KURDISTAN
Apply Now!- Difficulty
- Challenging
- Duration
- 8 days
- Participants
- Max. 12
- Start & Finish
- Erbil
The Adventure
The wind brushes cool across your face. For a moment there is only you and the endless expanse of the mountains. After three exhilarating days through diverse vegetation zones, you are standing on the summit of Mount Halgurd, taking in the view and the stillness. Together with your team, you have fought your way up to 3,607 meters, the highest peak in Iraq. You take a deep breath. The descent begins, but the journey goes on.
You have discovered the green heart of Kurdistan on an adventure that brings together nature, culture and history. Our route has led us through a region where you experienced the harmony of wild rivers, ancient paths, authentic villages and cities.
The Region
The autonomous region of Kurdistan in northern Iraq captivates with its diversity, natural beauty and unmistakable culture. The region stretches across vast mountain landscapes, deep valleys, green plateaus and major cities.
The Kurdish people set themselves apart from the Arab part of the country. They speak their own language and live their own culture. They are known for their openness and warm hospitality, which turns every visit into an authentic experience.
THE ROUTE
Our journey begins in Erbil, the capital of Kurdistan. We get to know each other and dive into Kurdish culture together before making our way to Razan, a quiet village in the Kurdish mountains. On the way, we stop at the Rawanduz Canyon and test our mountain equipment. The route leads us through a picturesque gorge with 400-meter-high rock walls in the heart of Kurdistan.
The next morning we make our final preparations and set off toward Mount Halgurd. Past small mountain villages, lonely trails, untouched nature and orchards full of grazing animals, we gain more and more altitude. We camp at Halgurd's base camp at 2,500 meters and, after a starlit night, climb the summit the next day. The descent takes us to Choman, where after the exertions of the past days we spend the night in a hotel with a hot shower.
From Choman we continue to Amedi. We roam through the 3,000-year-old town and listen to its history, written by Assyrians, Persians, Arabs and Ottomans. We enjoy the sunset at a wild campsite with an open view of the majestic rock plateau the town is perched on.
On our way back we explore Lalish, a centuries-old holy site and the heart of the Yazidi faith.
Back in Erbil we let the evening wind down in the city's vibrant center, between colorful markets and diverse street food stalls, before heading home the next day.
Day by Day
Day 1·Arrival in Erbil
We meet in the capital of Kurdistan, get to know each other and dive into Kurdish culture together.
Day 2·Rawanduz Canyon & Razan
On the way to the quiet mountain village of Razan, we stop at the Rawanduz Canyon with its 400-meter-high rock walls and test our mountain equipment.
Day 3·Setting off for Mount Halgurd
Past small mountain villages, lonely trails and orchards we gain altitude and camp at base camp at 2,500 m.
Day 4·Summit day & Choman
After a starlit night we climb the summit of Mount Halgurd (3,607 m), the highest mountain in Iraq. The descent takes us to Choman, with a hotel and a hot shower.
Day 5·Amedi
On to Amedi. We roam through the 3,000-year-old town and enjoy the sunset at a wild campsite overlooking the rock plateau the town is perched on.
Day 6·Lalish
On the way back we explore Lalish, a centuries-old holy site and the heart of the Yazidi faith.
Day 7·Back in Erbil
We let the evening wind down in the city's vibrant center, between colorful markets and diverse street food stalls.
Day 8·Departure
After an intense week, we head back home.
What's Included
Included in the price
- Accommodation throughout the expedition
- Equipment (tents and cooking gear)
- First-aid equipment
- Safety equipment (GPS devices, satellite phone, radios)
- Transport
- Meals (outside the cities)
- Expedition leaders (from Global Pioneers and from Kurdistan)
- Entrance fees
Not included
- International flights to Erbil
- Travel insurance (mandatory)
- Restaurant meals in the cities
- Personal equipment
- Visa fee
Dates & Prices
- May 20 – 27, 2027Spots available€1,450
Kurdistan is currently on hold. Apply without obligation and we'll get in touch as soon as the next tour is set.
Want to be part of it?
Apply Now!Questions & Answers
What are the physical requirements?
To take on the 3,600-meter Mount Halgurd, good endurance is essential. The tour therefore requires solid basic fitness and sure-footedness in the mountains.
How do I get there?
You organize your own travel to the Kurdish capital, Erbil. There are direct connections from Stuttgart and Berlin, or flights with a stopover in Istanbul (from as little as €200!).
What about safety?
- Safety plays a major role in Iraq, including in the autonomous region of Kurdistan. Compared to other parts of the country, Kurdistan is considered significantly safer and more stable. The crime rate here is comparatively low, but caution is still advised. Tensions can arise, particularly in border regions, which is why we choose our routes carefully and deliberately avoid certain areas.
- Should the security situation change, we reserve the right to adjust the planned route with the help of our local network.
- For a personal assessment of the situation on the ground, please check official sources such as your government's travel advice.
What equipment do I need?
- For the nights in tents you need a warm sleeping bag (comfort rating of at least 5°C), a sleeping pad, good hiking boots and your personal equipment. You'll receive a detailed packing list from us with comprehensive recommendations for every budget.
How hot does it get?
At the time of year we travel, days can be hot and nights can get cool, especially up in the mountains.
Where do we sleep?
Out in nature we sleep in tents; in the cities we stay in hotels.
Do I need a visa?
Yes, you need a visa to enter the autonomous region of Kurdistan. Most nationalities receive it as a visa on arrival at the airport or in advance as an e-visa. The fee is around €75. You can find more visa information at https://visit.gov.krd/ or from your government's foreign office.