SAFETY AND LOGISTICS

  • There are areas of land mines and unexploded ordinance in the Kurdistan Region. For the most part, the ZMT avoids proximity to these, but there are a few sections where the trail comes close to legacy minefields. Some of these fields are marked, and some are not. Only walk on the recommended trail as indicated by the ZMT data. Call the local contacts before traveling for updates. This is one o the reasons that we ask that, in the early stages of this projet, you travel with a local guide on the ZMT.

  • Most areas of the KRI require permits to travel in the mountains. If you do not have these, you may be turned around at checkpoints, or not allowed to walk on the trail by local security. Local contacts will help advise on where permissions are needed, and they can also get these for you. They do not cost anything, but the local service providers may require you to send your passport or residency card details to share with local security in advance of travel. Always carry your ID with you.

  • Some stages of the ZMT are clearly defined, and others are at an earlier stage of the process. This readiness will be indicated on each stage, but please remember that on the sections which have had fewer passes from our team, you will need to be able to confidently navigate using the GPX data, and the terrain may be more rough or uneven than elsewhere. Hiring a local guide makes this process safer.

  • The ZMT is mountainous, and weather is changeable. Please pack and dress accordingly. There can be rain from September until May, often heavy in winter. We do not recommend walking in summer, as the temperatures will be very high (sometimes almost 50C/122F) and on some stages there is little shade. In winter there can be snow, especially on stages with higher elevation. Follow the guidance of the local guides, and only hike when the weather permits.

  • The ZMT abides by the principles of ‘Leave No Trace.’ These are:

    Plan Ahead & Prepare

    Travel & Camp on Durable Surfaces

    Dispose of Waste Properly

    Leave What you Find

    Minimize Campfire Impacts

    Respect Wildlife

    Be Considerate of Other

  • Kurdistan is a very hospitable region. Most people you meet will be happy to see visitors. Be polite and kind in return, and wear appropriate clothing. Very few people in rural areas will speak English, and most will not speak Arabic. They may invite you for tea or food. We recommend that if you do join them, you do not follow them off the recommended route of the trail, because we cannot verify the safety of any areas not included in this information.

  • The guides and hosts that you will meet have all worked with the ZMT before. Some we have known for many years, and some are more recent partners. None of them have gone through any training programmes, though they have been made aware of the expectations of the ZMT. All are friendly, kind, and knowledgeable. We ask that your treat them with the respect that they’ll show you. Please understand that you may be some of the first visitors they have worked with.

  • It is your own responsibility to bring enough water and supplies for your visit. Some of the stages do not pass by villages with services, so prepare in advance. In general, we recommend 3 litres water per day, and more if it is hot. It’s also advised to bring trail snacks, like dried fruit and nuts, to sustain you during the hike. Homestays will offer dinner and breakfast, but not lunches. Local guides may not may not assist with bringing supplies, depending on the individual.

  • There are wild animals along the trail, and guard dogs. Many shepherds keep their flocks on land around the trail, so be wary of the dogs accompanying these animals. Usually they will stay clear of you as long as you don’t approach the sheep or goats. There are snakes, especially in spring, and in areas of long grass and rocks, so be mindful of this. Also spiders and scorpions. Local guides can help advice on the risks in specific areas.

  • In general, the ZMT is a high-mountain route. Take all precautions as you would for any other trek in these conditions. Be advised that there is no search and rescue or air ambulance assistance available.

  • There is no functional public transportation to reach the ZMT trailheads. There are shared taxis to major towns in the region, but they are hard to navigate without speaking Kurdish. It is recommended that you contact the local service providers to arrange transportation. Please remember that there are often permits required to reach the trailheads too, if you are planning to drive yourself.

The ZMT is a work in progress. It is critical that you read and understand the above information before visiting the trail. Visitors walk on the path under their own responsibility. This is a beautiful but complicated region – even if you feel like you know it well, please do not stray from the trail or guidelines.