14-Day Iran Nomad Migration Tour with Bakhtiari and Qashqai

• Take an early morning flight to Ahvaz and be escorted from the airport.

• After breakfast, proceed for a short visit to Ahvaz and the Karoon River before setting off on an introductory tour of Shushtar.

• Drive to Haft-Tappeh, an excavation site consisting of dozens of hills, and Tchogha-Zanbil, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and ziggurat from the Elamite domination era.

• Tour Shushtar's historical watermills.

• Have lunch in the traditional Mostofi Museum and restaurant.

Overnight in Shushtar.

• Drive to Negin Bridge and Shimbar Waterfall.

• Have lunch in a local home, which is the last point where you will have electricity.

• Visit Dezpart Steps.

• Hike to reach the Nomads' black tent in the Zagros Mountains.

• Enjoy the views and lovely weather to conclude your evening.

• Tonight, under a starry sky, enjoy a hot meal and a cosy tent camp as you gather your strength for the next day, the day of KUCH (Migration).

• Go on a pilgrimage to the first group of Nomads. They are Bakhtiari Nomads living in the Zagros mountain ranges, and they are the most authentic Nomads of Iran, known for their seasonal migrations.

• Join them on the 'Kuch' (Migration), living a nomadic lifestyle for a few days. Soak up a primitive nomadic life as if you were living in the past. It is like a 'living museum' of the indigenous people of Iran, which is why this series of experiences is called an 'Odyssey'.

• Take in the spectacular view of the flock wandering around the surrounding green pastures.

• Today is the day of Migration, a great day for the Nomads. During these three days, you will hike 42 km overall. Flexibility is key, since there is no fixed plan due to the Nomads' flexible routine, and you may face unexpected adventures to which you will need to adapt.

• While moving behind the flock through the Zagros mountainous regions, don't forget to feast on the area's scenic beauty - a view you will never forget.

• Take photos and soak up the views of imposing mountains and oak trees, with the sound of sheep's bells in your ears.

• In the afternoon, when the Nomads stop moving and set up the black tent, take this time to enjoy the spectacular surroundings.

• Sleep under the starry sky in the lower mountain for an unforgettable experience.

• Have breakfast with your nomad family.

• Say goodbye and continue your expedition to a fantastic mountain village called Khouye.

• After three days of migration with the Nomads, a comfortable and cosy village house will be a perfect lodge.

• Be rewarded with vast fruit gardens and wonderful old village houses. You will also have a fabulous view of the surrounding mountains from the village.

• Stay in the village for the night.

• After breakfast, walk through the village.

• Then, after bidding farewell to your host family, continue to the historical village of Sar Agha Seyyed.

• Appreciate the views of the old village houses, where one yard forms the roof of another. Zagros has always been the highest and most challenging part of each nomadic migration. For thousands of years, Nomads have stopped in this village on their way to summer or winter pastures.

• Hike for 15 minutes to visit a salt mine near the village.

• Continue to Chelgerd, where you will relax at your hotel for some time.

• Koohrang Spring is the next incredible destination. It is a giant spring in Iran that is rarely visited by passengers because of its exposed setting and rough road.

Overnight at your hotel.

• Marvel at the Persian architectural wonders of Isfahan as you begin exploring the city over the next two days.

A Persian proverb says, 'Isfahan is half of the world', referring to its many palaces, mosques, gardens, bridges, and more.

• Visit some of Isfahan's famous places, including:

  • Naqsh-e Jahan Square

  • Sheikh Lotfollah Mosque

  • Shah Mosque

  • Ali Qapu

• Rest and relax in the afternoon.

• Proceed to Chehel Sotoun Palace and Si-o-se-pol Bridge, followed by a visit to Khaju Bridge.

• Prepare for the next day as you relax at your hotel.

• Travel to Shiraz and visit the Tomb of Hafez, the most famous Persian poet, who is buried in Hafezieh. People believe Hafez's poems give them clues to their future, and you too can try your luck here.

• Visit historical places such as Narenjestan and the Karim Khan-e Zand Complex, where Karim Khan invited the best architects and artists of the time to work on his citadel. The highlight of the day is the Pink Mosque with its otherworldly colours.

• Step inside the mosque. It is not hard to see why people call it the Pink Mosque or Rainbow Mosque. Nothing is more pleasant to the eye than its vast green gardens in Shiraz.

• Go and live with the nomads of the area known as the Qashqai Nomads. They are the second most prominent Nomad tribes in Iran and speak Turkish.

• Explore their deeply rooted culture.

• Step back in time and explore another main ethnic group in Iran.

• Continue to Naqsh-e Rostam and Persepolis, the ancient capital of the Achaemenid Empire, located in Kuh-e Rahmat (Mountain of Mercy). It is among the world's greatest archaeological sites.

• Bid farewell to Shiraz and head for the last group of Iran's Nomads, who live in one of the most fantastic authentic villages of Iran: Maymand. This village is registered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

• Stay with semi-nomadic agro-pastoralist villagers in an unusual form of housing that you will find quite wonderful. The hand-carved cave dwellings are extraordinary, reminding us of ancient times when people inhabited caves. These semi-Nomads practise semi-migration (Kuch) with their livestock to surrounding pastures.

• Spend the night in these serene and tranquil caves at Maymand Moon Ecolodge.

• In Kerman, the city's historical past is represented by the Ganjali Khan Complex in the old centre of town, a fantastic example of Persian architecture from the Safavid era.

• Proceed to Jabalieh Dome, the next ancient national monument.

• Visit to learn more about the history and architecture of Kerman.

• Have a wonderful time wandering around the ancient bazaar of Kerman. This grand bazaar dates back 600 years.

• Reach Mahan District and visit Shah Nematollah Vali Shrine and Mahan Garden, also known as the Garden of Prince Mahan. Apart from its historical significance, what makes this garden so unique is the contrast between its lush green environment and the desert-like landscape outside.

• Fly to Tehran and prepare for your onward journey.

• Visit Golestan Palace, the Grand Bazaar of Tehran, Melli Garden, the Jewelry Museum, and Tabi'at Bridge if time permits.