Korek Mountain Resort: A Kurdish Highland Escape
Experience luxury and adventure at Korek Mountain Resort, Iraqi Kurdistan's premier mountain escape with stunning views and year-round activities.
Nestled in the Erbil Governorate, Korek Mountain Resort offers a luxurious escape into the heart of Iraqi Kurdistan's stunning mountain scenery. With activities ranging from skiing in the winter to hiking in the summer, and boasting the only cable car in Iraq, this resort provides a unique blend of relaxation and adventure.
A brief summary to Korek Mountain Resort
- Khalifan, Erbil Governorate, IQ
- +9647502458888
- Visit website
Local tips
- Visit during the winter months for skiing and snowboarding; the resort transforms into a winter wonderland.
- Plan your visit for weekdays to avoid the weekend crowds and enjoy a more serene experience.
- Bring your hiking boots if visiting in summer; the trails offer breathtaking views and are well-marked.
- Try the local cuisine at the resort's restaurant to get a taste of the region's flavors.
- Check the weather forecast before your visit to make the most of outdoor activities.
Getting There
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Car
From Erbil, take the Erbil-Kirkuk Road (Route 1) towards Khalifan for approximately 50 kilometers. Upon reaching Khalifan, follow the signs to Korek Mountain Resort, about 10 kilometers uphill on a winding road. Be aware of local traffic and road conditions. Free parking is available at the resort.
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Public Transport
Take a bus from Erbil to Khalifan from Erbil's central bus station. The bus journey takes approximately 1.5 hours and costs around 1,000 IQD. From Khalifan, hire a local taxi to Korek Mountain Resort for approximately 5,000 to 10,000 IQD. Negotiate the fare before starting the journey.
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Teleferic
To access the resort via the Teleferic (cable car), you must first travel to the Bekhal bottom station. From Erbil, take a taxi or bus to Bekhal. The Teleferic ride itself takes about 12 minutes to reach the top of Korek Mountain, offering panoramic views. The Teleferic fare is 10,000 IQD per person. Note that Teleferic operation hours are between 11:00 am and 8:00 pm and are subject to weather conditions.
Discover more about Korek Mountain Resort
Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Jondian
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Choman River
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چۆمان
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Sakran valley
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Khanzad Castle
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Qimmat Jināristān
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Góry Kurdystańskie
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Aqua Tarin Water Park
49.5 km
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50.7 km
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Unmissable attractions to see
کانی کەوە
0.7 km
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الس
1.2 km
Discover Erbil, a historical treasure in Iraq, where ancient citadels meet modern culture in the heart of Kurdistan.
Bekhal Waterfalls
1.2 km
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Soran malaka
1.4 km
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Utsiktsplats
3.1 km
Experience breathtaking panoramic views of the Kurdistan Region's mountains and valleys from the easily accessible Utsiktsplats viewpoint in Rawanduz.
Mount Korek
3.6 km
Experience breathtaking views and thrilling activities at Mount Korek, a jewel of the Kurdistan Region. Hike, ski, and explore!
Erbil Observatory
3.6 km
Explore the remnants of a once-ambitious astronomical observatory, offering stunning views and a glimpse into Iraq's scientific history.
Kharand
3.9 km
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وادي الموت
4.1 km
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4.5 km
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4.5 km
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Geli Ali Bag Waterfall
5.0 km
Experience the breathtaking beauty of Geli Ali Bag Waterfall, the highest waterfall in Iraq, nestled in the heart of the Kurdistan Region.
الشلال الهادر
5.0 km
Explore the stunning Hawar Waterfalls in Soran, a breathtaking natural attraction that promises tranquility and adventure in Erbil Governorate.
چوار ڕێیانی چاوشین
6.2 km
A central intersection in Soran, serving as a starting point to explore the natural wonders of the Kurdistan Region.
مەیدانی گۆڕا - خەلیفان
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Essential places to dine
Sahand Restaurant
1.2 km
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Ciya Restaurant
3.3 km
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Town Restaurant
6.5 km
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مصيف جنديان
7.5 km
Experience authentic cuisine at مصيف جنديان, where every dish tells a story amidst breathtaking views in Erbil Governorate.
Darwesh Kabab & Resturant
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Doli Alana
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Luqman Resturant چێشتخانەی لوقمان
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Experience authentic Kurdish cuisine at Luqman Restaurant in Shaqlawa – where tradition meets taste in every delightful dish.
Balakayati restaurant
35.3 km
Experience authentic Kurdish flavors at Balakayati Restaurant in Choman, where delightful dishes meet warm hospitality.
Salmon fish restaurant
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Shahur Restaurant ڕێستۆرانتی شاهور
36.2 km
Experience the rich flavors of Kurdish cuisine at Shahur Restaurant in Karak – a culinary delight for every tourist's palate.
کەبابخانەی ئەحمەد
49.4 km
Discover authentic Kurdish cuisine at کەبابخانەی ئەحمەد, where flavorful kebabs meet warm hospitality in Hajiawa.
Step Restaurant خواردنگەی ستێپ
50.5 km
Experience authentic Kurdish cuisine at Step Restaurant in Ranya, where every dish tells a story of tradition and flavor.
مطعم محوى (mahwi restaurant)
52.6 km
Discover authentic Kurdish cuisine at Mahwi Restaurant in Ranya - where tradition meets taste in every dish.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
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Explore نَخشی ئەڵماس in Khalifan for unique clothing that reflects the rich culture and fashion heritage of the Erbil Governorate.
Rain Gallery
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ماركێتی حەمەشوان
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شوێنی سەروەر
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بەرگدرووی ئاراز
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Marked
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Mini market I kaihan
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BZA Gifts
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سەوزەو میوە فرۆشی هادی و بڵند
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نەخشی كۆمپیتەری كاری دەستی خەزان
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میوەفرۆشی چۆمان
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ALAN Market ئالان مارکێت
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
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فرؤشتگاي عبدالوهاب 2
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Ali
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دۆڵی گورگەکان
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rOman
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Qacoch
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Restaurant & Caffetiera Balak
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shyaw خواردنگە و چاخانەی شیاو
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Discover the authentic taste of Kurdish cuisine at Shyaw خواردنگە و چاخانەی شیاو, where local flavors and warm hospitality meet.
بسخووشەی شیرن سامان دێرەی
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Experience the vibrant local culture at بسخووشەی شیرن سامان دێرەی, a lively bar offering traditional drinks and a warm atmosphere in Mam Khalan.
Arabica Coffee House - ئەرەبیکا کۆفی هاوس
53.9 km
Experience the best of Erbil's coffee culture at Arabica Coffee House, where quality brews and a cozy atmosphere meet.
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53.9 km
Experience the authentic Kurdish culture at چایخانەی کەڵەشێر, where every sip tells a story and every visit feels like home.
