Hiking in Iraq
Including Korek Mountain. On the map.
The vibe
Trekking through the northern mountains puts you among ancient stone terraces and deep gorges where hospitality comes from shepherds sharing tea rather than marked trailheads. Spring brings a brief window of green slopes and snowmelt streams before the summer heat settles over the valleys. You move entirely on your own terms here, carrying your pack through rugged frontier country without ranger stations or guided bottlenecks.
Korek Mountain
Erbil Governorate
Sarbast.T.Hameed / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Korek Mountain offers a mix of accessible ridgeline walks and steep summit approaches with panoramic views of the surrounding Zagros peaks. The area is well-developed, making it a popular spot for hikers looking for a combination of nature and modern amenities.
Access. Accessible via cable car from the base near Shaqlawa or by hiking trails that wind up the mountain slopes.
Notes. The mountain is popular for winter hiking and summer escapes from the lowland heat.