Trekkup Dubai ✔

This time we invite you to join us for a journey across most mysterious and the least explored of Central Asia stans, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan, combined into one trip. We will discover both of them over a week travel across their deserted lands by plane, train and 4WDs.

Turkmenistan has been at the crossroads of civilizations for centuries. In medieval times, Merv was one of the great cities of the Islamic world and an important stop on the Silk Road, a caravan route used for trade with China until the mid-15th century. Annexed by the Russian Empire in 1881, Turkmenistan later figured prominently in the anti-Bolshevik movement in Central Asia. In 1924, Turkmenistan became a constituent republic of the Soviet Union, Turkmen Soviet Socialist Republic became independent in 1991.

Uzbekistan
The region’s cradle of culture for more than two millennia, Uzbekistan is the proud home to a spellbinding arsenal of architecture and ancient cities, all deeply infused with the bloody, fascinating history of the Silk Road. In terms of sights alone, Uzbekistan is Central Asia's biggest draw and most impressive showstopper.

In a brief:
- Direct flight to Turkmenistan,
- Ashgabat,
- Darvaza - Doors to hell,
- Domestic flight to Turkmenabat
- Farab/Alat border,

- Border crossing to Uzbekistan
- Bukhara,
- Bullet train Bukhara - Samarkand,
- Samarkand,
- Return flight to Dubai.

Let's go!

DAY 1 :: Arrival in Ashgabat – Darvaza

Early morning arrival in Ashgabat. Immigration procedure, check in to our lavish, white marble hotel and short rest. Foreign passport registration procedure. Quick look at majestic statues of Ashgabat and few other landmarks of the city. In the evening departure to Darvaza. On the way stop at two other craters with water and sulfur mud, both seeping with gas from the underground."A little party never killed nobody" themed BBQ dinner near the main crater. Unforgettable sunset over the gas burning spectacle (camping).

DAY 2 :: Darvaza – Ashgabat

After picnic breakfast we will return to Ashgabat and to visit the city sites not visited the previous day, including Visit UNESCO site Old Nissa, Turkmenbashi Ruhy mosque, Independence square and statues of famous national heroes. Overnight in the hotel.

DAY 3 :: Ashgabat – Turkmenabat – Farab/Alat border

Morning flight from Ashgabat to Turkmenabat. On arrival transfer 40 km to the Farab/Alat border and cross to Uzbekistan.

Bye bye Turkmenistan, welcome to Uzbekistan!

After crossing the border transfer to hotel in Bukhara for overnight.

Day 4 :: Bukhara

After breakfast start discovery of magical monastery-city - place of education and pilgrimage, called often a living museum. Stroll along the Lyabi Khauz Place – one of the most famous places of Bukhara; trading domes; Abdul-Azizkhan and Ulugbek madrassahs. Further to Poi-Kalyan place, with its Kalyan minaret, the main symbol of Bukhara, serving in former times as a lighthouse for caravanneers. Ismail Samani mausoleum – the oldest building in the Central Asia.
Our Uzbekistan experience would not be completed without a ride on a bullet train Afrosiyob to Samarkand. Overnight in Samarkand.

Day 5 :: Samarkand

In the morning sightseeing in the capital of Tamerlane’s powerful empire: Gur-Emir mausoleum – the burial place of the Tamerlane and his dynasty (XIV-XV c). Start with Registan Square, Ulugbem Observatory, free time in the afternoon. Registan Square – the heart of Samarkand with its three madrassahs – representatives of the great past of this city; Samarkand secrets: ancient observatory, paper factory and uzbek local life. Optional visit in local hammam.

Day 6 :: Return

Bye bye Silk Road, early morning flight back to Dubai,

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

Cost: 7790 AED incl. flights until AUG 21.

Specifically excluded: visa or any border fees, payable individually on arrivals.

Visa:
Turkmenistan - based on pre-approval. Approx. 100 USD, min. 3 weeks.
Uzbekistan - most of passports and UAE residents visa free, otherwise E-visa.

See yah at Silk Road x

The Republic of Moldova is a small country located between Romania and Ukraine. Little known in Europe, it blends the charms of unspoiled nature with unique history and even more intriguing present. Often referred as a hidden gem of Europe, proves its unique character on every corner. Hundreds of kilometers of cellars filled to the ceiling with millions of wine bottles, cave monasteries, Transnistria – the soviet era stronghold are just a few curiosities awaiting travelers here.

A short distance outside Chisinau is two of the countries most unique gems. Milestii Mici is a vineyard with the world’s largest underground wine cellar, with literally millions of bottles and more like an underground city with endless kilometers of tunnels best explored on a bike! And the ancient city of Orheiul Vechi between the narrow bend of the Raut River with eroded limestone rocks and the archaeological vestiges of the Trypillian civilization. You’ll find cultural layers of different epochs from the Paleolithic, Eneolithic, and Iron Age. Inhabited since ancient times to this day, Orthodox monks still guard the churches and grottos of this natural fortress.

Transnistria, officially the Pridnestrovian Moldavian Republic, is a breakaway state, unrecognized internationally part of Moldova, under military occupation by Russia. It’s territory is a narrow strip of land between the Dniester River and the Moldovan-Ukrainian border. To enter Transnistria is to take a time-machine back to Soviet era, you’ll think you were still in a cold-war geopolitical no-man’s land, with strange flags, statues of Lenin, vodka for a dollar, and more hammers and sickles than you’ll see anywhere else!
Moldova, known for its wine cultivation and production, has the highest vineyard density in the world. This is due to various factors, like its geographical latitude, soil quality, and microclimate. The local winemaking tradition tells the story of the community that nurtures it throughout the history.

People say Moldova even looks like a bunch of grapes on the map if you use a bit of imagination. Back in the USSR days, half of the wine produced in the whole empire came from here. Today, Moldova ranks as the 20th largest wine producer in the world. They take this very seriously – Milesti Mici near the capital holds the Guinness World Record for the largest wine cellar, stretching over 250 kilometers and housing more than two million bottles. One in five Moldovans works in wine production.

Autumn is a very special time to explore Moldovan vineyards because of the harvest season. Wineries open up to offer tastings of the best local wines. Plus, visiting medieval castles and fortresses lets you feel even more enchanting while surrounded by the autumn colors.

Let’s go!!

DAY 1 // 17.09 :: Arrival

Meeting at 07:30 am at T2 for a direct flight at 09:25- 13:40.
We reach Chisinau in time for dinner and first taste of Moldovan cuisine. Evening at leisure or check the local nightlife.

DAY 2 // 18.09:: Transnistria

Learning about the self-proclaimed and unrecognized Pridnestrovian Moldavian Republic, own currency, border guards and policy. Transnistria - which is the second largest city in Moldova, founded by Russian General Alexandr Suvorov in 1792. Its easy to notice city sentiments here, his statue is proudly rising on the central square. You can feel time stands still here since 1980s on every corner. Followed by lunch at soviet-style restaurant “Again in the USSR” we will visit to sturgeon fish farm for caviar tasting, 16th century Tighina fortress, Drama and Comedy theatre, Lenin, Suvorov and Catherine along other soviet flagged monuments, along the river Dniestr.

DAY 3 // 19.09 :: Grape Harvest at Chateau Purcari

Prepare yourself for a day filled with surprises and adventures, as we test your skills in picking and pressing the precious grapes of Purcari vineyards.
Purcari, known for its high-quality wines is oldest and most renowned winery in Moldova. It is here where Queen Elizabeth II's picked her favourite wines. We will sample selected grapes, such as Rosu de Purcari, Alb de Purcari, and Negru de Purcari. For dessert wine enthusiasts, the winery also produces Ice Wine, famous for hints of honey, spices, and fruits.
Despite using modern technology and international standards in wine production, we will have an opportunity to experience ancient traditions dating back to 1827. Equipped with garden scissors, we will start with grape harvesting. Once the baskets are full, it’s time for grape stomping! We will crush the grapes with our feet in a rhythmic dance. There will be no shortage of awards for the most active stompers! Well-deserved lunch at the winery restaurant on the open terrace overlooking the vineyards. Next, we will take a wine tour around the estate, learning about the secrets of wine production and indulging in a luxurious wine tasting experience.

DAY 4 // 20.09 :: Chisinau

After late breakfast, we’ll stretch our legs on a walk through the greenest capital in Europe! Pass by Cathedral Park and Bell Tower, Victory Arc, neoclassical monuments and quaint bookstores.
In the afternoon, we’ll head to Milestii Mici for a walk across world’s largest wine cellar! We will experience “the Golden Collection Milestii Mici” a proud holder of the Guinness Book of Records for storing more than 1.5 Million bottles of harmonious wines.

DAY 5 // 21.09 :: Departure

Free time at leisure before departure in the afternoon at 14:50-21:00. Bye bye Moldova…

Grade: easy, available to everyone.
Duration: Weekend
Activities: grape harvest, sightseeing, immersion in Soviet era (Transnistria).
Accommodation & meals: 4 star hotel, double sharing rooms, meals excluded.

Cost: 4490 AED incl. flights by Flydubai, until SEP 08.

Specifically excluded: visa (Schengen grants entry), insurance, meals except breakfasts.

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, local hotels - double sharing.

Cost: 5350 AED all incl. flights, until SEP 12th. 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

Baghdad, a city of uber rich history, mix of races and religions that extends for centuries, has been often referred as a Cradle of Civilization, New Babylon or even Gate of Gods. It is indeed the original trading hub of the Islamic Empire and the birthplace of cosmopolitanism, where cultures collided peacefully and created one of the first learning center for the rest of the world, in a form of Mesopotamian arts, science and literature

Today, over short walk you can experience here The Tales of the “One thousand and one nights” with Shehrazad statue sitting on the riverside of Tigris and watching the old streets and markets, pass by worship places from the shrine of Imam Musa al-Kadhim, Abu Hanafieh al-Nu’man to the Church of the Virgin Mary and all the way into busy streets of bustling modern metropolis, that has already forgotten the recent years trouble and craving to enter new golden era.

Let's go!

Day 1 // Friday

Meeting at Dubai Terminal 2 for a direct flight to Baghdad; arrival, immigration procedure, dinner, overnight in the hotel.

Day 2 // Saturday

After breakfast we will take a short drive to visit the Martyr Monument dedicated to Iraqi soldiers who died in 80’s Iraq-Iran war, Iraqis today generally consider it a commemoration of all the martyrs of Iraq.

Continue to remaining ruins of what has been appointed as Babylon – cradle of Mesopotamian civilization dated 18th - 6th BC, with the Hanging Gardens, that were supposed to be attached to the Palace of King Nebuchadnezzar. Appointed as Seven Wonders of Hellenic World, have presence in various literature sources but its physical existence has never been proven.

Located nearby Babylon, in fact overlooking it from atop a hill, stands proudly Saddam's Palace. Once a symbol of dictatorship powers, today covered with graffiti, is a remarkable symbol of passing away and indicates a warning to future generations.

Next point on our map is Babylon Theater, one of the most important Hellenistic monuments in the city and Mosque Al-Kadhimiya Shrine (Golden Dome) - the tomb of Imam Musa al-Kadhim and his grandson, Imam Muhammad al-Jawad, one of the most prominent Muslims and the seventh imam of Twelver Shiites.

Dinner, overnight in the hotel.

In the evening, check on the local nightlife.

Day 3 // Sunday

Check out from the hotel and hit the road to the city of Samarra. We will visit Samarra spiral minaret - one of the prominent distinctive landmarks of Iraq, due to its characteristic shape of the ascending spiral conical design.

After lunch, last point of our journey will be Save the Iraqi cutler monument. The monument is a broken and crumbling cylindrical stone column representing Iraqi culture. Souvenir shopping on the way to airport and fly back home.

Level of difficulty: Easy, available to everyone

Activities: sightseeing and getting amazed with uber rich Iraqi culture

Rooms & meals: 4 star hotel - sharing. Meals excluded.

Cost: 3,330 AED excl. flight until SEP 15. Payment by cash only, during briefings.

Specifically excluded: Meals, visa, insurance.