Zagros Mountains Traverse Iraq
8 Days
Min 5 max 10
€1699,-
The Trip
On foot across the mountainous northern part of Iraq, something that would have been unthinkable until a few years ago. For this region bears the scars of a century of violence, conflict and Kurdish nationalist uprisings. Peace has since returned and with it, the Kurdish Autonomous Region in northern Iraq has become a special place to travel, with a fascinating cultural history, beautiful mountain landscapes and a very hospitable authentic culture. A journey of discovery through the Zagros Mountains, stretching from the Syrian-Turkish-Iraqi border in the west to the snowy peaks of the Iraq-Iranian border in the east, tells the story of the Kurdish people.
In search of these Kurdish wild roots, we trek along paths that locals have walked for decades. Sometimes along ancient trade routes, shepherd trails, pilgrim routes and mountain passes overlooking ancient Mesopotamia. But sometimes over off-road tracks, because of the war remains in the terrain.
Along the way, we sleep in homestays and camp in the mountains, eat Kurdish food and our path crosses that of itinerant hawkers, shepherds, farmers and game pickers. Down in the valley, the landscape is green and dotted with edible plants, colorful mountain flowers and orchards. But our trek ends in the snow with spectacular views, where we climb Iraq’s highest peaks from the tent.
5.0 (60 reviews)
Theme and levels
The theme of this trip is Wild Roots: a journey to a place where nature and culture are inseparable. For this trip a good physical condition is required and experience in mountainous terrain is desirable. Experience with (wild) camping or Wild Human is a plus, but not necessary.
Impression
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Experiences
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Practical
Cost
€1699,-
What’s included?
seven nights’ accommodation in tents and homestays
breakfast, lunch and evening meals
Rewild Mountain Leader / wilderness guide
local guides
Rewild group camping equipment, crampons and ice axes
transport on site
Not included are personal expenses and refreshments, a visa for the Kurdistan Autonomous Region (US$75), your flight to Erbil and mountaineering insurance. We recommend taking out this with the NKBV.
Although parts of Iraqi Kurdistan are currently marked orange according to the official travel advisory, we only travel in areas where we have years of experience and where our local partners are active on a daily basis. We work with a professional, reliable team that continuously monitors the situation on the ground and works closely with local authorities and residents. Safety always comes first: routes, accommodations and travel movements are carefully chosen and carried out only when circumstances permit. Thanks to our expertise, good preparations and strong local networks, we can offer this trip in a responsible and safe way, so you can fully focus on the adventure and impressive nature of the Zagros Mountains.
Logistics
We are traveling in groups, coordinated by Rewild, to Iraq. The cost
for this is outside the package price. Logistics on site is
organized by Rewild and included in the price.
Nutrition
Food is organized by Rewild and is included in the
package price. We will eat local Kurdish food, snacks for in between
as well as camping food during the trek. If necessary, please bring some
snacks of your own according to your needs and choice.
Travel guarantee and booking
The departure of this trip is guaranteed from 5 people. A maximum of 10 people can join the trip. This trip is a package tour and in order to comply with the legally required guarantee on package tours, Rewild uses the guarantee of VZR Garant. You can find the conditions of this guarantee scheme on the website of VZR Garant.
Insurance
To participate in Rewild trips, you must be insured for activities in mountainous areas off the beaten track. You can inquire about this with your current insurance company or purchase travel insurance from the Dutch Climbing and Mountaineering Association.
Conditions of participation
By participating in a Rewild trip, you accept the general travel conditions, as found at the bottom of the website. The cancellation policy is also explained here.
Packing List
Travel Program
Day 1
Travel Day
We travel to Erbil in northern Iraq, the capital of the Kurdish Autonomous Region. In case of an early flight, we will take time in Erbil to visit the citadel with its bazaar and have a look at a historical museum, archaeological sites or Kurdish heritage.
Day 2 through 7
Zagros Mountains Traverse
Packed with our sturdy steps and a backpack full of dates, we make our way through the Zagros Mountains. Following ancient silk trade routes, goat paths and pilgrim routes, we walk higher and higher. Along the way we camp in the mountains, eat Kurdish food and cross paths with itinerant peddlers, shepherds, farmers and game pickers. We continue to climb higher and higher and equipped with crampons, ice axes and our own tent camp, we climb Iraq’s highest peaks that do reach above 3,500 meters. Before leaving for the Netherlands, we enjoy a final dinner together.
Day 8
Travel Day
This day is dedicated to the return trip to the Netherlands.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you have questions about our trips, practicalities or our story? In these frequently asked questions, you’ll find the answers quickly and easily.
How do I book a trip on your website?
Simply find your destination, choose your dates and follow the steps to complete your booking. You will receive the confirmation by e-mail.
Can I cancel or change my booking?
Yes, cancellation is possible according to our terms and conditions: up to 8 weeks before departure you pay only the deposit, after that increasing costs apply up to 100% just before departure.
Do you offer travel insurance?
No, we do not offer travel insurance ourselves. We recommend mountaineering insurance through the NKBV.
Are there any hidden fees or service charges?
No, there are no hidden costs. All unavoidable additional costs are clearly stated in advance in the travel price.
Do you also rent equipment or materials?
Yes, some of the required equipment is available for rent on our trips. We offer these rental options during the booking process. There you can see exactly what gear is available and add it directly to your booking. That way you don’t have to arrange this separately in advance.
What payment methods do you accept?
You can pay with us easily and safely via iDEAL and Bancontact. It is also possible to pay by bank transfer. All payments go through our secure booking system Bookinglayer.
