Trek Kurdistan – Zagros Mountain Trail

Overview

Start: Erbil, Iraqi Kurdistan

Finish: Erbil, Iraqi Kurdistan

Duration: 13 Days

Max. Group Size: 10

Our exciting new trek, through the Kurdish region of Northern Iraq, takes on the Zagros Mountain Trail. The 13-day adventure follows ancient pilgrimage and trading routes, along with shepherds’ paths, to traverse over 200km through this beautiful part of the country.

The trek begins in the village of Shush and trails through lush valleys, through canyons, past waterfalls, along the Great Zab River and up and over steep mountain passes. The trip then concludes at the base of Iraq’s tallest mountain, Halgurd, near the border with Iran.

Along with showcasing the beauty of the area, the route also connects 30 rural communities who live in this remarkable part of the world and passes dozens of fascinating archaeological, religious and cultural sites. A phenomenal adventure, which will last long in the memory.

Highlights

Experience life in rural Kurdistan
Trekking along the Great Zab River
Visit Iraq’s highest mountain, Mount Halgurd

Route

Itinerary

Arrive in Erbil, transfer from airport to the hotel for briefing.

Visit the main square and the bazaar in the evening.

Overnight in Erbil.

Altitude: 390m

Drive from Erbil to Shush, where will begin out trek. We will snake through the mountains passing centuries old villages, monasteries and graveyards to the town of Akre.

Overnight in Akre.

Trekking: 7-8 hours
Altitude: 940m

Continue your trek as the path cuts down and into the mountains, passing mountain fortresses and shepherds grazing their livestock.

Due to current closures, we leave Hashtga by car and transfer to Safti.

Overnight in Safti.

Trekking: 5-6 hours
Altitude: 1300m

After leaving Satfi we slowly climb into the hills behind behind.

The valleys here are lush and green all year round and is a maze of streams and waterfalls.

Overnight in Alka.

Trekking: 7-8 hours
Altitude: 1200m

Once we leave Alka we will climb into the valley behind it. Here we will take in the beautiful views of the valley, with little elevation gain on this day you will be able to fully take in the this stunning corner of Kurdistan.

Overnight in Harbo.

Trekking: 7-8 hours
Altitude: 750m

For the first 5km of this route we will continue to follow the Great Zab river along some small trails, which run parallel to jagged mountain peaks.

We then cross the river and follow a steep ascent alongside the mountains referred to as the Dragon’s spikey back, until we reach the bridge to the small town of Khalan.

Overnight in Khalan.

Trekking: 8-9 hours
Altitude: 600m

This is the longest stage of the trek, however it is one of the most spectacular, after ascending Bradost Mountain we will cross a mountain road built by Saddam Hussein in the 1970s.

After climbing through the mountain forests we will reach the city of Soran.

Overnight in Soran.

Trekking: 11-12 hours
Altitude: 1600m

Rest day in Soran.

For those who prefer to stay active, we can take a short day hike exploring the Rawanduz canyons.

Overnight in Soran.

Trekking: 0 hours
Altitude: 750m

Today we will leave Soran by car and head to the start of the nature trail into the Akoyan Valley.

It is another long stretch with a steep ascent at the end, climbing 500 meters up old cow paths, to reach the ancient village of Saran – it’s here we stop for lunch.

We then continue trekking through hillside orchards to reach the high mountain pass above, where two great mountains of Kurdistan, Karokh and Hendrin meet. Both of which hold reverence in Kurdish Oral traditions.

After descending the eastern side of trail we will reach the village of Dargala.

Overnight in Dargala.

Trekking: 7-8 hours
Altitude: 2100m

We will leave Dargala in the morning following the hills to the south.

Passing through the town of Razhukaryan, we will then follow the animal trails above the town of Omurawah, before descending into the village of Rezan.

Overnight in Rezan.

Trekking: 6-7 hours
Altitude: 1100m

The day begins with a slow climb through the hills in to the famous Balakayati region, famed for its high snow covered peaks.

From here you will get a clear view of Mount Halgurd to the north-east, and Mount Sakran to the south-east.

We arrive in Choman in time for lunch. In the afternoon, we can rest and explore the village and neighbouring area.

Overnight in Choman.

Trekking: 4 hours
Altitude: 1300m

Today you will have the opportunity to hike up to the base camp of Iraq’s highest mountain, Mount Halgurd.

Passing Waterfalls, streams and meadows filled with wildflowers this is will be the perfect place to end your Kurdish adventure.

Return to Erbil for the evening. Overnight in Erbil.

Trekking: 16 km
Altitude: 2500m

Transfer to airport for departure flight.

End of Trip.

All accommodation (mixture of hotels, homestays and camping)
Transport
International guide
Local guiding
All tents and camping equipment
All food on trail
Porterage

Any necessary visas
Insurance
International flights
Entrance fees
Tips

Dates & Prices

Package Confirmed Dates

Trip Status Current Status

Tour Price in USD

Booking

11th Apr

23rd Apr, 2026

Available

$ 3250

Book

Information

We do not and cannot offer a uniform accommodation standard on our itineraries. Even if we wanted to, the reality is that standards in Erbil cannot be compared to a home stay in an isolated valley in theZargos Mountains. We consider comfort, location, design, character, historical interest and whether the money we spend will go into the pockets of the local community when we make our choices of where to stay. The accommodation will vary from a hotel in Erbil to homestays and camping when on the trail. The accommodation will be based on 2 people sharing a room when in a hotel. A single supplement is available for certain nights upon request. When we are in the local home stays, they may only offer central communal areas to sleep.

Estimated trekking times are listed. This does include some very long days. If guests do not feel capable of walking on certain days then we can arrange road transport between villages on the longer stages. You will be expected to carry a small day pack with your food, water and personal belongings needed during the day.

We do not directly arrange international flights to Iraqi Kurdistan. However, we can suggest routes and operators.

For most nationalities, a visa is available on arrival in Erbil airport. The visa is valid for Iraqi Kurdistan only and NOT for southern Iraq. If you have an Iraq visa in advance, then it is valid for all of Iraq.

We will provide all meals outside of Erbil on this trip.

When we choose our vehicles and drivers we take into consideration the road conditions, the length of journey and the competence of the man behind the wheel. We will only be travelling by four-wheel drive vehicles. Your comfort, enjoyment and safety of the journey is top priority.

On this trip you will be accompanied by a local trekking crew plus an English-speaking International guide. This allows for greater flexibility and means that there is a well trained experienced guide to manage medical issues and any emergencies as well as the local team with the local knowledge.

Trips to Iraq do create dangers of their own and whilst we want you to have as much freedom as possible, we must state that the tour guide has the final word with regards to changes in the itinerary for safety reasons. Whilst the route we have chosen passes through areas which we consider to be relatively stable things can change and we may have to alter the route or cancel sections of the trip at short notice.