Kurdistan's pristine Gali Sherana offers respite from summer heat

Wladimir van Wilgenburg, Joanne Stocker-Kelly 2021/06/28 14:48

Gali Sherana's freezing waters are especially welcome as the Kurdistan Region faces a drought this year. (Photo: Wladimir van Wilgenburg, June 26, 2021)

Kurdistan Tourism Duhok nature Gali Sherana

Gali Sherana in Duhok province has long offered tourists a refreshing break from summer temperatures, but its crystal clear waters are even more welcome this year amidst drought conditions throughout the Kurdistan Region.

Despite the area's increasing popularity with tourists from the region and central and southern Iraq, the remote mountain waterfalls and pools of Gali Sherana remained relatively untouched during a recent weekend visit by Kurdistan 24 reporters.

Gali Sherana, near Deraluk, is accessible by car, but the purest recreation areas can only be reached on foot and necessitate a careful hike along the cliff path.

The daring visitor is rewarded with breathtaking views and ice cold mountain water, making Gali Sherana an ideal spot to spend a summer afternoon.

The remotest spots in Gali Sherana are only accessible by foot, making it a perfect quiet place to spend a hot afternoon. (Photo: Joanne Stocker-Kelly)

One of the many leafy relaxation spots at Gali Sherana, Duhok province. (Photo: Wladimir van Wilgenburg)

Intrepid hikers are rewarded with ice cold mountain waters at Gali Sherana, Duhok province. (Photo: Joanne Stocker-Kelly)

Water levels are lower at Gali Sherana this year because of a lack of rainfall through Kurdistan, but the mountain pools are still refreshing on a summer day. (Photo: Wladimir van Wilgenburg)