So yes, I have decided to go back to Afghanistan under different circumstances now and honestly I can’t wait for this adventure of a lifetime.. Will it be a challenging trip? Yes, it will be. Do I want complainers to join? No, I don’t. Do I want YES-people to come? Absolutely! Anyway..  I visited 9 provinces in 2019, but I still want to see so much more in this fascinating country. I will bring 7 people with me (not more, not less..) I don’t care about making money on this trip, this is just what I think is the perfect group size for a trip like this. Are you excited for more info? You should be.. This is the programme..

Included: – All accommodations – Transportations and Domestic flights in Afghanistan – Guiding and Permits – Taxes

Not included: Travel Insurance – VISA FEE – Flights in an out of Afghanistan – Entrance tickets to sites – Meals and drinks – Tips – Any extra payment.

Write e-mail to gus1thego@outlook.com to explain shortly about yourself and why you would be a great fit for our group, if you’re interested. If you get approved for the trip, you’ll get more info. TOUR INFO BELOW!

We are going to get our visas in Dubai (unless you know and want to do it somewhere else,) but the plan is to arrive in Dubai on Monday (have a few days to get our visas – I will provide the LOI) and then we go to Kabul on a Thursday.

TOUR PROGRAMME AFGHANISTAN

GUS1THEGO – EXPEDITION

Start & end Point: Kabul
Number of People 7 + Gus

Date: 9th – 18th May 2024

Day 1 – Kabul
Thursday 9th / May / 2024

Arrival in Kabul. You will be transferred from the airport to our accommodation
where we will discuss the trip.

Day 2 – Kabul:
Friday 10th / May / 2024

We will head out and explore Kabul and visit places such as Babur garden – the last
resting place of the first Mughal emperor, Sakhi Shrine historical and stunning shrine
locally believed as bypass of Ali the cousin of prophet Mohammad, the sobering
OMER landmine in Afghanistan and the famous bird market where you will see a
maze small alleyways with locals which haggling over everyday product you
imagine. Including the famous Afghan singing birds. Overnight in Kabul

Day3 Kabul – Bamyan:
Saturday 11th / May / 2024

Today we will drive from Kabul to Bamyan and it will be around 4 hours driving from
Kabul to Bamyan, the capital of Hazarajat – home of Hazaras and one of the most
interesting places with very stunning nature in Afghanistan. When we arrive in
Bamyan we will have time to look at the hillsides containing many caves in which
monasteries and Buddhist carving once situated and visit Buddha niches of
Bamyan, Shar-e-Gholghulah (City of Screams). overnight in Bamyan

Day 4 Bamyan – Band e Amir:
Sunday 12th / May / 2024

Today we will visit places we missed the day before such as dragon valley and the
re city (Shar-e-Zuhak) and then head to the national park of Afghanistan the lapis
lazuli blue water of Band-e-Amir are often the highlight of any trip to Afghanistan.
Legend has it that the dams that separate 5 lakes were made by Ali, the prophet
Mohammad’s cousin and son in law. However, the geologists insist they are natural
dams made from mineral deposits. The lakes contrast to the stark landscape
surrounding them only adds to the beauty of this area. Overnight in Bamyan

Day 5 Bamyan – Kabul:
Monday 13th /May / 2024

Today we head the road back to Kabul and then exploring more of Kabul, and now
that you have got a feel for this chaotic city well do a bit more walking and well
mingle with locals. We take a walk around the city see the daily life of people.
We will also try and visit the famous bookseller of Kabul made famous from 2002
book by Norwegian journalist Asne Seierstat. In the afternoon we head to visit British
cemetery and hills of Bibi Mahroo and overnight in Kabul.

Day 6 Kabul – Kandahar:
Tuesday 14th/ May/2024

Kandahar is the second largest city in Afghanistan so we will be spending one night
and one day here to soak in the atmosphere. We take a flight from Kabul to
Kandahar and then we will check out a few of the local sites, including the Kandahar
Museum containing rarely seen pieces of art and the Tomb of Ahmad Shah Durrani,
the founder of modern Afghanistan. We will visit Sarphosa (Porch) Bazar. We will
also visit one of the most famous sites in Afghanistan, the mosque of the cloak of
the Prophet Mohammad. One of the holiest sites in Afghanistan during his famous
night journey. The cloak is locked away inside and has not been taken out since
1996. Overnight in Kandahar

Day 7 Kandahar – Kabul:
Wednesday 15th /May /2024

Today we fly from Kandahar to Kabul and head out of the airport for lunch in Kabul
and then visit Timor Lang tomb, hills of Bibi Mahroo and Shah-e-Do Sham Shira
mosque means the king of the two swords. Overnight in Kabul

Day8 Kabul – Mazar e Sharif:
Thursday 16th / May / 2024

Today we take an early morning flight from Kabul to Mazar-e-Sharif and then we
have time to visit the majestic blue tiled tomb of Hazrat Ali, Afghanistan most
important religious city of Balk, called Bactria to the Greeks. Bactria was the
birthplace of Zoroaster, the founder of Zoroastrianism as well as Rumi the
Legendary Persian poet. Legacy entrance to the town, at the blue tiled shrine of
khoja Parsa and at the oldest mosque in Afghanistan, the 9th century No Gombad
mosque. Overnight in Mazar

Day 9 Mazar e Sharif – Kabul:
Friday 17th / May / 2024

A day trip to Kabul. En route you will also be able to visit Tajqurghan and the old
king’s hunting lodge. the Buddhist monastery remains at Samangan, two hours’
drive south of Mazar e Sharif. The 1500-year-old complex contains a huge stupa
carved out of the bedrock as well as a number of caves used as places of worship or
Tahmeena’s Bazar and head to Kabul but before we will have lunch at Du Shakh.
Overnight in Kabul.

Day 10 – End of trip:
Saturday 18th / May / 2024

Exploring more Kabul, and now that have got a feel for this chaotic country we will
do a bit more walking and will mingle with locals. We will take a walk down chicken
street. Once the famous epicenter of the counter-culture and free of love movement
on the opium trail in the 60s chicken street is now famous for its antique and carpet
shops. We will also try to visit the famous bookseller of Kabul made famous from the
2002 book by Norwegian journalist Asne Seierstat and we drop to the airport to
catch your flight and goodbye!

So yes, a legendary and challenging Afghanistan trip coming up. This will be crazy and epic as always with the gus1thego expeditions!

Gustav

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Men Türkmenistany gowy görýärin we ýakyn wagtda bu ajaýyp ýurda baryp görmek isleýärin.

1:  ASHGABAT

The capital of Turkmenistan of Ashgabat is the first thing to see. The city is listed in the Guinness Book of Records as the whitest city on the planet. 543 buildings are built in the same style-they are lined with white marble. Absolutely beautiful architecture and extremely clean.

2. The ancient city of Nisa

If you drive 18 kilometers west of Ashgabat, you can meet the remains of the ancient city of Nisa. The monuments are protected and included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. The exhibits found during the excavations are kept in the State Cultural Center of Turkmenistan.

3. The Ruins Of Merv

In the south-eastern part of Turkmenistan, there is another UNESCO World Heritage Site, older than Nisa. These are the ruins of the ancient city of Merv. Its top is still decorated with a brick dome. The items found during the excavations are kept in the United Museum of History. I LOVE THIS COUNTRY!

4. Fiery Gas Crater of Karakum Desert

The place of the Fiert Gas Crater of Karakum Desert in Turkmenistan is remembered for a lifetime. Darvaza means “gate” in the national language. The gas crater 90 km from the village of Yerbent is very unique. Anyone who comes here at night becomes an eyewitness to an incredible sight: in the middle of the sands, in pitch darkness, an orange fiery light breaks out from under the ground.

5. Traditional cuisine

People travel to Turkmenistan to eat delicious meat and fish. Most of all, the locals love chicken and lamb. The restaurants serve game, goat and camel meat. Milk is drunk by camel and sheep. The serving plate in Turkmenistan is prepared at every step. Lamb meat is finely chopped, fried in lard and canned.

I love Turkmenistan and I hope to visit this beautiful country soon.  Bu ýurt haýran galdyryjy we ýakyn wagtda görmek isleýärin.

Gustav Rosted Soerensen

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The prices to fly in and out from Istanbul in Turkey are quite good and easy and that is what we are going to do!

WE ARE GOING TO TURKMENISTAN – GUS1THEGO EXPEDITION – 26TH OF JUNE – 30TH OF JUNE 2023

WHY VISIT TURKMENISTAN?

I mean, why not? One of the most unique and isolated countries you can explore on the planet. Enjoying a somewhat unique reputation as, not only the least explored country along the old Silk Road, but also probably the most eccentric of the Central Asian republics, modern Turkmenistan is very much the product of its ex president, Saparmurat Niyazov, otherwise known as Turkmenbashi. Spotting a gold statue of its former ruler on practically every corner, the country is awash with towns and portraits dedicated to one of the world’s most flamboyant and repressive dictators. Turkmenistan has a lot to offer!

Much of the country is covered by the large, empty and very hot Kara Kum or Black Sands Desert, which for centuries was Turkmenistan’s best defence against a long list of outsiders, adventurers and encroaching armies.

A visit to Turkmenistan holds the promise of a journey into a rich and colourful land still totally untouched by tourism, where strangers are merely friends that haven’t been introduced yet. Can’t wait to check out this special country with you!

TOUR PROGRAMME – TURKMENISTAN GUS1THEGO GROUP TRIP – SUMMER 2023 – 26TH OF JUNE – 30TH OF JUNE

Day 1: Arrive in Ashgabat

We will do sightseeing in Ashgabat, visiting the main monuments and sites including the Arch of Neutrality, Independence Monument, Wheel of Enlightenment, Earthquake Memorial. The capital Ashgabat is all over the Record Book of Guinness. It has The World’s Largest Indoor Ferris Wheel, The Largest Architectural Star, Largest Building in the Shape of a Horse, Highest Density of White Marble-Clad Buildings and The Tallest Unsupported Flagpole. Just to name a few of them!

Does it sound interesting to visit a place with that many Guiness World Records?! Well, then you should maybe consider joining my group trip to Turkmenistan! We have limited spots, so be fast as they will be taken quick.

Day 2: Ashgabat – Darvaza

In the morning visit Nissa and the Turkmenbashy Mausoleum and Mosque. Return to Ashgabat for Lunch. In the afternoon drive roughly 4 hours to the Gates of Hell, camping overnight.

Day 3: Darvaza – Ashgabat

In the morning we’ll visit the other two craters at Darvaza, then continue on to Ashgabat. We’ll be taken to the Russian bazaar to explore and have lunch. Free time in the afternoon. We’ll be able to explore sights you might have missed on the first day or just explore this extraordinary city taking in life.

Day 4: Depart Ashgabat

Day 4 we are going to say goodbye and fly out of Ashgabat after an once in a lifetime travel experience in Turkmenistan! Are you excited? I really am! Hope to see you with a new GUS1THEGO EXPEDITION IN TURKMENISTAN. Be aware that the trip might sell out fast and we have limited spots, so sign up as fast as you can.

INCLUDED

Those prices are all based on twin share. It will include tents, transportation, sleeping bags and equipment for camping. Breakfast. The hotel is Ak Altyn 4Star (used to be the Sheraton before the government took over.)

EXCLUDED

PCR-tests (if needed – not as it is right now)
Flights in an out of Turkmenistan.
Lunch and dinner.

Guys, it’s now or never! We don’t know what will happen with Turkmenistan. Will it remain open, will it close again? Come with me now and let’s visit Turkmenistan now while we can! Are you ready to join us 26TH OF JUNE – 30TH OF JUNE? Send an e-mail NOW to gus1thego@outlook.com explaining a little about yourself and why you should join our EPIC EXPEDITION!

Best regards

Gustav Rosted
gus1thego

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Socotra Expedition (gus1thego)

Monday the 4th of October 10 am > Abu Dhabi – Socotra and back

After spelunking we will return to Arher – the afternoon is yours to relax in the surrounding serenity or join another hiking to the top of the plateau. The hike to the mountain ridge offers a bird’s-eye-view of both sides of the northern and southern shorelines. A highlight of the trip unique to our tour. Afterward we will dine and camp once again at the stunning Arher beach.

After filling our cameras with as many pictures of the Dragon’s Blood Trees as we can, we will continue by road towards Derhur Canyon. After Dixam Plateau, the road plunges 400 m (1312 ft) into a profound chasm slicing through the granite, giving a completely different atmosphere from the airy heights of the plateau. The lush canyon floor has been planted with palm trees, in the shade of which lay Bruce’s Green Pigeons and Laughing Doves. We can refresh ourselves by swimming in the wadi’s deep pool, escaping the midday heat.

Day 6: Qalansyia/ Detwah Lagoon/ The Golden Beach of Shuab

How does it feel to wake up on such a remote and idyllic beach?

In the morning, we will continue to neighboring Detwah Lagoon, which is a marine protected area renowned for its magic landscape. You will be charmed by a white sandy tongue surrounded by turquoise waters of the bay. This surely is one of the best views on the island. You can jump in the shallow sea there and enjoy the paradise. Only be careful with sting rays that can be seen in the lagoon. There is also an array of sea birds to be seen in the lagoon. 
We can take a boat to Shuaab area to see the dolphins playing and swim in near a very pure and clean long sandy beach, once arrive Shuaab area we can have a look on the mangrove area. Be sure to look out for Spinner Dolphins along the way. Cormorants also frequent the area. Once at Shu’ab we will have lunch and the afternoon is free to swim and enjoy this pristine beach setting, complete with mangroves. In late afternoon we take the boat ride back to Qalansyia. Line fishing may also be possible from the boat, if you want fish for dinner of course.
Dinner and overnight in Detwah campsite.

Day 7: Delisha Beach

In the afternoon, we will visit Hadibo city and Delisha beach with pristine white sands full of crabs. You will relax while swimming both in the sea and in a freshwater lagoon. If you are full of energy you can climb a huge sand dune overseeing the beach. There is also a possibility of watching a fabulous sunset from Delisha.
Dinner and Overnight Delisha or Adeeb camp.

IMPORTANT! If you want to be one of the fortunate travelers selected for the Socotra Expedition be sure to:

• Understand the destination and the risks involved.
• Make sure the dates work for you! You need 100% assurance that you can take off on those dates.
• Send us your travel resume and your background (nationality of your passport, city you are based in, age, previous travel experience, usual travel style…) on the contact email as we’ll carry out a selection process.
• A negative COVID test will be required for everyone’s safety prior to visiting.
• This is a one time opportunity, but make sure you’re responsible enough to understand what it entails. If you have any doubts, just email us on the contact below.

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What Makes Bergen So Special?

Norway’s second biggest city with less than 300,000 inhabitants has seven mountains surrounding the city centre of Bergen, which makes an unique scenery, and therefore it’s often called ‘the city between the seven mountains.’

Bergen has the most beautiful fjords, colorful houses, plentiful museums, and innovative gastronomy all served up alongside a heavy dose of Scandinavia! There are plenty of things to do in Bergen…if you can get past the weather there is!

One Of The Most Beautiful Countries On Earth

After arriving to Bergen from the north of Norway (Vassfaret) and spending more than 3 days here on Norway’s southwestern coast, on my 22nd visit to Norway, I’ll admit I have a weak spot for Norway and its beauty! Now I have a very soft spot for Bergen too! But don’t get too excited before you’re off to Bergen!

The Weather

Yes, there is no denying it, Bergen is allegedly either the wettest city in Europe or the entire world (depending on your internet source.) Around 240 days of rain on average a year, guess I was extremely lucky to have 3 days in the most beautiful sunshine I’ve ever seen with no rain whatsoever. But don’t worry, the hardy Norwegian Vikings have developed plenty of alternative activities for a rainy day!

Furthermore I’ll strongly recommend you to go in July. August is doable too, but July is the best chance you’ll have for no rain!

5 BEST Things To Do In Bergen! (3-Days Itinerary)

These are some of the unmissable things to do in Bergen. Of course, there are plenty more things to do – but for 3 days in Bergen, this should keep you very busy!

1: Take Fløibanen Funicular To Admire the Views From Mt Fløyen

If you’re unlucky to have lots of rain, wait for a break in the weather and head to the Fløibanen funicular, which whisks you up to the top of Mt Fløyen every 15 minutes for the best views of Bergen. Bonus points if you can time it for sunset, there is truly nothing else like it in the world. Beautiful views!

2: Admire the UNESCO World Heritage Enclave of Bryggen

Bryggen has been ravaged by many fires, the great fire of 1702 in particular. The whole of the city was reduced to ashes, but the foundations had been there since the 12th century, which means that Bryggen is basically unchanged despite the passing centuries. This magical place of wooden buildings and walkways on the harbor front is easily Bergen’s most iconic attraction.

Though there has been plenty of fires over the last 1000 years, (I like to imagine they partied too hard every time,) Bryggen is still the best example left remaining of the overseas Hanseatic Offices and is protected with an UNESCO World Heritage status.

Today it is filled with boutique shops, souvenirs, and cafés, but still has plenty of charm…especially at night when the place is completely deserted and you feel transported back in time. Magic!

3. Try The Freshest Seafood at the Bergen Fish Market

In a country known for the quality of its seafood, you simply can’t visit Bergen without checking the fish market out! There is no better place to try seafood than the ultra-modern Bergen Fish Market with over 30 specialty shops selling small-scale Norwegian produce.

You can try the expensive +$100 Norwegian King Crab or you can go for some cheaper options. Remember Norway is considered one of the most expensive countres in the World, so it probably won’t be cheap no matter what.

I tried a bit of the legendary Norwegian Atlantic Salmon, which is 2. in the World, after New Zealand’s King Salmon, which is the creme de la creme of all salmon. Top choice still!

Enjoy a meal here of some of the freshest seafood in the world, or simply walk through and try to spot as many weird fish species as you can. It literally blew my mind to see the options here! In the summer months there is a large outdoor fish market that takes place every day, but in the winter months there is only the iconic Mathallen Food Hall to keep you warm and dry.

One of the best things to do in Bergen, and given it’s location – you would be sad to miss it! 

4. Take a Road Trip Around The Fjords (Or Boat Trip)

Bergen is the Gateway to the Fjords of Norway! The best starting point to experience the most magnificent fjord landscape, with narrow fjords, glaciers, steep mountain sides, beautiful islands and spectacular waterfalls.

From Bergen you can pick from several fjord tours in the Bergen-region, a journey to one of the World’s most popular tourist attractions Nærøyfjorden – the world’s narrowest fjord, which was voted ‘The World’s Top Unspoiled Travel Destination’ by National Geographic in 2004.

Or Just Drive Through The Stunning Landscapes

Nature itself has provided the first letter for many of the superlatives used to describe the fjords and the landscape near Bergen: Stupendous, stunning, spectacular!

You can drive a little further to ‘Hardangervidda’ and the landscape changes completely from mountainous fjords to becoming a huge flat mountain plateau, it largest of its kind in Europe.

Or you can drive to one of Norway’s most famous and majestic waterfalls, Vøringsfossen. An absolute stunner!

5. Take A City Walk In Bergen

Put on your best shoes and get moving in Bergen! It’s not for fun it’s one of the most beautiful cities in Europe. Historic wharves and colorful wooden houses in a beautiful Scandinavian design! If it wasn’t for the 240 rainy days in a year here, I would strongly consider moving here after my 3 days here! So cozy!

Bergen has some undercover artistic hot spots too, and I was surprised to find out that the Bergen street art has burgeoned over the last decade largely thanks to a Bansky visit in 2000. Head to Sentralbadet to see one of Bergen’s only legal street art walls or explore around the University of Bergen or the Skostredet neighborhood to spot more creative pieces of art. This city has it all!

See You Next Time, Bergen!

I can’t wait to visit Bergen in winter time too one day and watch the World’s biggest Gingerbread City – the Pepperkakebyen in Bergen, which unfortunately is only a seasonal attraction, but if you’re visiting Bergen in the winter months (November-December,) you should definitely go. It looks amazing.

Bergen, it was a pleasure. I can’t complain too much after 3 sunny days in the World’s wettest city!

Gustav

gus1thego.com

 

 

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