The Adventure, Philosophy, and Power of Exploration on Foot

Introduction: The Call of the Open Road

Since childhood, the mountains of Armenia’s Lori region have been my playground. Winding through forests, crossing ancient stone bridges, and feeling the crisp mountain air against my skin—those hikes weren’t just adventures; they were lessons. Lessons in resilience, patience, and the art of moving through the world at nature’s rhythm.

But walking isn’t just about movement—it’s an ancient way of discovery. It’s how our ancestors explored new lands, how travelers connected with different cultures, and how, even today, we can step out of our comfort zones and into something greater than ourselves.

That’s why I’m about to embark on a journey that takes this idea to heart. My first long walk will begin from Dubai through Iran and lead me back home—to the very mountains of Lori that shaped my adventurous spirit as a child. This journey, spanning hundreds of miles through unfamiliar landscapes, will be more than just a physical challenge. It will be a return to the essence of exploration, a test of endurance, and a mission to prove that walking can change the way we see the world.

And it’s only the beginning.

Why Walk? The Transformative Power of Foot Travel

To walk is to think. It’s a form of meditation where the mind slows to the rhythm of each step. With every mile, distractions fade, clarity emerges, and a sense of presence takes hold. There’s a reason why great thinkers—from Thoreau to modern adventurers like Sarah Marquis—turned to walking as a way of understanding life.

But it’s more than philosophy. Walking is a physical and mental test, a triumph of endurance over adversity. When you rely on nothing but a backpack and a pair of boots, freedom takes on a whole new meaning. Moving at your own pace, feeling every shift in the landscape, and engaging deeply with the cultures along the way—these are experiences that no plane or car can provide.

That’s what makes this first journey so significant. Walking from the Persian Gulf in southern Iran to Armenia isn’t just about crossing borders. It’s about moving through history, through cultures that have stood the test of time. From the deserts and mountains of Iran to the rolling green valleys of the Caucasus, every step will be a new perspective, a new challenge. And as I cross into Armenia, making my way northward to Lori, it will feel like closing a circle—returning not just to a place, but to a state of mind.

The First Journey: Iran to Armenia on Foot

Starting in Dubai, I will cross into Iran, and the journey will take me through a land steeped in history. Ancient cities, winding bazaars, and vast deserts will become the backdrop of my footsteps. Iran is a country where hospitality is a way of life, where strangers invite you in for tea without hesitation, where the landscapes shift from sun-scorched plains to snow-covered peaks.

Crossing into Armenia, the walk becomes personal. The air will grow familiar, the mountains will rise with a sense of homecoming. But this time, I will see it all with new eyes. Walking into the Lori region—where I once hiked as a child—will be more than nostalgia. It will be a reminder of why I started, of how adventure has always been a part of my life, and how it’s about to become something even bigger.

Because this journey isn’t just for me.

RAKOSAT: Walking with Purpose

This isn’t just a personal challenge—it’s a movement. That’s where RAKOSAT (Random Act of Kindness One Step At A Time) comes in. With every step, I want to give back. Whether it’s handing out a soccer ball to a kid in a remote village, helping a farmer with his harvest for the day, or simply sharing stories and connections with the people I meet along the way, this journey is about kindness as much as it is about endurance.

Traveling on foot isn’t just a way to explore—it’s a way to engage. Unlike passing through a country by bus or plane, walking forces you to be present. You meet people on their terms, in their everyday lives. You experience their kindness, their struggles, and their joys firsthand. And through RAKOSAT, I want to bring small acts of kindness into these moments, proving that the simplest gestures can make a difference.

A Journey Through Cultures and Climates

Imagine setting out on foot with no rush, no deadlines—just the world unfolding one step at a time. From the scorching deserts of Iran to the misty forests of the Caucasus, every step is a story. Every encounter with a local farmer, every shared meal with a stranger, every sunrise on a lonely road builds a deeper connection to the world.

Walking forces you to be adaptable. One day you might be trekking through endless sand dunes, the next climbing a steep mountain pass. The unpredictability is part of the thrill. You learn to embrace discomfort, to find joy in simplicity, to see beauty in the little things—a cool stream on a hot day, a kind word from a stranger, the rhythmic crunch of boots on dirt.

And it’s this spirit of adventure that drives my ultimate dream: walking the longest continuous path on Earth—from Cape Town, South Africa, to Magadan, Russia. A 22,000-kilometer journey across deserts, jungles, mountains, and ancient lands, testing the limits of human endurance. But that’s a story for another time—a dream to be explored in more depth in the future.

Why This Journey Matters

Walking is more than just a mode of travel; it’s a statement. It’s an act of defiance in a world obsessed with speed, a way to reconnect with ourselves, with nature, and with each other. And it’s an adventure waiting for anyone willing to take that first step.

For me, it starts now—with the first walk from Iran to Armenia, back to the mountains that first ignited my love for adventure. But this is just the beginning.

So, the question isn’t why walk?—it’s why not?

If you believe in this mission and want to be part of the journey, you can support RAKOSAT by visiting the store to shop for exclusive merch or heading to the support page to make a donation. Every purchase and contribution helps keep this journey alive, allowing more acts of kindness to reach those who need them most. Let's take these steps together!