Shaqlawa Mountain Resort Day Trip
Escape Erbil's summer heat with a day trip to the cool mountain resort of Shaqlawa, a beloved retreat offering dramatic scenery, fruit orchards, and fresh mountain air.
- 1
Shaqlawa Town Center
Arrive in Shaqlawa's charming town center at 1,000 meters elevation, a popular summer retreat lined with pomegranate and grape stalls, souvenir shops, and mountain fresh air.
- 2
Safeen Mountain Viewpoint
Hike up to the Safeen Mountain viewpoint for breathtaking panoramas over the Shaqlawa valley, the rock formations of Haibat Sultan, and the lush green terraces below.
- 3
Grape and Pomegranate Orchards
Walk through the terraced orchards producing Shaqlawa's famous grapes and pomegranates, the basis for locally made wines and juices sold throughout the Kurdistan Region.
- 4
Haibat Sultan Mountain
Marvel at Haibat Sultan, the dramatic mountain peak flanking Shaqlawa with distinctive layered rock formations that glow amber and red at sunset above the valley.
- 5
Shaqlawa Bazaar
Browse the lively mountain bazaar for honey, dried fruits, spices, and Kurdish handicrafts produced by local villagers — perfect mountain souvenirs to bring back to Erbil.
- 6
Kurdish Mountain Restaurant
Dine at a traditional mountain restaurant serving freshly grilled fish, Kurdish bread from stone ovens, and yogurt-based dishes with ingredients sourced from the surrounding farms.