Ahmed Awa Waterfall

Ahmed Awa is a village at the foot of the Hawraman range where a stream comes off the mountains in a series of falls through a wooded gorge, and the setting is orchards, walnut and pomegranate trees, and cold water running down from snowfields that last into early summer. It is among the most popular natural sites in Iraqi Kurdistan: the valley is lined with teahouses and restaurants built over the water on platforms, tables set in the stream itself, and families come from across the region to sit for hours in the cool. Paths climb beside the falls toward the higher ground. The border with Iran runs along the ridge above. Flow is strongest with snowmelt in spring and drops by late summer.

What you actually see

• The stepped falls - water dropping through a wooded gorge.
• Platform teahouses - tables built out over the running water.
• Orchard valley - walnut and pomegranate trees around the village.
• The Hawraman ridge - the mountains rising toward the border.

When to go

April to June for the strongest flow and green hills; snowmelt keeps the water going into early summer. July and August are crowded and the flow is reduced. Winter brings snow to the valley.

Honest expectations

The valley is heavily built up with restaurants and platforms crowding the water. Litter is a serious problem at busy times. Weekend traffic on the access road is heavy. The border zone means checkpoints on the way.

Nearby

Halabja lies southwest; Byara and Tawella are north along the range.