Dates: May 6 – 14, 2025

Duration: 9 days / 8 nights

Number of participants: 6 – 8

Cost per person:

• 1 850 USD subject to 8 participants,
• 1 990 USD subject to 6 – 7 participants.

10% early booking discount (in case you book before February 6, 2025)

Everything is included (also domestic flight and full board), except for:
- international flight to Tehran roundtrip,
- visa on arrival provided that we arrange preliminary visa code for you (visa fee at the airport is 70 EUR for Russians, 75 EUR for EU members and other nationalities. For Americans, British and Canadian the process of getting visa code is longer, up to 2 months).

Estimated cost of flight direct Moscow – Tehran – Moscow: USD 250 – 350 (Usually bought on your own, we consult you).
Estimated cost of flight direct Istanbul – Tehran – Istanbul: USD 200 – 350 (Usually bought on your own, we consult you).
Estimated cost of flight direct Dubai/Sharja – Tehran – Dubai/Sharja: USD 200 – 350 (Usually bought on your own, we consult you).

Single supplement: 150 USD (provided on the first and last day in hotels)



TRAVEL PROGRAM: TOUR TO IRAN


Day 1. May 6, 2025 (Tuesday). TEHRAN – AHWAZ – SHUSHTAR

Arrival in Tehran either early in the morning or the night before (arrival the day before would involve an extra night in the hotel in Tehran to be paid). We have a morning flight to Ahwaz, where our journey begins. We’ll visit the Shushtar Hydraulic System, an ancient engineering marvel recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Then, we’ll explore Chogha Zanbil, an impressive Elamite ziggurat that stands as one of the best-preserved examples of this ancient architectural style. Lastly, we’ll step into the Mostofi House, an elegant mansion related to the late Qajar period.
Overnight at the traditional hotel in Shushtar.

Meals included: lunch, dinner
Accommodation included: Sarabi traditional hotel or similar

*Recommended flight to Tehran:
— any flight arriving in Tehran no later than 9:00 am on May 6.


Day 2. May 7, 2025 (Wednesday). SHUSHTAR – BAKHTIARI NOMADS IN THE ZAGROS MOUNTAINS

After breakfast, we start our drive through the Iranian countryside, heading towards the Zagros Mountains. It would be some hours of driving depending on the pasture we’re going. At most, it would be 8 hours. If we had a long way, we’ll stop by Shmbar lake or Negin waterfall. At the agreed meeting point, the male members of the family greet us. We leave our belongings in the car and head to the Bakhtiari camp, where we will spend the next few days living alongside them. Overnight in the camp.

The Bakhtiari are a nomadic ethnic group from southwestern Iran. They are known for their seasonal migrations, elaborate handwoven carpets, often adorned with geometric patterns that reflect their mountain environment. Historically, the Bakhtiari played a key role in Iranian history; they were instrumental in supporting the Constitutional Revolution, which aimed to limit royal power and establish parliamentary governance. Today, despite modern pressures, the Bakhtiari continue to honor their heritage through their tribal leadership system, traditional festivals, and the passing down of knowledge on sustainable herding and mountain survival techniques.

Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Accommodation included: tents


Days 3 – 6. May 8 – 11, 2025 (Thursday – Sunday). LIVING THE NOMADIC LIFE AND JOINING THE TRADITIONAL MIGRATION

During these days, we’ll experience the heart of the nomadic lifestyle by joining their Kooch – the traditional migration.
For the Bakhtiari, Kooch is an essential part of their semi-nomadic lifestyle and cultural identity. This seasonal migration takes them and their herds through the rugged terrains of the Zagros Mountains, moving between warm lowland pastures in winter and cooler highland pastures in summer. The journey, which can span hundreds of kilometers, is both physically demanding and deeply symbolic, reflecting their intimate connection to the land and their ancestral traditions. During kooch, the Bakhtiari families travel with all their belongings, navigating challenging paths while maintaining their unity and resilience. This practice, passed down through generations, remains a cornerstone of Bakhtiari heritage and a living testament to their enduring way of life.

Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Accommodation included: tents


Day 7. May 12, 2025 (Monday). NOMADIC CAMP OF BAKHTIARI – KHOYE VILLAGE

After several intense and challenging days of kooch and living the nomadic life, we’ll make our way back to civilization. A few hours on the road will take us to Khoye village where the settled members of the Bakhtiari people live.
We will spend the night in a village house, immersing ourselves in the daily life and traditions of the locals.

Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Accommodation included: house in the village


Day 8. May 13, 2025 (Tuesday). KHOYE – SAR AGHA SEYEED VILLAGE – ISFAHAN – TEHRAN

In the morning, we will dedicate our time to exploring the village and getting to know the daily lives of its residents. We will visit local artisans, observing their craftsmanship. Among them are skilled carpet weavers, whose intricate designs reflect stories and heritage of their community.
Then, we’ll have a short visit of the layered nomadic village, Sar Agha Seyyed.
To rest after our adventure, we’ll have a Persian hammam experience – a traditional bathhouse that offers the perfect combination of relaxation and cleansing. A Persian massage will complete this restorative ritual, leaving you refreshed and ready to reflect on the incredible journey we’ve shared.

Heading to Tehran International Airport and check-in at the airport hotel.

Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Accommodation included: Ibis Airport Hotel or similar hotel in IKIA airport


Day 9. May 14, 2025 (Wednesday). DEPARTURE FROM TEHRAN

Check-out from the hotel. Free 5 min bus transfer (or 15 min walking distance if you'd prefer) to the IKIA airport.
Check-in for the flight back home and departure from Tehran IKIA airport.

Meals included: breakfast
Accommodation included: no

* Recommended flights from Tehran:
— any flight departs from Tehran no earlier than at 04:00 am on May 14


* Depending on the weather conditions and according to the nomad family’s decisions, the program can be changed.

Cost includes:

• Domestic flight from Tehran to Ahwaz
• International medical insurance
• Facilitation with visa (Visa code)
• Accommodation in hotels as per the program, in TWIN rooms
• Accommodation in village house as per the program, in common rooms
• Accommodation in tents as per the program, in SINGLE basis
• Full board meals: breakfasts, lunches and dinners
• Pick up transfer from the airport and returning to airport
• All transport according to the itinerary
• All sightseeing as outlined in itinerary, entry fees
• All permits
• Drinking water everywhere along the route
• English speaking local guide throughout all trip
• Russian- and English speaking team leader throughout all itinerary

Cost excludes (additionally paid) :

• International flight ticket to Tehran roundtrip
• Iran visa on arrival (70 – 75 EUR visa fee)
• Tips for local team
• Personal expenses
• Single accommodation

To take with:

• Clothing set for trekking in the mountains: warm during the day, up to +25°C, and cool in the evening, down to +5°C
• Comfortable and hard wearing shoes: 1) light ones for the cities and walks; 2) trekking shoes
• Scarf for women
• Raincoat
• Sun glasses and sun protection cream
• Personal medical kit (analgesic, antiseptic, antibiotic, antiviral, intestinal, multivitamins, rehydration, court plaster, your personal medicine)
• Personal hygiene means: towel, soap, wet tissues
• Forehead torch
• Waterproof case for the documents
• Photo-, video cameras
• Additional batteries for cameras and power bank
• Backpack for luggage
• Light backpack for personal belongings