Day Three: North of Erbil, IRAQ

Today is my third and last day in Iraqi Kurdistan. Karwan who is my tour guide going to send off the other two to the airport as they leaving today and I will be flying back to Dubai the next morning. After drop off the other two in the airport, we continue to drive to the north of Erbil. As we leaving the Erbil, we go through countless Peshmerga run military checkpoints. Usually what they will check is my passport and in general foreigners should have an easy time going through these. First we will be visiting Khanzad Castle which is situated 22 km from Erbil, on the road between Erbil and Shaqlawa.

This castle was constructed during the Soran Emirate in the 16th century under the rule of Princess Khanzad and her brother Prince Suleiman Beg, the citadel is about 40m tall and sits on top of a small hill.

The door is locked so I can't go inside the castle. The castle has kept much of its original shape and has four round towers at each of its four corners; made of stones and gypsum, it is a stunning archaeological site.

The view from the top of the Khanzad castle.

Then we continue to Rawanduz. Rawanduz is a city in Kurdistan Region, located in Erbil Governorate, close to the borders with Iran and Turkey, it is located 10 km to the east from Bekhal Waterfall. The district is 123 km from Erbil. If you are into nature, waterfalls and hiking, this is a perfect place for you. One of the most beautiful place I have visited in Iraqi Kurdistan.

Surrounded by the deepest gorge in the Middle East, Rawanduz is a small village located 10 minutes away from the city of Soran on top of an epic plateau. Rawanduz itself is nothing special, but it’s the views when you reach the cliffs around the edge of the village that are truly spectacular.

The Rawanduz Canyon is located between Khalifan, a town in Iraqi Kurdistan's Erbil Province and Soran, a city in Erbil Province, and the capital of Soran District. It also a town perched at the edge of a gorge overlooking the majestic mountains. The countryside as you head towards Rawanduz is pretty dramatic with snake like rivers moving between the canyons.

The road through the canyon is totally paved. It’s a very scenic road built between the narrow canyons in the Rawanduz area. It’s called Hamilton Road (Route 3 and Soran-Khalifan road). It was built by a New Zealander named Archibald Milne Hamilton. It connects Kurdistan with Iran, running from Erbil, through Rawandiz, to the Iranian border near Piranshahr.

After the stop in the Rawanduz canyon for some breathtaking pictures, we continue driving to Gali Ali Bag Waterfall.

This waterfall is located at the intersection of two rivers, the Rawandoz Sidakan. This mountain resort is pretty popular in the summer. The water is pretty powerful coming down from the mountain.

The most interesting fun fact is The Gali Ali Bag waterfall is featured on the 5,000 Iraqi Dinar note. 

Spotted some ducks near by the waterfall, they seem like enjoying themselves too.

Next we went to Bekhal waterfalls. Bekhal waterfalls can get really crowded in summer in tourist resort to showcase one of the area’s great natural landmarks. Near the base of the mountain, you can can find shops and food stalls. In the summer people can be seen paddling on the steps at the top of the waterfall.

Bekhal Waterfall is located in the mountainous northern part of the country in the Kurdistan Region, in Erbil Governorate. It is located 10 km to the west from Rawanduz city and 135 km from Erbil This waterfall is host for many visitors and tourists across the country.

Stopping here and have a cup of Kurdish tea with my guide, Karwan.

Nobody will ever get to this place and have this magnificent view. In order to get into this places, you need to walk deeper into the Pank Resort. This places was discovered by my tour guide, Karwan.

The resort was closed for construction that time when I was there. So I just follow my guide to this secret place that discovered by him. Look at how stunning is the view here!

We also stop by the tank area just to take picture with the tank.

This tank was once used in the war.

If anyone of you want and plan to travel to Iraqi Kurdistan, I highly recommended my tour guide, Karwan Wahed. He is absolutely an amazing guide. He bring many tours in Iraq Kurdistan and one of the top recommended tour guide in Trip Advisor.

Plus added point, he is good looking so why not LOL! You can find him in his Facebook

(https://www.facebook.com/IraqiKurdistanTour)

Love,

Elene