Erbil’s green valleys ready to embrace Newroz picnickers

The lush green nature of Erbil’s Smaquli Valley is ready to welcome visitors for Newroz. On the new year holiday, people like to enjoy Kurdistan’s beautiful countryside, flocking to hills and valleys like these. 

Smaquli Valley is known for its cool weather across all four seasons. It has seen an uptick in visitors since October 2017 when it became the main route connecting Erbil and Sulaimani after Iraqi forces took control of Kirkuk and many travelers opted not to drive the Kirkuk highway.