Shahsavan Nomads A Unique Off-the-Beaten-Path Experience for Discovering The Shahsavan Nomads are one of Iran’s famous tribes. Iran is home to diverse ethnic groups and nomadic tribes, each with its own traditions, culture, and way of life. Among them, the Shahsavan nomads, primarily inhabiting the northwestern regions of Iran, offer a unique insight into the country’s rich nomadic heritage. If you’re an adventure traveler seeking an off-the-beaten-track experience, visiting the Shahsavan nomads is a rare opportunity to witness an ancient way of life that has been preserved for centuries. Who Are the Shahsavan Nomads? The Shahsavan tribe is a Turkic-speaking nomadic group primarily found in Ardabil Province, particularly in the Moghan Plain, Meshginshahr, and the foothills of Sabalan Mountain. Their name, meaning “those who defend the king,” dates back to the Safavid dynasty when they were tasked with protecting Iran’s northern borders. Over time, the Shahsavan developed a rich culture deeply rooted in pastoral life, seasonal migration, and traditional craftsmanship. The Region Where the Shahsavan Nomads Live The Shahsavan nomads inhabit the northwestern part of Iran, particularly in Ardabil Province. This area is known for its breathtaking landscapes, diverse climate, and rich grazing lands that sustain their livestock. Their winter settlements are in the Moghan Plain, which is a fertile lowland with mild winters, making it suitable for sheep and goat herding. During the summer, they migrate to the high-altitude meadows of Mount Sabalan, where the cooler temperatures and lush pastures provide ideal conditions for their animals. Mount Sabalan, an inactive volcano and the third-highest peak in Iran, plays a vital role in the Shahsavan way of life, as its melting snow provides fresh water for grazing lands. The cities and towns near the Shahsavan settlements include Parsabad, Germi, Bileh Savar, and Meshginshahr, where some tribe members
Shahsavan Nomads A Unique Off-the-Beaten-Path Experience for Discovering The Shahsavan Nomads are one of Iran’s famous tribes. Iran is home to diverse ethnic groups and nomadic tribes, each with its own traditions, culture, and way of life. Among them, the Shahsavan nomads, primarily inhabiting the northwestern regions of Iran, offer a unique insight into the
Iran Nomad Tour A Once-in-a-Lifetime Experience An Iran Nomad Tour is one of the most extraordinary experiences any traveler can have in Iran. In the modern world, Iran remains one of the few places where authentic nomadic life continues in its traditional form. A small number of Bakhtiari nomads still migrate on foot with their herds, following the same seasonal routes their ancestors traveled for thousands of years. By joining an Iran Nomad Tour, you have the rare opportunity to witness this ancient migration firsthand. This unique tradition is rapidly changing due to modernization, and the number of nomads is steadily declining. This may be one of the last chances for travelers to experience the nomadic way of life before it fades into history. For adventurous travelers who enjoy trekking and are in good physical condition, participating in a nomadic migration tour is an unforgettable experience. Taking place twice a year, this journey allows you to walk alongside the nomads, live in their tents, and immerse yourself in their centuries-old customs. Imagine a journey where time slows down, where history and tradition blend seamlessly with the present, and where every step connects you to a deep-rooted culture. An Iran Nomad Tour is more than just a trip—it’s a cultural adventure, an exploration of humanity’s bond with nature, and a rare chance to be part of a living history. The Essence of Nomadic Life Iran is home to a diverse array of nomadic tribes, each with its own distinct culture, traditions, and lifestyle. Among the most well-known are the Qashqai, Bakhtiari, and Shahsavan tribes. These tribes have roamed the vast landscapes of Iran for centuries, moving with the seasons to find the best pastures for their livestock. The nomadic way of life, known as "Kooch," is a testament to
Iran Nomad Tour A Once-in-a-Lifetime Experience An Iran Nomad Tour is one of the most extraordinary experiences any traveler can have in Iran. In the modern world, Iran remains one of the few places where authentic nomadic life continues in its traditional form. A small number of Bakhtiari nomads still migrate on foot with their
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 (Zardkooh) and Kuhrang and named themselves Bakhtiar (meaning fortunate bearer) because they could survive. Today, many historians arguably agree Bakhtiari people are originally
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 (Zardkooh) 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
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. To compare of other Iran Nomads, 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 above mentioned attractions have made this place one of the destinations for adventurous travelers who are looking for Off-the-Beaten-Track destinations in Iran by getting an Iran Nomad Tour. 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
Bakhtiari Nomadic Land Bakhtiari is the name of one major Iranian nomadic tribe living in the central part of the Zagros mountain range. To compare of other Iran Nomads, 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
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), Taleshi, 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 Iran 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. In recent decades, Iran's nomads are fading away. Comparing the first Adventure Iran nomadic trips (in
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), Taleshi,
