7-Day Iraqi Kurdistan Yazidi Festival Tour

Take part in one of the most popular excursions as we go to Iraqi Kurdistan to observe the Newroz festival! The Newroz holiday, which marks the start of spring, symbolizes fresh beginnings, and is regarded as the most significant Kurdish festival of the year, will be celebrated in Akre, and we will be fortunate enough to be there to enjoy all the celebrations surrounding it. During this holiday, Iraqi Kurdistan has a wonderful ambiance with delightful local specialties available for sampling, magnificent fireworks displays, entertaining live music, fun dancing, and pottery smashing for good luck. Take this incredible cultural trip of the Iraqi Kurdistan Region, which will take you to both the region's well-known sites and its hidden gems that no one else ever gets to see, to explore places beyond the traditional tourist hotspots. This trip is ideal for those seeking adventure, cultural insights, and spectacular natural beauty. 

Itinerary

Day 1 - Erbil

Arrive at Erbil International Airport. Your local guide will meet you at the airport and take you to the hotel. Take time to freshen up before heading out to explore the city at your own leisure. 

Day 2 - Sulaymaniyah

Get on the road early and head to Sulaymaniyah, the second largest city in Iraqi Kurdistan. Stop in Koya, an ancient Jewish settlement before lunch. Here, see the ancient yet crumbling Caravanserai. You will then take a stroll through the bustling central Bazar and enjoy an afternoon tea at a traditional tea house. Continue on to a trip to Goyzha Mountain at dusk for the breathtaking views overlooking the city of Sulaymaniyah. 

Day 3 - Halabja

Start the day with a visit to the infamous "Red Prison," which served as a torture facility throughout Saddam Hussein's rule, before taking an hour-long drive to Halabja. When the Iran/Iraq conflict was coming to a conclusion, the Baathist regime used chemical weapons against the Kurdish population in Halabja. Learn more about the devastating attack as you tour the memorial and the mass grave sites. Next, proceed to Tawela, which was formerly the front line in the Iran/Iraq conflict and is located on Iran's border. You will have your lunch by the border before driving up to the Ahmed Awa Waterfall. Afterwards, make your way back to Sulaymaniyah to spend some time exploring the bazaars. 

Day 4 - Rawanduz

Depart from Sulaymaniyah and head west toward Lake Dokan, a well-liked summer vacation destination and fantastic place to unwind. Depending on the weather, you may go for a boat ride, tea, and refreshments. Along the way, navigate the renowned Hamilton Road, which the British built in the 1930s with the intention of bringing the local populations together. It was a feat of engineering at the time and connected Iran with Iraq. You will also visit the Bekhal Waterfall as you travel through more breathtaking mountain ranges, stopping at various sites to take pictures. This is a trip for those who enjoy the great outdoors, mountains, and spectacular scenery. 

Day 5 - Duhok

Drive to the historic Shanidar Cave before arriving in Amadiya, which is perched atop a flat mountain and offers breathtaking views of the valley. It is believed that the Three Wise Men stayed in this 5,000-year-old historic village when they traveled to Bethlehem to see Jesus after his birth. Enjoy the chance to stroll through the pleasant streets, explore the historical sites, and see the ancient gateway. You will also get the chance to visit one of Saddam Hussein's numerous (yet most beautiful) abandoned palaces in Iraq, as well as the interesting Qubahan School, the fascinating remains of an old madrassa. Then, make your way to Duhok, where you can explore the Duhok Bazaar and stop by a teahouse honoring martyrs who were killed by ISIS.

Day 6 - Erbil

Leave Duhok for one of the oldest monasteries in the world, Alqosh, which is technically a part of Mosul and "proper" Iraq but is constructed into the mountains. You will then take a one-hour trip to Lalish for the celebration of the Autumn Assembly (Yazidi Festival). For the Yazidi religion, Lalish is the most revered town. Discover the Yazidi culture by visiting the temple, interacting with the villagers who come here to worship, and discovering their recent, traumatic history with ISIS. Spend the rest of the afternoon socializing and taking part in the Yazidi celebrations. You will then head back to Erbil after the festivities and spend some time exploring the magnificent city of Erbil! Explore the ancient Citadel of Erbil, a UNESCO monument that is one of the world's oldest continually inhabited locations, and learn about its fascinating history. You will also go to the renowned Textile Museum in the Citadel, which features a wide variety of hand-made rugs from different Kurdish regions and ages along with traditional Kurdish apparel. Explore the food market and Qaysai Bazaar thereafter to see a variety of intriguing local products and delicious local treats.

Day 7 - Erbil

Check out from the hotel after breakfast, then transfer to Erbil International Airport for your journey back home.

Inclusions

• Airport Pick Up and Drop Off

• 6 Nights Accommodation in High International Standard Hotel 

• Breakfast (6)

• English-Speaking Local Guide

• Transportation as Per Itinerary

• Entrance Fees as Per Itinerary

Exclusions

• Local and International Flights

• Meals Not Mentioned

• Drinks

• Visas

• Travel Insurance

• Personal Expenses

• Gratuities (Optional)

Additional Information

• A visa or stamp to Israel or the self-ruled territories, used or unused/valid or invalid, will lead to an immediate entry refusal at all Iraqi ports of entry, even if the traveler is carrying a valid entry visa, and even if traveling on a group visa.

• The tour operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately.

• When visiting the holy cities of Karbala and Najaf, there are strict rules of faith. Men need a pair of trousers and t-shirt to wear and women will need long sleeves and a scarf. Please also be advised that alcohol is prohibited in these cities. 

• A moderate amount of walking is involved; Comfortable walking shoes are recommended.

• Depending on the political situation, the length of the tour and the order of visited places may change. In a situation of a serious threat to travelers’ safety, the tour may be canceled. 

• Itinerary is subject to change and the attractions may be closed due to traffic, weather, and force majeure. An alternative itinerary may also be omitted depending on the situation.

• Delays, shortening of the tours, or omissions to the itinerary due to traffic, weather, or other unforeseen circumstances are not subject to refund.