7
Short description
This journey through Iraqi Kurdistan combines a climb of Iraq’s highest mountain, Halgurd (3,607 m), a day with Kurdish nomads, light hiking, and visits to the region’s most important sites.
We arrive in the capital, Erbil, and start inland from the resort town of Shaklava. Along the way, we visit Behal Waterfall, the Korek Mountains, the mountain town of Rawanduz, and the Gali Ali Bagh waterfalls.
Iraq’s absolute highest point is Chika Dar (3,611 m) on the Iranian border in Iraqi Kurdistan. Because of its border location, Halgurd—at 3,607 m and entirely within Iraq—is considered the country’s highest mountain. We spend the night in a private villa at the foot of Halgurd, with stunning mountain views. Jeeps take us to about 2,500 m, where we begin the climb. The trail is steep but not difficult, taking 4–5 hours to ascend and about 2.5 hours to descend.
The program also includes the Monastery of St. Matthew, the Yazidi village of Lalish with its unique temple, and the rock monastery of Raban Hormiz. We explore Erbil and the ancient city of Akre. We dedicate a day to Dohuk, the Dohuk Dam, and one of Saddam’s summer palaces, finishing in ancient Amedi. We also spend a day with Kurdish nomads in the mountains—sharing meals and hearing firsthand accounts of nomadic life. Return flights to Istanbul and Sofia depart from Erbil.
This video offers an insight into the climb and the summit.
Background information
Dates: 2–10 October 2026; 1–9 May 2027;
Duration: 8 nights/9 days
Group: 8 people
Price for the program in Iraqi Kurdistan (without airfare): 1,830 euro/person (group of 8 people). If the group is smaller, the price will increase slightly.
Price includes:
Guides: company guide; local guide/driver
Transport: minibus transport anywhere on the route; transfers to/from the airport
Accommodation: 6 nights in nice hotels in double rooms with breakfast included, and 2 nights in a villa for our group only without breakfast included (more basic conditions)
Tickets.
Price does not include: airfares to/from Erbil (1); two breakfasts at the villa; lunches and dinners (meals are inexpensive); travel insurance; visa ($70, obtainable at Erbil airport); personal expenses.
(1) Flights with Pegasus via Istanbul Sabiha
The group typically flies to Erbil from Istanbul with Pegasus via Istanbul Sabiha. You can join the group in Istanbul or fly directly to Erbil. Please let us know where you're flying from, and we’ll send you a detailed flight schedule with prices. We also arrange flight tickets from anywhere in the world.
Visa: We arrange electronic visas, obtained at Erbil airport for $70. We’ll confirm the exact price once the group is formed.
Program
Day 1: Flights to Erbil, Iraqi Kurdistan
Today we fly to Erbil, the capital of Iraqi Kurdistan.
Day 2: Arrival in Erbil; Shaklava; Behal Waterfall; Korek Mountain; Pank Resort; Rawanduz; Hamilton Road and Gali Ali Bagh Waterfalls
After breakfast, we head to the resort town of Shaklava, known for its sweets and fruit treats.
We continue to Behal Waterfall, a popular spot among Arab tourists, and then gradually enter the Korek Mountains. We’ll take a cable car to a resort village with a lovely café and a large terrace. The area is also a ski resort, with slopes and facilities.
At the Pank amusement park, we’ll ride special carts along the edge of a vast canyon. Next, we visit the beautiful town of Rawanduz, nestled between the Karand Valley and Cala Rash.
We then travel on Hamilton Road, a narrow route through a scenic canyon. Construction began in 1928, when the British took control of Iraq after the fall of the Ottoman Empire. Archibald Hamilton—the road’s namesake—designed this mountain route to the Iranian border.
Along the way, we’ll stop at the Gali Ali Bagh waterfalls, believed to be the highest in the Middle East.
Today we’ll hike through the canyons for about 3 km. In the evening, we arrive at a private villa reserved for our group at the foot of Halgurd Mountain, close to the start of the climb. The villa has wonderful mountain views and is comfortable, though the facilities are basic. Showers and toilets are available, but the accommodation is not luxurious. Overnight in the villa.
Day 3: Ascent of Halgurd (3,607 m)
We depart from the lodge at 7 am, followed by a 90-minute jeep ride to the village where we begin our hike up Iraq’s highest mountain, Halgurd (3,607 m). The ascent starts at 2,500 m. The trail is steep but not difficult. The climb takes 4–5 hours; the descent takes about 2.5 hours. Overnight in our villa.
Note: This hike is not difficult, but it requires good physical health and hiking experience.
Day 4: Visiting the Nomads
Today we spend the day with Kurdish nomads. We’ll visit their camp, share traditional meals, and learn about their way of life—their customs, traditions, and daily routines. It’s a fascinating opportunity to meet people whose lifestyle differs dramatically from our own.
Day 5: Erbil and Akre
In Erbil, we’ll visit the central square where locals gather to drink tea and socialize—the heart of the city’s social and cultural life. We’ll see the Jalil Hayat Mosque, reminiscent of the Muhammad Ali Mosque in Cairo and the Blue Mosque in Istanbul. Inaugurated on January 19, 2007 after many years of construction, it can hold 1,500–2,000 people. We’ll also visit the Erbil Citadel—over 7,000 years old and a UNESCO World Heritage Site—explore the covered market, stop for tea in a unique teahouse, and try kebab at the city’s most famous restaurant.
Akre is a charming historic town 100 km from Dohuk. Dating back to the 7th century BC, it’s considered one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world. Overnight in Erbil.
Day 6: St. Matthew's Monastery, Lalish Yazidi Village, Raban Hormiz Monastery, Dohuk
Today we continue to St. Matthew's Monastery, one of the oldest Christian monasteries in the world. Founded by St. Matthew in 363, it is renowned for its magnificent library and an important collection of Syriac Christian manuscripts.
We continue to the village of Lalish, founded thousands of years ago. Here stands a temple first used by the ancient Sumerians and other early Mesopotamian civilizations. The conical-roofed shrine is believed to house the tomb of Sheikh Adi ibn Musafir, an important Yazidi saint. The site is sacred to the Yazidis, who make a pilgrimage here at least once in their lifetime. Today, the village itself is uninhabited, and many houses remain unlocked and accessible to pilgrims.
We’ll pass through Yazidi and Surian (Christian) villages, which can be inhabited only by Yazidis and Surians (Christians), respectively.
Next is Raban Hormiz, a magnificent monastery founded around 640 AD. It is carved into the mountains at about 815 meters, 2 km northeast of Alkosh and 10 km from the eastern bank of the Tigris River. The site was once home to many hermits who lived in caves and cells carved into the surrounding rock. There are more than 40 cells—some difficult to reach, others gradually integrated into the monastic buildings—ranging from very small to quite large. Like other Middle Eastern monasteries, this interconnected cave system provided essential protection from invaders and a place to store valuables and food. Overnight in Dohuk.
Dohuk is a Kurdish city of around 250,000 inhabitants. We’ll visit the market and a very old mosque nearby. Overnight at a hotel in the city.
Day 7: Dohuk Dam, one of Saddam’s summer palaces, and the ancient city of Amedi
This morning we head to Dohuk Dam, north of the city. Completed in 1988, it provides irrigation water for the area.
In the mountains near Dohuk, we’ll visit the so-called “Summer Palace of Saddam.” During nearly 24 years in power, the Iraqi president built almost 60 residences across the country; two are in the Dohuk area. We’ll visit the one on top of the mountain—the more impressive of the two—and pass by the other.
We continue to the ancient city of Amedi, perched on a high hill. It dates back to 2500 BC, when it was part of ancient Assyria. From the city, you can enjoy a magnificent panorama of the surrounding area. Natural springs provide water, making it an almost impenetrable fortress. One of the most interesting places in Iraqi Kurdistan, Amedi is also famous for its tahini. Overnight in Amedi.
Day 8: Gali Sherana Canyons and Waterfalls
Today we visit a remote yet beautiful part of Iraqi Kurdistan—the Gali Sherana Canyons and Waterfalls. It’s a wonderful place to relax, swim, and take in the magnificent scenery. We’ll also visit a tahini factory. In the evening, we return to the hotel for a short rest before transferring to the airport. Overnight accommodation is included in the price.
Day 9 Flights back home
Photo galleries
High-quality, royalty-free (RF) photos from the Thousand Voyages Archive (Iraq), available for download:
Holy Yazidi temple in Lalish, Iraqi Kurdistan
Erbil, Iraqi Kurdistan — one of the world’s oldest continuously inhabited cities
Rabban Hormizd Monastery, Iraqi Kurdistan
Echoes of Power: Inside Saddam Hussein's Babylon Palace
The Mesopotamian Marshes in Southern Iraq
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