AFGHANISTAN GROUP TRIP – 9th – 18th May 2024

Posted on December 17, 2023December 17, 2023 by dev

So I’ve been dreaming about doing this.. An Afghanistan group trip in 2024.. I mean why not?! Let’s do this! Better and cheaper than most other tour trips: Yes, absolutely! Anyway, we will have a lot of costs involved with flights, permits, hotels, guide etc, but I still think this is possibly the best possible deal on the market..

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

TURKMENISTAN GROUP TRIP 26TH OF JUNE – 30TH OF JUNE 2023

Posted on February 28, 2023March 1, 2023 by dev

VERY GOOD NEWS! Turkmenistan has OPENED again and it will be the destination of the 11th Gus1thego-Expedition. Be aware that the trip might sell out fast and we have limited spots, so sign up as fast as you can.

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!

This is the flight we will be taking to Turkmenistan and back from Istanbul!

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

Turkmenistan is one of the most UNIQUE countries in the World.. There’s simply no place like Turkmenistan!

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.

Turkmenistan is not a typical tourist destination! shgabat was recently noted by the Guinness Book of World Records as having the most white marble-clad buildings in the world — Turkmenistan is not a typical tourist destination! Ashgabat was recently noted by the Guinness Book of World Records as having the most white marble-clad buildings in the world

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.

"The Gates of Hell" — Known as “The Gates of Hell”, a massive molten pit in the Turkmenistan desert has been spewing fire for decades

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.

The Russian Bazaar or Gulistan in Ashgabat is one of the largest and oldest covered markets in the Turkmenistan

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

SYRIA TRIP 3RD OF JULY – 9TH OF JULY 2022

Posted on April 25, 2022April 25, 2022 by dev

SYRIA EXPEDITION 3RD OF JULY – 9TH OF JULY 2022 Gus1thego (6-8 persons)

Are you ready to explore Syria with me? Let’s do it! Homs, Syria

FULL SYRIA TRIP WITH ME?

I traveled around Syria for 10 days in 2018 and I always wanted to return and now I feel like it’s the right time.. 3rd of July – 9th of July 2022 and I will bring a small group with me.. Sounds cool? Okay, then read along, because this is going to be a trip of a lifetime and we will cover ALL the best places of Syria.. Are you ready to explore with me and try the most amazing food and ancient, marvelous sites that are real blessings to your eyes?

Explore Syria with gus1thego from 3rd of July to 9th of July 2022. Damascus, Syria

FULL PROGRAMME

Beirut Day 01. Pick you up from Lebanon / Beirut, transfer to Damascus, continue to Aleppo and start with a small tour to discover the city .. O/N Aleppo

Aleppo Day 02. Full day Aleppo City Tour which includes (Citadel – Museum – old covered souks and bazaars – Baron Hotel – Old City and the outside of the Umayyad Mosque) .. O/N Aleppo

Day 03. After breakfast, driving south to the city of Hama (visit the famous Waterwheels) then continue to the city of Homs to visit (Khaled Ibn Al Waleed Mosque and the Holy Belt Church) – After that we continue to Al Wadi for visiting the incredible Crack des Chevaliers and St. Georgious Monastery .. O/N Al Wadi

Day 04. After early breakfast, we drive directly to Palmyra the charming city in the middle of the desert .. We start with the city tour which includes a lot of interesting attractions such as the theatre – columns street – remains of temple of Bel – tower and underground tombs – the arch of Victory .. then we drive back to Al Wadi for overnight .. O/N Al Wadi

Day 05. After breakfast we drive from Al Wadi to the city of Tartus, where we get the chance to visit the old city of Amrit with its famous stadium as well as the old city and the museum of Tartus, then we drive south to Damascus for overnight .. O/N Damascus

Day 06. Full day Damascus City Tour : National Museum – Ommayad Mosque – Saldin Tomb – Old Covered Bazaar – Gates – Hanania Church – Street called straight .. then transfer to the border for departure back to Beirut.

WHAT IS INCLUDED?

SERVICES

ALL TRANSPORTATION. Included Hotels — Damascus : AAA: Beit Al Wali / Beit Al Mamlouka / Beit Zaman / Talisman .. 5* BBB: Zeitouna / Inana .. or sim .. 4* — Homs : Al Wadi : Al Wadi hotel or sim .. 4* — Aleppo : AAA: Aleppo palace / Laurus .. 4* BBB: Riga palace 4*b … Boutique hotel or sim .. 3* — Tartous : Shahin Tower or sim .. 4* — Hama : AAA: Orient house – boutique hotel BBB: Norias hotel or sim .. 3* — Lattakia : AAA: Afamia hotel .. 5* BBB: La Mira or sim .. 4* • Meals : Daily breakfast – Restaurants / Food available • Private Guide all tours – English speaking. • Transportations by private car from/to Beirut. • Entry Fees to mentioned Sites •

WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED?

Not included • PCR-TESTS • Border departure Tax (USD 6 -+) • Official Visa Fees at Border to authority • Tips for Guide / Driver • Extra meals / Drinks / all extra demands • Lebanese Visa • Insurance (international) Palmyra special permission documents fee 80 dollars pr persom —— Visa : (100 DOLLARS FOR PRE-APPROVAL – And pay a smaller amount for visa on arrival) To arrange you your visa please send me the following – Passport copy – Full address with contact details(mobile) – Profession/work – Date of visit with chosen program – For Journalist an extra different procedure will be advised on request .. – passport should be valued for the minimum “ 6 months “ – Passport should be without any Israeli stamp to enter “Syria” and NO AMERICANS ALLOWED. Expected Period needed to get the Visa “ 1-3 weeks “ • All Museums closed on Tuesdays • No Credit Card / No ATM in Syria, so you should bring only cash. End of services .. ————— Prices per person sharing Double Room in US Dollar, if you want to have your own room there is an extra fee.

If it sounds interesting send me an e-mail to gus1thego@outlook.com and tell me about yourself, then you will get more information. I will be very selective about who I choose for the Syria expedition. We need yes people and a really good group and I’m sure we will have so much fun.

Gustav
gus1thego

MAURITANIA IRON ORE TRAIN – GROUP TRIP – 19TH OCTOBER to 26TH OCTOBER 2024

Posted on November 8, 2021March 13, 2024 by dev

IRON ORE TRAIN Tour Classic Itinerary

'The World's LONGEST TRAIN'

19TH OCTOBER to 26TH OCTOBER 2024

I have now done the Iron Ore Train in Mauritania 7 times and I can tell you this is one of the most amazing travel experiences you can do in Africa, which by the way is my favourite Continent, because of all the wild adventures. To jump on the World’s longest train 700 km through the SAHARA DESERT is one the absolute best and most authentic travel experiences you can get and everyone in my previous groups ranked the trip 1 million/10. These are memories we have together now!

NEW GROUP TRIP – 2nd of OCTOBER to 9th of OCTOBER 2023

Mauritania Iron Ore Train – Gus1thego Expedition

We have additionally added camping at this sand dune, which is not even on Google Maps yet and we will have to find it by driving off road, but we have done it before and will do it again! Are you ready for an experience of a lifetime? Come with me! Here is some info:

The January 2022 and 2023 Gus1thego Expedition in Mauritania were simply unforgettable, but a lot of people were unable to join me on these dates.. I have itchy feet already again, the locals are struggling there with jobs opportunities, so therefore I’m giving you guys a NEW chance to do the Iron Ore Train with me. We will hit up all the highlights in Mauritania from 19TH of October to 26TH of October 2023 and end it with the world’s most fascinating train ride in the Sahara desert. Are you ready to join me?

Day 1 – Nouakchott

We will arrive at your convenience into Nouakchott – the largest and capital city of Mauritania which is well connected from many countries within Africa and most of Europe. You can fly from Tunis, Istanbul or Casablance. I flew from Tunis last.
Airport pick up and overnight at a hotel in Nouakchott. We will pick you up from the airport, don’t worry!
Go To The Camel Market. We will hit up the largest camel market in Nouakchott, Mauritania

Day 2 – Chinguetti

Wake up in the morning and enjoy a cooked breakfast by camp fire
Begin exploring the Adrar Region of Mauritania
Visit Azoughi oasis and village for a tea stop and experience how the locals live

Afternoon

Drive to the UNESCO world heritage site of Chinguetti – a holy city of Islam. You’ll visit the library and other historical monuments and landmarks including the much loved Friday Mosque of Chinguetti, the national symbol of Mauritania.
Evening sunset watched from the huge sand dunes of Chinguetti
Dinner and overnight at Hotel – Traditional stone guesthouse

One of Islam’s holiest cities, Chinguetti

Day 3 – Chinguetti – Ouadane

Morning

Breakfast at hotel. Ready to see the TALLEST Sand Dunes in Mauritania!
Begin 80km drive through pure desert and sand dunes: on the way stopping in Tanounichert for a tea stop with the locals – once upon a time it was an important stop of the trans-caravan routes of the Sahara. Ouadane is the Pompei of Mauritania for its sprawling city in ruins which is sure to amaze you. It was here that products of sub-Saharan Africa were traded with those of the Maghreb. The Portuguese arrived in 1487 and transformed the city into a local centre of cultural, economic and scientific advancement.

We will see Mauritania’s tallest sand dunes

Afternoon

Explore the streets and see the buildings that once glorified the country as a whole and then move on to the new part of town where you’ll be sure to mingle with the locals.
Traditional dinner and overnight in the Hotel.

Ouadane is a magical city that we will explore

Day 4 – Zoerat – IRON ORE TRAIN

Get through a rather chilly, very loud, and pretty uncomfortable night. Then brag about this experience for the rest of your life! 20 hours of absolute madness and one h*ll of a story to tell when you get old! It’s now or never..
The Mauritania train is the longest train in the world at 2,500m.

Iron Ore Train, Mauritania is a bucketlist you should tick off

Day 5 – Noaudhibou

Exploring the harbour city and the cool shipwreck!

Day 6 – Noaudhibou- Noaukchott

Morning

An early rise for breakfast and the long drive to the Mauritanian capital city of Nouakchott

Afternoon

On the way stopping for lunch at San Francisco Café for a hearty meal and access to WiFi after a few days of deprivation.
Arrive in time to catch the lively Atlantic fish market. Every evening hundreds of fishermen bring in the day’s catch on their distinct sea canoes recognized by their colourful hand-painted hulls. The catch is then brought by donkey cart to the city’s markets
Visit the National Museum where artefacts of the history of Mauritania and its ancient cities are exposed – this will allow you to have a quite recap of what you’ve seen in the last days.
Visit the local craft market where locals specialise in camel wool rugs
Driving tour of the massive embassies of the main players of the region – USA, China, France, and Russia.
Quick photo stop by the Great Mosque of Nouakchott – funded by Saudi Arabia and built in 1982.
Head to the beach for some great people watching. This is where local Nouakchottois come to escape the city and cool off.
Farewell dinner at a local restaurant
Overnight in Nouakchott

Tour price includes:

Airport Transfer *2
Accommodation in clean and comfortable 3* and 4* hotel in good location
Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Private transport in a 4×4 and tickets for the train
English-speaking accompanying guides
All entrance fees
ALL PERMITS NEEDED FOR TRAVELLING AROUND MAURTIANIA

VERY IMPORTANT NOTE: IF ANYONE DECIDES TO CANCEL AFTER PAYING, they can NOT BE REFUNDED as we need to pay for cars, guides, hotels, driver and lots of things in advance. YOU DO AGREE ON THIS WHEN YOU HAVE PAID THE DEPOSIT AND DECIDES TO JOIN THE TRIP! Why would you cancel anyway?

Tour price DOES NOT include:

Travel Insurance
Tips
Souvenir/clothing/shopping

Send me an e-mail to gus1thego@outlook.com on why you should join the Iron Ore Train Expedition! Looking forward to hear from you as soon as possible. Our team will be amazing and I can’t wait do this with you! Gustav / gus1thego

Follow me on Instagram @gustavrosted

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

Day 1 – Kabul Thursday 9th / May / 2024

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

WHY VISIT TURKMENISTAN?

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

Day 1: Arrive in Ashgabat

Day 2: Ashgabat – Darvaza

Day 3: Darvaza – Ashgabat

Day 4: Depart Ashgabat

INCLUDED

EXCLUDED

SYRIA EXPEDITION 3RD OF JULY – 9TH OF JULY 2022 Gus1thego (6-8 persons)

FULL SYRIA TRIP WITH ME?

FULL PROGRAMME

WHAT IS INCLUDED?

WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED?

IRON ORE TRAIN Tour Classic Itinerary

19TH OCTOBER to 26TH OCTOBER 2024

NEW GROUP TRIP – 2nd of OCTOBER to 9th of OCTOBER 2023

Follow me on Instagram @gustavrosted

Day 1 – Kabul
Thursday 9th / May / 2024

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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