WITNESSING THE EZIDI NEW YEAR,
AN EXPERIENCE OF A LIFETIME
AN EXPERIENCE OF A LIFETIME
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We begin in Basra, exploring the old city and local markets, before heading to the Mesopotamian Marshes. There, we take a boat ride among water buffalo, observe daily life in the wetlands, and spend the night in a traditional mudhif, enjoying a home-cooked masgouf dinner
In Mosul, Samarra, and rural northern Iraq, we explore the impact of recent history, hear firsthand accounts from our guide about life under ISIS, and learn about the extraordinary resilience of local communities, including members of the Shabak community
Finally, we travel to the mountains of Kurdistan, exploring Amedi and Akra, and visit Lalish during the Ezidi New Year, experiencing their unique traditions and spiritual celebrations. The journey ends in Erbil, the capital of the semi-autonomous Kurdistan Region
Traveling north, we visit the Ziggurat of Ur and the holy cities of Najaf and Karbala, where we explore Shi’a shrines and learn directly from locals about their beliefs and culture. We continue through Babylon and Baghdad, connecting ancient history with present-day life, and meet members of the Mandaean community, including a religious leader
IRAQ
Small group experience, maximum 8 travelers
Travel insurance is mandatory
Guides in English, Spanish, French
Meeting point in Basra, South Iraq
And end of the tour in Ebril, city of Kurdistan
10 days / 9 nights
9
18 april
Price: 2540€
International round-trip flights to Basra (arrival) and from Erbil (departure)
Personal expenses
EXCLUDED
INCLUDED
Local professional and certified tour guide
Entrance fees to archaeological sites
All meals during the trip
Private car and driver
Souvenirs
Entrance fees to archaeological sites
All meals during the trip
Private car and driver
Souvenirs
Visa (cost: $155). We will take care of the application for you
Accommodation in 3 star hotels in every city, plus guesthouses in the Marshes and villages in the Mandaean area
Full-time European tour leader, speaking English, Spanish, and French
Accommodation in 3 star hotels in every city, plus guesthouses in the Marshes and villages in the Mandaean area
Full-time European tour leader, speaking English, Spanish, and French
MEET OUR GUIDES
Bence
Kondor
I’m a documentary photographer and filmmaker, working with National Geographic and shaped by years spent in remote corners of the world.
I’ve lived with the Nenets above the Arctic Circle, traveled through Mongolia’s Taiga with the Tsaatan reindeer herders, and often found myself deep in places most maps forget.
What began as a personal search for stories has slowly grown into something larger: guiding others into these raw, distant worlds and spend time in the harsh winter work as a musher.
I co-founded this travel project to share the kind of journeys I’ve always looked for myself: honest, immersive, and far from the usual routes.
Manon
Roca
Driven by a deep fascination for human diversity, I find my greatest joy in stepping into unknown cultures and understanding life through someone else’s eyes and experiences and I truly believe we can make a better world if people experience other cultures deeply so, with Bence we founded this adventure project.
I adapt to anything, from sleeping in a tipi at -15°C in the Siberian tundra to hitchhiking alone under 45°C in the burning desert of Saudi Arabia. Fluent in French, English, and Spanish, if you ask me what superpower I’d choose, it would be the ability to speak every language.
When not documenting human stories through photographs and words, I’ll probably find myself swimming with hammerhead sharks or sharing tea with strangers somewhere in my favourite corner of the world, the Middle East.
What will the weather be like? What kind of gear do I need?
In November, temperatures can reach -25°C at night.
The best protection against the cold is lots of layers.
We recommend: extra warm layers, winter jacket, sleeping bag rated to -15°C, extra warm gloves, winter hat, thermal t-shirt and pants, thermal socks.
Have a look at the recommended list we created for this trip to make sure you’re well prepared.
The best protection against the cold is lots of layers.
We recommend: extra warm layers, winter jacket, sleeping bag rated to -15°C, extra warm gloves, winter hat, thermal t-shirt and pants, thermal socks.
Have a look at the recommended list we created for this trip to make sure you’re well prepared.
What kind of Insurance do I need?
Travel insurance is required, a regular travel insurance that includes Mongolia is enough.
Optional: we can help you get one via SafetyWing.
Optional: we can help you get one via SafetyWing.
How about the food and what to expect?
Expect basic and local Mongolian meals, containing meats most of the time.
Bring snacks, nuts, or protein bars if you’re picky or have dietary needs.
Bring snacks, nuts, or protein bars if you’re picky or have dietary needs.
What kind of accommodation should I expect?
In Ulaanbaatar and small villages: guesthouses or 2–3 star hotels.
In the taiga: staying in Dukha families’ tipi, with very basic comfort, living exactly like the tribe.
In the taiga: staying in Dukha families’ tipi, with very basic comfort, living exactly like the tribe.
Do I need Visa?
Check with the Mongolian embassy of your country. We can assist you if you need help.
Passport must be valid for 6 months beyond your intended stay.
Passport must be valid for 6 months beyond your intended stay.
Can I come alone? How many people will participate?
You can absolutely come alone: it’s a great opportunity to meet other like-minded people.
The group will be small, with 6 to 8 participants, not including your guide.
The group will be small, with 6 to 8 participants, not including your guide.
Do I need to exchange money?
There are ATMs in the capital, Ulaanbaatar, that accept international cards.
But outside the city, in rural areas, only cash is accepted.
If you prefer to bring foreign currency, you can easily exchange it for Tugrik (MNT) in the capital.
But outside the city, in rural areas, only cash is accepted.
If you prefer to bring foreign currency, you can easily exchange it for Tugrik (MNT) in the capital.
Is the Internet available at the camp?
No.
Is the plane ticket included in the price?
No it is not, but we can assist you to buy it.
Will someone wait for me at the airport?
Yes, either your guide, or the driver of the trip would be waiting for you.
What fitness level do I need to be?
Moderate fitness is recommended:
• Rugged terrain, basic conditions
• Extreme cold
No need to be an athlete, but you should be comfortable in nature and able to adapt to basic living conditions.
• Rugged terrain, basic conditions
• Extreme cold
No need to be an athlete, but you should be comfortable in nature and able to adapt to basic living conditions.
Is the tribe comfortable to host guests?
The Tsaatan people are accustomed to respectful tourism, but only a few families host visitors in rotation to avoid overwhelming them.
Can I bring gifts for the Tsaatan families?
Yes, we will discuss everything together once we’re in Ulaanbaatar, including checking with the family about their needs, so we can bring appropriate and useful gifts.
Are there toilets and showers?
Very basic or none at all in the taiga.
You’ll use a designated English toilet in the camp.
No showers.
You’ll use a designated English toilet in the camp.
No showers.
What will the weather be like? What kind of gear do I need?
April is warm and dry. Temperatures usually range between 20–30°C, with occasional peaks up to 35°C. Evenings can be cooler, especially in the north. Light clothing is recommended, plus a light jacket for nights. Keep in mind, in Iraq by culture neither men nor women wear shorts or tank tops.
What kind of insurance do I need?
A standard travel insurance policy that explicitly covers travel in Iraq is sufficient. We can recommend providers if needed.
How about the food and what should I expect?
You can expect traditional Iraqi cuisine, including rice dishes, kebabs, stews, grilled river fish, flatbreads, vegetables, and tea. Vegetarian options are limited.
What kind of accommodation should I expect?
Clean, comfortable mid-range hotels. Rooms are shared (double or twin), with the possibility of a single-room supplement. One night will be spent in guesthouses in the marshes, and one night in a guesthouse in the Mandaean area.
Do I need a visa?
Yes. An e-Visa must be obtained before travel via the official portal. Visa on arrival is no longer available for most nationalities. Your passport must be valid for at least six (6) months from the date of entry. We assist with the process.
Can I come alone? How many people will participate?
You can absolutely come alone: it’s a great opportunity to meet other like-minded people. The group will be small, with 6 to 8 participants, not including your guides.
Do I need to exchange money?
The local currency is the Iraqi Dinar (IQD). Bring USD or EUR in cash to exchange locally. Credit and debit cards are rarely accepted: cash is essential.
Is the plane ticket included in the price?
No, international flights are not included. Please note that the arrival flight must land in Basra, and the departure flight must depart from Erbil. The itinerary has been optimized to reduce overland travel, as Iraq is a very large country. We can assist you in selecting appropriate flight routes if needed.
Will someone wait for me at the airport?
Yes. A driver or guide will meet you at the airport upon arrival and assist you with the arrival process.
Can I extend my stay in Iraq?
Yes. You may arrive earlier or stay longer independently. We are happy to suggest additional destinations.
Is it safe to travel there?
Yes. The itinerary is limited to stable and secure regions, and we work exclusively with trusted local partners. Iraq is far more peaceful and welcoming than commonly portrayed in the media.
How do I book and pay?
You can secure your spot with a deposit. Full payment details and instructions will be shared after you contact us.
What happens if the trip is canceled?
If we cancel the trip, you receive a full refund. If you cancel, refund conditions depend on timing.
FAQ
HOW TO JOIN US
INQUIRY
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Enquiry
Email us or use the form below
We will get back to you within 72h
Secure your spot with a deposit
Typically 1-2 months before departure
30 days before departure
Availability confirmation
Booking
Plane tickets & Visa arrangement
Second Payment
hello@walkbeside.co
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Iraq
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