Trekkup Dubai ✔

Welcome to Paradise!

Nosy Be, meaning "big island" in the Malagasy language, is a beachy paradise located 8 km off the northwestern coast of Madagascar. Visitors will find a volcanic island with a warm tropical climate, pristine white-sand beaches, eleven crater lakes, and habitats which are home to numerous endemic plant and animal species.

The French colonized Nosy Be from 1840, founding an outpost named Hell-Ville which became an important trade harbor in the Mozambique Channel. Now the capital, the city offers French colonial buildings and a glimpse of day-to-day local life at its lively markets and craft centers.

At 320 square kilometers, Nosy Be is the largest island of an archipelago, and its several smaller neighbors nearby make it the ideal place for island hopping and sampling an array of picture-postcard beaches. One of the main attractions of the archipelago is its marine life, and waters surrounding many of the islets are excellent spots for scuba diving and snorkelling. With overnight stays on the tiny, remote isles of Nosy Sakatia and Nosy Iranja, we’ll take in the best of what the land and sea has to offer, and have our very own “castaway” moment!

In the southeast of Nosy Be is its most famous attraction: Lokobe National Park, a 740-hectare sanctuary known for its rare panther chameleon population, black lemurs, geckos, frogs and much more. One of Madagascar's five Strict Nature Reserves, Lokobe encompasses an old-growth forest with ancient endemic tree species – the last remaining primary rainforest on the island. A wildlife-spotting trek through this lush coastal haven brimming with ylang-ylang, orchids, palm trees and ferns is an experience to remember.

As if you needed another reason to visit, August is the prime time for whale watching, as massive, magnificent humpback whales make their way through the archipelago’s waters. We’ll set sail and hope to spot some of their acrobatics – a sight you won’t soon forget!

Ready to explore the islands of your dreams? Let’s go!

DAY 1 // ARRIVAL & BOAT TO NOSY SAKATIA
Meeting at airport for flight via Addis. Arrival at Fascene Airport in Nosy Be, meet the team and transfer to a boat to make the short journey to Nosy Sakatia, a road-free island with picture-perfect beaches, rare birds and endemic flora. What it’s most known for, however, is its coral reef teeming with ocean life.

With its marine ecosystem located inside a protected area, Sakatia’s waters offer an unforgettable snorkelling or diving experience. We’ll enjoy this slice of paradise as we swim, snorkel, and soak up the sun – and maybe spot some of the giant green turtles that call the island home!

Later, it’s time for an orange sunset, dinner and overnight in the haven of tranquillity.

DAY 2 // NOSY ANTSOHA & NOSY IRANJA
This morning we’ll pack up and head out to take in two more magical islands. First we’ll make a stop at tiny Nosy Antsoha, where a nature walk will bring us face-to-face with the three different species of lemurs which call the island home.

We’ll continue on to Nosy Iranja, connected to Nosy Be by a sandbank that is covered during high tide and revealed during low tide. Its shores and shallow waters provide a habitat for sea turtles, hence its nickname of “Turtle Island”. In this beautiful, white sand paradise, the inviting waters appear in every shade of blue.

DAY 3 // WHALE WATCHING
Time to make a tick on the bucket list! In the morning we’ll set out to spot some humpbacks on their annual migration. Afterwards, we’ll head back to Nosy Iranja for a last chance to swim and snorkel, before returning to Nosy Be in the afternoon.
Overnight in a Nosy Be beachfront resort.

DAY 4 // HELL-VILLE & MONT PASSOT
We’ll enjoy a relaxing morning starting with a tour of Hell-Ville, taking in its colonial buildings, harbor, and covered market offering spices, tropical fruits, seafood and more. There are plenty of local crafts for those who are interested in purchasing a souvenir.

After lunch we’ll drive about an hour to reach the highest viewpoint in Nosy Be – the dormant volcano Mount Passot. From more than 300m up, we’ll have a magnificent panoramic view of Nosy Be’s volcanic lakes, the surrounding islands, and the sparkling, multi-hued coastal waters.
We’ll settle in and enjoy a beautiful sunset before heading back to the resort.

DAY 5 // LOKOBE NATIONAL PARK & DEPARTURE
This morning we’ll hit the road towards the southeast of the island and the village of Ambatozavavy, where we’ll pile into local fishing boats and make our way through dense mangrove forests to reach the park.
Our ranger-led hike will take us through dense forest and lush greenery, where we’ll keep our eyes peeled to spot endemic wildlife and plants, including lemurs and rare chameleons.

In the afternoon, we say goodbye to paradise and transfer back to the airport for our flight home.

Grade: Easy and relaxing tropical holiday.
Activities: Island hopping, trekking, sightseeing, beach strolling, boating. Optional diving.
Accommodation: Two nights in lodges on remote islands and two nights at Nosy Be beachside resort - shared rooms. Single room at extra cost, subject of availability at the time of booking.
Meals: Lunches and dinners excluded. Lunches on full day trips included.

Cost: 5,100 AED excl. flights. Cost valid until JULY 15th. Past this date cost will change if we still have availability.

Flights: Ethiopian via Addis approx. 5700 AED, combination of airlines 4,000 AED.

Visas: Any passport can obtain visa on arrival valid for 90 days. All visitors must hold a passport valid for 6 months.

See yah in Nosy x

If it wasn’t for the Baikal Lake in Siberia, Lake Tanganyika would be the deepest, longest, and oldest freshwater lake in the world! Fortunately, the weather is much more pleasant in Burundi, so second place suddenly doesn’t seem so bad.

Full of rare fish and myths, crocodiles, hippos and legends, the lake beckons travelers to this tiny African nation in search of unseen landscapes along hidden corners of the East African Rift.
Bordering Rwanda, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Tanzania, Burundi’s natural landscape is nothing short of spectacular. From rolling mountain ranges to dense rain forests, glistening lakes and natural waterfalls, this place is yet another lesser-known African gem waiting to be discovered.

The capital, Bujumbura, is nestled on the shores of Lake Tanganyika and offers up some of the best inland beaches in Africa – complete with a vibrant night scene.

A former European colony (Belgian and German), Burundi gained its independence in 1962, and initially had a monarchy. However, a series of assassinations, coups and a general climate of regional instability culminated in the establishment of a republic and one-party state in 1966. It then descended into civil war from 1993 to 2005.

Yet despite its turbulent past, Burundi’s natural landscape remains a marvelous destination for the adventurous. It’s jungle rain forests at the Rusiza National Park and the Kibira National Park – less than 20km from the capital – promise sightings of colobus monkeys, rare chimpanzee species, peculiar birds, and butterflies.

Holding 15 percent of the Earth’s fresh water, Lake Tanganyika is believed to be 15 million years old – and covers an area of 34,000 square kilometers at a maximum depth of 1,500 meters. Forming Burundi’s natural border, the Lake’s waters also reach the shores of Tanzania, the DRC and Zambia.

While roughly 98 percent of the 250 cichlid fish species in Lake Tanganyika, are endemic – which also extends to many of the Lake’s invertebrates including mollusks, crabs, copepods, shrimp, jellyfish and more.

And if you’re lucky, we might even catch sight of the notorious man-eating crocodile, Gustave. Six metres long and weighting nearly 1,000 kgs, he’s said to have killed nearly 300 people from the banks of the Ruzizi River on the northern shores of Lake Tanganyika – best keep our distance then!

Day 1:
Transfer to lodge at the shores of the lake, check-in, rest and enjoy sunset at one of the largest African lakes.
Overnight in the lakeshore lodge.

Day 2:
After breakfast we will start with Rusizi National Park, across Bukeye and the vast tea plantations of TEZA. Continue drive to Gitega, the second town and political capital of Burundi. Visit a drum sanctuary at Gishora, to witness spectacular musical performance from the world famous Burundian drummers.
Overnight at hotel.

Day 3:
Start the day with Gitega National Museum. Further on the road and head to Karera waterfall and source of the Nile. Drive back to Bujumbura, with several stops on the way,
Overnight in the lakeshore lodge.

Day 4:
Our trip would not be completed without a visit at fishermen village. From here we head on to Unity monument, Belvedere Hill offering a nice view of the Lake and the city. Next is “Maison fleurie” (shops of souvenirs), pass by Buja Café. Relax at the beach before heading to airport.

Grade: Easy and relaxing

Meals and hotels: Comfy lodge and hotel - single rooms. Meals excluded.

Cost: 3720 AED excl. flights until JULY 18.

Specifically excluded:
Any expenses related to visa on arrival, meals.

Visa: Visa on arrival available for every passport.

See yah in Burundi x

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 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 :: Kabul
Return to Kabul. Subject to traffic condition, we should have ample time to visit 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 and Darulaman Palace, if its open for visitors. In the evening kebab dinner. Overnight in Kabul.

DAY 3 :: Shopping time & Departure
After having breakfast, we will visit a couple of intriguing markets in Kabul. First, we'll explore the Ka Faroshi bird market, which is a cherished hobby among the locals. Then, we will head to Chicken Street, known for being a part of the historic "Hippie Trail," but nowadays it is filled with local handicrafts and a few extraordinary items that are hard to find elsewhere. We will have our last lunch at a local bistro before transferring to the airport for our flight back home.

Grade: Easy.
Activities: Sightseeing, trekking.
Accomo & meals: included, shared local guesthouse and hotel in Kabul.

Cost: 5920 AED all incl. flights, until JULY 20.
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

The Upper Mustang region of Nepal, near the border of Tibet, is a place as hallowed as it is high altitude. In this land of myth and mystery, at the base of the Himalayan mountains and adjacent to the famed Annapurna Circuit, remote monasteries cling to cliffsides, and the peaks feel so close you could reach out and touch them.

An otherworldly landscape that will literally take your breath away, the harsh, desert-like terrain reveals stunning natural beauty around every corner, from the imposing Nilgiri, Tilicho, and Dhaulagiri peaks to the apple orchards that dot the countryside. Renowned for its unique Tibetan-influenced culture, Upper Mustang is a mecca for trekkers looking for that perfect blend of off-grid exploration, dramatic vistas and cultural discovery.

Formerly known as the Kingdom of Lo, the area earned the nickname “The Forbidden Kingdom”, as foreigners were barred from entering until the early 1990s. At its heart lies its ancient capital, the walled city of Lo Manthang, boasting an exotic mix of Thakali, Magar, Tibetan, and Hindu and Buddhist cultures – and offering a glimpse of a world that has hardly changed in decades.

Amid Mustang’s breathtaking landscapes lies the Chungsi Cave Monastery, a sacred site revered by Hindus and Buddhists alike. Unlike the many man-made caves throughout the region, Chungsi Cave is a natural wonder sculpted by time and nature. Legends about the site abound – it is believed that both the 8th century Buddhist master Guru Rinpoche and the Hindu god Shiva meditated here.

Located in a remote and beautiful valley, the pilgrimage site of Muktinath is built in the pagoda style, with stupa, holy taps, ponds, eternal flames, and the monastery itself. A space of spiritual liberation at 3750 meters, it is believed that bathing in the waters of its taps and ponds provides eternal salvation. With horizon views of Mt. Dhaulagiri, Tukuche Peak, and mysterious landscapes across all of Upper Mustang, you’re sure to feel transformed by this holy place.

Mustang is the Tibet of your imagination, with windswept views of Himalayan peaks and desert-like valleys where the chants and hymns of wandering monks beckon trekkers and pilgrims from near and far! While this region is no longer “forbidden”, it remains somewhat restricted to outsiders – so don’t miss the chance to be among the few that experience its magic.

Let’s go!!

Day 1: Kathmandu + flight to Pokhara

Morning arrival in Kathmandu, short rest and set off for our first bit of sightseeing, while Mustang permits are being processed.

We ll head to Bhaktapur Durbar Square (UNESCO World Heritage Site), where we’ll explore ancient temples, courtyards, and vibrant local culture. Later, with permits in hand, we’ll board a scenic flight to Pokhara, where the stunning Annapurna mountain range awaits.

Day 2: Flight to Jomsom / Dumba Lake / Kagbeni

We start the day with a thrilling early-morning flight from Pokhara to Jomsom, flying between the mighty Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges and over the world’s deepest gorge. After arriving in Jomsom, we’ll make the short drive toward Kagbeni (2,810 m), the ancient gateway to Upper Mustang. Along the route, we’ll stop to visit the peaceful Dumba Lake, a serene Himalayan gem.

Day 3: Samar / Trek to Chungsi Cave Monastery / Ghami

Today will be a full and active day combining both driving and trekking. We’ll start with a scenic drive from Kagbeni to Samar (3,600 m), where we’ll enjoy lunch before beginning a 2-to-3-hour hike from Samar to the fascinating Chungsi Cave Monastery, set inside a natural cave.
After exploring Chungsi, we’ll continue with a short 30-minute climb to reach Syangboche Monastery at 3,850 m. Following our visit there, we’ll drive onward to Ghami (3,520 m), where we will spend the night. Throughout the journey, you’ll experience Mustang’s strikingly dry, desert-like landscapes, offering a unique and rugged Himalayan atmosphere.

Day 4: Trek to Lo-Gekar Gompa & Ghar Gompa / Charang

Today’s trek features stops at two historic settlements along the route to Lo-Gekar. Lo-Gekar Gompa, one of Nepal’s oldest monasteries—older even than Tibet’s famous Samye Gompa—is believed to be a meditation site of Guru Rinpoche, credited with bringing Tantric Buddhism to Tibet in the 8th century.

A short walk from there brings you to Ghar Gompa, dating back to the 1200s, where Guru Rinpoche is venerated as the central figure. This gompa is especially renowned for its intricate rock carvings and holds a local belief that it grants the wishes of those who visit.

The trek from Ghami to Ghar Gompa takes around 3.5 to 4 hours, and after about an hour exploring Ghar Gompa, we’ll continue onward for another 2 to 3 hours to reach Charang (3,560 m), where we settle in for the night.

Day 5: Drive to Lo Manthang

Today we reach Lo Manthang, making the 2-to-3-hour drive from Charang to our final and most anticipated stop, sitting at an altitude of 3,810 meters. Known as the “walled city”, the ancient capital of Upper Mustang is entirely enclosed by stone walls, preserving its centuries-old charm and cultural significance. Every trek or journey to Upper Mustang finds its culmination here, where history, tradition, and breathtaking landscapes come together.

Day 6: Lo Manthang

We have an additional day in Lo-Manthang today, giving us the opportunity to explore the city in more depth. We’ll visit the historic King’s Palace and other nearby cultural landmarks. One of the key highlights is experiencing the Tibetan-influenced culture of the Lhobas people, which gives Lo Manthang its distinctive charm.
Additionally, the area is believed to have 12 ancient caves adorned with old Buddhist paintings, dramatically situated along the edge of a 14,000-foot cliff. As we explore the city and its surroundings, we’ll spend around 3 to 4 hours walking and soaking in the remarkable atmosphere.

Day 7: Muktinath / Jomsom

Today we begin our return journey, driving from Lo Manthang back to Jomsom via the sacred site of Muktinath. The route offers spectacular mountain views and passes through rugged Mustang landscapes, with stops at local villages along the way.
At Muktinath, one of the most important pilgrimage sites for both Hindus and Buddhists, you’ll have the chance to visit the temple and explore its spiritual surroundings before continuing the scenic drive to Jomsom, where we’ll spend the night.

Day 8: Flight to Pokhara

This morning, we board a short but scenic flight from Jomsom to Pokhara, soaring over the majestic Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges. Upon arrival in Pokhara, short rest and relax at leisure.

Day 9: Flight to Kathmandu / Departure

Connecting flight to Kathmandu and back home. Bye bye, Nepal!

Level of difficulty: Moderate - limited facilities + high altitude ahead!
Accommodation: 4* hotel in Kathmandu, local tea houses in Mustang – double sharing. Local meals included.
Activities: Trekking, off-roading, sightseeing, immersion in ancient Buddhist culture.

Cost: AED 9,870 excluding international flights.

Cost valid until JULY 15th. Past this date cost will change.

Specifically excluded: International flights, visa, insurance, meals on transfers (ie. in Kathmandu).