Iran Bakhtiari Nomads From ancient times, the human being has always sought different ways to adapt himself to natural and climatic situations and geographical limitations. Iran, as one of the vast oldest cradles of civilization, embraces a wide range of climatic conditions settled by various ethnic groups. The diversity is so amazing that it is no wonder if you can still witness one of the oldest kinds of lifestyle, the nomadic life. Living and migrating in the two main Iran mountain ranges, Alborz and Zagros (the longest), has taught the nomadic tribes how to adjust themselves to the harsh mountainous conditions and consume sustainably the environmental resources. Among different Iran nomadic tribes, Bakhtiari nomads form the largest surviving nomadic tribe in the Zagros Mountains. Lush forests, rough rivers, fertile pastures as well as harsh climatic conditions through different times of the year have pushed Bakhtiari nomads to practice a nomadic lifestyle that is proper to this geographical area. Here, you will find all the information you need to know if you are planning to travel to Iran for an authentic experience of living among the Bakhtiari nomadic tribe. Short History of Iran Bakhtiari Nomads Among numerous groups of ethnicities and nomadic tribes in vast Iran, Bakhtiari (also Bakhtiyari) Lur tribe is the largest group that still migrates seasonally to overcome the harsh conditions in the Zagros ranges. There are different theories about who Bakhtiaris are. According to Zoroastrian mythology and Shahnameh (the epic poem of the kings and heroic tales of ancient Persia), the Lurs (meaning nomadic) are the descendants of the people who could escape from the demon Zahhak. They took refuge in Zardkuh and Kuhrang and named themselves Bakhtiar (meaning fortunate bearer) because they could survive. Today, many historians arguably agree Bakhtiari people are originally Lurs.
Iran Bakhtiari Nomads From ancient times, the human being has always sought different ways to adapt himself to natural and climatic situations and geographical limitations. Iran, as one of the vast oldest cradles of civilization, embraces a wide range of climatic conditions settled by various ethnic groups. The diversity is so amazing that it is
Photography of Iranian Bakhtiari Nomads Iran with many different ethnicities and nomad tribes is home to various types of people who have different races, faces, cultures, and languages. Iran Nomadic Tribes is one of Iran’s traveling highlights compared with their neighbors in the Middle East. It's very fascinating for photographers who are looking for an unusual destination. Bakhtiari Nomadic Tribe is one of the main tribes of Iran’s nomads who live in the west of Iran in the central part of the Zagros mountains range. This special region of the country belongs to the three provinces of Khuzestan, Lorestan, and Charmahal and Bakhtiari in Iran. The region is wonderful for the Photography of Iranian Bakhtiari Nomads for the two types of Landscape and People photography in Iran. People Photography Bakhtiari people are one of the major nomadic tribes in the country still living in the mountains with their families and animals. They still have their own traditional style that is very interesting for photography. The first subject of your photography will be Bakhtiari clothes, which will attract the photographers as soon as they enter the Bakhtiari region. The men have similar clothes with black loose pans “Dabit”, a black hat, a white jacket “Choogha” with special striped black lines that provide unique pictures for people photography. Taking pictures of the men is easy and they are so friendly with photography. The old men are the best for photography. Most of them have special photogenic faces that are very suitable for portrait photography. Their very serious and rough faces show their hard life in the mountains, which will create a different photograph in your photography. Women's clothes are very different and beautiful. They have colorful costumes and dresses that are made up of different components. They use a lot
Photography of Iranian Bakhtiari Nomads Iran with many different ethnicities and nomad tribes is home to various types of people who have different races, faces, cultures, and languages. Iran Nomadic Tribes is one of Iran’s traveling highlights compared with their neighbors in the Middle East. It’s very fascinating for photographers who are looking for an
Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari Tourist Highlights Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari is the name of a small Province in the southwest of Iran, situated in the west of Esfahan province. Geographically, Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari is located among the central Zagros Mountain Range, full of tourist highlights for adventure seekers. In this part of Zagros, the Zardkuh mountains chain is the most famous sub-range, making it the best spot for adventurous travelers. Zardkuh “yellow mountain” has a few important peaks above 4000m. Zard in Persian means yellow and Kuh means mountain. MT. Kolonchin (4200 m) is the most famous one, perfect for summer ascent. These mountains have huge volumes of snow in winter, and they are the main sources of water for the two main Iran rivers of Karun and Zayande-Rud. Moreover, there are a lot of springs, waterfalls, and underground water reserves in various parts of Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari province in different parts of the mountains. The weather and climate of this province along with the high-altitude mountains and geographical features of this region made this land a perfect place for livestock breeding for the local tribes. The highlight of this province is the nomadic lifestyle of Bakhtiari tribes who live in a different part of the Central Zagros Mountains. Bakhtiari Lifestyle, The Most Prominent Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari Tourist Highlight The most important tourist highlight in Chahar Mahal and Bakhtiari province is visiting the Bakhtiari tribes who are living in the mountains with a very basic life. They have a long history and for thousands of years, they have been living with their traditional culture in this land. Seeing their tribes and staying in their houses in villages or their basic nomadic tents in the mountains would be one of the most unforgettable experiences that you could have in
Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari Tourist Highlights Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari is the name of a small Province in the southwest of Iran, situated in the west of Esfahan province. Geographically, Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari is located among the central Zagros Mountain Range, full of tourist highlights for adventure seekers. In this part of Zagros, the Zardkuh mountains
Bakhtiari Nomadic Land Bakhtiari is the name of one major Iranian nomadic tribe living in the central part of the Zagros mountain range. Bakhtiari nomadic land is very remote and far from civilization. It embraces the last remaining original and authentic nomadic tribes in Iran. Livestock raising is their profession, and their life is divided into two different periods: the hot and cold seasons. Iranian Bakhtiari nomads live in the low lands during the cold season and move to the high mountains with their families and animals during the hot season. In Persian, there is a special world of KOOCH for this kind of movement and lifestyle. The lifestyle based on Kooch is still alive and it is very fascinating to see. This traditional lifestyle would, unfortunately, disappear very soon in this artificial world. The people still live in basic tents with their ships and goats without facilities and electricity. For those who are interested in anthropology, this nomadic region would be one of the most impressive parts of Iran. The nomads still keep their original clothes and customs. Their wedding ceremonies and traditional dance are enchanting as well. The villages and the nomadic camps are other highlights of this region. The Bakhtiari nomadic tribe, their lifestyle, traditions, costumes, and their territory as a whole are must-sees for those who wish to experience them during their travel to Iran. All the abovementioned attractions have made this place one of the destinations for adventurous travelers who are looking for Off-the-Beaten-Track destinations in Iran. Travel to Bakhtiari nomadic region is full of experiences. Depending on your interest, you could have different travel styles and activities. If you are interested in Bakhtiaris’ Kooch and traveling along with them in early spring, " Kooch with Bakhtiari Nomadic Tribes” is a very interesting 15-day
Bakhtiari Nomadic Land Bakhtiari is the name of one major Iranian nomadic tribe living in the central part of the Zagros mountain range. Bakhtiari nomadic land is very remote and far from civilization. It embraces the last remaining original and authentic nomadic tribes in Iran. Livestock raising is their profession, and their life is divided
Zardkuh Mountain in Iran Zardkuh Mountain Chain, the name of a sub-range of the Zagros Mountain range, stands in the center of Zagros and is one of the most popular mountains in the entire Zagros Range in Iran. It is also spelled Zard Kouh, Zad Koh, Zardkuh, Zarduh Kuh, and Zard Kuh-e Bakhtiari. In Persian, Zard Kuh means "The yellow mountain". The mountain is located in Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari province in western Iran. Zardkuh is near the two famous cities of Shahr-e-Kord and Koohrang and is one of the most beautiful places in Iran. Karoon and Zayandeh-rud rivers are the two major rivers in the country originating from ZardKuh Mountains. There are a number of mountains over 4,000 m in this mountain chain such as Haft Tanan 4,019m, Shah-e-Shahidan 4,180m, Ab-Sefid 4,050m, Koloonchin (Do-Zardeh) 4,221m, and Khersan 4,050m. There is no specific name for Zardkuh peak in the entire Zardkuh mountain chain. However, most people, even local climbers, mistakenly refer to it as Zardkuh’s peak, “Koloonchin”, because it is the main summit in this chain. This mountain chain has several glaciers. The two main highest mountains of Zardkuh (Shah-e Shahidan and Koloonchin) formed the massive glacier which is the source of water for the two rivers of Kuhrang and Bazoft. Both these rivers are Karun river branches. Karun river is the longest river in Iran and is one of the most important sources of water for the country. Zardkuh Mountains are the main center for climbers from all over Iran during summer. The mountains are rich in various species of plants and wild animals making them even more attractive and spectacular. Zardkuh is also a key ski area for travelers. Chelgerd Ski Resort is located in Chelgerd town which is 200 km away from the west
Zardkuh Mountain in Iran Zardkuh Mountain Chain, the name of a sub-range of the Zagros Mountain range, stands in the center of Zagros and is one of the most popular mountains in the entire Zagros Range in Iran. It is also spelled Zard Kouh, Zad Koh, Zardkuh, Zarduh Kuh, and Zard Kuh-e Bakhtiari. In Persian,
Nomadic Tribes in Iran Iran is a multi-ethnic country, made up of different ethnic groups who live in every corner of the land. There are also umpteen types of nomadic tribes living in the various regions of the Alborz and Zagros mountain ranges in Iran. They consist of Bakhtiari, Qashqai, Shah Savan (Ilsavan nomads), Mamiand, Boier Ahmadi, Khamseh, Behmaiee, Mamasani, Kord, Taiebi, Jalali, Zalaki, Baluchi, and Afshar. Their customs, language, culture, and food are dissimilar to each other. They are supported by the Nomads Affairs Organization of Iran, a government organization responsible for supplying services to mountain climbers by managing the migration and relocation of nomads. It regulates the essential guidelines and schemes in coordination with the superior organizations such as parliament, government, and the Nomads supreme council. The nomads with their families and herds generally move from lower altitudes to higher mountains during the hot season, moving again to lower altitudes during the cold season. The majority start moving from early spring “depending on the region” till mid-autumn with their families and sheep. The biggest and best-known nomads are the Bakhtiari who live mainly in the provinces of Esfahan, Khuzestan, and Chaharmahal with the remaining ones (approximately 200,000 people), located in the west. Qashghais with around 120,000 people are the second most populous nomads, who have a seasonal life in Bushehr, Fars, and a small part of Esfahan, Chaharmahal, and Bakhtiari provinces. Shahsavans are the third most populous nomads in Iran with around 500,000 people. They live in the northwest in the provinces of East Azarbaijan, Gilan, and Ardabil. The lifestyle of the indigenous people is set to be changed. Iranian nomads are also changing with the times. Comparing the first Adventure Iran nomadic trips (in 2000) with current nomadic tours, we can see the dramatic
Nomadic Tribes in Iran Iran is a multi-ethnic country, made up of different ethnic groups who live in every corner of the land. There are also umpteen types of nomadic tribes living in the various regions of the Alborz and Zagros mountain ranges in Iran. They consist of Bakhtiari, Qashqai, Shah Savan (Ilsavan nomads), Mamiand,
Zagros Mountain Range Zagros, the name of the longest mountain range of Iran starts from the northwest of Iran; is located in the border area of eastern Turkey and stretches down to southwestern Iran in the Strait of Hormuz. Zagros mountain range is the sixth longest mountain range in Asia after the Himalayan main mountain range, Kunlun, Tian Shan, Altay, and Ural Mountains. The length of Zagros is around 1,500 km with more than 240 km width spreading across the entire length of the western and southwestern Iranian plateau. Zagros is separated into many sub-ranges and each of them has its own unique attractions. Zardkuh and Dena are the Zagros sub-ranges. Dena mountain chain is one of the most beautiful parts of the Zagros range, being the highest point in the whole 1,500 km range. Ghash Mastan peak in Dena sub-range with 4,450m is the highest peak of Zagros. Adventure Iran offers short and long trekking tours to small groups of adventurous hikers. The Dena longest trail is one of the most popular trekking tours we conduct regularly in this region. Zardkuh mountain chain is another sub-range of the Zagros mountain range located in central Zagros. Zardkuh mountains are famous for ski touring, and many skiers come from all around the world to ski tour in this area. Furthermore, the Zardkuh region is the centre for the Bakhtiari nomadic tribes. It is the best mountainous area to have a nomadic trek with local tribes. Adventure Iran has created a number of tailor-made tours for a specific trek through nomadic settlements of Zardkuh. We prepared a long hiking trail for a small group who have more time available to spend in this region and wish to experience the rare opportunity to socialize with the nomadic Bakhtiari tribe. It can
Zagros Mountain Range Zagros, the name of the longest mountain range of Iran starts from the northwest of Iran; is located in the border area of eastern Turkey and stretches down to southwestern Iran in the Strait of Hormuz. Zagros mountain range is the sixth longest mountain range in Asia after the Himalayan main mountain
