Trekkup Dubai ✔

Geometry of Silence | Mangystau Region, Kazakhstan

Tue, Mar 10 · 11:00 AM GST

Dubai Airport, Dubai, AE

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

At first glance, it may appear as a remote desert wilderness, but take a closer look and you’ll see something more profound: a vast, natural geometry curved by time, offering a journey not just across space, but deep into Earth’s prehistoric past.

Here, the nature played an inspired architect and created colorful canyons, peaks and towers, which are translated today into rainbow castles, yurt mountains or tiramisu valleys. The northern part of the peninsula is covered by fields of limestone concretions and fossils of ancient sea creatures. These fossils provide evidence of the region's connection to the prehistoric sea, housing remnants of fish, sponges, corals, and even whales. You are standing at the shores of Sarmatian Sea, remnants of the prehistoric Tethys Ocean, and the Paratethys, that 250 to 50 million years ago covered the Caspian and Black Seas, to the Aral Lake.

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

Today, standing on the ancient seabed under a wide Kazakh sky, it’s hard not to feel both humbled and awed. Where forms has been sculpted into infinity, there is no need for sound. Desert speaks directly to your soul, through its vast and timeless geometry.

See the clip here

Let’s go!

DAY 1 // Tuesday
Direct flight to Aktau. Arrival, immigration clearance and check-in to hotel. Rest of the evening at leisure.

Day 2 // Wednesday
We will kick start our 4WD expedition into wilderness with Kapamsay Canyon - chalk oasis of white cliffs standing against the azure sky. In fact it’s a bottom of a dry riverbed, an amazing hideout with rare but resilient plants.

Further on we continue to Shakpaktysai Canyon where will visit first the underground mosque Shakpak-Ata. The underground mosque is carved into a chalky rock mountain. It is known that Sufis who once lived in this cave practiced healing rituals. They helped people who came here seeking a cure for their illnesses. To do this, the sick person was left in the cave overnight. It was believed that during the night, a benevolent spirit would visit the sick person and drive the illness away. Even today, people continue to come here with the hope of being healed.

On our list of curiosities of the day, next one is Valley of Balls in Torysh.

The stone formations of Torysh stretch for hundreds of kilometers on both sides of the hills, creating a unique landscape. Where the rock layers were broken vertically, long ridges made of stones of different sizes were formed. Where the layers were broken horizontally, the stones formed fields filled with round shapes that look like balls, eggs, mushrooms, UFOs, cylinders, nesting dolls, and even animals.

Such unusual and imaginative stone fields can be found in the area of Torysh.

We continue to Sherkala rock, which was once a fortress of the eldest son of Genghis Khan, Jochi. This legendary place was built in the Middle Ages, to secure the paths of Great Silk Way. “Sherkala” – by the translation from Turkmen language means “lion fortress” (“sher” – lion, “kala” – fortress).

Time to wrap up and head to our camp for a night in yurts.

DAY 3 // Thursday
Today we are set to explore Sor Tuzbair, salt flats desert with chalky hills and limestone cliffs. After rain the salt flats transform into a reflective surface mirroring the sky and the nearby dazzling white cliffs. This sight will stun even those who are not easily impressed. Here you ll learn the names of belemnite and ammonite, while if you re lucky you may come across fossilized prehistoric shark teeth.

First we head to Airakty Mountains, which look like a magical castle, with spires, towers, columns, and fortress-like walls. The main sights of the valley include mysterious grottos, unusual caves, and formations that resemble palaces with colonnades, temples with domes, and Gothic-style spires.

A winding trail, formed by wild horses, leads up one of the mountains. From the top, there is a stunning viewing platform overlooking the distant Aktau Mountains and the fairy-tale castles of Airakty.

Next, we’ll stop in Shetpe village, where we’ll visit a modern caravanserai and taste local food.

From here we continue to Tuzbair, a breathtaking natural wonder. This salt flat is a place of pure beauty, defined by just two colors: the brilliant white of the salt and limestone, and the deep blue of the sky on clear days. Approaching Tuzbair from the west offers spectacular views, with three major viewpoints along the way.

Today we sleep in Bozzhira canyon, where we set up our camp and spend a night under the stars.

DAY 4 // Friday
On the last day of our expedition, its time for well-deserved dessert in the desert! First Tiramisu layers start appearing at Mt. Bokhty, which in fact in Kazak means “a pie”.

The road passes along the picturesque Ustyurt Plateau. Mount Bokty lies at the bottom of a dry salt flat, bordered on the north by the small hill of Golbanshe, through which a graded road leads to the Becket Ata Mosque. Bokty Mountain is remarkable for its changing appearance. From different angles, it looks completely different — from one side, it resembles a giant ship turned upside down, while from the south, it looks like a wide, multicolored pyramid stretching across the horizon.

Further on, Kyzylkup will not leave any doubts to tiramisu lovers! Gentle layers continue their horizontal alignment as far as your eye can reach.

A last stop at Karagiye depression (-132 MUSL) which is one of the deepest places in the world.

Its time to head back to the city for farewell dinner and last overnight in the hotel.

DAY 5 // Departure
Its time to head to airport for our return back home. Bye, bye Mangystau!

Level: Easy with limited facilities.
Activities: off-roading, striking sightseeing, trekking, yurt and desert camping 2 nights.
Accommodation & meals: Hotel (dbl sharing) and desert camping. Local meals included, except meals on transfers (in Aktau).

Cost: AED 4,720 all incl. direct flights until MAR 05.

Specifically excluded: Visas, meals during transfers (in Aktau).

Visas: cost not included in trip budget:
At the time of writing 60 nationalities are visa free: EU, GCC, UK, USA, AUS Argentina, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Brazil, Chile, China, Colombia, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Iran, Malaysia, Mexico, Philippines, Russia, Saudi Singapore, Turkey, Ukraine.

Visa support available through third party.

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

See yah at Mangystau x

Trekkup Crew
Whatsapp 050 4848238 // Find all trekkups at linktr.ee/trekkup

The Hundred Waterfalls | Trekking Across Central Laos

Wed, Mar 11 · 8:30 PM GST

Dubai Airport Terminal 3, Airport road, Dubai, AE

Laos, a small landlocked country in Southeast Asia where consumption of sticky rice is the highest in the world, gained freedom only around 70 years ago, but the Lao Kingdom of Land XANG was established in 1353 AD. Compared to its larger neighbors Cambodia, Thailand, and Vietnam, Laos is undoubtedly the most overlooked country. Exploring this land is a stepping into unexpected roller coaster ride through culture and nature, combined with heritage sites, Buddhist temples, breathtaking panoramic views, caves, and cascading waterfalls.

The never-ending natural landscapes and predominantly mountainous geography have attracted travelers seeking wilderness and thrilling adventures.
Laos is a place not only for nature lovers, but also for those who appreciate its simple yet unique culture and centuries-old traditions, making it a great destination for those fond of ancient places.

Luang Prabang located in the North part of Laos is a tiny ancient town surrounded by mountains. Inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage Site list in 1995, it is often called the heart of Laotian culture by many travelers.

Despite being one of Asia's least wealthy countries, the Lao people are known for their simplicity and hospitality. Primarily followers of Buddhism, these people have found joy in minimalism..

Now, we are offering you the opportunity to experience their way of life firsthand and discover how easily you can leave behind your luxuries to enjoy simple moments surrounded by happy people.

This time we invite you to combine this trip with TOMB RIDER trip in Cambodia to make the most of the time in far east Asia and Eid holidays.

Let's go!

DAY 0 // MAR 11 :: Departure
Meeting at airport for an evening flight via Bangkok or Hanoi.

DAY 1 // MAR 12 :: Luang Prabang & Kuang Si Waterfall
Connecting flight to Luang Prabang. Check in to hotel and start of our expedition with a visit to Luang Prabang city, followed by Kuang Si waterfall, called also a green paradise. Overnight in the lodge.

DAY 2 // MAR 13 :: Nong Kiaw- Pak Ou caves – hike to view point (2 hrs)
After breakfast, we will drive to the secret paradise of Nong Kiaw village, located on the edge of the Nam Ou river. We will embark on a 4-hour drive up to northern Laos, making a stop along the way to visit the famous Caves Pack Ou, learn more about Lao culture and religion. Our next stop will be a small village where local people produce the Lao Lao liquor. Check in and 2-hour hike to the Nong Kiaw panoramic view of the valley over a stunning sunset. Overnight in guest house.

DAY 3 // MAR 14 :: 100 Waterfalls
We will start the day by taking a small boat ride through the jungle, across the untouched landscapes. Along the river, we will come across forgotten villages before making our way to the waterfalls. The base of 100 waterfalls is hidden between fresh streams, thousands of trees and rice paddies.. We will be able to reach this incredible place after a short walk. For the next few hours, we will only hear the sound of the clear waterfall cascading down, while we take a refreshing splash in the surrounding pools.

On our journey back to the village, we will take the opportunity to learn more about the daily routines and lives of the local people. In the middle of the afternoon, we will arrive back in Nong Kiaw, and drive back to Luang Prabang. Free night in the magical city, overnight in the lodge.

DAY 4 // MAR 15 :: Longhut trail to Khmu village (13 km // 7-8 hrs)
The Longhut trail is considered to be one of the most breathtaking trails in the area. It is located at the base of a steep mountain covered in lush jungle on one side, and on the other side, it offers a magnificent view of Luang Prabang and the Mekong River. We will cross the river by boat and start your ascent into the mountains. The trail itself is a stimulating and occasionally challenging, leading through canyons, remote villages, and small lakes. By the time we arrive at the Khmu village in the late evening, we will be treated to an authentic cultural homestay experience and a well-deserved meal. You can also enjoy exploring the village and mingle with the locals. Here the time stands still for generations, Lao mountain tribes remain untouched by our civilization. Overnight in a homestay.

DAY 5 // MAR 16 :: Thinpa Trail and Tad Sae Waterfall (2 hrs)
Early breakfast and head out for 2 hours trek through the rice fields and forest, making our way up to a Hmong village called Ban Tinpha. Descent downhill we will board a local boat for a relaxing ride on the Nam Khan River to the Tad Sae waterfalls. If you want to cool off after the trek, you can swim in the pools at the base of the falls or relax in the shade of rain forest.

After lunch we will have to say bye bye Laos and fly back home...
or continue to our TOMB RIDER trip in Cambodia.

https://vimeo.com/912508708

Level of difficulty: Easy to moderate - available for everyone
Activities: hiking, walking, swimming, boating, sightseeing.
Accomm & meals: Double sharing rooms: hotels, guesthouses. Meals excluded.

Cost: AED 4150 excl. flights until MAR 05.
Flights: Emirates approx. 4,000 AED

Specifically excluded: Flights, meals, insurance and visa.

Visas: Any costs related to visas are not included in the budget.
Details: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Visa_policy_of_Laos

Contact us for details of combining this trip with Cambodia.

See yah in Laos x

Trekkup Crew
Whatsapp 00971 50 4848238 / info@trekkup.com

Saints & Sinkholes | Long Weekend in Lebanon

Thu, Mar 12 · 7:00 PM GST

Dubai Terminal 2, DXB airport,, Dubai, AE

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, until FEB 12.

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.

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

See you in the cedars! 🇱🇧✨ x

Trekkup Crew
Whatsapp 050 4848238
Find all trekkups at linktr.ee/trekkup

Edge of Empire | Journey Across Northern India: Meghalaya, Darjeeling+Sikkim

Thu, Mar 12 · 7:30 PM GST

Dubai Airport Terminal 1, Deira, dubai, AE

Namaste Northern India!

This cross-state adventure takes you through three of the region’s most significant locations, in a corner of India that has always stood slightly apart.

Set along the country’s northern and eastern edges, Meghalaya, Darjeeling and Sikkim are shaped by mountains, mist and borderland histories that have given them identities distinct from the Indian heartland.

Culturally and geographically closer to neighbouring regions and countries than to their countrymen to the south, these states reflect influences from far beyond India’s borders. Languages, beliefs, architecture, and daily life follow different patterns here, creating places that feel Indian, yet not entirely of India.

Longstanding questions of belonging and loyalty linger beneath the surface, shaped by shifting borders and strong local identities. Travelling through these regions reveals a shared sense of independence and difference, linking them more closely to each other than to the rest of the country.
Together, they form a connected highland world at India’s edge, offering a journey into stunning landscapes and rich cultures that challenge expectations and are bound to amaze.

Meghalaya
Bordering Bangladesh, the state of Meghalaya is a natural paradise and a playground for adventure, its geography shaped by water, altitude and time. Receiving some of the highest rainfall levels in the world, its climate has created a lush landscape of dense forests, cascading waterfalls and raging rivers.
Known for its rolling hills, mist-filled valleys, and expansive, breathtaking views, Meghalaya is often referred to as the “Scotland of the East” for its cool climate and dramatic highland scenery.

One of Meghalaya’s most remarkable cultural and environmental features is its living root bridges, found only in this region. Developed by the indigenous Khasi community, this practice involves guiding the aerial roots of the Indian rubber tree across rivers and ravines. Over time, the roots strengthen and interlock, forming durable bridges that continue to grow as the trees mature.

Some living root bridges are over 400 years old and can support up to 50 people at once. In certain locations, bridges are built one above the other, creating double-decker structures. Known locally as Jingkieng Jri, approximately 100 living root bridges have been identified across 72 villages and are included on UNESCO’s Tentative List for World Heritage.

Beyond its cultural traditions, an endless mix of waterfalls, caves and cliffs awaits us around every corner here. Get ready to be endlessly amazed by the scale and variety of mighty Meghalaya!
https://vimeo.com/1015667082

Darjeeling
Part Victorian hill station, part world-famous tea region, Darjeeling sits 2,200 meters up in the eastern Himalayas. More than 70 years after the British departure, traces of colonial life remain clearly visible, and the town continues to attract visitors from across India.
Darjeeling’s greatest draw is its extraordinary mountain setting. On clear days, Kanchenjunga, India’s highest mountain and the third highest in the world, dominates the northern skyline, joined by a dramatic chain of snow-covered peaks that frame the town and its surrounding hills.
Of course, the name ‘Darjeeling’ is inseparable from tea, with the area producing some of the finest in the world. Cultivation began nearly 200 years ago, when the British first planted tea here in the mid-1800s. The region’s climate and soil proved ideal, and plantations quickly spread across the hills, with much of the workforce coming from neighbouring Nepal and Sikkim.
After Indian independence in 1947, the estates were sold to Indian owners, and Darjeeling tea went on to gain global recognition. Today, 87 tea estates spread across the seven valleys of the Darjeeling Hills, together producing around 9.6 million kilograms of tea each year.

Once in Darjeeling, the surrounding mountain range draws the eye at every turn. Covering 2,100 square kilometers, the district offers some of the best trekking routes in the Himalayas. Longer routes reward hikers with rare views across four of the world’s five highest peaks.
Get ready for high-altitude walks, sweeping panoramas and mountain views that stay with you long after you leave Darjeeling.

Sikkim
Sandwiched between Bhutan, Nepal and Tibet, Sikkim is one of India’s smallest states and one of its most surprising. Tucked away in the eastern Himalayas, this often overlooked area delivers dramatic scenery, a strong cultural identity, and a sense of place that feels distinct from anywhere else in the country.

For travellers drawn to mountain air, open landscapes, and cultural discovery, Sikkim is for you! Almost 35% of the state is a protected area covered by Khangchendzonga National Park. Glaciers, alpine meadows filled with wildflowers, and sharp Himalayan peaks dominate the terrain, including the 8,586-meter Kangchenjunga. Winding through these landscapes are paths leading to clifftop Buddhist monasteries such as Pemayangtse, built more than 300 years ago.
Sikkim’s history is as complex as its geography. Founded as a Buddhist kingdom in the 17th century and ruled by priest-kings known as the Chogyal, it became part of the British Indian Empire in 1890. After Indian independence, Sikkim remained an independent protectorate with its own monarchy, maintaining a degree of separation from the newly formed Indian state.

That changed in 1975, when the Sikkim Parliament abolished the monarchy and declared the kingdom an official state of India. The decision was quickly ratified by India’s Parliament but widely protested by the Sikkim people.

These events continue to shape local identity today, with ideas around independence, belonging and political choice still debated in day-to-day life. Travelling through Sikkim, expect strong opinions and conversations you won’t forget!

Let's go!

DAY 0 // THU 12 MAR // DEPARTURE
Meet at DXB Terminal 1 for our flight to Guwahati via Delhi,

DAY 1 // FRI 13 MAR // GUWAHATI & POBITERA
Welcome to India! We’ll arrive in Guwahati, the capital of Assam state and the main entry point to Northeast India, located on the southern bank of the Brahmaputra River. The city is a major administrative and commercial center and is surrounded by hills and river landscapes. We’ll visit Kamakhya Temple on Nilachal Hill, one of the most important Hindu shrines in India and a key centre of Tantric worship. The temple complex contains historic sculptures and stone inscriptions and attracts pilgrims from across the country.

In the afternoon, we drive to Pobitera Wildlife Sanctuary, known for its population of one-horned rhinoceros, with an optional boat or jeep safari before checking into our hotel for the night.

DAY 2 // SAT 14 MAR // POBITERA ELEPHANT SAFARI & DRIVE TO MEGHALAYA
Early start to embark on an elephant back safari among the rhinos, with guaranteed close encounters in their natural habitat. After breakfast, we’ll begin the drive to Meghalaya, stopping at Nohkalikai Falls along the way. At 340 meters, it’s the tallest single-drop waterfall in India. We’ll view the falls from above, and conditions permitting, hike down to the pools at its base. Afterwards, we’ll continue on to Shillong, where we spend the night.

DAY 3 // SUN 15 MAR // LIVING BRIDGES OF TYRNA
In the morning, we’ll make the short drive to Tyrna village and start the challenging descent into the valley, involving approximately 3,500 stone steps. It’s all worth it for the stunning scenery, with the trail leading to the UNESCO-recognized Double Decker Living Root Bridge, a well-known natural structure created by training the roots of rubber fig trees. We’ll continue exploring the area to see additional living bridges, then visit the Blue Lagoon for a swim. If conditions allow, we’ll also make a stop at nearby Rainbow Falls. Return to Tyrna in the afternoon.

DAY 4 // MON 16 MAR // MAWSYNRAM RIVER HIKE & SPLIT ROCK
After breakfast we’ll drive to Mawsynram, one of the wettest places on Earth, where we’ll set out on a river hike involving shallow crossings and walking through limestone formations. We’ll arrive at the magnificent Umkhakoi Lake, where we’ll have time to kayak in the serene waters. After lunch, it’s time for our Indiana Jones moment as we walk through Split Rock, a narrow rock passage formed by natural geological processes – quite possibly ruptured by an earthquake. Overnight in guesthouse.

DAY 5 // TUE 17 MAR // LAITLUM CANYON & SACRED FOREST, DRIVE TO GUWAHATI
Today we say goodbye to Meghalaya, hitting the road back to Guwahati. On the way we’ll pass through a sacred forest, and stop at Laitlum Canyon for views over the surrounding valleys. Overnight in Guwahati.

DAY 6 // WED 18 MAR // DARJEELING
Today we have a short morning flight to Bagdogra, and from there drive to Darjeeling. After lunch, we visit the Happy Valley Tea Estate to learn about tea cultivation and processing. We’ll walk through the plantation, sitting a lofty 2,100 meters above sea level, and take in views of the surrounding hills. Later, we’ll enjoy afternoon tea at Glenary’s, one of the oldest tea houses and bakeries in the town. Overnight in Darjeeling.

DAY 7 // THU 19 MAR // TIGER HILL & SIGHTSEEING
If the weather is clear, we’ll have a 4am wake-up call and drive to Tiger Hill (2,560m) to watch the spectacular sunrise over Mt. Kangchenjunga. After breakfast, we’ll hop aboard the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, a tiny “toy train” running through the landscape. We’ll disembark at Ghoom to visit Yiga Choeling (Ghoom) Monastery, known for its large statue of the Maitreya Buddha and its stunning mountain views. In the afternoon, we drive to Gangtok, the capital of Sikkim, where we spend the night.

DAY 8 // FRI 20 MAR // SIKKIM: WATERFALLS, MOUNTAINS & MONASTERIES
After breakfast, we’ll head to the Lhasa and Bakthang waterfalls located near Gangtok, before continuing on to Tashi Viewpoint to take in the incredible vistas of the Kanchenjunga range. Next we visit Gonjang Monastery, Do-drul Chorten, and the Namgyal Institute of Tibetology to learn about Buddhist education, history and art in the region. We’ll stop at Ganesh Tok for views over the city, then head back to Gangtok to visit the Handicraft and Handloom Centre. We’ll end the day with a ride on the Gangtok Ropeway, followed by free time in the evening.

DAY 9 // SAT 21 MAR // CHANGU (TSOMGO) LAKE, BABA MANDIR & NATHU LA
This morning we’re taking it higher! We’ll head to the dizzying elevations of East Sikkim, where we’ll find Tsomgo (Changu) Lake, a glacial lake located approximately 3,800 meters above sea level. We continue to Baba Mandir (3900m), a shrine maintained by the Indian Army. Subject to weather and permits, we’ll proceed to Nathu La Pass (4450m) on the India–China border, a historic trade route between India and Tibet. We’ll return to Gangtok in the afternoon, with the evening free to relax or explore as you choose.

Note: Access to Baba Mandir and Nathu La Pass is subject to weather conditions and permits. In case of non-availability, we will visit Hanuman Tok temple instead.

DAY 10 // SUN 22 MAR // DEPARTURE
After breakfast we’ll say bye-bye to magical Sikkim and hit the road back to Bagdogra Airport, to make it in time for our evening flight home. We’ll be back in Dubai just after midnight.

Note to travellers: India has beautiful discoveries around every corner…but this amazing country can often test travellers' patience with regards to waiting, delays, changes in procedures and general perceptions of logic! Please note that trips may require adjustments and changes in sequence due to unforeseen circumstances. Be ready to go with the flow.

Level of Difficulty: Easy to moderate (day 3 & 7)
Activities: Trekking, swimming, kayaking, caving, sightseeing, rhino safari on elephants back.
Room & Meals: hotels, guesthouses and mountain resorts - double sharing, meals excluded.

Cost: 7,250 AED incl. flights until FEB 28.
Past this date cost will change.

Specifically Excluded: visa, meals, insurance.
Visas:
[https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/visa/tvoa.html ]([https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/visa/tvoa.html)-](https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/visa/tvoa.html)-) in particular for evisa.

See yah in the North x
Trekkup Crew

Whatsapp 050 - 4848238 / info@trekkup.com
[Find all trekkups at linktr.ee/trekkup](https://linktr.ee/trekkup)