What we’re about
Do you feel stranded in a concrete jungle of a city? Do you miss nature? Do you crave for adventure? Do you enjoy active holidays more than lazy hotel resorts on a beach? If you answer YES to any of those questions you’ve just found a right place and the right company :) In search of possibilities to spend time outside the city, we created this space for all like-minded people who would like to join us, and since adventure in a group is always more fun, help us make our own holidays a more amazing experience! We don’t mind missing a night out in clubs to get up at 4 am in the morning to go hiking. We enjoy carrying our rucksack rather than a Gucci bag and prefer swapping Louboutin stilettos for hiking shoes. And finally – we prefer walking a few kilometeres uphill than cruising along Sheikh Zayed Road in an air conditioned Porsche (well, most of the times anyway).
Join us on Facebook: Trekkup Dubai and Instagram #trekkup.
See yah soon!! xx
Upcoming events
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Jungle, Rocks and Elephants | Bucket List of Sri Lanka
Dubai Airport Terminal 3, Airport road, Dubai, AEWhatever 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
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. 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, lunches excluded.
Cost: 3230 AED excl. flights until DEC 16.
- Optional ballooning: 960 AED.
Visa: Western countries e-visa.
Clip:
https://vimeo.com/230556292
See yah at Sigiriya x
Trekkup Crew
Whatsapp 00971 50 4848238 / info@trekkup.com
Find all trekkups at linktr.ee/trekkup2 attendees
Jungle Bells! | Green Christmas in Uganda
Airport Terminal 2, Departure, Dubai, AEJungle bells, jungle bells, jungle all the way!! It’s been a busy year, so why not switch up Christmas too, and dive headfirst into the green ambience of the majestic Ugandan rainforest. Here we will celebrate the festivities surrounded by tumbling waterfalls, rhinos, hippos and chimpanzees…. because unfortunately, Rudolph and the other reindeers will be otherwise engaged.
Murchison Falls National Park, located in the Ugandan countryside, is home to the renowned Rabonga Forest, Nile River, and an abundance of wildlife. Its most iconic feature is the spectacular Murchison Falls, where the Nile squeezes through a narrow, 7-meter-wide gorge before plunging around 300 cubic meters per second of water 43 meters down into Lake Albert, creating a breathtaking natural spectacle. This powerful turbulence, right at your feet, is a hypnotizing view, awarding visitors with incredible photo opportunities.
The abundance of water in the area attracts scores of animals, from the hippos and Nile crocodiles that lurk in the rivers and lakes, to the land-based wildlife that come in search of a drink of water while trying to cool off from the heat. Here you can expect sightings of buffalos, antelopes, regal Ankole cows and an atlas of birds, including the African Eagle, kingfisher, heron, egret, fish eagle and so much more.
We’ll also see how species under threat are being conserved, visiting Uganda’s population of rare white rhinos and an island colony of our friends the river chimpanzees.
Ready for Christmas on the wild side?
Let’s go!
Day 1: Departure – Rhino Sanctuary – Masindi
Meeting at T2 at 03.30 am, for a flight 05.30. Arrival, immigration, coffee stop before we head into the wild, then jump in the cars and drive north-west into the plains of Nakasongola, to the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary. Ziwa is the last refuge of Uganda’s white rhino, previously hunted to near-extinction during more turbulent times. The sanctuary’s relocation and breeding program has successfully increased numbers to a population of 15 white rhinos, and we’ll track them on foot with local rangers.
Tonight we’ll stay at the historic Masindi Hotel, a colonial structure built in 1923 by The East Africa Railways and Harbours Company. It once served as a gateway to the “hinterland of Africa”, where goods and produce from Northern Congo and Southern Sudan found their way to European markets. If we’re lucky, we’ll spot some shoebill storks in the area, one of the strangest and most sinister looking birds on the planet.
Day 2: Game Drive & Murchison Falls
Early start for an exciting day! After breakfast we’ll get our nature fix with a game drive through Murchison Falls National Park, where the rolling savannah gives way to the marshy Nile Delta, keeping our eyes peeled for big cats, giraffes, buffalo, hyena and other wildlife.
From there we head straight to Murchison Falls, where we’ll trek along the cascades from above and below and get as close as we can to the churning of the most powerful waterfall in the world. Enveloped by mist, we’ll be awed by the roaring and rumbling of this extraordinary natural wonder.
After a picnic lunch we’ll set off on a safari boat cruise around the bottom of the falls and along the West Nile, with more wildlife sightings, from hippos and crocodiles to antelopes and elephants, along the way. Overnight in Masindi.
Day 3: Jinja
An early breakfast before we start our drive east towards Jinja. The area is home to dams and falls with white-water rapids, and is regarded as the adventure capital of East Africa. There, on the shores of Lake Victoria, we will find the source of the Nile, and have the option of exploring the waters by kayak. Overnight in Jinja.
Day 4: Chimpanzees and Departure
Today we will enjoy a close encounter with some adorable primates – our closest cousins, the chimpanzee! After breakfast we’ll hit the road back towards Entebbe, stopping in the afternoon to take a boat cruise to Ngamba Chimpanzee Island, where these lively and social creatures await. We’ll observe their playful behavior and learn more about their habitat and social structures. Our return will see us cross the equator as we glide through Lake Victoria’s serene waters.
We’ll then head back to the airport for our late evening flight, saying goodbye to this gem of Africa and going home with heads full of unforgettable memories.
Duration: 4 Days
Activities: Jungle trekking, safari game rides, boating.
Grade: Easy – available for everyone.
Cost: 5940 AED all incl. flights by Flydubai until DEC 07.
Accommodation & Meals: Double sharing lodges, meals included except restaurant meals in Entebbe.
Specifically Excluded: Visa expenses, insurance, meals in Entebbe.
Visa: All nationalities entitled for E-visa.
Note: YELLOW FEVER Vaccination Certificates is mandatory to enter Uganda.
See yah in the jungle x
Trekkup Crew
Whatsapp 050 4848238 / info@trekkup.com
[Find all trekkups at linktr.ee/trekkup](https://linktr.ee/trekkup)5 attendees
Pink Rock City Weekend | Petra & Dead Sea, Jordan
Dubai Airport Departures Terminal 2, Al Qusais, Dubai, AEAre 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.
https://vimeo.com/209766786
Dead Sea is the lowest point on the planet at -429mtrs below sea level, its also one of the worlds saltiest bodies of water together with Lake Assal in Djibouti. This salinity makes for a harsh environment in which animals cannot flourish, but nothing will stop us to take a floating swim in it!
Activities: sightseeing, short 3 hrs hiking and getting amazed with Nabatean City!
Grade: easy, available for everyone.
Accommodation and meals: included - dbl sharing, 3 star hotel and Bedouin camp. Single occupancy at 295 AED extra.
Cost: AED 2410 excl. flights, until DEC 17.
RSVP: Please make sure to include your email address and WhatsApp number in the related field when you join the event. This is to assure we can contact and send you all documents.
Excluded:
- Jordan Pass (entrance fees) jordanpass.jo - one day pass at 70 JOD.
Lets go!!
Day 1 // Friday
Meeting at airport at 5.30pm for a direct flight at 7.20pm. Arrive at Amman 21.15, transfer to north Amman, check in to the hotel.
Day 2 // Saturday
After an early breakfast, quick look at Amman highlights - Citadel, Ummayyad Palace and Roman Amphitheatre before we hit the road to Dead Sea.
At the Beach Resort we’ll have lunch and time for a swim in this incredibly salty lake before travelling further south to Petra.
On the way, we stop by Wadi Numira or Dana Nature Reserve to stretch the legs before head down south. We will arrive to Little Petra at about 6-7pm, in time for sunset and dinner at luxury Bedouin Camp, which is a wonder on its own.
Day 3 // Sunday
Half day in Petra. An early start at 6.30am, then jeeps take us at 6.30am through the desert to the start of the backway trail to the Monastery. This is ‘the backdoor’ to Petra, with fantastic views over Wadi Araba, and few steps, it’s the perfect way to enter Petra.
Once we’ve reached the Monastery – the largest of Petra’s temples, we will go down the stairs and walk through the Roman area, visit the Royal Tombs and stop for picnic lunch. Next it’s past the Street of Facades and finally arriving at The Treasury – the most famous of Petra’s sights. A walk through the Siq takes us to the entrance where we will jump on the bus and head to Wadi Rum before drive back to airport.
https://vimeo.com/217694073
See yah in Petra x
Trekkup Crew
Whatsapp 050 4848238 / info@trekkup.com
Find all trekkups at linktr.ee/trekkup5 attendees
Yurts in the Snow | Christmas with Nomads, Kyrgyzstan
Airport Terminal 3, Dubai, AEWrap up warm and get ready to experience a true winter wonderland! There’s nowhere better to celebrate and capture the spirit of the festive season than snowy, mountainous Kyrgyzstan.
We will put on our mittens and scarves before starting our cross-country adventure, exploring these untouched landscapes on horseback and by sleigh. We’ll traverse beautiful, powder-covered hills and valleys where nomads roam, hearing the crunch of hooves on fresh fallen snow and the jingle of reigns from our winter sleigh – an experience made for unforgettable holiday pictures!
In this idyllic winter-scape of pure air and clear, starry skies, we’ll celebrate the holidays in style, rounding off the trip with a festive feast before retiring to our cozy yurts.
So pack your winter wear – plus coal and carrot sticks for snowmen – and let TREKKUP whisk you away to your yurt in the snow!
Let's go!
Day 0 // Friday
Meet at DXB T3 at 20:30 for our flight at 22:45.
Day 1 // Saturday
Welcome to Kyrgyzstan! We’ll arrive at Manas Airport in the early hours. Once we’ve cleared immigration, we’ll grab some breakfast before making the 2- to 3-hour drive to Chong-Kemin Valley, spending time visiting nomadic villages and immersing ourselves in the rhythm of rural life.
This beautiful, forested river valley stretches more than 100 km from east to west, and incorporates the Chong-Kemin State Nature Park, home to animals such as alpine ibex, ermines, snow leopards, deer, golden eagles, saker falcons, and bearded vultures. It’s the perfect place to get out and explore the great outdoors, and in the afternoon we’ll mount our horses, making our way through snowy pastures (jailoos) and taking in the breathtaking wintry panorama.
Tonight we’ll enjoy a festive meal and spend the night in our warm and cozy yurts.
Day 2 // Sunday
We’ll begin our day with a typical nomad breakfast, and start our horse sleigh party! We’ll dress warm and pile on the blankets for an unforgettable ride through this magical landscape, surrounded by dense forest and white mountain peaks. We’ll take a break to build a roaring campfire, warming our hands while our guides prepare a delicious alfresco barbecue.
Later, we’ll have more scenic vistas as we wind through the magnificent Tchu Valley, in the northern part of the Tian Shan mountain range, on the way back to Bishkek. Once in the capital, we’ll pass by a market for some souvenir shopping. After dinner we’ll get a few hours of sleep at our hotel before heading to the airport.
Day 3 // Monday
Early morning transfer to the airport and return flight home, arriving at DXB at 08:20.
Level of difficulty: easy, no previous horse riding experience necessary.
Activities: experiencing real winter of Central Asia, horse riding in the snow, sleighing, sightseeing and few surprises!!
Duration: Weekend, fly out on Friday 22.40, back home 08.30 AM on Monday.
Accommodation & meals: included - homestay in yurt and hotel - sharing, local festive foods.
Requirement: winter clothing, daypack, pullover or fleece jacket, windbreaker, scarf / muffler, winter shoes, gloves, toiletry & towel, wipes, power bank, sunglasses, warm cap.
Cost: AED 2350 excluding flights until DEC 15.
Excluded: any cost related to visas, insurance.
Visas:
Many passports get visa free entry, for the rest e-visa.
UAE RESIDENTS can obtain visa on arrival, if they are holders of following passports: Algeria, Egypt, India, Jordan, Lebanon, Morocco, Nepal, Pakistan, Tunisia, Sri Lanka.
See yah at Christmassy Jailoo x
Trekkup Crew
Whatsapp 050 4848238 / info@trekkup.com
Find all trekkups at linktr.ee/trekkup10 attendees
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