Rawanduz Revealed: Iraq’s Best-Kept Secret (Travel Guide)

Rawanduz, a town in Iraqi Kurdistan, is a true gem and Iraq’s best-kept secret.

Honestly, I couldn’t believe my eyes when we arrived in mid-March. Is this Iraq? It looked a lot more like Switzerland or Austria, but definitely not Iraq!

Rawanduz is a picturesque mountain resort located near the borders of Iran and Turkey. Next to the town, you can’t miss Rawanduz Gorge, which is often compared to the Grand Canyon in the United States. It’s a surreal image.

In this article, we’ll explore Rawanduz, how to get to the best spot to visit Rawanduz, things to do, and how to prepare to experience my favorite outdoor place in the northern part of Iraq.

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Little Switzerland in Iraqi Kurdistan 

Rawanduz, also known as Rawandiz, is a town in Iraqi Kurdistan built right on the edge of a cliff. Don’t ask me why they built it there, but it provides some amazing photo opportunities!

If I had to choose a number one nature spot to visit in Iraqi Kurdistan, it would be this: Rawanduz.

I gave this place the nickname Little Switzerland because, well, just look at it!

Snow-peaked mountains, green grass fields, flowers, waterfalls, and a beautiful canyon. 

Rawanduz City is situated 107 kilometers northeast of Erbil. Its name comes from the poet Rawn and the word Duz, which means Citadel or Tower.

Mountains surround the city: Korek Mountain to the south, Hindren Mountain to the north, Zozik Mountain to the west of Rawanduz, and Bradasot Mountain to the east.

Seen below is Korek Mountain, where you can ski during the winter!

Why Rawanduz Should Be on Your Bucket List

5 reasons why this should be on every hiker’s bucket list:

1. The surreal feeling of being in Iraq, but it looks like Switzerland.

2. Not many foreign visitors have been to this place! It is relatively unknown.

3. The sheer beauty of the village on the cliff with the mountains in the background.

4. The Rawanduz canyon makes several turns, which provides a huge variety of amazing views.

5. The Ali Beg Waterfall below the town splashes into the canyon.

Things to do – The Rawanduz Canyon

The Canyon of Rawanduz is 10 km long and located in the Kurdistan region near the Iranian border. It is considered one of the most beautiful in the area, with greenery from spring to autumn and rivers and waterfalls flowing between the canyons. 

There are two ways to explore the canyon: down below or up! I went hiking up along the edge of the canyon, which, in my opinion, provides the most opportunities for great landscape photography.

The Rawanduz Canyon is such an incredible sight. I never expected to see this in Iraq or the Middle East.

Wildlife Encounters

I don’t know whether the animals I encountered can be categorized as wildlife or if they are part of a nearby farm. However, nobody was in sight for miles, and these lovely creatures roamed freely in the stunning surroundings.

Cows, horses, sheep, and donkeys are all walking around freely. They will surely pay you a visit if you are picnicking up there.

You’ll even encounter beehives where local honey is being made.

Picnicking in Rawanduz

Since Rawanduz is such a beautiful place, it is perfect for some amazing landscape photography.

Hiking, BBQing, picnicking, and enjoying the outdoors are the best things to do in Rawanduz.

The town itself is similar to other small towns in Iraqi Kurdistan. Still, the view of the village on the edge of the cliff is something special.

Walking along the Rawanduz Canyon

You can stroll along the Rawanduz canyon on the far side of the village, which is the best way to discover the area.

The canyon goes on for miles, and after each 100 meters, the view is entirely different. 

Bekhal Waterfalls

Another activity to do in the area is to visit the Bekhal Waterfall. Located in the Erbil governorate, this natural wonder is a beautiful sight in the region. Surrounded by the stunning landscapes of Rawanduz, the waterfall is a must-visit since it is quite close.

There are quite some local tourists in that area tho. You’ll find a restaurant and other facilities, but it is definitely worth a quick stop when you’re driving to or from Rawanduz.T

Photography Tips and Must-See Spots

I recently bought the Tamron 50-400 lens and I’m loving it. Perfect to zoom in to make a photo of a part of the landscape but also side enough to get a nice wide shot of the mountains.

Honestly, I shot so many photos that day, but these are my favorite ones. The best 3 photos I took at Rawanduz were at these locations.

On the hill

The floating island.

The mountains.

The best spot in Rawanduz

From friendly Kurdish locals, I have received these coordinates to the most amazing spot.

Surrounded by pine trees and mountains in the distance, this spot is perhaps the best place I’ve been on my hiking trips in Iraq.

Below, you will find the route from Erbil to these coordinates. 

How to get there

The best way to visit Rawanduz is by car, departing from Erbil. 

If it’s possible, go with two cars. It’s about 1 hour and 45 minutes of driving, and if anything happens, you can fall back into the other car.

The best route to take to Rawanduz is different when driving back to Erbil. At least, that’s the most convenient way. On the way back, you can drive through the canyon going down, which is much easier than driving up.

Road from Erbil to Rawanduz

Below is the route from Erbil to the coordinates I mentioned earlier. The road is straightforward and high quality, no biggie.

The final part is trickier. You will need to go off-road onto a path that is quite steep. It kind of looks like driving on someone’s terrain, but it is actually an official road to the picnic site.

Keep driving for a bit, and you’ll see beautiful pine trees and the village on the other side of the canyon. You can park your car anywhere you like!

Along the road to Rawanduz, you’ll pass several small villages. The locals are super friendly, and although these towns look kind of rough and raw, they are very safe. Local Kurds will be happily surprised you are visiting and greet you with a smile.

Free public toilets are available at many of these places (you’ll see a sign every now and then), and it’s an excellent opportunity to pick up some drinks at the local supermarket.

Route way there.

Road from Rawanduz back to Erbil

You can drive through the town to the Bekhal Waterfall on the way back.

After the waterfall, you can continue the road that goes through an amazing canyon that looks like a canyon as if you’re in the United States, truly amazing.

Route way back.

Best time to Visit Rawanduz

Undoubtedly, the best time to visit is in March, April or May. Everything will be green, lush, and beautiful. In March, you will still be able to see snow on the high peaks of Korek Mountain, which makes an amazing backdrop for photos.

The temperature during the day will be around 20 degrees in March to 30 degrees in May.

When I visited, it was Ramadan, which is actually the perfect time to visit this area since there was no one there. Usually, many Kurdish people go picnicking and enjoying the outdoors there, but during Ramadan, you will not see anyone. 

But please don’t go hiking if you are fasting. It is essential to eat and drink enough.

What to bring?

• Passport: (there are security checks on the highway to Rawanduz)
• Cash: Always have some! in the local currency (Iraqi Dinar) or American Dollars.
• Camping gear: Just throw a chair and some food in the car for a nice picnic!
• Sun Protection: In case of good weather, bring some sun protection. The air is clean, so you’ll get burned more easily than in the city. 
• Sunglasses(!)
• Water (always have some in the car in Iraq!)
• Snacks and Energy Bars: Pack nutritious snacks such as trail mix, energy bars, and fresh fruit to keep you fueled during long days of celebration. Avoid packing perishable items that may spoil quickly in warm temperatures.
• Sturdy (hiking) shoes Along the canyons, there is no path, so you have to clamber a bit.
• Phone charger in the car (always make sure you can reach someone)
• SIM card with enough MB. (internet reception is quite good in the town)
• And, of course, your camera equipment to capture this unique landscape.
• First aid kit: You’re far from anything, so it is always wise to pack some first aid equipment in case something happens.
• Waze or Google Maps works great. Download it if you haven’t already.

By packing these essential items, you’ll be well-prepared to enjoy Rawanduz while staying comfortable, hydrated, and ready to capture all the beautiful landscapes.

Final thoughts on visiting Rawanduz

Rawanduz, a mesmerizing destination in the stunning landscapes of Iraqi Kurdistan, is probably my favorite spot in Iraqi Kurdistan. I highly recommend visiting this place! (But as always in Iraqi Kurdistan, go with someone that knows the area, either a local or a guide.) 

There are places to spend the night, but I would make it a day trip. Leave early from Erbil and drive back around 4 pm before it gets dark. There is barely any street lighting. Better be safe than sorry. If you do decide to extend your trip, make sure to research where to stay in Erbil in advance, as accommodations can fill up quickly. Enjoy the beautiful landscapes and cultural sites during the day, but always keep your safety in mind when planning your return. Be sure to have a reliable map or GPS to navigate the area effectively.

F.A.Q.