Barzan belongs to Mirgasor district in Erbil province and is located at the intersection of the Iraqi, Iranian and Turkish borders. Barzan is famous for its landscapes, which attract visitors year round. Roaming mountain animals accompanied by a shepherd are also a common sight in the mountains around Barzan.

This district lies 130 km north of the capital Erbil, in the far northern edge of Erbil province. Mirgasor includes five sub-districts – Sherwan Mazen, Barzan, Perrin, Mazne and Gorato – as well as 252 villages. Over 170 villages were rebuilt after the Anfal campaigns, however 80 villages are still unoccupied to this day. It is a rugged, mountainous area on the edge of a valley. Much of the area is unspoiled so hunting is strictly prohibited. Mirgasor is famous for its forest and its natural crops and fruit.

Part of Choman district, Haji Omran is known for its hills, streams and meadows. Surrounded by mountains, including Mount Sakran to the south, the region receives an abundance of rain and snow during winter and spring months. Lying at an altitude of 1900 m, Haji Omran is one of the main border crossings between Iraq and Iran.

Rost Valley is located at the foot of Halgurd Mountain, 137 km northeast of Erbil province, near Sirin village, on the highway between Soran and Choman. The valley had an abundance of fresh water, forests, and orchards, and a small river passes through the valley. Rich in folklore and tradition, the area is popular with tourists seeking rest and relaxation.

Rost Citadel is located in Rosti village, 137 km north of Erbil city and east of Halgurd. Built at the top of the mountain, the citadel is one of the most important archaeological sites in the area.

Just 3 Km from Bsta village, in the North-East of Choman, lays the Bsta waterfall. The area is calm and refreshing; the water splashing of the fall gives a fresh and pleasant feel. It is a perfect place for picnics and sightseeing.

Sakran Valley is a lush, green valley surrounded by trees, flowers, creeks and birds. High up in the mountain, a traditional village offers visitors a chance to experience Kurdish hospitality and see how rural families live.

Choman is located 45 km east of Soran. The area is an important agricultural and cattle breeding region located in the district of the Hallgurd-Sakran Mountain chain. The area attracts many tourists due to the wide range of tourist facilities such as summer resorts, parks, rivers, green pastures and waterfalls.

The city of Rawanduz is located 107 km northeast of Erbil. The name of the city comes from Rawn, a famous poet from the area, and Duz, which means Citadel or Tower. It is located between the Valley of Karand and Kala Rash and is over 500 meters above sea level. The district is surrounded by mountains, Korek Mountain is to the south, Hindren Mountain to the north, Zozik Mountain to the west, and Bradasot Mountain to the east.

Bekhal waterfall Bekhal waterfall spreads horizontally as it descends while remaining in contact with bedrock; the large stream issues from the mountain. Near the base of the mountain visitors can find a bazaar and food stalls. You can also climb up the fairly precarious and slippery steps to the top of the waterfall to experience the stunning view and drink the refreshing and sweet mineral water. Bekhal’s sweet water is used to bottle mineral water throughout Kurdistan and Iraq; the water is sold under the brand name of Kani Mineral Water.

Kharand valleyAt 980 m, Kharand is a natural site located west of Rawanduz on the road to Soran. The road section within the village of Kawlokan is named Kali Kharand while the section lying to the side of Rawanduz is called Kharand. A visit is highly recommended to see this stunning scenery!

In the east of Barzan municipality, 23 km from Mirgasor district, lies the graveyard of 503 Barzan Martyrs, who were victims of the 1983 Anfal campaigns in Qushtapa, Harir, Dyana and Bahreka. During these campaigns, 8,000 members of the Barzani tribe were martyred, buried alive in the desert areas of southwest Iraq.  Exact numbers of those killed during the Anfal campaign are hard to come by, but more than 200,000 Kurds are thought to have met the same fate.

The Walze Waterfall is one of the most beautiful waterfalls in the country. It is located southeast of the Choman district, about 3 kilometers from the Qasre sub-district. Many people come from all over the country to visit this gorgeous natural site.

The 17th century Sheikh was known for his faith and introduced the Al Sehrudia doctrine to Islam. The Sheikh impact continues to this day through his thousands of followers who regularly visit the shrine.

The graveyard is located in the village of Barzan, 155 km north of Erbil city, and contains the graves of Mustafa Barzani and his eldest son Idris. The graveyard is visited by hundreds of thousands of people annually from different parts of Iraq and abroad. Officials and delegations also come here to pay homage to the great leaderof Kurdistan.

Mustafa Barzani was born in Barzan in March 1903 and became world famous for his belief in the rights of the Kurdish people and for his commitment to justice. Barzani spent his life working for all four parts of Kurdistan up until his death in 1979. He was the primary political and military leader of the Kurdish revolution for much of the twentieth century and is legendary for his righteous struggle for the freedom and peace of his people. His memory will remain alive in the hearts of millions of Kurds.

The Barza cave was used by prehistoric peoples as homes and later provided refuge for Kurdish freedom fighters during their fight against military forces. Nowadays, the cool cave provides shelter for tourists during warm summer months.

For the adventurous, this is the ultimate expedition! Visitors can choose to climb the highest mountain in Iraq with an altitude of 3,609 m. Halgurd Mountain certainly takes one’s breath away and is sure to be an unforgettable experience.

Halgurd is located among the picturesque districts of Galala, Haji Omaran, Roost and Sidakan. Halgurd mountain is fully covered in snow until the months of April and you can still find piles of snow throughout the summer. There are many springs and lakes that define the region, which gives a very attractive and relaxing feel to the area.

There are also various types of birds, unique vegetation and herbs that can be used as natural medicine. The Halgurd and Sakran Mountains stretch to Haji Omaran and Sidakan district, covering 1100 km2, with a height of 900m up to Halgurd peak. Halgurd-Sakran National Park is considered as one of the best national parks in the country. Tourists from different parts of the world have visited and experienced the majestic sight of Halgurd. You are sure to spend an enjoyable time exploring and hiking the mountains.