Standing on the ancient citadel of Erbil at sunset, watching the call to prayer echo across one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities on Earth, I got chills. Kurdistan completely shattered my expectations, showing me a side of Iraq I never knew existed. The warmth of the people I met and the incredible history around every corner left me speechless.
From wandering through the maze of Sulaymaniyah’s bustling bazaar to discovering the most beautiful places in Kurdistan, like the snow-capped Gara Mountains towering over crystal-clear waterfalls, this region is mind-blowing in the best way possible. I’ve pulled together 12 spots that showed me the true magic of Kurdish culture and landscapes. Ready to see what makes this place so special?
Top Must-See Places in Kurdistan
Looking for the coolest things to do in Kurdistan (Iraq)? Visit the breathtaking Bekhal Waterfall, explore the scenic Deralok Dam, and relax by the serene Dukan Lake. Discover history at the iconic Erbil Citadel and enjoy the natural beauty of Felaw Pond. Whether you’re interested in nature, history, or culture, here are the top attractions to visit in Kurdistan.
1. Bekhal Waterfall
Want to escape the heat and dive into nature’s coolest retreat? Bekhal Waterfall cascades down limestone rock formations about 7 kilometers from Rawanduz, creating natural pools that’ll make you forget you’re in Iraq. The best time to visit is between April and October when the weather is mild and the surrounding landscape is vibrant.
I honestly couldn’t believe how refreshing the mountain spring water felt after the drive from Erbil – it’s like nature’s air conditioning. The 30-minute hike from Bekhal village is pretty easy, and you’ll find restaurants built right over the water where you can literally eat while water flows beneath your feet. Parking costs between 1,000 to 5,000 IQD ($0.76 to $3.82), but entry to the waterfall is completely free.
Spring brings the most dramatic flows as mountain snow melts, while summer’s perfect for swimming in those crystal-clear pools. Local families show up with full picnic spreads, and honestly, their enthusiasm is contagious. The area’s gotten more developed since 2015 with proper walkways and facilities, but it’s still got that wild edge that makes you want to stay all day.
2. Deralok Dam
Need to unplug from everything digital? Deralok Dam on the Great Zab River delivers that instant mental reset you’ve been craving. This turquoise reservoir sits 65 kilometers northeast of Duhok city, creating picture-perfect reflections against the Zagros Mountains.
The dam project is almost 95% complete and costs $160 million, financed by the Japan International Cooperation Agency. I spent hours just watching the water change colors throughout the day – it’s mesmerizing. Fishing here is actually fantastic with various freshwater species, and you don’t need a permit or anything fancy. Just bring your gear and find a spot along the shore.
The surrounding villages serve up home-cooked meals that honestly put city restaurants to shame. I tried fresh fish grilled Kurdish-style that was incredible. Spring and fall offer the most comfortable temperatures for hiking the nearby trails, while summer’s perfect if you want to cool off in the water. The peaceful atmosphere makes this place ideal for anyone dealing with work burnout or just needing to remember what quiet actually sounds like.
3. Dukan Lake
Ready for Kurdistan’s ultimate weekend playground? Dukan Lake covers approximately 270 square kilometers when full, making it the largest reservoir in the region. Located about 70 kilometers northwest of Sulaymaniyah, this bright blue lake surrounded by rolling hills has become the go-to escape for locals in the know.
Water sports like skiing and wakeboarding attract both beginners and experienced enthusiasts, with calm waters providing an ideal setting. I rented a fishing boat for the day and caught carp, catfish, and barbel – the fishing here is genuinely excellent. Many visitors praised the grilled fish in restaurants in Dukan town as “to die for!”
The shoreline offers countless private spots perfect for groups wanting to barbecue and swim. The area has seen a surge in tourist arrivals this year, with the Kurdistan Regional Government actively improving infrastructure around the dam. Weekend brings families with speed boats and jet skis, creating this awesome community vibe. The scenic drive around the lake features multiple viewpoints – I’d recommend stopping at each one because the landscape changes dramatically. Water levels vary seasonally, so each visit feels different.
4. Erbil Citadel
Want to walk through 6,000 years of continuous history? Erbil Citadel, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, welcomed approximately 3.5 million tourists in 2024. This ancient tell rises 26 meters above the city center, and I got chills standing on stones where countless civilizations built their lives.
A huge fire damaged over 200 shops inside the bazaar in March 2024, but restoration work is ongoing and it’s not closed. The citadel’s fan-like street layout dates to the Ottoman period, and honestly, getting lost in these narrow alleys feels like time travel. At sunrise, cafés around the citadel serve traditional Kurdish breakfasts including hot tea, Kalana, fresh cheese, and oven-baked tandoor bread.
The Kurdish Textile Museum inside showcases incredible craftsmanship, and I spent way more time there than planned. Local guides share stories that no guidebook covers – definitely worth the small tip. The citadel comes alive in the evening when locals gather for tea and conversation. Visitors noted the atmosphere was great at night, with local people being super warm and businesses active until 1 AM. The view over modern Erbil from the ancient walls creates this perfect contrast between past and present.
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5. Felaw Pond
Looking for urban charm with ancient history? Felaw Pond in downtown Zakho combines the best of both worlds around the iconic Delal Bridge. This stone-arched bridge, believed to date back to Roman times, spans clear waters right in the city center.
I loved how this spot feels like a genuine community gathering place rather than a tourist trap. The bridge has become Zakho’s symbol, and locals have incredible stories about its construction – some involving lovestruck Romans trying to connect separated neighborhoods. Traditional tea houses line the shore where Kurdish hospitality shines through every interaction.
Summer evenings bring families for leisurely walks while vendors sell traditional snacks. The area stays lively but never feels overwhelming. Small boats glide beneath the ancient stonework, and I found myself just sitting and watching this timeless scene play out. The way sunset light hits the Roman architecture creates perfect photo opportunities, but honestly, just being there feels more important than capturing it.
Local legends claim the bridge was built by Romans, though historians debate the exact period. Either way, this urban oasis shows how modern life and ancient heritage can coexist beautifully. It’s become my favorite spot for understanding Kurdish daily life.
6. Gali Sherena Valley
Adventure junkies, this one’s for you. Gali Sherena Valley – literally “Devil’s Throat” – delivers the wild, raw canyon experience you’ve been craving. Located near the Barzan area, about 80 kilometers northeast of Erbil, this limestone gorge cuts dramatically through the mountains.
The valley supports unique vegetation with wild herbs and flowering plants somehow clinging to vertical rock faces. I followed the stream running through the canyon, occasionally wading through water to reach deeper sections. The silence here is profound – broken only by water sounds and occasional birdsong that echoes off the canyon walls.
You might spot mountain goats navigating seemingly impossible terrain, which honestly makes you question your own hiking skills. The changing light on canyon walls throughout the day creates spectacular photo opportunities, but you’ll want to experience this with your own eyes first. Local guides enhance the experience with knowledge about regional ecology and folklore associated with this mysterious place.
The name perfectly captures its wild character – this isn’t a gentle nature walk. Come prepared for scrambling over rocks and getting your boots wet. The reward is experiencing one of Kurdistan’s most dramatic and untouched natural environments.
7. Gali Zinta Waterfall
Need your Instagram to look like you discovered paradise? Gali Zinta Waterfall, about 30 minutes from Sulaymaniyah, delivers multi-tiered cascades that saved me from melting during the brutal summer heat. This natural wonder creates a series of refreshing pools perfect for cooling off.
Spring (March-May) brings the most impressive flows when snowmelt turns gentle streams into roaring cascades. I hiked the moderate trail through lush vegetation with mountain views that kept me stopping for photos every few minutes. Adventure seekers can climb alongside the falls on natural rock steps for even better vistas.
The pools are genuinely refreshing – not just Instagram pretty but actually functional for beating the heat. Locals often bring freshly prepared Kurdish food for picnics in this tranquil setting, and their generosity with sharing meals really touched me. Visit early morning to have this paradise mostly to yourself before day-trippers arrive.
The falls are most dramatic in spring, but even during drier months, the setting remains beautiful with those towering rock formations and mountain backdrop. Plan at least half a day here – you’ll want time to explore different levels of the waterfall and maybe take that refreshing dip you’ve been dreaming about.
8. Halgurd Mountain
Ready for the ultimate bragging rights? Halgurd Mountain stands as Iraq’s highest peak at 3,607 meters, offering views across three countries from the summit. Located about 170 kilometers northeast of Erbil near the Iranian border, this rugged alpine landscape completely shatters expectations about Iraq.
Winter transforms Halgurd into Kurdistan’s premier skiing destination, with the Halgurd-Sakran Ski Resort and winter festivals like the Choman Winter Festival and Iraq Ski Rally. The hike is quite challenging but a lot of fun – definitely need to be fit to climb Halgurd Mountain. I nearly dropped my camera when the entire mountain exploded with wildflowers during spring.
Summer time is okay for everyone to visit, but winter time is only for experienced hikers with good gear. The summit trek rewards climbers with panoramic views that justify every challenging step. Even the lower slopes offer excellent day hikes through meadows with grazing sheep and nomadic settlements.
You’ll need a Kurdistan Mountaineering and Climbing Federation permit to climb Halgurd, and hiring a guide is highly recommended due to the technical nature and security considerations. Mountain weather changes rapidly, so proper gear is essential regardless of season. This peak demands respect, but the achievement of standing on Iraq’s highest point is unforgettable.
9. Kani Bast Waterfall
Want spectacular views without the extreme workout? Kani Bast Waterfall, about an hour north of Sulaymaniyah, offers a 25-meter cascade that thunders into a crystal-clear pool surrounded by lush forest. The short, easy trail makes this ideal for casual nature lovers who still want that “wow” moment.
Getting there early on weekdays helped me avoid crowds and capture perfect photos as morning light played through the mist. The microclimate created by rushing water provides natural air conditioning that’s genuinely refreshing during Kurdistan’s summer heat. I spent a leisurely half-day just enjoying the cool atmosphere and mountain views.
Local vendors often sell refreshments and snacks, creating this festive atmosphere on weekends when families arrive for picnics. The area features numerous spots for relaxing under the shade of ancient trees. The sound of cascading water drowns out any city stress you might be carrying.
This natural refrigeration system makes Kani Bast perfect for escaping the heat without demanding extreme hiking skills. The surrounding forest stays lush year-round, providing that green escape your eyes crave after too much desert landscape. April through June offers peak water volume from spring runoff, but honestly, it’s beautiful any time of year.
10. Ranya
Want authentic Kurdish culture without the tourist crowds? Ranya delivers genuine local experiences against the stunning Zagros Mountains backdrop. Known as the Gateway to Dukan Lake, this vibrant town reveals Kurdish daily life untouched by mass tourism.
The sprawling Ranya Bazaar engulfs visitors in a sensory whirlwind where I haggled for handcrafted carpets and local honey while practicing my limited Kurdish phrases. The merchants are patient and genuinely friendly – not just putting on a show for tourists. You’ll find everything from traditional textiles to fresh mountain herbs.
Just outside town, Iraq’s largest lake provides opportunities for swimming and boat trips with spectacular mountain views. History fans should explore nearby archaeological sites revealing civilizations dating to Neolithic times – some discoveries include Tell Bazmusian and Tell Shemshara with ancient temples and clay tablets.
Time your visit with a seasonal festival celebrating Kurdish music and traditional dance – the energy is infectious. The town deserves two full days to properly experience both the cultural sites and surrounding natural attractions. Spring brings the most comfortable temperatures and green landscapes, while the mountain setting provides relief from summer heat. Local restaurants serve authentic Kurdish cuisine that puts city establishments to shame.
11. Rawanduz Canyon
Adventure seekers, buckle up! Rawanduz Canyon plunges dramatically over 1,000 feet with sheer limestone cliffs that’ll make your palms sweat. This massive gorge carved by the Greater Zab River is often compared to the Grand Canyon and spans 10 kilometers.
The signature experience is riding the Teleferik cable car that takes tourists 4 kilometers to the top of Mount Korek, dangling you high above the gorge with 360-degree mountain views. My knuckles turned white gripping the rail, but the views are absolutely worth the terror. You can hike along the edge of the canyon for the most opportunities for great landscape photography.
Hamilton Road, built in the 1930s, hugs canyon walls with hairpin turns that feel like a roller coaster. Several hiking trails lead to hidden viewpoints away from tourist areas where you can experience the raw grandeur without crowds. There’s a beautiful hike that starts on the bridge and goes all the way to Bekhal Waterfall through the canyon – takes about 1.5 hours.
I encountered freely roaming cows, horses, sheep, and donkeys throughout this stunning landscape – they’ll definitely visit if you’re picnicking. Plan a full day exploring, or stay overnight to experience both sunrise and sunset over this geological marvel. The canyon transforms completely with changing light throughout the day.
12. Sulaymaniyah
Discover why locals call it the “Paris of Iraq.” Sulaymaniyah blends vibrant arts, intellectual culture, and incredible food against mountain backdrops. The powerful Amna Suraka Museum, housed in a former prison, offers an unforgettable look into Kurdish struggles during Saddam Hussein’s regime.
The Sulaimani Museum is the second-largest museum in Iraq, housing an impressive collection from ancient Mesopotamian, Kurdish, and Persian civilizations. I spent hours deeply moved by the exhibits that document both historical achievements and recent tragedies. For lighter experiences, numerous parks like Sarchnar with natural springs provide peaceful spaces where locals gather.
The central bazaar area occupies the heart of the city around the Great Mosque, with covered markets and open-air shopping streets bustling in the late afternoon. Food lovers should sample authentic Kurdish specialties, including savory biryani and kebabs that put other regional cuisine to shame.
Chavi Land amusement park on the hill north of city center features a cable car running to a beautiful viewpoint – perfect for sunset over the city. The city deserves two full days plus extra time for day trips to Ahmad Awa Waterfall and Dukan Lake. This cultural capital showcases Kurdistan’s intellectual spirit and warm hospitality perfectly.
