Why Visit Iraqi Kurdistan? 9 Genuine Reasons You Need to Know

Go visit Iraq.

Wait, really?

Yes, really! But not the Iraq you’re probably picturing.

The region in the north of Iraq, Iraqi Kurdistan, is an entirely different experience than you probably think it is.

It’s full of incredible nature, mountains, ancient history, and some of the kindest people you’ll ever meet.

After living there for two years, I’ve put together 9 genuine reasons why this overlooked region deserves a spot on your travel bucket list.

As with any country, there are always safety concerns. Travel safe, folks.

9 Reasons to Visit Iraqi Kurdistan

1. Unexpected Beautiful Iraqi Nature

People have assumptions and prejudices, 

It’s normal; everyone has them.

Including me.

When I thought of Iraq, I pictured dry sandy landscapes, camels (!?), and perhaps some palm trees.

Well, I was wrong; the landscapes of Iraqi Kurdistan have truly blown my mind. They were not dry at all, (and I didn’t see any camels!)

Snow-peaked mountains, rivers, waterfalls, wildlife such as enormous vultures, canyons, gorges, caves, you name it.

Many times during my trips outside the city of Erbil into nature, it didn’t feel like I was in Iraq or even the Middle East at all.

The most epic places I visited in Iraqi Kurdistan were Rawanduz, Zagros Mountain, Choman, Barzan, and Mountain Safeen.

The trips were even more enjoyable because outdoor BBQing was allowed anywhere, and the friendly Kurdish people always brought enough food and drinks for everybody.

2. Kurdish Hospitality

Now I know that many people, when they write about places they visit, tell that the people are so friendly. But from my experience in Iraqi Kurdistan, the hospitality has really been next level.

We’ve been invited to an engagement party, a wedding, and several BBQs.

3. Hiking Possibilities

Because of the huge number of mountains and open lands, there are many hiking opportunities. Hiking is actually almost a national sport in Kurdistan, and they will almost always bring a BBQ! It happened to me several times during a hike when strangers asked me if I wanted to eat something and join the BBQ.

One piece of advice is never to go hiking alone because, in some places, off the path, there can still be old landmines from the times of Saddam. Always go with a tour, a guide, or a local that truly knows the area.

4. A True Sense of Adventure

This is something I actually realized later on when I left Iraqi Kurdistan. There was a true sense of adventure, you’re in Iraq! How crazy is that? many friends actually thought I was crazy…

There are risks in traveling through Iraqi Kurdistan, as with many places. But, somehow, it made every experience, every hike, feel more incredible and adventurous.

After Iraqi Kurdistan, I moved to Seoul, South Korea, which felt like the opposite of Iraq in terms of climate and overall experience. The sense of adventure wasn’t there anymore in South Korea, and I just realized that it made some of Iraq’s trips so memorable.

When you go hiking in South Korea, most paths have been laid out. There are stairs, signs, wooden floors, etc. There is little to really explore and discover. Unlike Iraqi Kurdistan, there were no trails or stairs. We had to climb and clamber to find our way.

It was truly exploring, and I felt like a pioneer who was the first person to step on this land. Which obviously isn’t the case, but that’s what it felt like!

I only realized later on how amazing it feels to explore and feel like you’re in unknown territory.

5. Safety

Friends thought I was crazy when moving to Iraq. It’s so dangerous there, isn’t it a war zone??

Have I ever felt unsafe there? 

Yes, it happened three times in two years, actually.

There have been two moments when Iran sent rockets that flew over Erbil, a scary thing that forced us to think about leaving or not. One time, rockets bombed a villa only a few kilometers from our house! The other moment was an earthquake, which shook our house while I was home. Luckily, nothing happened, but it was a scary moment. 

I never felt unsafe for the rest of the time I lived in Erbil. Ok, maybe traffic is crazy sometimes, but I got used to it after a while.

I’ve walked around on the streets with fairly expensive camera equipment and always felt safe

Safety on the streets outside is definitely one of the reasons people visit Iraqi Kurdistan.

6. Rich Kurdish Culture

When visiting Iraqi Kurdistan, you’ll be treated to various cultural occasions. Lots of Kurds walk in traditional clothing, hear Kurdish music, and see wedding shoots in conventional Kurdish attire. Especially around the Citadel area, you’ll see ancient Middle Eastern architecture.

But also further out the city of Erbil, there is an incredible richness of Kurdish culture to be seen.

Unlike many other countries where cultural heritage had to make way for high-rise apartments or shopping malls, Iraqi Kurdistan is still very traditional and sticks to its true culture.

7. Peaceful Atmosphere

Because Iraqi Kurdistan is less popular than many other countries, there are far fewer tourists. It is not a ‘touristy’ destination, so you will also not find any pushy vendors on the streets or at the market.

People will not try to sell you things, and you don’t have to bargain because they will give you a fair price, in my experience.

Many times, people would not even accept tips! Because it’s not about the money for them, it’s about creating a friendly and welcoming environment. When you walk in the area of the Citadel, many people will randomly say to you, welcome to Kurdistan! 

Sometimes at traffic lights, there are people selling stuff such as tissues, water, or flowers. I’ve bought flowers several times, and they have always been friendly and not pushy.

I was hesitant at first but quickly noticed that they’re really friendly. One time I gestured that I wasn’t interested, but he saw I was together with my wife in the car. He gave me a rose for free by putting it under the windshield, which was quite funny.

8. Discovering Hidden Places 

Outside of the cities, there are so many amazing places to discover. Not only the beautiful landscapes but also historic places such as ancient monasteries, the Yazidi temple at Lalish, the Shanidar cave where researchers recently found bones of Neanderthals, tombs and so much more.

Not only cultural sites exist, but also cultural events such as the Kurdish New Year celebrations in a historic town named Akre

What’s great is that these places also are not touristy at all. There are no queues or lines of people waiting. You don’t need to buy tickets or anything. Just go with a local tour guide and explore.

9. Convenience

Erbil and many other cities in the northern part of Iraq are developing fast. And so are the online possibilities. Food, groceries, or anything from a store can be ordered through apps. It is particularly convenient because everything can be paid for in cash.

In other countries, you need to connect a credit card, which doesn’t always work, or you need a local bank account, such as in South Korea. In Erbil, cash is king, which makes things easy.

Also, things can be arranged very fast. Let’s say you’re buying a fridge, they will deliver it to your house right away or the next day. Groceries from the Carrefour supermarket will be there within an hour. Unlike in many Western countries, in my experience, you have to order days in advance.

Final Thoughts & Tips

After two years of living in Iraqi Kurdistan, it’s one of the most surprising places I’ve ever been. It’s not what most people picture when they think of Iraq. Forget the dry deserts and war-torn images, this place has green mountains, epic hiking trails, and some of the friendliest people I’ve ever met. 

And I still need to mention the local food! Dolma and other Kurdish dishes are delicious

I came here expecting a challenge, and yes, it was a bit nerve-wracking at first, but I found warmth (sometimes quite literally up to 50 degrees!), incredible stories and shot amazing photos, and a real sense of adventure. I honestly never realized how awesome that is.

I know Iraqi Kurdistan isn’t on most people’s radar, but it should be.

So, if you’re up for stepping outside the usual tourist path and want to see a side of Iraq most people never get to see, give Iraqi Kurdistan a shot.

Thinking of visiting Kurdistan? Found out where to stay in my complete guide.

F.A.Q.