travel guide
Duhok
Duhok sits in a valley between the Zawa and Spi mountains in the far north of the Kurdistan Region. It is the base for Duhok Dam and its lakeside cafés, the cliff-top town of Amadiya, the Yazidi holy site of Lalish, Gali Sherana gorge and the Ibrahim Khalil border with Turkey.
- places
- 77
- events
- 00
- best months
- Mar–May · Sep–OctMar–May · Sep–Oct
- airport
- EBL · 2 hEBL · 2 h
Good to know
What is Duhok known for?
Duhok is known for its mountain scenery and day trips: Duhok Dam and lake, Amadiya perched on a 1,400-metre plateau, Lalish — the holiest site of the Yazidi faith — the Zawa Mountain viewpoint, the Sulav and Gali Sherana gorges, and the Kurdish-Kurmanji culture of the Badinan region.
When is the best time to visit Duhok?
March to May is the greenest season, with wildflowers on the slopes and full waterfalls; September and October are dry and clear. Amadiya and Lalish are cooler than the city in summer. Snow can close the Amadiya road for short spells between December and February.
How do I get to Duhok?
Duhok is about two hours by road from Erbil and 45 minutes from the Ibrahim Khalil crossing with Turkey, so many visitors arrive by bus from Diyarbakır or by car. The nearest airport is Erbil (EBL); shared taxis and minibuses run all day between the Duhok and Erbil garages.
Is Duhok safe for tourists?
Duhok is safe and relaxed, with a strong tradition of hospitality in the Badinan villages. Police (104), ambulance (122) and the Tourist Police (+964 62 721 4400) operate around the clock. Dress modestly at Lalish (shoes are removed on site), and avoid the border strip north of Amadiya after dark.
Emergency
Emergency numbers in Kurdistan
Police, ambulance, fire, hospitals and helplines for every governorate.