A rustic – and Wi-Fi free – experience
Visit hidden paradise
The area sees little in the way of tourism, enabling guests to have an authentic village experience. Here, you can discover the real and remote Iran beyond the well-trodden tourist paths of Germi city and witness the friendliness and unique hospitality of the local minority people, who may even welcome you into their private homes. As you watch children splash in the river right next to your lodge, you will have a taste of life in the mountains as it has gone on for centuries. Showoon eco Lodge aims to provide a unique experience, welcoming guests in a homestay that is simple and remote yet entirely comfortable, with delicious local food and overwhelmingly friendly service.
We’re glad to provide you with an amazing journey to the “land of SHahsavan Nomads and traditional life”
Sleep
is light in nomads solitude
Nomadic life style is the oldest human way of life and its persistence up to
the present is the greatest attraction of this life style. That’s why this
particular way of life has led tribal and nomadic life to seem appealing in the
age of technology and attracts those who are tired of mechanical life.
Although technology has affected nomadic life, the nomads in Mughan maintain
many Iranian traditional values.
They are part of nature and walk in the wind, but this peaceful life is not
always easy since Sometimes nature wants to be alone.
Holding nomadic tours with the aim of preserving the environment and the presence of tourists in the protection of biodiversity to indigenous and tribal restore of the values of living in tents (Alachig) so that they are rescued from perishing forever. Restoring nomadic costume and lifestyle that was changed to and presence of tourists at the tribe led to traditionally holding the ceremonies such as shearing and weddings, by local tribes.
Showoon Eco lodge is not to everyone’s taste and it is important to us that guests understand the ways in which we differ from standard hotels before making a booking.
We are situated 18 km outside Germi city town and the taxi journey takes approximately 30 minutes. We call it an “adventurous taxi ride” mainly because the road condition is fairly poor in places and because you’ll meet many of the ethnic minorities of this area.
We call ourselves a ‘lodge’ because we lack some of the basic features and services of a standard hotel. Our rooms have no TV and no internet connection, enabling guests to completely escape from everyday life and immerse with nature.
Since we are committed to community development, our employees are friendly young people from the local minority tribes. We ask guests to be patient and be assured that there is always someone on site able to help them.
Due to our mountain location, sometimes the weather is clear and sometimes it is cloudy, and after a heavy rainfall it can be very muddy.
However, we have a very unusual location with a spectacular view and lots of unique trekking and mountain biking trails in our area. We invite people with an open mind and adventurous spirit to experience Iran in a different way and to escape the busy city life for a peaceful and authentic mountain getaway.
Felling like at home, it’s also a place to meet other travelers and relax in touch with nature. We look forward to welcoming all overnight staying guests.
Don’t expect a 5-star hotel, but many stars in the plain sky!
Due to our visitor’s privacy and quiet, we do not have entrance for day visitors.
Shahsavan nomads
The Shahsavan are a nomadic pastoralist tribe located in northwest Iran. These Azeri-Turkish speaking pastoralists migrate between their winter quarters, qishlaq, in the Mughan steppe of Azerbaijan, and their summer quarters, yeylaq, around Mount Sabalan, approximately one hundred fifty miles to the south.
The Shahsavan, unlike many other nomadic tribes in Iran, do not have just one recognized chief (khan). Instead the influential chiefs (begs) of the five or six principal tribes act as intermediaries with outside authorities.
Seasonal Migration
The Shahsavan begin their migration southward to Mount Sabalan (15,816 ft.) approximately 45 days after the spring equinox. The weather determines the exact timing of departure. The nomads usually spend three to four weeks covering the 150 miles between the winter and summer quarters. For the migration, several camps form a caravan consisting of 30-60 tents. A recognized leader organizes the migration of different groups in accordance with the movement of other sections of the tribe. Daily migration starts soon after midnight and continues until midday, when sun and heat prevent further travel. The flocks begin to move several hours before the caravan of camels and other pack animals. Camels transport the women, children, lambs, chickens, the wooden frame of the tent, and the colorfully woven luggage containers. The men ride horses or walk. By late morning, the caravans catch up with the flocks. Several men ride ahead to locate appropriate pastures and a camping site where the tribe will settle for the night. A day’s travel covers between six and ten miles.
Pack animals are unloaded upon arrival. The diverse vegetation of the region has created suitable rangelands for livestock to graze. The dome-shaped tents take only 45 minutes to set up. A circular crown is held up by a man, while 24 to 32 bent wooden rods are inserted into it; the frame stands like a giant spider. To give the tent lateral strength, woolen bands are wrapped around the frame, and a large wooden peg is driven into the ground under the crown to tie the tent down. Once assembled, the frame is covered by several sheets of thick felt, ketcha, which are tied to the frame and the ground. A lighter tent is set up by shepherds or families who do not have a larger one. Everyone is involved in setting up camp. Afterward women fetch water, prepare food, and shortly after sunset everyone goes to sleep. The next day begins soon after midnight.
