Zagros Mountains Traverse Iraqi-Kurdistan
Travel Stories
On foot across the Zagros Mountains in the northern Kurdish part of Iraq. Something that until a few years ago would have been unthinkable. For this region bears the scars of a century of violence, conflict and Kurdish nationalist uprisings. But despite that, we had a desire to organize a special trip here. Fueled by a sense of curiosity and adventure, we set out four years ago. On the path of pioneering in unexplored territory. And the path of challenges.
For example, Iraq is obviously not the easiest place to safely organize a wilderness trek. The Middle East is tumultuous, Iraq is quite militarized, the cultural difference with the Netherlands is great, there are landmines in the area and so on. Plenty of headaches to get off on.
But by now peace had returned, and with it beckoned the feeling of searching for Kurdish wild roots.
The first Rewild trip in Iraq became a particularly adventurous experience. A journey of discovery through the Zagros Mountains that ended in the snow where we climbed the highest peak in Iraq. The nature there is beautiful, the people receive you fantastically and the cultural history is extremely fascinating.
A tiny impression….
Trekking through the mountains on paths that locals have walked for decades, through ancient trade routes, shepherd trails, pilgrim routes and mountain passes overlooking ancient Mesopotamia, our path crossed that of itinerant hawkers, shepherds, migrant families and ancient peshmerga warriors.
Along the way, we were introduced to local life on the mountain and the typically hospitable Kurdish culture. Go and find a Kurdish restaurant soon, because the cuisine is enjoyable.
Zagros Mountains Traverse, clearly a keeper! Until next year?
