasured historical monument in Sri Lanka, this spectacular fortress features ancient frescoes painted high above the ground along the famous mirror wall, with legends of drama and fate of the ruler who built it awaiting you at the top!

Let’s go!!!

Day 0 // Departure
Meeting in Dubai Airport in the afternoon for a direct flight to Colombo.

Day 1 // Elephants + Ambuluwawa
Arrival, immigration formalities. Overnight in nearby guesthouse. After breakfast hit the road to elephant orphanage for some unforgettable views of bathing and river crossing. Next, we will head to spiral tower of Ambuluwawa for bit of thrilling experience during narrowing climb to the peak, awarded quickly with breathtaking views from the top. From here we drive to hill county of Nuwara Eliya, famous for tea plantations and stunning waterfalls. Here we will visit Ramboda Falls and one of tea factories.

Day 2 // Scenic train + Kandy + Pidurangula
Sri Lanka can easily compete with Switzerland over the most the scenic train routes, so get your camera ready as we start the day with the train ride across bridges, jungle, villages and tea plantations. When in Kandy, we will start with Tooth Temple and glimpse on the colonial quarter near lunch hour. Shortly after it’s a time to hit the road to Sigiriya. Today we will stretch the legs over a short trek to the top of nearby hill for a sunset view over the Lion Rock. Overnight in the jungle lodge, surrounded by the chirping of the Jungle Fowl.

Day 3 // Ballooning + Sigiriya
Early morning optional ballooning above Sigiriya plains. Back to hotel for breakfast and start short trek through the scrub jungle to the world-famous Lion Rock fortress. As the trek unfolds, we’ll take in views of this ancient fortress from every angle, every step from the entrance to the top is a marvel of constantly changing surroundings. Climb to the top takes less than an hour.

Further on, we’ll stop for a walk along village paths and dry zone lakes before we jump on a bullock cart to village house where we’ll start picking vegetables for our lunch as the head man’s wife explains recipes. We’ll take a quick boat ride while lunch is getting ready. If time allows, we can wander across the cultivation lands to help the villagers work on a small tractor.

Time for souvenir shopping and a dinner before heading to airport for return flight, with pockets full of memories! Bye, bye Sri Lanka…

Level of Difficulty: Easy

Activities:
Hiking, sightseeing, boating, swimming, tuk-tuking, train riding, optional ballooning (approx. 260 USD – early booking required).
Duration: Long weekend
Room & Meals: 4 star hotels - double sharing, 2 breakfasts + 2 dinners included.

Cost: 2850 AED excl. flights until JUNE 20th.
Recommended flights: Emirates at approx. 2300 AED

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

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

Let's go!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Overnight at homestay.

Day 3 // Sunday

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

Level of difficulty: easy, available for beginners.

Activities: trekking, sightseeing, optional horse riding.

Cost: AED 2370 excl. flights from ABU DHABI on Wizz, until JUNE 22nd.

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

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

Visas: cost not included in trip budget:

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

Other Passports: Evisa or Consulate visa.

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

See yah in Kazakhstan x

Welcome to the land of soaring peaks, crystal-clear alpine lakes, and the real deal of nomadic lifestyle. With mountains dominating over 90% of the country's terrain, the Tien Shan range stands as a home to an immersive nature experience like no other. Here, the Peak Victory towers at a staggering 7,439 m, amidst a landscape adorned with magnificent rock formations, thermal springs, serene lakes and valleys. Your inner nomad will immediately break free!

The nomadic lifestyle in Kyrgyzstan is deeply rooted in the country's history and culture, dating back centuries. Despite the ongoing urbanization, many Kyrgyz still embrace the elements, preserving traditional practices and passing down ancestral knowledge to future generations. It fosters a strong sense of community and interconnectedness among Kyrgyz families, who often gather for seasonal migrations, celebrations, and cultural events.

Situated at the crossroads of Central Asia, Kyrgyzstan holds geopolitical significance due to its strategic location and political dynamics. The country has a complex relationship with its Soviet past. Especially in the capital city Bishkek you will notice how Socialist realism, the dominant artistic style in the Soviet Union, left its mark on art and public spaces: Mosaics, murals, and sculptures depicting themes of socialist ideology, industrial progress, and heroic figures can be found throughout the city.

However, on this trekkup weekender prepare to disconnect from the hustle and bustle of city life and reconnect with the raw, untamed beauty of the Kyrgyz landscape. With each moment, we will discover a sense of freedom and a connection to the earth beneath our feet. Get ready to breathe in the crisp mountain air, soak in the panoramic views, and create memories that will last a lifetime. Can you hear the Kyrgyz mountains calling your name?

From mesmerizing Machu Picchu to peering over the edge of heart-stopping cliffs, to walking salt planes, gazing out across breathtaking landscapes, and feasting your eyes on some of the world’s most treasured wonders. And as if that isn’t enough, set against this spectacular natural backdrop we will dive headfirst into the unique history and culture of the Andean region, as we party the nights away to a soulful soundtrack that uncovers regional sounds from Bolivia’s traditional folklorico!!

Brazil is a fascinating country of contrasts. On one hand, it is the country of the best footballers in the world, on the other – home to endless rainforest where you can still come across Indian traditions. Iguazu falls is an 60-82 mts enscarpment escarpment over which the Iguaçu River plunges and divide the falls into some 275 separate waterfalls. It is approx. 3 times wider than Niagara Falls.

Argentina, with its spectacular nature, cosmopolitan cities and mix of different cultural influences, is one of the favorite destinations in South America. It extends over about 4,000 kilometers, from its subtropical north to Tierra del Fuego, encompassing in its territory a wide variety of climates and ecosystems.

Bolivia - A country of extremes, landlocked Bolivia is the highest and most isolated country in South America. One of the most secluded and underrated travel destinations in the world, Bolivia is a country like no other. Offering up surreal landscapes, unique cultures, fun-filled festivals, vibrant cities, bustling markets and adrenaline pumping activities, it’s not a question if to visit Bolivia.

Peru - A country with 10,000 years of history was once a seat of the fabulous Inca Empire. However long before that, ancient civilizations left the world with magnificent samples of a glorious past like Caral; the royal tombs of Sipan, the most lavish burial in America; the enigmatic Nazca lines; and the mighty fortress of Kuélap. Machu Picchu, one of the new seven wonders of the world, is the best-preserved Inca city located at an altitude of 2090-2400 masl, 112 km from the city of Cuzco.

We have packed a must-see list of South America in extra ordinary journey where you will not only visit 4 countries but most importantly spend time immersing yourself in Latin culture and nature, definitely some of the most picturesque and unique on this planet! We have a detailed itinerary far too extensive for meetup word limits.

Lets go!

Day 0 :: Flight DXB-IGU
Day 1 :: BRAZIL Arrival to Iguazu. Overnight on Argentinian side.
Day 2 :: Iguazu Falls – both side of the falls. Optional crossing to PARAGUAY.
Day 3 :: ARGENTINA Salta + Purmamarca
Day 4 :: Purmamarca - Humahuaca - Tupiza
Day 5 :: BOLIVIA Tupiza - Uyuni
Day 6 :: Uyuni to La Paz flight. La Paz City.
Day 7 :: La Paz - Ruta de la Muerte
Day 8 :: La Paz - Titicaca lake - Puno
Day 9 :: PERU Uros Island, drive to Cusco
Day 10 :: Cusco
Day 11 :: Machu Picchu
Day 12 :: Flight to Lima + departure LIM-DXB

TRIP STARTS ON JULY 04 MORNING in IGUAZU and ENDS ON JULY 15 in PERU, LIMA. You can arrive anytime on JULY 03, depart in the afternoon on JULY 15.

Our schedule is based on EK connection via GRU (cost approx. AED 8,150 excluded):

JULY 03 DXB-GRU-IGU
JULY 15 LIM-GRU-DXB.

Grade: Easy - available for everyone. High altitude ahead, optional activities such as downhill cycling.

Activities: Trekking, cycling, boating, swimming, sightseeing.

Duration: 12 days

Cost: 14,400 AED incl. domestic flights, excluding connecting flights to Iguazu and return from Lima. Cost valid until JUNE 14. Past this date please inquire about cost and availability.

Visas:
Most of passports are visa free regime / USA visa waiver.
Any visa support is not available for this program.

Accommodation & meals: several local meals included, sharing accommodation in 3-4 star hotels except Salar de Uyuni.

Excluded: Return flight from Dubai, visas, insurance, restaurant meals.

See yah in South America x