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).
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See yah soon!! xx
Upcoming events (4+)
See all- Abyssinian Lullaby feat. TIMKAT | Long Weekend in Lalibela, EthiopiaDubai Airport, Dubai
Ancient churches springing to life, returned to their former glory. A festive buzz winding around city roads and shanty towns. Crowds of revellers gathering in red, yellow, and green to dance, sing, and pray.
Welcome to Timkat, the grandest celebration on the Ethiopian calendar!
A ritual re-enactment of the baptism of Jesus in the River Jordan by John the Baptist, Timkat Festival in the Ethiopian Orthodox Church, a church as old as Christendom itself, takes place over 3 days with dancing in the streets, colourful robes, vestments, and umbrellas symbolizing the covenant between man and God, models of the Ark of the Covenant emerge from ancient churches wrapped in rich cloth, solemn processions of hundreds of elders, women, and children, with participants immersing in waters to renew their baptismal vows. It’s a celebration of life and renewal unlike any other in Ethiopia, or the world!Lalibela is located in the heart of Abyssinian Highlands, on the side of mountain range culminating at 4284 mtrs. Its 2500 meter altitude provides a climate with daily temperatures 20-15C. The world recognized glory of the city comes from the churches curved in monolithic rocks, concept similar to Petra or Ellora gained Lalibela a spot not only on UNESCO World Heritage list but also on many travel connoisseurs bucket lists. We will discover this 7th or perhaps 8th world's wonder over an extended weekend trip.
https://vimeo.com/297861237
https://vimeo.com/329506645Although date of churches creation is speculated to be around 12th to 13th century, it has been widely attributed to King Lalibela 24 years' project, at the time when city was called Roha. The legend says the King was born surrounded by the bees, and it became the sign of his future reign. The name also relates to this event – Lalibela origin in ancient Amharic means “The one who eats honey”.
Its only in 1950s when the first road to Lalibela was finally constructed and so the former dwellings started being replaced with houses and corrugated iron sheet roofs. Until then it took forty to fifty hours on mule to reach the city.
With 8 rock hewn churches and 2 rock hewn palaces Lalibela contains a number of courts, tunnels, pools and was significant achievement of architecture of its times. City quickly became political and religious center, putting Aksum, capitol city on secondary position. Moreover, due to its remote location it is only Lalibela who survived religious wars ravaging Ethiopia over centuries, other places including Aksum were completely destroyed. No wonder the presence of churches is considered as holy protection to the northern Abyssinian plateaus.
Our plan is to visit this soaked with history UNESCO site but also spend some time outside to stretch the legs. We ll take the opportunity of Timkat celebration which makes Lalibela a vibrant place and observe very unique celebrations.
Lets go!!
DAY 1 / Saturday
Meeting at Dubai Terminal 1 for a flight to Addis and connecting flight to Lalibela. Check in to our comfy lodge, lunch and start with visiting the remarkable rock-hewn churches of Lalibela built in the 11th and 12th century. Today we focus on first group of churches including St. George.DAY 2 / Sunday
In the morning join the city for celebration of Epiphany - Timkat.Further on, we head for a hike to a church located on a cliff with spectacular 360 degree view of the city, certainly the most breathtaking route around Lalibela. It is a trail to hidden church, one of the Lalibela best kept secrets.
Spend rest of the day discovering 3 church complexes: the most famous group Royal and Ecclesiastical.
After churches its time to visit famous local nightclub called Torpedo, although it is not included on UNESCO list.
DAY 3 / Monday
Early morning glimpse at markets and souvenir shopping. Flight to Addis and if time allows, quick look at bustling metropolis, visit Lucy and further fly back home.Level: Easy- two short but steep in places hikes. Available for beginners.
Activities: sightseeing, trekking.
Accommodation & meals - all included: comfortable ROCK HEWN lodge (sharing rooms).Single room / upgrades to traditional TUKUL subject of availability at the time of booking.
Cost: 2,650 excl. flights until JAN 9th.
Specifically excluded: e-visas, photography fees or other tips, meals in Addis.
See yah in Lalibela x
Trekkup Crew
Whatsapp 050 4848238 / info@trekkup.com
Find all trekkups at linktr.ee/trekkup - Kashmirski | Skiing in Kashmir, IndiaDubai Airport Terminal 1, dubai
Kashmir, in the heart of the Himalayas, is the dream of every traveller. Its majestic mountain ranges, lush valleys, numerous lakes, and snow-clad peaks attract trekkers from all over the world.
But there is a lesser-known way to traverse this region’s high-altitude passes – by ski! Join us for this action-packed long weekend that offers the powdery slopes of your dreams, with a side of sightseeing in one of the world’s most beautiful and culturally rich regions.
Deep in the Kashmir Valley lays the charming city of Srinagar, the capital of Jammu and Kashmir state, whose founding dates back to the 3rd century BC. Located on the banks of the Jhelum River, and surrounded by the Indus, Dal, and Anchar lakes, water is everywhere you look in this ancient settlement, leading to the nickname the "Venice of the East". Known for its stunning mountain backdrops and beautiful landscapes boasting terraced lawns and cascading fountains, here we’ll find historic bridges, pashmina factories, and traditional workshops – and get a taste of the famous local plum cake.
High in the mountains lies Gulmarg Ski Resort, first established in 1927 by officers from the British Raj. Known for the fine quality of its powdery snow, the highest ski resort in Asia offers over 1,330 vertical meters (4,363 feet) of skiable terrain over four skiing zones on Mount Apharwat. Its biggest claim to fame is the Gulmarg Gondola, which ascends to an elevation of 3,980 meters (13,057 feet) and is among the highest gondolas in the world. Taking guests into the Himalayas’ Karakoram Range, clear days reveal the peaks of Nanga Parbat, the world’s ninth-highest mountain.
Surrounded by the breathtaking beauty of the Kashmiri Himalayas, we’ll soak in the views from all sides as we carve through the snowy slopes.
Let's go!
Day 1 // Srinagar Tour
Upon arrival we’ll transfer to the hotel and check in, then hit the streets to start exploring ancient Srinagar. We will start with Old City to take in fascinating architecture, such as the historic, Mughal-era Zaina Kadal bridge, once the trading hub of the city. We’ll visit local craftsman in traditional pashmina weaving and walnut wood carving workshops, and wander bustling markets.Once we’ve worked up an appetite – hopefully a big one! – we’ll head to a 100-year-old restaurant for a traditional Kashmiri wazwan, a multi-course meal offering an array of delicious meat-based and vegetarian dishes, from lamb rogan josh and roasted chicken to kebabs, meatballs, paneer and much more.
We’ll end our day with a sunset shikara boat ride on Nigeen Lake, marvelling at the backdrop of snowy mountain peaks reflected in the shimmering waters.
Day 2 // Gulmarg Skiing
Today we get our first taste of snow! We’re on the road early for the short drive to Gulmarg Ski Resort, home to the world’s highest gondola ski lift and eye-popping views of the Himalayas. Once we’ve checked into the hotel, you’re free to hit the slopes and spend the day as you wish.Day 3 // Gulmarg Skiing
Today we have the whole day dedicated to skiing and snow activities, at your leisure.Day 4 // Departure
This morning we’ll check out, grab souvenirs on the way to airport and head for our flight to Delhi, where we’ll connect on to Dubai.Activities: Sightseeing, skiing.
Grade: Easy, available for everyone.
Accommodation and meals: 4 star hotels – double sharing. Meals included except for lunches on ski days.Cost: 4,560 AED incl. 4 flights, until JAN 9th.
Specifically excluded: Ski gear rental (available on location), lunches on ski days due to logistics.
Visa:
Most of nationalities are eligible for E-visa: https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/. More info here.See yah in Kashmir x
Trekkup Crew
Whatsapp 0504848238 / info@trekkup.com
Find all trekkups at linktr.ee/trekkup - The Soul of India | Long Weekend in Varanasi, IndiaSharjah International Airport, Sharjah
Along the banks of the Holy River Ganga breathes the mystical city of Varanasi, one of the holiest sites of Hinduism, where the Buddha preached his first sermon, and pilgrims from across India and the world seek enlightenment, redemption, and absolution.
Dense with ancient domes, muths, ashrams, and priests, Varanasi’s narrow lanes are packed with pilgrims and sacred cows, with intimate rituals of life and death visible around every corner. And from holy shrines and colourful temples to Ganga and ghats it’s the India of your imagination!
Along the banks of the Ganga, the most holy of rivers considered a deity in the Hindu religion, are high pavilions, palaces, temples, and terraces packed into the riverbank, also known as ghats, where you’ll find early morning bathers, priests, yoga practitioners, and onlookers of curious students and travellers alike.
The Manikarnika Ghat is the eternal crematorium, because it is believed that a person cremated here will attain salvation from the cycle of birth and death. So, as you can imagine it is a place that draws pilgrims in droves, from those seeking redemption to those waiting for death, making the sights and sounds of this holy place a source of inspiration.
The Aarti Ceremony, performed every sunset along the riverbank, is a devotional ritual which uses fire as an offering, usually in the form of a lit lamp and a small diya with a candle and flowers, floated down the Ganga. Put simply Varanasi is a shock to the senses and not to be missed! Because from the morning mists of the ganga to the otherworldly chants of the Aarti Ceremony, Varanasi is sure to leave you inspired, shocked, breathless, and dazzled!
Let’s go!!
Day 1 // Friday // Ganga Aarti Ceremony
Meeting in Sharjah Airport for afternoon flight to Varanasi. After arrival and immigration clearance, transfer to hotel for quick rest before we head out into the streets for first sights and sounds of this otherworldly city.
Day 2 // Saturday // Ghats & Ganga
Today we rise early to the sounds of chants, and we’ll hop aboard our boat for sunrise on the Ganges! Where we’ll get a first look at the Ghats from the river before breakfast, taking walk through the old centre, crammed with colourful alleys, workshops, markets, temples, and a few cows too.
Afterwards we’ll head to the Muslim Quarter for a look at some lesser-known shrines. Then it’s back on the boat for the Aarti Ganga ceremony from the river at sunset, before we tuk-tuk back to the hotel.
Day 3 // Sunday // Village & City
After breakfast, we head back into the city streets in search of new secrets before crossing the river for short trek to a nearby laid back and serene village, which is an absolute contrast from the bustling city of Varanasi. We’ll cross back over the Ganga in the afternoon and visit local handicraft workshops and silk weaving factories before dinner and a transfer to airport for our flight back to home.
Level of Difficulty: Easy, available for beginners.
Activities: Walking, boating, sightseeing.
Duration: Weekend
Accommodation & Meals: Hotel, double sharing. Meals excluded.
Cost: AED 3810 incl. flights until JAN 20th.
Visas: Most nationalities eligible for E-visa.
Galleries
https://www.meetup.com/trekkup/photos/26563287/
https://vimeo.com/209331424See yah in the Ganga x
Trekkup Crew
Whatsapp 00971 50 4848238 / info@trekkup.com
Find all trekkups at linktr.ee/trekkup
