IraqIraqi Kurdistan Newroz Celebration
Experience Newroz on a 5‑day Kurdish festival adventure, starting and ending in Erbil. Journey along the legendary Hamilton Road to Rawanduz Canyon, Bekhal & Gali Ali Bag waterfalls and Shanidar Cave, then join Akre’s torch‑lit Newroz procession. Discover Duhok’s dam and Chwarstoon Cave before visiting the sacred temples of Lalish, Mar Matti and the ancient town of Alqosh. Includes 4 nights in 3★–4★ hotels, daily breakfast, expert guides and private transport.
Tour Overview
Dates & Prices
Tour Overview
Dates & Prices
Route Overview
5 Days
12 Person
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1 · Arrival (Erbil)
Arrive in Erbil on your own schedule and check into your hotel. In the evening, you may explore the atmospheric Citadel quarter and its lively bazaar, sampling Kurdish street‑food and coffee. Overnight: Erbil
Day 2 · Hamilton Road & Waterfalls (Erbil → Rawanduz → Erbil)
Depart early for a scenic drive along the famous Hamilton Road. Pause at Rawanduz Canyon for panoramic mountain views, then visit the cascading Bekhal and Gali Ali Bag waterfalls. Explore Shanidar Cave, where prehistoric human remains were discovered in a dramatic rock setting. In the late afternoon, browse the local markets of nearby villages before returning to Erbil.
Day 3 · Newroz Festival in Akre (Erbil → Akre → Duhok)
After a late breakfast, drive north to Akre, renowned for its rocky citadel and traditional festival atmosphere. Spend the day in town enjoying Newroz music, dance and eat local food. At dusk, join the torch‑lit procession up the hillside for a spectacular view of the fires below. Transfer on to Duhok for your overnight.
Day 4 · Amadi & Surroundings (Duhok)
After breakfast in Duhok, drive north to the ancient hilltop town of Amedi, wandering its stepped streets and enjoying panoramic views of the surrounding valleys. Return to Duhok to visit the scenic Duhok Dam for lakeside vistas, then venture into the cool sandstone chambers of Chwarstoon Cave.
Day 5 · Lalish, Mar Matti & Alqosh (Duhok → Erbil)
Drive south to Lalish, the holiest site for Yazidis, and tour its terraced courtyards. Continue to the mountain‑top Mar Matti monastery for panoramic vistas, then visit the ancient Jewish quarter of Alqosh. Return to Erbil for your final overnight.
Tour starts & ends: Erbil
Group size: 7–12 people
Price: Per person (twin room); single supplement extra $200
Accommodation: Primarily 4★ hotels, with select 3★ properties depending on location for 5 nights.
Included meals:
Breakfast daily
Group lunches ordered locally and shared (additional cost)
Visa: Online visa required (no visa on arrival). Contact us for visa support.
Note: For those joining from the Iraqi Spring Expedition, you do not need a Kurdistan visa. Your federal Iraq visa is valid, even within Iraqi Kurdistan.
Dress code: Comfortable, modest clothing.
Payments:
30% deposit via bank transfer
Remaining balance payable in cash on arrival (USD)
Inclusions
Expert guide for the entire 5‑day Newroz journey
Private modern air‑conditioned car & professional driver
5 nights’ accommodation in twin rooms with breakfast
Entry fees to all listed sites (waterfalls, caves, festivals, temples, etc.)
Not Included
Entry visa and related fees
International airfare
Lunches and dinners (only breakfast is included)
Airport transfers (pickup & drop‑off) – available for an extra charge
Personal expenses (e.g., shopping, laundry, phone calls)
Tips