“Can you help me translate? I want to ask the shepherd where this trail leads.”
This was the query posed to me by Leon McCarron, a Northern Irish adventurer, filmmaker, and author, during our time at the Mosul Gate in Amedi, Kurdistan Region of Iraq (KRI), where we were filming a documentary on the majestic landscapes of Kurdistan. It was a simple question, but one that marked the inception of a remarkable, multi-year journey.
The Zagros Mountain Trail is a long-distance hiking trail that weaves across the KRI. It is the first of its kind, and its purpose is to foster connections between individuals from diverse backgrounds, whether local or international, while immersing travelers in the richness of the local culture and landscape. It aspires to create economic opportunities in rural areas, and to establish the Kurdistan Region as one of the most exciting destinations in the Middle East for outdoor tourism. Beyond that, it serves as a platform to support the local community and narrate the unique history of the region.
Photo: Leon McCarron
My encounter with Leon in 2016, alongside the Kurdish filmmaker Miran Dizayee, and later, in 2019, the British photojournalist Emily Garthwaite, marked the genesis of our expedition. We embarked on a quest to unearth the ancient paths of the region. Our vision was to create a lasting legacy, instilling a sense of pride and ownership in the local population and establishing a platform for the protection of culture and the environment.
Since that day at the Mosul Gate, we have scouted over 1,500 kilometers of walking paths in the KRI. This has resulted in a continuous 215-km route, with more than 50 culturally and historically significant sites and over 40 breathtaking spots in nature. We have meticulously curated a network of homestay hosts and local guides to represent the vibrant community of this region.
Every endeavor requires assets, and in our case, it was the warmth and hospitality of the Kurdish people, the unparalleled beauty of the landscape, and the deep-rooted historical ties between the Kurds and their mountains. These very mountains, which have safeguarded us throughout history, now beckon us to safeguard them in return through hiking and preservation. As a Kurd residing in these lands, I have gleaned fresh insights with every step I take in the mountains of Kurdistan. This experience has been profoundly fascinating for me. It leaves me pondering what it must be like for foreigners who are not acquainted with these lands and their people.
Photo: Leon McCarron
A labor of love
In October 2023, the Zagros Mountain Trail was officially launched, unveiling detailed information on all 13 stages, allowing hikers to access data encompassing distance, elevation, difficulty, and contact information for our local guides and homestays.
During the launch event, Leon remarked on the importance of these trails:
“Trails offer a unique means to foster economic prosperity in rural areas while championing the protection of environmental and cultural heritage. They bring people together in a safe and welcoming space and serve as a conduit to introduce a destination to the world. A successful trail is inclusive for all. Trails can also aid regions with a history of conflict and tragedy in moving toward a new narrative of hope, opportunity, and community. We designed the Zagros Mountain Trail with these ideals in mind, and now we are thrilled to share it with the world. It has been the utmost privilege of my career to contribute to this endeavor.”
Photo: Leon McCarron
Emily also shared her sentiments, emphasizing her love for the project and the region:
“I take immense pride in being part of the Zagros Mountain Trail. My involvement since 2019 led me to fall in love with Kurdistan, prompting my decision to relocate, work, and live in this enchanting region. I initially fell in love with its mountains, a sentiment I believe many share when they first encounter Kurdistan.”
The trail’s evolution has been bolstered by the unwavering support of the Abraham Path Initiative, an international non-governmental organization dedicated to developing walking trails across the Middle East, which is a founding partner of this project and has played an integral role in its growth.
Photo: Leon McCarron
Community-based, experiential tourism
Executive Director of the Abraham Path Initiative Anisa Mehdi articulated the importance of this endeavor:
“Our collaborative efforts represent the vanguard of a burgeoning segment in the tourism industry: community-based, experiential tourism. It brings job opportunities, such as guiding and homestay hosting, to generations of families. This type of tourism ushers in income and hope ‘off the beaten path.’ It fosters new friendships.”
Photo: Leon McCarron
Miran emphasized the project’s role in the region:
“This project belongs to the residents of the KRI, and its benefits extend far beyond us. Therefore, we appeal to the Kurdistan Regional Government to extend their support so we can expand our initiatives across Kurdistan and establish more trails in the region.”
Head of the Soran Independent Administration Halgurd Sheikh Najib, who sponsored the launch event for the Zagros Mountain Trail, underscored the significance of such projects:
“From the day that we heard about the Zagros Mountain Trail we decided to support it because this project aims to boost tourism and create economic opportunities in our region by changing how we view our mountains. We are transforming them from being shelters and a place to flee from war into popular hiking destinations, which has the potential to reshape our country’s landscape and people’s perceptions.”
I take pride in our achievements thus far and envision the Zagros Mountain Trail as the foundation for the creation of numerous other trails, as the breathtaking beauty of Kurdistan cannot be encapsulated in just one trail. This region undoubtedly holds the potential for the development of more strategic trails, inviting explorers to witness its magnificent landscapes.
Lawin Mohammad is the Co-founder of Zagros Mountain Trail, holds a BA in English Literature from Damascus University.
