Trekkup Dubai ✔

Geometry of Silence | Mangystau Region, Kazakhstan

Tue, Sep 15 · 11:00 AM GST

Dubai Airport Terminal 1, Deira, 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 // Saturday
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 5,410 all incl. direct flights until SEP 10.

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

Tiger Nest & Dragon Hearts | Bhutan via Bangladesh + Nepal

Tue, Sep 15 · 12:00 PM GST

Sharjah International Airport, Sharjah, AE

Famous for its unique culture and stunning landscapes, Bhutan, the legendary Kingdom of the Himalayas, is a country unlike any other. Often called the last Shangri-La, this is a place where time runs slower, and the government operates by the unique philosophy of Gross National Happiness.

Many factors contribute to the famed happiness and contentment of Bhutan’s population, from the country’s pride in preserving its traditions, languages, and customs to the prioritization of wellbeing over material wealth. In this land of dense forests and towering mountains, incredible vistas are all around, and a connection to nature is deeply ingrained in the culture. In addition, the practice of Mahayana Buddhism profoundly influences the Bhutanese way of life, emphasizing inner peace, compassion, and community harmony.

With stupas and monasteries on every corner, spirituality is embedded in daily life here. Centuries of religious devotion have led to the creation of incredible landmarks and sacred spaces, including the country’s iconic crown jewel: Taktsang monastery, or the Tiger’s Nest. One of the most venerated places of pilgrimage in the Himalayas, the monastery appears like something out of a fairy tale, clinging to the rock a towering 800m (2,600ft) above the valley floor.

Nowhere in the Himalayas is the natural environment richer and more diverse than it is in Bhutan, home to high, rugged mountains and deep valleys which have been recognized as one of the world’s ten most important biodiversity hotspots. One of Bhutan’s ancient names was Menjong Yul, meaning ‘the land of medicinal herbs’, and the people’s respect for the natural environment means that even today it remains pristine and mostly undisturbed.

Here we’ll discover ancient spiritual practices, trek into untouched landscapes and feel the awe of nature’s majesty in this hidden corner of the world.

https://vimeo.com/238777975

Let’s go!

DAY 1 // SEP 15 :: Departure via Bangladesh

Meeting at Dubai Airport for a flight to Chattogram.

Short connecting flight to Bhutan, marked with the panoramic views of the Himalayas including the Everest. Arrival to Paro, check in to hotel and first experience with Bhutanese cuisine.
Later in the day we start a short hike to Kuensel Phodrang (3-4kms). At the top of the hill is located the gigantic Buddha Dordenma Statue. On the way visit National Memorial Chorten. Overnight in the hotel in Thimpu.

DAY 2 // SEP 16 :: Tango & Cheri Monastery

After late breakfast, drive to Tango Cheri Road and start hike between through several villages and learn about Bhutanese life.
During the hike, we will visit Cheri Monastery …and Tango Monastery. Apart from being one of the most beautiful monasteries, here we also we will mingle students and the monks. There are some pretty phalluses here that are believed to ward of the evil…. On the way pass by Tashichhodzong, central monk body and ministries.

DAY 3 // SEP 17 :: Punakha

Today we drive via Dochu-La Pass to Punakha and hike to iconic Chimi Lhakhang (Temple of Fertility), located on a round hillock on the edge of Punakha Valley.

After lunch our exploration continues with a visit to the majestic Punakha Dzong fortress, a stunning example of traditional Bhutanese architecture which serves as a winter residence for the Dratshang Lhentshog, the commission for the monastic affairs of Bhutan. Built in 1637, it is picturesquely located in between two rivers – the Pho Chhu (Male River) & Mo Chhu (Female River) – and houses sacred Buddhist relics.

We’ll then take a walk along the Punakha suspension bridge, Bhutan’s longest, stretching 180 m (590 ft) across the water of the Pho Chhu, before checking into the hotel and resting up for the evening.

DAY 4 :: SEP 18 :: Dochula Pass

Today after breakfast and formalities we’ll drive to the Dochula Pass (3,100m) and begin the hike to the 18th century Lungchutse Lhakhang temple (3,565m). This uber picturesque route passes through primary forests of rhododendrons, magnolias, birches, and bamboos, and occasionally meadows being used as yak pastures.

When we reach the temple we’ll be richly rewarded by views over the entire span of Bhutan’s Himalayan range and its majestic, snow covered peaks. We will then make our way downhill for about an hour until we reach Dochula Pass, encountering several landmarks and stupas along the path.

In the afternoon we will have an opportunity to witness rural life in Bhutanese village, and those who would like to can experience a traditional hot stone bath. For even richer immersion, there is also the option to spend the night in the village.

DAY 5 // SEP 19 :: Tiger Nest

After breakfast we’ll start our last hike, to the sacred Taktsang Monastery, known as the Tiger’s Nest, situated at an altitude of 3100m in the Upper Paro Valley. During the hike we’ll keep our strength up with a picnic lunch in the woods with spectacular views.
Our ancient destination is the abode of gods and monks, a place of great spiritualty since the 8th century. As per the legend of Taktsang, this was the site of a cave in the sheer cliff face used by mystic Guru Rinpoche for meditation. He assumed a wrathful form, Guru Dorji Drolo, riding a flying tigress to subdue the evil spirits in the area. After many centuries, a religious complex took shape here, clinging to the rock face, with the oldest temple built by a Nyingma Buddhist master around 1508.

DAY 6 // SEP 20 :: Nepal - Kathmandu

Departure to Kathmandu at 07:00-08:00. Bye bye Bhutan!

Optional Kathmandu city tour across UNESCO site of Durban Square, momos feast and few other places - given time allows, before evening flight home.

Level of difficulty: Easy – with short but steep trails in Bhutan. The grade may be perceived as moderate to beginners.
Activities: hiking, walking, sightseeing and getting amazed!
Altitude: 2280 – 3600 masl (Bhutan).
Accommodation & meals: 4 star hotels - double sharing.
Single occupancy 250 USD extra. Meals in Bhutan included.

Cost: 7,380 AED
Cost valid until SEP 10.

Specifically included:

• Flight Dhaka - Paro,
• Flight Kathmandu - Paro,
• Bhutan visa,
• All arrangements as per program,

Specifically excluded:

• Flights from UAE,
• Nepal: visa (5 USD on arrival),
• Optional city tour Kathmandu
• Insurance.

Visas:
Visas to Bhutan are included in trip budget.
Bangladesh & Nepal – most passports entitled for visa on arrival.

See yah in Bhutan x

Trekkup Crew
Whatsapp 00971 50 4848238 / info@trekkup.com
Find all trekkups at linktr.ee/trekkup

Saints & Cedars | Long Weekend in Lebanon

Thu, Sep 17 · 5:00 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 // 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 // Jeita Grotto, Harissa & Ancient Byblos

Road-trip north for a day of natural wonders and ancient vibes.
We start with Jeita Grotto, a jaw-dropping natural wonder, regularly ranked among the world’s most spectacular caves. Explore the stunning upper galleries, then take a boat ride through the lower cavern, gliding beneath dramatic stalactites and stalagmites in this underground fantasy.

Continue to Harissa - ride the iconic cable car up for breathtaking panoramic views over Jounieh Bay and the Mediterranean. At the summit stands the majestic Our Lady of Lebanon Shrine, a major pilgrimage site and one of the country’s most recognizable landmarks.
Further north to Byblos (Jbeil) – one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities on Earth (over 7,000 years of history).

Explore the Crusader Castle, the ancient Phoenician harbor, and the impressive archaeological site perched above the sea. Wander the charming old souk with its boutiques, cafés, and traditional houses.

Dinner and overnight in Byblos, with time to enjoy its lively bars and vibrant nightlife by the sea.

Day 3 // Tripoli, Batroun & Back to Beirut

Continue north to Tripoli, Lebanon’s underrated second city packed with medieval charms. Head to Citadel of Raymond de Saint-Gilles, the largest Crusader fortress in the country, with sweeping views over the old town and its maze of alleys. Further to Hammam Ezzedine, a beautifully preserved Mamluk bathhouse that reflects the urban life of Tripoli’s past. Dive into the bustling souks: spices, vintage finds, traditional crafts, and culinary treasures. We’ll not miss Khan Al Saboun, where legendary olive-oil soap being handmade in the historic soap palace.

Next stop: charming coastal Batroun. one of Lebanon’s most charming seaside destinations. Walk through the historic streets and visit the ancient Phoenician sea wall, carved directly into the coastal rock more than 2,000 years ago. Batroun is known both for its rich historical heritage and its lively atmosphere, especially during the summer season, with water sports, beach clubs, and vibrant nightlife, as well as its craft beer and traditional lemonade.

Free time at the beach. Evening return to Beirut for the night.

Day 4 // Chouf Mountains, Cedar Giants & Departure

Breakfast and check-out. Our trip would not be completed without a visit to Chouf Mountains.

First to Beiteddine Palace, a masterpiece of 19th-century Lebanese architecture built by Emir Bashir II. Marvel at the elegant courtyards, arcades, fountains, and intricate mosaics.

Continue to the Barouk Cedar Reserve, home to one of Lebanon’s largest and most majestic cedar forests. Enjoy a serene short walk among these ancient national symbols that have watched over Lebanese history and culture for millennia. Back to Beirut for a final city tour: historic Downtown (Phoenician roots to Ottoman elegance), Martyrs’ Square, and the iconic Pigeon Rocks in Raouché for those classic Mediterranean cliff views.

Sunset mezze, rooftop drinks if time allows, then transfer to Beirut International Airport for departure flight.

Grade: Easy – available for everyone.
Activities: Cultural immersion, trekking, sightseeing.

Cost: 5,030 AED including flights, until SEP 13.

Accommodation & Meals: 3 and 4 star hotels - 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

BBQ at Doors to Hell | Long Weekend in Turkmenistan

Thu, Sep 17 · 10:00 PM GST

Airport Terminal 2, Departure, Dubai, AE

The most mysterious and least explored of the Central Asian “stans”, Turkmenistan has long been one of the hardest countries to approach. It shares borders with Kazakhstan to the northwest, Uzbekistan to the north and east, Afghanistan to the southeast, Iran to the south and southwest, and the Caspian Sea to the west. For centuries, Turkmenistan stood at the crossroads of civilizations. In medieval times, Merv was one of the great cities of the Islamic world and an important Silk Road stop, a vital link in the trade route between China and the West until the mid 15th century.

Annexed by the Russian Empire in 1881, Turkmenistan later played a prominent role in the anti-Bolshevik movement in Central Asia. In 1924, it became the Turkmen Soviet Socialist Republic, a constituent republic of the USSR, and gained independence in 1991.

The country became famous for the dictatorship of Saparmyrat Niyazov, who ruled as ‘Turkmenbashi’ (‘leader of the Turkmen’) and governed until his death in 2006. His era left a surreal legacy: golden statues of himself and grand monuments celebrating the so-called “golden age” of Turkmenistan.

Yet the essence of Turkmenistan lies beyond its politics — in the warmth and generosity of its people, whose legendary hospitality makes visitors feel instantly welcome.

Ashgabat, the capital, is a billion dollar display of national pride, with endless white marble buildings stretching across a long, dry valley. At sunrise or sunset, the city glows with a strange beauty, resembling more a scene from a sci-fi movie than an earthly settlement.

A visit to the Köw Ata Underground Lake offers a unique experience. Descend into a cave at the base of a mountain, walking down a staircase 65 meters underground, into a world of warm, sulphurous air. At the bottom, a crystal-clear lake, naturally heated to around 36°C, invites you for a surreal swim deep beneath the earth’s surface.

Turkmenistan doors to hell…

And then there is Turkmenistan’s most famous spectacle: the “Doors to Hell”. In the desert village of Darvaza, home to around 350 tribal residents, life had been unchanged for centuries. Nothing could interrupt the peaceful and quiet lifestyle of the nomadic tribe, aside from sitting on a valuable cache of natural resources.

Initial estimations of the site’s reserves were extremely low. In the early 1970s, Soviet scientists attempted to burn off escaping gas after a drilling mishap. When they lit the gas, it erupted and never stopped burning. Over forty years later locals call it the Doors to Hell.

https://vimeo.com/183429568

Let's go!

DAY 0 // Thursday – Departure
Meet at 22:00 at Terminal 2 for a direct flight departing on Friday at 00:10.

DAY 1 // Friday
Arrival, immigration formalities, and check-in at our lavish white-marble hotel for a short rest. Complete foreign passport registration. Take a quick tour to admire the majestic statues of Ashgabat and a few other city landmarks.

In the evening, depart for Darvaza. En route, stop at two other craters – one filled with water and one with sulphur mud – both releasing gas from underground. Enjoy an “A Little Party Never Killed Nobody” themed BBQ dinner near the main crater, followed by an unforgettable sunset over the burning gas spectacle. (Camping).

DAY 2 // Saturday
In the morning, head to Kopet Dag (“hilly mountains”) and continue towards Nokhur village. Return towards Ashgabat and take a swim in the volcanic underground lake of Kow-Ata. In the evening, immerse yourself in Ashgabat’s sci-fi cityscape neon-lit streets framed by white marble facades and explore the local nightlife.

DAY 3 // Sunday
Start the day with souvenir shopping at Tolkuchka Market, the largest in Turkmenistan. Visit the UNESCO World Heritage site Old Nissa, the Turkmenbashi Ruhy Mosque, Independence Square, and statues of national heroes.

DAY 4 // Monday
Early morning transfer to the airport for your return flight to Dubai. Back home at 07:00 hrs. Bye bye Turkmenistan!

Activities: trekking, swimming, sightseeing, getting amazed with burning gas crater!
Accommodation & meals: 4 star hotel double sharing + 1 night camping, local meals included.

Cost: 7,450 AED all incl. flights and visa pre-approval cost until AUG 24.

Visa: payable on arrival, approx. 115 USD.

RSVP:
To reassure enough time for visa processing and eventual re-applying in case of denial, we recommend to join this trip within 30 days before travel date. Standard cancellation policy applies for anyone joining later.

See yah at Doors to Hell x

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