14-Day Nomadic Tribes Adventure in Iran with the Kuch Festival

• Pick up from Ahvaz Airport.

• After breakfast, enjoy a short visit to Ahvaz and the Karoon River before starting an introductory tour of Shushtar.

• Then 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.

• In the afternoon, visit Shushtar's historical watermills with your Iranian tour guide.

• Have lunch at the traditional Mostofi Museum and Restaurant.

Overnight in Shushtar.

• This morning, drive to Negin Bridge and Shimbar Waterfall.

• Have lunch in a local home. If time allows, visit Dezpart Steps.

• In the afternoon, hike for 3-4 hours to reach the nomads' black tent in Mt. Zagros.

• Enjoy the views and lovely weather in the evening.

• Tonight, under a starry sky, savour a hot meal and camp in a cosy tent to gather strength for the next day, which is 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, the most authentic nomads of Iran.

• Indulge in 'Kuch' (Migration) with them by living a nomadic lifestyle for a few days. It is like a living museum of the indigenous people of Iran, which is why it is called an Odyssey.

• In the morning, take in the spectacular view of the flock wandering around the green pastures. It is the day of Migration, a great day for the nomads. For 3 days, you will hike for 42 km and accompany them in their epic migration through the Zagros mountain ranges. Flexibility is key, since there is no fixed plan due to the nomads' flexible routine, and sometimes you may face unexpected adventures to which you need to adapt.

• While moving behind the flock through the Zagros mountainous region, do not forget to enjoy the area's scenic beauty. You will be surrounded by imposing mountains and oak trees, with the sound of sheep bells in your ears. Take photos and soak up the view.

• In the afternoon, when the nomads stop moving and set up the black tent, explore the spectacular surroundings. Spend the night under the starry sky in the lower mountain temperatures.

• On day 5, have breakfast with the nomad family.

• Say goodbye and continue your expedition to an amazing mountain village called Khouye. After 3 days of migration with the nomads, a comfortable and cosy village house will be a perfect lodge.

• Here, you will see vast fruit gardens and wonderful old village houses. From the village, you will also have a fabulous view of the surrounding mountains.

Stay in the village for the night.

• After breakfast, take the chance to walk through the village.

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

• Here, see the old village houses where the yard of one house is the roof of another. Zagros has always been the highest and hardest 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.

• Then continue to Chelgerd, where you will stay in a hotel.

• See Koohrang Spring, the next awesome destination and the biggest spring in Iran.

For the night, return to the hotel.

• At noon, reach Isfahan. Enjoy sightseeing in Isfahan, which is famous for its unique Persian architecture.

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

• Visit some of Isfahan's famous places, such as Naghshe Jahan Square, Sheikh Lotfollah Mosque, Shah Mosque, and Ali Qapu.

• The afternoon is yours to rest.

• Then arrive at Chehel Sotoun Palace, Si-o-se Pol Bridge, and Khaju Bridge. Enjoy the rich history and culture of Isfahan.

• Rest at the hotel.

• Travel to Shiraz.

• In the evening, visit Hafez. The most famous Persian poet is buried here, and people believe his poems give them clues to their future. You can try your luck at his tomb too.

• Visit other monuments and historical places such as Narenjestan and the Karim Khan-e Zand Complex, where Karim Khan invited the best architects and artists to work on his citadel.

• The highlight of day 10 is the Pink Mosque with its otherworldly colourful colours. When you step inside the mosque, it is easy to see why people call it the Pink or Rainbow Mosque.

• In Shiraz, see its vast green gardens. At noon, it is time to go and live with the nomads of the area, the Qashqai Nomads. They are the second biggest nomadic tribe in Iran and speak the Turkey language.

• Here among the Qashqai Nomads, you will again have the opportunity to step back in time and explore another main ethnic group in Iran.

• Again here among the Qashqai Nomads, you will have the opportunity to explore another main ethnic group in Iran.

• After spending a night with them, move 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.

• First, bid a big farewell to Shiraz and prepare for the last group of Iran's nomads, who live in one of the country's most fantastic authentic villages, Maymand. This village is registered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

• In Maymand, you are going to 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, as they remind you of ancient times when people inhabited caves. You are going to have a serene night in these caves at Maymand Moon Ecolodge.

• In Kerman, head to Jabalieh Dome, the next ancient national monument you will visit to learn more about the history and architecture of Kerman.

• Then enjoy a wonderful time walking around the ancient bazaar of Kerman. This grand bazaar dates back 600 years.

• Then, in 15 minutes, reach Mahan District.

• Visit Shah Nematollah Vali Shrine and Mahan Garden, the garden of Prince Mahan. Apart from its historical significance, experience the contrast between the lush green environment of the garden and the desert-like landscape outside.

• Fly to Tehran and prepare for your return home.

• If time allows, visit Golestan Palace, the Grand Bazaar of Tehran, Melli Garden, the Jewelry Museum, and Tabi'at Bridge.