Nomads of Iran

Far behind the great mountain ranges of the Zagros Mountains in Iran, the indigenous Bakhtiari people live a completely traditional nomadic existence. We will go there to experience the authentic nomadic lifestyle, culture and Persian roots with a tribal family and their livestock. In this camping trek on foot, we follow the ancient nomadic paths during the seasonal migration (kooch) through the pristine wilderness of the Bakhtiari hinterland and the unexplored mountains of western Iran.

Different from each other, but together as a big family, we trek into the mountains with the cattle during the kooch, which is typical of nomads. Each family follows the same route each year and they have their own summer pastures to pitch their tents. Those with large herds are the wealthy with more facilities and therefore choose longer migration routes that can last up to six weeks. Since there is nothing along the way, each family carries everything it needs to cover up to two months. The kooch is not a retreat, as the hands go out and we too go old-fashioned physical work. All family members in a nomadic household have chores and responsibilities and so do we. After all, our shelter, food, children and animals do not come up the mountain by themselves. While the young lambs graze in nearby pastures, we walk the mules some 15 to 20 kilometers a day through rivers and snowfields. In addition, we must lead the herd, make bread and meals, and build camp in a different place each day. Minimalist, physically very challenging and immensely satisfying!