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The largest island in the Persian Gulf, Qeshm is fringed with biologically diverse mangrove forests, attractive beaches and some 60 Bandari villages.Its sun-scorched interior features geologically unique canyons, hills, caves and valleys, most of which are now protected as part of the Unesco-recognised Qeshm Island Geopark, but that’s just the beginning.
Contrary to the rest of the Gulf, increasingly overwhelmed with gleaming skyscrapers, island remains refreshingly attached to the age - old Bandari way of life. Here, locals wear traditional dress, live in houses cooled by badgirs (wind towers) and work in boat-building yards turning out lenges, the large wooden cargo boats – dhows, that have ferried the Gulf for centuries.
Qeshm is a duty-free zone and that is really good news!! Any nationality can enter here WITHOUT IRANIAN VISA. All you ll get is the unreadable entry stamp.
MOREOVER: UK & USA PASSPORTS ARE ALLOWED IN THE FREE ZONE.
The island has an abundance of wildlife, including birds, reptiles, dolphins and turtles. Local communities are heavily involved in projects to protect the environment, and there is some disquiet about the effect that the country’s first heavy oil refinery, currently being constructed on the island’s southern coast, might have on the hitherto pristine natural landscape. The turtle hatching center is internationally famous for its achievements, last year some 20000 eggs were laid on the beaches here.
As a short weekend trip it is a perfect introduction to Iran, endlessly charming and attractive country for us, expats from other parts of the world. Qeshm is very "gulfy", don’t expect it to be representative to the rest of very diverse Iran, but also specific with its close to nature, basic life styles. You are definitely going to be well surprised, time stopped here and this is exactly how Gulf looked alike before oil era. Now, you don’t need a time machine for that - Its all awaiting you on a weekend with TREKKUP.
Thursday:
Meeting at T2 at 10.00am for a short flight from Dubai, transfer to a local guest house, dinner and Zaar or local dance ceremony.
Friday:
Early morning start to marina and boat ride to Mangrove forest. Visit to Chookah valley, traditional dhow shipyard, statue valley, Valley of the Fallen Stars by sunset, Dinner with local entertainment in guest house.
Saturday:
Early morning start to Hengam Island, day on the beach and local safari, lunch, back to the airport.
Level of difficulty: easy, available for beginners.
Activities: short trekking, boating, caving, sightseeing, swimming and snorkelling (optional)
Duration: Thursday - Saturday (no other flights)
Accommodation & meals: local meals & stay in local house.
Cost: AED 2,750 AED all incl. flights, cash payment only.
Visa status: Free zone, no visas required. All nationalities receive entry stamp on arrival.
Requirement: small backpack, sports shoes, sunglasses, sunblock, scarf for ladies, mosquito repellent, swim and snorkeling gears.
See galleries:
http://www.meetup.com/trekkup/photos/26507768/
http://www.meetup.com/trekkup/photos/25562652/
http://www.meetup.com/trekkup/events/220736164/
See yah on Qeshm !! **
Piotr
Whatsapp 00971 50 4848238
Email: [email protected]
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Event Venue & Nearby Stays
Dubai International, P O Box 2525,Dubai, United Arab Emirates
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