Curious to know what life was like in the Gulf, pre-oil? Well, wonder no longer. Over one long weekend, this trekkup will introduce you to fascinating Qeshm, both a tranquil haven for nature and wildlife and a time warp transporting visitors to a bygone era.
The largest island in the Arabian Gulf, Qeshm is a world apart. Over an area six times the size of Bahrain, we’ll find teeming mangrove forests, dramatic landscapes and secluded beaches with playful dolphins just offshore.
Venture inland to get lost in an extraordinary network of canyons, caves and valleys carved over millennia, and now protected within what is the Middle East’s only UNESCO-recognized geopark, thanks to its unique geology and biodiversity. Explore the glittering depths of Namakdan Salt Cave, which at 6 km is one of the world’s longest, or get starry-eyed in the Valley of the Stars, where the otherworldliness of the wind-sculpted rock formations gave rise to the legend that they were caused by the impact of meteors falling from the heavens.
Qeshm is dotted with some 60 traditional Bandari villages, where, unlike much of the Gulf, the islanders have held fast to their age-old way of life. You won’t find any gleaming skyscrapers here! Locals wear traditional dress, live in wind-tower-cooled houses and still craft by hand their UNESCO-listed lenj boats, which have kept trade moving across these waters for centuries. We will spot many of Qeshm’s women wearing the colorful burqa masks that are unique to southern Iran – a practical blend of cultural identity and sun protection.
The island’s wildlife is just as remarkable: endangered hawksbill turtles roam the shallows, rare birds and reptiles thrive and mangrove forests shelter everything from flamingos to crabs. Community-led conservation projects have gained international recognition, with tens of thousands of turtle eggs laid on Qeshm’s beaches each year.
The icing on the cake? Though part of Iran, Qeshm is a visa-free, duty-free zone (yes, even for UK and US passport holders!) so all you’ll get is an unreadable entry stamp and access to bargain shopping.
It’s the perfect weekend escape for anyone curious about Iran’s diversity. Qeshm isn’t representative of the whole country; it’s distinctly “Gulfy”, nature-focused and refreshingly unhurried. But that’s the charm. Here, time has stood still, offering a glimpse of the region as it was before the oil boom – no time machine required.
Let’s go!
DAY 1 // Friday
Meeting at T2 for a short flight from Dubai. Immigration formalities and transfer to marina for a boat ride to Mangrove forest. Visit to traditional dhow shipyard followed by Geoparks of Chookah and Statue Valley. Towards sunset, perhaps the most remarkable one - Valley of the Fallen Stars, for some unforgettable views.
Zaar or local dance ceremony followed by dinner.
DAY 2 // Saturday
Early morning start, as we get ready to tackle one of the biggest salt caves in the world. Stretching over six kilometers into the heart of a mountain, Namakdan Salt Cave houses a dreamlike landscape of glistening white salt crystals, colorful mineral patterns and surreal formations. Make sure to breathe in deep! Rich in salt particles, the cave’s air is said to have therapeutic benefits for respiratory health.
Next we hop on a boat to Hengam Island, for some relaxing beach time and a local safari that will introduce us to more of Qeshm’s flora and fauna. In the afternoon, it’s back to the main island and time for some cultural immersion, as we visit the Bandari people in Laft, a 2000-year-old fishing village and the oldest settlement in Qeshm, famous for its traditional architecture and historical windcatchers.
Dinner and overnight in local guesthouse.
DAY 3 // Sunday
Breakfast, drop off to airport for return flight home. Bye bye, Qeshm!
Level of difficulty: easy, available for beginners.
Activities: short trekking, boating, caving, sightseeing, swimming and snorkeling (optional)
Duration: Weekend
Accommodation & meals: local meals & stay in local guesthouse, shared rooms.
Cost: AED 3,450 AED all incl. flights,
cash payment only until SEP 30th.
Visa: Qeshm is visa free zone, no visas required. Immigration pre-registration formalities included in trip budget. All nationalities receive entry stamp on arrival.
Requirement: small backpack, sports shoes, sunglasses, sunblock, scarf for ladies, mosquito repellent, swim and snorkeling gears.
Clip:
https://vimeo.com/210124800
See yah on Qeshm x
Trekkup Crew
Whatsapp 050 4848238 / [
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