
Best Hiking Trails Around the World in As Sulaymānīyah, Iraq
1. Chemchemal Mountain Trail
A challenging hike to the highest peak in As Sulaymaniyah, offering breathtaking views of the region.
- Stunning Views: Chemchemal offers unparalleled panoramic vistas of the surrounding mountains and valleys.
- Challenging Terrain: This hike is for experienced trekkers, with steep inclines and rocky paths.
- Local Culture Experience: Interact with local Kurdish villagers along the trail and learn about their traditions.
2. Halgurd National Park
Experience diverse landscapes, including forests, waterfalls, and glaciers, in this pristine national park.
- Biodiversity: Halgurd is home to a variety of flora and fauna unique to the region.
- Glacier Hike: Explore one of the few remaining glaciers in Iraq on a guided hike.
- Off-the-Beaten-Path: Halgurd remains relatively undiscovered, providing an authentic and untouched hiking experience.
3. Qandil Mountain Trail
A remote and demanding trek to the summit of Qandil Mountain, the highest peak in Iraq.
- Summit Challenge: Qandil offers a tough physical challenge for experienced hikers.
- Wilderness Immersion: The trail takes you through untouched wilderness, providing an immersive nature experience.
- Guided Tour: A guided tour is essential due to the remote and challenging nature of the trail.
4. Zangana Valley Trail
A leisurely hike through lush valleys dotted with traditional Kurdish villages.
- Village Life: Experience the daily life and culture of traditional Kurdish villages.
- Lush Landscapes: The trail offers beautiful, green landscapes with river views.
- Accessible for All: This trail is suitable for hikers of all skill levels.
5. Karafarin Ridge Trail
A scenic hike along a ridge offering panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.
- Panoramic Views: The trail offers breathtaking, unobstructed views of the region.
- Moderate Difficulty: This hike is suitable for experienced and intermediate hikers.
- Photography Opportunities: Capture stunning photos of the landscape, villages, and wildlife.
6. Bashmalek Lake Trail
A peaceful hike around a serene lake surrounded by dense forests.
- Lake Serenity: The tranquil lake provides a relaxing environment for reflection and meditation.
- Birdwatching Opportunities: The trail offers ample opportunities for birdwatching, with many species of birds found in the area.
- Nature Immersion: Experience the beauty and tranquility of the surrounding forests.
7. Kalar Mountain Trail
A steep and challenging hike to the summit of Kalar Mountain, offering stunning views of the region.
- Summit Views: The summit offers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.
- Strenuous Hike: This hike is for experienced trekkers, with steep inclines and technical sections.
- Guided Tour: A guided tour is essential due to the remote and challenging nature of the trail.
8. Sarta Valley Trail
A picturesque hike through a lush valley filled with traditional Kurdish villages.
- Village Life: Experience the daily life and culture of traditional Kurdish villages.
- Lush Landscapes: The trail offers beautiful, green landscapes with river views.
- Accessible for All: This trail is suitable for hikers of all skill levels.
9. Rabia Mountain Trail
A challenging hike to the summit of Rabia Mountain, offering panoramic views of the surrounding region.
- Summit Views: The summit offers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.
- Strenuous Hike: This hike is for experienced trekkers, with steep inclines and technical sections.
- Guided Tour: A guided tour is essential due to the remote and challenging nature of the trail.
10. Zagros Mountains Trail
A multi-day hike through the stunning Zagros Mountains, taking you through diverse landscapes and traditional villages.
- Diverse Landscapes: The trail offers a variety of landscapes, from dense forests to arid deserts.
- Village Life: Experience the daily life and culture of traditional Kurdish villages along the way.
- Multi-Day Adventure: This hike requires a multi-day commitment, offering an immersive wilderness experience.
11. Halgurd Waterfalls Trail
A moderate hike to a series of beautiful waterfalls within Halgurd National Park.
- Waterfall Wonders: The trail offers stunning views of cascading waterfalls.
- Moderate Difficulty: This hike is suitable for experienced and intermediate hikers.
- Guided Tour: A guided tour is essential due to the remote and challenging nature of the trail.
12. Besmara Valley Trail
A leisurely hike through a peaceful valley dotted with traditional Kurdish villages.
- Village Life: Experience the daily life and culture of traditional Kurdish villages.
- Lush Landscapes: The trail offers beautiful, green landscapes with river views.
- Accessible for All: This trail is suitable for hikers of all skill levels.
13. Sakran Mountain Trail
A demanding hike to the summit of Sakran Mountain, offering panoramic views of the region.
- Summit Views: The summit offers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.
- Strenuous Hike: This hike is for experienced trekkers, with steep inclines and technical sections.
- Guided Tour: A guided tour is essential due to the remote and challenging nature of the trail.
14. Hawraman Mountains Trail
A challenging hike through the rugged Hawraman Mountains, offering a taste of remote Kurdistan.
- Remote Wilderness: The trail takes you through untouched wilderness, providing an immersive nature experience.
- Strenuous Hike: This hike is for experienced trekkers, with steep inclines and rocky paths.
- Guided Tour: A guided tour is essential due to the remote and challenging nature of the trail.
15. Karzan Plateau Trail
A scenic hike across a high plateau offering panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.
- Panoramic Views: The trail offers breathtaking, unobstructed views of the region.
- Moderate Difficulty: This hike is suitable for experienced and intermediate hikers.
- Photography Opportunities: Capture stunning photos of the landscape, villages, and wildlife.