PHOTOS: Stunning views of Kurdistan's mountainous Balakayati region

Despite the fact that the coronavirus pandemic has stopped the usual steady stream of springtime tourists visiting the Kurdistan Region’s picturesque locality of Balkayati, the mountainous area remains breathtaking with its stunning scenery and constant sound of rushing waters.

ERBIL (Kurdistan 24) – Despite the fact that the coronavirus pandemic has stopped the usual steady stream of springtime tourists visiting the Kurdistan Region’s picturesque locality of Balkayati, the mountainous area remains breathtaking with its stunning scenery and constant sound of rushing waters.

The mountains of Balakayati, located the Kurdistan Region's district of Choman. (Photo: Kurdistan 24)
The mountains of Balakayati, located the Kurdistan Region's district of Choman. (Photo: Kurdistan 24)

Balkayati is located within Choman, the mostly rural northeastern district of Erbil that borders Iran. Its sprawling hills of walnut trees and fruit orchards, plus its abundant cold water springs help to attract thousands of local and foreign tourists every year.

The mountains of Balakayati, located the Kurdistan Region's district of Choman. (Photo: Kurdistan 24)
The mountains of Balakayati, located the Kurdistan Region's district of Choman. (Photo: Kurdistan 24)

From nearly any place one stands in Balkayati, nearby snowcapped mountains can be seen along the skyline all year long.

The mountains of Balakayati, located the Kurdistan Region's district of Choman. (Photo: Kurdistan 24)
The mountains of Balakayati, located the Kurdistan Region's district of Choman. (Photo: Kurdistan 24)

Over the years, the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) has begun developing tourism not only in the spring and summer, but also now for visitors who enjoy skiing or just want to appreciate the pristine snowy scenery in areas like Balkayati.

A pastoral scene in Balakayati, located the Kurdistan Region's district of Choman. (Photo: Kurdistan 24)
A pastoral scene in Balakayati, located the Kurdistan Region's district of Choman. (Photo: Kurdistan 24)

The mountains of Balakayati, located the Kurdistan Region's district of Choman. (Photo: Kurdistan 24)
The mountains of Balakayati, located the Kurdistan Region's district of Choman. (Photo: Kurdistan 24)

Editing by John J. Catherine

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