Trekkup Dubai ✔

On the coast of West Africa to the north of Namibia along the Atlantic Ocean, packed with diamonds, and oil, spread across green savannahs, tropical jungles, and coastal deserts, beating to the rhythms of semba, rivet, and kizomba, and thundering waterfalls from Luanda to Cabo Ledo, Angola is where the bold go to dance and seekers of adventure find the final frontier of African discovery!

Afghanistan may fascinate, enchant, although this love can be difficult. In 2021, the Americans finally withdrew from Afghanistan, and the Taliban took power almost without a single shot being fired. They quickly established relative safety in the country, although unfortunately women lost many rights under the new regime. Nevertheless, Afghanistan once again became a country that is possible to visit.

Afghanistan has a fascinating history and material evidence of it. The hospitality of its people, beautiful landscapes, mountains, customs, and monuments will make you forget of any association with the conflicts.

Kabul – the capital and largest city of Afghanistan – will certainly make you think and feel many things, a destination for the bold at a time when many will have a word or two to share about your adventure choice, let’s have a quick look and see for ourselves. High in a mountain valley between the Kabul River and the Hindu Kush, dense with history dating back thousands of years, a Silk Road destination half-way between Istanbul and Hanoi, a crossroads between Tartary, India, and Persia, and ruled by dynasties and empires from the Kushans and Hindu Shahis to the Turks, Samanids, and Mongols, among many others.

The historical site of Bamiyan in Afghanistan was once home to several large Buddha statues. Before the destruction of the statues in 2001, there were two prominent statues known as the Bamiyan Buddhas. One statue was 53 meters tall, and the other was 38 meters tall. These statues represented the culmination of the Gandhara Buddhist art style and served as significant religious and cultural landmarks in the area.

DAY 1 :: Bamian

Meeting at airport for a direct flight to Kabul. Arrival, immigration, quick coffee and drive to Bamian. Start exploration by visiting the Buddha Niches. These ancient caves used to house large Buddha statues, some of which were tragically destroyed during the Taliban regime. Continue to nearby caves, still inhabited by Hazaris.

Continue to the city of Zhonk. Visit the historic Qala Kephthar fortress, which overlooks the city and offers breathtaking panoramic views. Take a stroll through the local bazaars and interact with the friendly locals. If time allows: Shahr-e Gholghola (City of Screams) the ruins of an ancient city thought to have been built in the 13th century by the Mongol leader Genghis Khan. Admire the fascinating archaeological remnants and learn about their historical significance. In the evening traditional Afghan dinner, at rooftop restaurant (subject of trip karma) to check out delicious dishes like mantu (dumplings), kebabs, and qabuli pulao while enjoying the evening breeze and take in the panoramic views of the city and its surroundings. Overnight in Bamian.

DAY 2 :: Band E-Amir and Kabul

Early start to visit Band E-Amir lakes (subject to local approvals) and return to Kabul.

Subject to traffic condition, we should have ample time to visit Sakhi Shrine, Babur Garden, which is a charming and well-maintained historic garden with a Persian-style design. It was constructed in the 16th century by Babur, the founder of the Mughal Empire. This garden is renowned for its breathtaking terraces, pavilions, and vibrant flora. Followed by Shah-e Soh Shamshira Mosque. In the evening kebab dinner. Overnight in Kabul.

DAY 3 :: Shopping time & departure

After having cake and milk breakfast, we will visit a couple of intriguing markets in Kabul.

We’ll start with photo studio using a 100-year-old camera to take your passport photo. The carefully preserved camera not only produces crisp, high-quality images but also offers a tactile connection to the nostalgic age of the dawn of photography, when light first learned to write memory on paper.

Next, we continue to the Ka Faroshi Bird Market, a vibrant and centuries-old bazaar which is a Cathrin for cherished hobby among the locals. The market bustles with the flutter of wings and the sounds of lively bargaining, offering a glimpse into a beloved cultural tradition.

From there, we head to the iconic Chicken Street, once a legendary stop on the historic 'Hippie Trail' of the 1960s and 70s. Today, it’s a colorful stretch filled with local handicrafts, handmade carpets, antique jewelry, and rare treasures that are hard to find anywhere else. We’ll enjoy our final lunch together at local kebab bistro, savoring traditional flavors one last time before transferring to the airport for our journey back home.

Grade: Easy.
Activities: Sightseeing, trekking.
Accomo & meals: local hotels - shared rooms, meals included.

Cost: 5800 AED all incl. flights, until JUNE 07th.
Past this date cost will change.

Visas: Costs related to visas are specifically excluded from the budget. We will guide you throughout visa process.

See yah in Bamian x

Trekkup Crew

In one of the most remote corners of Central Asia lies the Autonomous Republic of Nakhchivan. Known as the land of Noah and holding one of the most picturesque secrets of Azerbaijan and resembling the ancient ruins of Machu Picchu, the Alinja Fortress towers over Nakhchivan below.

While considered autonomous, with its own legislature and ruler, the region is presided over by Azerbaijan despite sharing no land border whatsoever and wedged between Turkey, Armenia and Iran.

In one short weekend we will climb the 3000 stairs to the fortress, visit Noah’s Tomb, and wander through the monuments, minarets, and palaces of this ancient and fascinating land before returning to Dubai with memories of a lifetime!

Let’s go!

Day 1 // Friday

Meeting at DXB T2 at 16:30 for a direct flight to Baku at 18:20. Immigration clearance and overnight.

Day 1 // Saturday

After breakfast short connecting flight to Nakhchivan.

Start with exploration of Noah’s Tomb and the Momina Khatun Monument, which the locals call the “Taj Mahal of Nakhchivan”. Once the site of thousands of houses, dozens of mosques, mausoleums, and minarets, all that remains is the mosaic columns and minarets of Garabaghlar.

Overnight in 5 star hotel.

DAY 2 // Sunday

With stops to see few other sites, we will begin the climb of 3000 stairs up to Alinja Fortress and see for ourselves why it is the Machu Picchu of Central Asia.

Past lunch we will visit the most curious hospital inside a salt mine for the treatment of asthma and bronchitis! Afterwards we will descend the caves of Ashabu before making a quick visit to carpet museum for souvenirs. Further on flight to Baku and flight home. Back in DXB Monday 01:20am.

Level: Easy
Activities: Trekking, sightseeing, experience of secluded culture.
Duration: Weekend
Accommodation & meals: 5 star hotel in Nakhchivan - double sharing. Meals excluded. Bring your fav snacks for the road.

Cost:
2,100 AED excl. international flights
or 4,110 AED incl. international flights.

Cost valid until June 05.

Specifically excluded:

• visa,
• meals,
• single room supplement.

The Islands of the Moon, Comoros, are a small cluster of volcanic isles drifting between Africa and Madagascar, blending African and Arab cultures with a French accent.

The name "Comoros" comes from the Arabic word Qamar, meaning moon, a name given by old sailors who saw something magical in these shores. And in many ways, the moon still fits in a distant, beautiful reference, that’s always pulling the tides and the past together.
Their flag proudly flies four stars, even though only three of the islands are truly part of the country today. The fourth star belongs to Mayotte, which chose to stay with France after independence in 1975, despite the rest of the islands voting to break away. Still, Comoros keeps Mayotte on the flag, not just out of habit, but out of hope, memory, and maybe a little stubbornness too.

The four islands of the Comoros are home to 500 plant species, 21 bird species, 9 reptile species, and 2 species of fruit bats that are found only in this archipelago. However, deforestation has caused significant changes to the landscape and threatens the survival of these rare plant and animal species. The Comoros are reminiscent of Madagascar. Most of the species found in the Comoros are related to those from the "eighth continent" (Madagascar) and Africa. A small number also originate from Asia.

The archipelago was formed by volcanic activity. The oldest island is Mayotte, and the youngest is Grande Comore. It is on this last island that eruptions of the Karthala volcano (over 2,300 masl) still occur.
Today Comoros enjoy their independence to the full extent. Since gaining independence, the islands have changed hands many times, experiencing over 20 coups, more than the number of years under stable governance. It has rightfully earned the nickname “the Coup Capital of the World.”

Country has zero traffic lights and roads are so chill and bumpy that no one bothers. Locals say, "We have goats and patience instead." Thanks to vast ylang-ylang plantations, parts of the islands literally smell like perfume., the air is often scented with flowers and yes, people do stop and sniff the air. In fact, this cousin of custard apple with yellowish flowers is a key ingredient in luxury perfumes, ie. Channel no. 5. Although the plant came to the Comoros from the much larger Indonesia, it is the African country that is the largest producer of ylang-ylang oil, an important ingredient in many perfumes. The Comoros is also the second largest producer of vanilla in the world.

Despite being a sovereign nation, the Comorian franc is still tied to the euro and printed in France. However, in rural areas, vanilla and cloves are so valuable they’re sometimes used in bartering.

The Livingstone’s fruit bat and Comoros drongo are among the national wildlife symbols. Bat curry is still a local delicacy in some villages. They're fruit bats, and apparently... "tastes like chicken,"

But in a background, it is still an untouched tropical paradise where volcanic peaks meet coral reefs, ancient Islamic culture shapes daily life with a quiet rhythm of tradition and hospitality. Spice-scented beachside villages with sacred mosques blend seamlessly with passing sea turtles and whales, all moving to the gentle rhythm of island time. Inshallah, it could be your perfect off-the-beaten-path adventure: raw, real, and refreshingly undiscovered.

Let’s go!

Day 1 // Grande Comore: The Historic Town of Itsandra

Arrival to Moroni International, immigration and check–in
to our beach side hotel.
After short refreshment head out to discover the historic town of Itsandra.
Once the beating heart of Swahili civilization on the island of Ngazidja (Grande Comore), Itsandra has roots stretching back to the 14th century. It was once the capital of the island and its first seaport, a hub where merchants and travelers converged. Today, remnants of this vibrant past still linger. The fortress of the 17th century, once linked to the city by a walled corridor, stands proudly, while fragments of ramparts dotted with observation holes whisper tales of bygone days.

The Arab quarter, with its mausoleum of Al Habib Omar Bin Sumet and centuries-old mosques, offers a spiritual glimpse into the island’s layered past. As you stroll through public squares framed by monumental gates, you’ll feel the timeless rhythm of a place where history and community converge. Before returning, we’ll explore a local handcrafts shop, where fine woodcarvings and artisanal creations celebrate the artistry of the Comorian people.
Day 2 // Grande Comore North
Today we are set to explore the scenic northern coast and its volcanic history. As we follow the eastern coast we will see where lava flows enter the sea and how the mangrove forests are now growing in the lava beds.
In Bangwa Kouni village, we’ll visit the “Miraculous Mosque,” said to have appeared overnight, as well as the tombs of some of the earliest Arab travelers to the islands. Lunch today is at Trou du Prophète, a tranquil bay, followed by time to relax on Maloudja Beach, where the coconut palms lean gracefully toward the sea. Quick stop at island’s largest baobab tree, so huge a dozen visitors can stand inside its hollow trunk.

After lunch, we continue to the volcanic crater lake of Niamawi, one of the island’s most fascinating geological formations. Separated from the open ocean by only a narrow ridge of volcanic rock, the lake sits remarkably below sea level, an unusual natural phenomenon that has intrigued visitors and geologists for many years.

Next to it lies the Dragon’s Tail, a partially submerged volcanic crater whose curved rim stretches into the Indian Ocean like a natural peninsula. Shaped by centuries of volcanic activity and erosion, this dramatic coastal formation offers breathtaking panoramic views of crashing waves, rugged cliffs, and the endless blue horizon beyond.
We’ll end up busy day at a sunset beach with well-deserved dip
in Indian ocean.
Day 3 // Mount Karthala (2,361m)
Today, the adventure reaches new heights with a trekkup Mount Karthala, the largest active volcano in the world. From Mvouni village, vehicles take us partway up the slopes, before we hit a 6k trail (700 m altitude).
The trail winds through lush forest and volcanic rock, eventually opening onto the vast caldera at the summit. Here, steam vents rise from the earth, and the crater within a crater offers a breathtaking reminder of the island’s geological power. A picnic lunch at the rim allows time to absorb the view of the island below, of the endless sea beyond, and of the raw forces that continue to shape Comoros. It’s definitely one of the most spectacular hikes in the Indian Ocean.
Day 4 // Dolphins & departure
Before bidding farewell to the Comoros, our morning begins out on the Indian Ocean in search of dolphins. Setting off by boat at sunrise, we will cruise along the coast where pods of spinner and bottlenose dolphins are often seen playing in the warm turquoise waters. There may be an opportunity to swim alongside these graceful marine mammals in their natural habitat.

Unfortunately its time to check out and head back to airport. Bye-bye Comoros x

Activities: Trekking, boating, snorkelling, sightseeing, encounter of wildlife, cultural immersion.
Accommodation & meals: beach side 4 star hotel - shared rooms. Meals excluded.

Cost: 5,200 AED excl. flights until JUNE 10.
Flights by Ethiopian, you can use any alternative connection.

Specifically excluded: Insurance, visa, meals.
Visa: Nationals of any country can obtain a visa on arrival.
Note: Wildlife spotting can not be guaranteed.

See yah in Comoros xx