It all began with a walk
Why did we design a trail?
In 2016, Irish writer Leon McCarron visited the Kurdistan Region for the first time, where he met Syrian-Kurdish filmmaker Lawin Mohammed. Together, alongside Miran Dizayee, they began to explore the ancient pathways of the region.
Leon has worked on and written about hiking trails around the world, and together he and Lawin began creating a long-distance trail in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq.
In 2019, photojournalist Emily Garthwaite joined the team and established community engagement efforts that have expanded to 30 towns and villages along the path.
The trail flourished with the support of the Abraham Path Initiative, who are a founding partner of the project, and have been deeply involved in its growth. The ZMT has also benefitted from the work of trail specialist David Landis over a number of years, and countless local experts and enthusiasts.
Today, the ZMT thrives thanks to the local stakeholders, the custodians of the trail, who continue to champion the Zagros Mountain Trail and welcome hikers to the heart of the Kurdistan Region of Iraq.
What have we achieved so far?
Over 1500 km of walking paths have been explored and scouted across the Kurdistan Region of Iraq
50+ places of cultural and historical interest have been identified
We have established a vibrant community of homestay hosts and local guides
Partnerships with local specialists with outstanding cultural, environmental, and social knowledge of the area.
40+ scenic spots in nature have been identified
