Halgurd–Sakran National Park
Iraq's highest mountains, including Halgurd, rise above the Choman district — alpine meadows, snowfields and serious hiking.
Why visit
- Cool mountain air even in mid-summer — often 10–15°C cooler than Erbil
- Riverside tents and villas in open nature, facing Przhé mountain
- All-inclusive stays: three meals a day, unlimited water and firewood
- A wood stove inside and a fire pit at the door of every unit
- Hiking trails, waterfalls and 4x4 mountain trips arranged on request
- Rated 4.4 on Google by 220+ guests — a favourite nature resort near Erbil, Rawanduz and Choman
Stay & prices
Risha Resort sits on the slope facing Przhé mountain in Choman, in the Erbil Governorate of the Kurdistan Region of Iraq, along the Hamilton Road beyond Rawanduz. Guests stay in canvas-and-timber tents, villa suites, hill villas and simple riverside units set in open meadow beside a mountain river. Stays are all-inclusive: three meals a day from the resort's own restaurant, unlimited water and firewood, an indoor wood stove and an outdoor fire pit at every unit. In summer the mountain air is often 10–15°C cooler than Erbil, which makes Risha a favourite escape from the city heat; in spring the waterfalls run full, autumn brings the clearest views and winter brings snow to the ridge. Hiking, waterfall walks and 4x4 mountain trips are arranged on request. Booking is by phone or WhatsApp message.
| Stay | Weeknight | Thu & Fri night | Extra guests |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tent 2 adults included · 7 at the resort Canvas-and-timber tents pitched to face the ridge, with a wood stove inside and a fire pit at the door. The closest you can sleep to the mountain. | 150,000 IQD | 220,000 IQD |
Adult 70,000 IQD Child 35,000 IQD |
| Villa 2 adults included · 10 at the resort A full villa suite with a private bathroom, an indoor wood stove and an outdoor fire pit of its own — more room for families and longer stays. | 220,000 IQD | 290,000 IQD |
Adult 70,000 IQD Child 35,000 IQD |
| A Fream 2 adults included · 5 at the resort | 220,000 IQD | 290,000 IQD |
Adult 70,000 IQD Child 35,000 IQD |
| Hill Villa 2 adults included · 2 at the resort Villa suites set higher up the slope, with wide views across the valley and the same stove, fire pit and private bathroom. | 220,000 IQD | 290,000 IQD |
Adult 70,000 IQD Child 35,000 IQD |
Prices in Iraqi dinar, per unit per night. Thursday and Friday nights are charged at the weekend rate; holidays such as Eid and Newroz have their own rates.
Check-in from 14:00 Check-out by 12:00
Included in every stay
- Three meals daily
- Unlimited water & firewood
- Indoor wood stoves
- Outdoor fire pits
- Lighting, candles & power banks
- Bedding provided
- Private bathrooms
- Restaurant with mountain views
- Guided hikes & 4x4 trips on request
Getting here
Przhé Mountain, Choman, Erbil Governorate, Kurdistan Region, Iraq
Risha is about 160 km north-east of Erbil — roughly a 3-hour drive via Shaqlawa and the Gali Ali Beg gorge to Rawanduz, then about 45 minutes further east along the Hamilton Road towards Choman. The last stretch is a mountain road; the resort can arrange 4x4 transport for the final climb.
Open in Google Maps Open in OpenStreetMap
The pin marks the Choman area; ask the resort for the exact turn-off.
Climate & seasons
Summer days are warm and the nights fresh — the mountain air is often 10–15°C cooler than Erbil. Spring brings full waterfalls and green slopes, autumn the clearest air and longest views, and winter snow on the ridge. Bring a warm layer in every season.
Nearby
Haji Omaran
The mountain town at the end of the Hamilton Road near the Iranian border, known for deep winter snow.
Rawanduz Gorge
A deep canyon and historic town on the drive up from Erbil, crossed by the Hamilton Road.
Gali Ali Beg Waterfall
Kurdistan's best-known waterfall, in the Gali Ali Beg gorge on the road from Erbil.
Bekhal Waterfall
A popular waterfall and picnic spot just outside Rawanduz.
Questions
Where is Risha Resort?
In Choman, Erbil Governorate, in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq — on the slope facing Przhé mountain, along the Hamilton Road about 45 minutes beyond Rawanduz.
How far is Risha Resort from Erbil?
About 160 km by road — roughly a 3-hour drive via Shaqlawa and Rawanduz. The resort can arrange 4x4 transport for the last mountain stretch.
Is it cool at Risha in summer?
Yes. The mountain air is often 10–15°C cooler than Erbil, and the nights are fresh even in July and August — bring a warm layer for the evenings.
What kinds of accommodation are there, and how much do they cost?
Tents, villa suites, hill villas and riverside units. Nightly prices start from 150,000 IQD; weekend nights (Thursday and Friday) cost more. See the full price list on the Plan your visit page.
What is included in a stay?
Three meals a day, unlimited water and firewood, an indoor wood stove, an outdoor fire pit, lighting, candles and power banks, and bedding.
How do I book a stay?
Booking is by message: call or WhatsApp the resort with your dates and group size and the team will confirm availability. There is no online payment.
What are the check-in and check-out times?
Check-in is from 14:00 and check-out is by 12:00.
Is there a restaurant at the resort?
Yes — the resort restaurant serves Kurdish dishes, grills and drinks with mountain views. The full menu with prices is published online in English, Arabic and Kurdish.
When is the best time to visit?
Every season has its draw: spring for full waterfalls and green slopes, summer to escape the heat of the plains, autumn for the clearest views, and winter for snow on the ridge and a stove going all day.
What is there to do nearby?
Hiking on the ridge, waterfall walks and 4x4 mountain trips arranged by the resort, plus day trips to Halgurd–Sakran National Park, Haji Omaran, the Rawanduz Gorge and the Gali Ali Beg and Bekhal waterfalls.
Book your stay
Booking is by message — call or WhatsApp the resort with your dates and group size. There is no online payment.
We speak Kurdish, Arabic, English.