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Iraq Arbaeen Walking Tour
Join our Arbaeen Walking Tour and walk side by side with over a million pilgrims on a religious journey. We’ll walk 40 kilometers (in two days) and we’ll experience one of the largest and most unique religious gatherings in the world. While you don’t need to be Muslim to take part, it’s essential to approach the experience with respect and an open mind.
The Arbaeen pilgrimage is a tribute to Imam Hussein, the grandson of Prophet Muhammad, who died in the Battle of Karbala. Along the way, you’ll be warmly welcomed at “Mawkabs.” These are rest stops run by volunteers and local families. They provide food, water, and places to rest or sleep.
After the Arbaeen Walking tour (Group A) you can choose to extend this tour with a trip to North Iraq / Kurdistan (Group B).
General info
| Start date | 8 August 2025 |
| End date | 13 or 17 August 2025 |
| Days | Group A: 6 days / 5 nights Group B: 10 days / 9 nights |
| Price | Group A: € 1695 Group B: € 2995 |
| Including | Accommodation (shared) Transportation on the ground Western & local guide Entry fees Airport pick up/drop off Donations for the Mawkab volunteers Food, drinks and snacks during walk |
| Excluding | International flights Single room group A (€ 150) Single room group B (€ 450) Insurance Visa Tips for the guide Personal expenses |
Itinerary
Friday 8 August – Baghdad
- Airport pick up in Baghdad.
- Exchange money on the local market (if necessary).
- Highlight: Explore Baghdad with an evening city tour around Tahir Square and Abu Nawas.
- Overnight in Baghdad.
Saturday 9 August – Baghdad – Babylon – Najaf
- Drive to Babylon.
- Highlight: Tour around the ruins of Babylon, including the Hanging Gardens and the Tower of Babel.
- Palace of Saddam Hussein, on top of a hill in the center in Babylon.
- Continue to Najaf.
- Upon arrival in Najaf, enjoy some time to relax and prepare for the upcoming pilgrimage. Get a good night’s rest to ensure you’re well-rested for the journey ahead.
- Overnight stay in Najaf.
Sunday 10 August – Najaf – start pilgrimage route
- House of Imam Ali. Imam Ali was the son-in-law and nephew of the prophet Mohammed. This is where he was murdered.
- Kufa Mosque is one of the oldest mosques in the world.
- Visit to the ceremony at the Imam Ali Shrine. Imam Ali is buried here.
- We will prepare food and get ready for the Mawkab.
- Highlight: At nighttime we will hand out food that we prepared to the pilgrims, and participate in a Mawkab, until the early hours of the morning (peak time).
- We will then be walking around 20 kilometers from the Mawkab with the pilgrims on the road to Karbala. At sunrise, when the weather becomes too hot, we will stop.
- Overnight/early morning stay at a Mawkab or local house on the route.
Monday 11 August – pilgrimage route – Karbala – Baghdad
- After we have a good sleep we’ll walk the next part of the pilgrimage route.
- Arrive in Karbala late at night or early morning on the 12th.
- Upon arrival, experience the atmosphere of Karbala.
- Check out the Al Abbas Mosque is the place where Abbas ibn Ali is buried.
- See the Imam Hussein Shrine, this is the place where Imam Hussein is buried.
- Head back to Baghdad after dinner.
- Overnight in Baghdad.
Tuesday 12 August – Baghdad
- We’ll spend most of the daytime resting in our comfy beds, as we’re going to be exhausted.
- Highlight: Visit Al Shaheed Monument, an imposing structure commemorating the first Gulf War.
- In the evening, we’ll visit some Baghdad sites such as Mutannabi Street and the Karrada area (bustling and filled with youth).
- Overnight in Baghdad.
Wednesday 13 August – Baghdad – Samarra – Mosul
- End of Group A: End of the Arbaeen Walking tour. Airport drop offs.
- Continuation of Group B: Start of Northern Iraq Tour
- Get up early for the drive to Samarra, drive through villages on the way that have been destroyed in the fight against IS.
- Highlight: See the Samarra Minaret (also known as the Great Mosque of Samarra). If open, you can walk to the top.
- Continue north, towards Mosul.
- Stop at the famous UNESCO sight of Hatra. Permissions are not always granted, but we will try it.
- Arrive to Mosul.
- Overnight stay in Mosul.
Thursday 14 August – Mosul – Duhok
- Enjoy a morning tour in Mosul’s old city and learn about its history and reconstruction.
- Highlight: Visit Bakhdida, a charming Assyrian Christian town (where you can see the opposite of the Arbaeen vibes we had before).
- Embark on a two-hour drive to Lalish, the holiest town for the Yazidi people.
- Highlight: Discover Lalish, a town steeped in spirituality, where a few remaining families maintain the holy site, awaiting the return of Yazidi refugees from across the globe.
- Continue to Duhok, a town rooted in Yazidi history and culture.
- Overnight in Duhok.
Friday 15 August – Duhok – Rawanduz
- Drive to Amadiya (Amedi), known as the “City of the Sky” because it is perched atop a plateau.
- Stop at Shanidar Cave, an ancient archaeological site.
- Highlight: Explore the cave’s fascinating history and take in the natural beauty of this historic site.
- Enjoy a walking tour of Rawanduz.
- Overnight in Rawanduz.
Saturday 16 August – Rawanduz – Erbil
- Visit the waterfalls in one of the deepest gorges in the Middle East, then take the scenic Hamilton Road.
- Highlight: Admire the amazing landscapes along this historical road, built in the 1930s to unify the region.
- Drive to Erbil.
- Explore the Erbil Citadel, one of the world’s oldest continuously inhabited settlements. This UNESCO World Heritage Site offers a glimpse into centuries of history and an opportunity to shop for souvenirs.
- If we arrive early, visit Erbil’s Bazaar as well and search through the bazaar for local treasures.
- Overnight in Erbil.
Sunday 17 August – Erbil
- Drop off to the airport.
- End of tour.
Frequently asked questions
The Arbaeen Walking tour joins a pilgrimage that is one of the biggest and most unique religious gatherings in the world. It marks the end of 40 days of mourning for Imam Hussein, who fought against injustice and died in Karbala. The walk from Najaf to Karbala is a way to honour his sacrifice and remember his message. It’s also a chance to connect with millions of other people, reflect, and experience kindness and hospitality along the way. For many, it’s a special and personal journey.
Walking the route from Najaf to Karbala is a way of showing devotion and solidarity with Imam Hussein’s journey and sacrifice. It’s not just about reaching the destination but about experiencing the pilgrimage physically and spiritually. Walking gives time to reflect, connect with others, and feel some of the same struggles that Imam Hussein and his followers faced. Generations have passed down the tradition, making it a meaningful part of their culture.
The walk requires moderate physical fitness, as it involves walking long distances and enduring heat. Participants should be comfortable walking 20 kilometres a day. All ages are welcome, but younger children or older participants should consider their endurance levels.
Safety is our priority. Our guides carry a basic medical kit and are trained in First Aid. For serious injuries, we’ll coordinate with local emergency services and nearby medical facilities.
Flights to Baghdad can fill up quickly, especially during Arbaeen. We recommend booking at least 3 months in advance to secure your spot.
Yes, there will be toilet stops at regular intervals along the route. Mawkabs often provide basic sanitation facilities for pilgrims.
You can charge your phone at the accommodations, not during the walk. We recommend to carry a portable charger to ensure your phone stays powered throughout the journey.
No, we will only walk 40 kilometres. The most popular route for pilgrims is from Najaf to Karbala, around 80 kilometres.
Mawkabs are rest stops along the pilgrimage route, operated by volunteers and local families. These stations provide essential services to pilgrims, including:
- Food and drinks (often home-cooked meals).
- Places to rest or sleep.
- Medical aid and basic necessities.
The walk covers about 40 kilometres in total and takes 2 days.
Black clothing is preferred, which is what most participants. Women must wear Islamic attire, such as an abaya, and cover their hair with a scarf or hijab.
Everyone should wear long trousers or skirts, ensuring modesty. Opt for breathable, lightweight fabrics and comfortable shoes, as the walk involves covering long distances, often in warm and challenging conditions.
Men and women typically walk together during the pilgrimage, while respecting local customs and modesty. Men and women usually sleep separately to ensure privacy.
Along the pilgrimage route, we will sleep at Mawkabs (depending on availability) and occasionally private homes arranged by our hosts, volunteers and local families. These places provide essential services to pilgrims.
When not on the pilgrimage, accommodations will be a mix of hotels and local guesthouses. You can expect simple yet clean and comfortable settings, offering an authentic glimpse into local hospitality.
No, this tour is open to everyone, regardless of religious background. We only ask participants to be respectful of the local customs and religious practices.
This event is deeply meaningful for millions of people, and understanding its significance will help you enjoy the experience even more. Participants expect to follow some basic rules, like dressing modestly, being respectful, and following local customs. By doing so, you’ll show respect and get a better understanding of the history and meaning behind this special journey.
The food during the pilgrimage is included. Most meals will be provided by the Mawkabs or prepared by the group. For the rest of the tour, lunches and dinners are at your own expense.
Iraq Group Tours Schedule
| Date | Tour | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 10 – 16 March 2025 | Iraq Highlights Tour | Book now |
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| 9 – 15 May 2025 | Iraq Highlights Tour | Book now |
| 8 – 13/17 August 2025 | Arbaeen Walking Tour | Book now |
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| 16 – 28 October 2025 | Iraq & Kurdistan Highlights Tour | Book now |
| TBA December | Iraq and Kurdistan NYE Tour | Book now |