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A deep canyon above the town, best seen from the road and the viewpoints.
Visiting times: Any hour, but the viewpoints need daylight. No ticket. Nearby, about 5 minDestinations
Rawanduz
Stays in Rawanduz, above the canyon.
Best time to visit: April–June and September Distance: About 2 hours from Erbil
No stay is listed here yet. The places to see are below.
What to see
The waterfall drops beside the Hamilton Road. Spring is the strongest flow.
Visiting times: Open all day. Tea places and stalls from morning until late in summer. Small parking fee. Nearby, about 16 minA stepped waterfall with tea houses above the pools.
Visiting times: Open all day. Shops and tea houses from morning until late in summer; many close in winter. Nearby, about 10 minThe cable-car summit looks over Rawanduz and the surrounding ridges.
Visiting times: Cable car usually 10:00–18:00 in summer and shorter in winter. It stops in high wind, so phone or ask locally the same day. Nearby, about 14 minThe Bradost mountain cave where Neanderthal burials were found in the 1950s.
Visiting times: Daylight only, no ticket office. Take water and closed shoes; a local guide makes the path easier to follow. Nearby, about 1 h 14 minWhat to do
A short ridge walk with canyon views. Wear shoes with grip.
Visiting times: Daylight only. Start before 8:00 in summer and carry two litres of water per person. Nearby, about 3 minThe 1930s mountain road from Erbil to the border, cut through the Gali Ali Beg gorge.
Visiting times: Open road at any hour, but drive it in daylight. Ice and fog from December to February. Nearby, about 11 minShort rides on the edge of town. Ask the stable for the day’s price and a guide.
Visiting times: Usually from the afternoon until sunset in summer. Ask the stable the same day; there is no fixed timetable. Nearby, about 58 min $25At 3,607 m the highest peak fully inside Iraq, above Choman.
Visiting times: Climbing season June to October. Only with a local guide, on the marked path, and register in Choman first. Nearby, about 1 h 10 min