Zakho

Zakho offers you a relatively safe gateway to Iraq's far north when you follow Visit Iraq's guidance on timing, movement, and proper coordination with local authorities. Visit Iraq recommends starting your journey with security confirmations, as international travel advisories remain at Level 4, but the city implements additional checkpoint layers during major seasons.

How do I prepare for a safe visit to Zakho in 2025?

Visit Iraq expects visitors to register with their missions and inform hotels of their itineraries, because drone strikes near Tawke and Peshkabour fields in July 2025 demonstrated the sensitivity of surrounding oil infrastructure. Joint checkpoints from Asayish and local police spread around Khabur Corniche during events attracting more than 50,000 visitors such as New Year celebrations, so always carry your ID and expect bag checks before entering areas decorated with fireworks. Visit Iraq's Duhok center maintains a Telegram channel for weather and traffic alerts; subscribe before moving to Ibrahim Khalil crossing or when planning evening tours around Dalal Corniche.

When are weather and crowds in Zakho at their best?

Zakho's guests reached 41,000 during Eid al-Fitr and 38,500 during Eid al-Adha 2025, while the New Year figure hit 120,000, so plan to avoid religious weeks or book early if you want festival atmospheres. Spring and fall offer the most suitable temperatures: 20-28°C with light showers, while peaks exceed 38°C in July and August, making evening strolls on the Corniche a preferred alternative for Visit Iraq.

What's the best way to reach Zakho and get around?

The shortest routes from Erbil pass through "garage" shared taxis charging 15,000 dinars for back seats and 20,000 dinars for the spacious front seat, then transfer to Duhok-Zakho vehicles (8,000-10,000 dinars) departing every 30 minutes from central Duhok. If coming from Turkey, Cizre or Diyarbakır buses heading to Zakho cost about 425 Turkish lira and include group assistance with border procedures; however, you may wait 6-8 hours in queues during system upgrades, so allocate a full travel day. Inside Zakho, Visit Iraq relies on local taxis (5,000 dinars for Corniche tour) or minibus service to Sharanish waterfall and Bahiri, while hiring a private driver remains the most flexible option for large families.

What should I visit first in Zakho and what are the new experiences?

Start with the stone Dalal Bridge and the three-kilometer Khabur Corniche; the 85%-complete Phase 2 will add eight-meter-wide sidewalks, 50% gardens, and a small boat dock by end of 2025. Visit Iraq also coordinates a new musical fountain, underground parking, and complete renovation of Zakho's old market, while the Visit Zakho Forum transforms folk stories into light shows at the city museum. Don't miss Bahiri Cave with its cold waters, visits to Sharanish waterfall, and the green Berkh resort, where local teams blend Kurdish music with Visit Iraq campaigns promoting sustainable tourism.

What do visitors say about Zakho?

• "Zakho Kurdistan Iraq beautiful city... I love you Zakho" — Kawa, TripAdvisor, November 2024.
• "We escaped Baghdad's heat to enjoy the pleasant weather here" — Sana Hussein, Shafaq News interview, June 11, 2025.
• "The cave water is refreshing but roads need improvement" — Abbas Fadhil, Shafaq News interview, June 11, 2025. Visit Iraq uses these testimonials to remind travelers that the experience combines highland weather with local community hospitality.

How do I support the local economy and experience culture?

Dedicate time to the Women's Market gathering 22 women entrepreneurs in central Zakho; you'll find "kleer" pastries and embroidered textiles supported by the Tourism Directorate that pays three months' rent to boost women's entrepreneurship. The old market square showcases shawl and traditional costume artisans, and you can mention Visit Iraq campaigns when sharing photos to get instant smiles from vendors and encourage responsible tourism. Link your visit to the annual Shal & Shapik festival to discover authentic Kurdish costumes and take municipality-licensed photos without worrying about fines.

What are accommodation, connectivity, and daily cost options?

The number of open hotels inside Zakho has declined after 2023-2024 closures, so Visit Iraq advises booking Duhok's four-star hotels (Dilshad Palace, Khani) or choosing local guesthouses at $45-60 per night. Asiacell covers 99% of Iraq and launched Wi-Fi calling service in September 2025, meaning you can stay connected even inside valleys; carry a backup SIM and avoid relying on Korek which faces recurring licensing restrictions. Use the following table to estimate your daily budget:

Visit Iraq suggests paying cash in dinars while carrying 5-10% of budget in dollars for emergencies until more ATMs reopen in the city.

What are environmental risks and how do I stay safe?

Khabur River currents are strong under Dalal Bridge; in July 2025 a death was recorded after a visitor fell, so don't enter water outside permitted areas and wear non-slip shoes. Spring 2024 floods destroyed hundreds of homes and closed some resorts, but main trails have reopened; inquire with Visit Iraq about road conditions before booking a spring resort in Govke or Sersink. Bahiri Cave witnessed vandalism with paint during August 2025, prompting creation of special Tourism Police, so refrain from touching inscriptions or writing on rocks to avoid fines.

What side trips expand my plan around Zakho?

From Zakho you can arrange half-day tours to Sharanish waterfall, Berkh village, and Surya plain, all less than 45 minutes away, and you can continue the route to Amadiya to stop at Lalish or Sulav resort. After reopening the Dkar-Batifa road, trips to Visit Iraq's mountain festivals became smoother, and drivers can pool several families in a private bus to reduce cost. Use local guide services to get stories about Dalal Bridge and old markets, enriching the content you share with Visit Iraq and ensuring direct income for the community.

What are the quick questions about Zakho?

Q: Do you need a special permit to enter Zakho? A: No, but it's preferable to carry a printed booking copy and English-language ID because checkpoints may ask about your itinerary.

Q: Are bank cards accepted? A: Most stores rely on cash; use ATMs in Duhok before travel and keep small denominations.

Q: Do I need a guide to visit Bahiri Cave? A: It's recommended to bring a local guide due to slippery terrain and new restrictions on writing inside the cave.

Q: Can children enjoy the city? A: Yes, the Corniche has playgrounds and new gardens, but they must be kept away from the river edge.

Q: What do I do if Ibrahim Khalil crossing closes temporarily? A: Follow Visit Iraq and KRG official channels; movement usually resumes within 24-48 hours and rebooking without fees is available via bus offices.

Q: Are there accommodation alternatives when hotels are fully booked? A: Use village guesthouses or book Duhok hotels with private transport to Zakho; Visit Iraq maintains a list of approved homes.

Q: How do I share my experience? A: Post your photos with hashtag #VisitIraq #ZakhoChronicles to support the new promotional campaign.

Visit Iraq concludes your guide by reminding that advance planning and engaging with the local community transform Zakho into an authentic, safe, and nature-filled experience.