The falls
Water between limestone walls.
Levi Clancy — CC0 · Levi Clancy — CC0 · روتانا — CC BY-SA 4.0 · روتانا — CC BY-SA 4.0 · روتانا — CC BY-SA 4.0
Gali Ali Beg Waterfall is a waterfall in a rocky gorge north of Rawanduz, in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq, and the best-known waterfall in the country. Its image appeared on the Iraqi 5-dinar note from 1978 to 1990, making it familiar to generations of Iraqis. Visitors come from across Iraq to escape the summer heat. The water drops about 10 to 12 m between sharp limestone walls, in a narrow valley on the old mountain road to Rawanduz. The flow varies a great deal from season to season. Reports have described very low flow in recent dry years, while local authorities denied in other reports that it had dried up. You stand right in front of the falls, hearing the water among the rocks, with platforms, cafes and small shops nearby. You may also see development work around the site that changes the usual view. The water is strongest in spring, when snow melts in the mountains, so aim for March to May if you can. It is about 63 km in a straight line from Erbil, about 130 km by road, and about 10 km from Rawanduz. You can combine it with the Rawanduz valley, and the mountain road is beautiful. Avoid summer weekends, when it gets very crowded. The UK Foreign Office currently advises against all but essential travel to this area, so check official guidance before planning.
Water between limestone walls.
A narrow valley and mountain road.
A rest beside the water.
North of Rawanduz, Erbil Governorate, Kurdistan Region, Iraq
Reports describe very low flow in dry years, so check its state before you go, above all in summer.
Spring, from March to May, when the water is strongest.