Hezar Chameh

I was stupid not to take more photos, but it was very difficult to get perspective. The path was almost non-existent, up and up, winding along precipices, sheer drops â€“ jagged rocks, stones, boulders and trees. Parts of the path were so slippy that the horses and mules had to be led nose and tail several slipped and fell
Extract from fieldwork diaries

Extracts from David’s fieldwork diaries

“A Thousand Hazards. It is also known as the pass of vultures and thieves. The reason became very obvious. It was a fearsome climb. I did about the first quarter on horseback and then we had to get off. I was stupid not to take more photos, but it was very difficult to get perspective. The path was almost non-existent, up and up, winding along precipices, sheer drops – jagged rocks, stones, boulders and trees. Parts of the path were so slippy that the horses and mules had to be led nose and tail several slipped and fell, but we lost none. A mule and a cow came to grief and the … vultures swooped and fought the dogs for the carcases. We climbed and climbed. This is where the thieves hang out. The tribes people shouting, pushing and pulling their animals over the slippery and dangerous paths. At last, feeling very hot and weary, after being held up, waiting as the group ahead of us coped with their animals, we reached the top. We mounted and rode over the top and were faced with the most magnificent view yet. In the distance, the snow-capped Zardeh Kuh Range; in front of us a sweeping wooded dry valley, on either side jagged mountain slopes, and in front in the distance, a green wooded plateau.”