travel guide
Halabja
Halabja is the newest governorate of the Kurdistan Region, tucked against the Hawraman mountains on the Iranian border. Its Memorial Monument tells the story of the 1988 chemical attack with dignity; beyond the city lie the Ahmed Awa waterfall, the stone villages of Hawraman and the orchards of Zalm and Byara.
- places
- 33
- events
- 00
- best months
- Mar–May · OctMar–May · Oct
- airport
- ISU · 1.5 hISU · 1.5 h
Good to know
What is Halabja known for?
Halabja is known for the Halabja Memorial Monument and Peace Museum, the Ahmed Awa waterfall and its riverside restaurants, the terraced stone villages of Hawraman (Tawela, Byara), pomegranate and walnut orchards, and the Hawrami music and dress that make the region culturally distinct.
When is the best time to visit Halabja?
Late March to May, when Ahmed Awa runs full and the Hawraman slopes bloom, and again in October for the pomegranate harvest. The 16 March commemoration draws visitors to the Memorial each year. Winter snow makes the mountain villages picturesque but roads to Tawela can be closed.
How do I get to Halabja?
Halabja is 80 km south-east of Sulaymaniyah — about 1.5 hours by car or shared taxi from the Sulaymaniyah garage. The nearest airport is Sulaymaniyah (ISU). Ahmed Awa is a further 20 minutes; the Hawraman villages need a car with good clearance and, in winter, chains.
Is Halabja safe for tourists?
Yes. Halabja is a quiet, welcoming city and Ahmed Awa is a popular family picnic spot. Police (104) and ambulance (122) respond around the clock, and the Tourist Police can be reached on +964 53 320 1100. Near the border villages, stay on marked roads and carry your passport for checkpoints.
Emergency
Emergency numbers in Kurdistan
Police, ambulance, fire, hospitals and helplines for every governorate.