Korek Mountain

Korek rises to around two thousand metres above the Rawanduz gorge, and a cable car of several kilometres runs from the valley floor up to a resort on the shoulder, with hotels, restaurants, a small funfair and viewpoints over the Zagros. The ride itself is the best of it, climbing over forested slopes with the gorge dropping away below. In winter there is snow and a modest ski area operates when conditions allow; in summer the altitude gives relief from the heat of the plain and Kurdish families come up for the day. Development at the top is extensive and not to everyone's taste. The Gali Ali Beg waterfall and the Rawanduz canyon are on the same road and usually seen together with it.

What you actually see

• The cable car - a long ride up over forest with the gorge below.
• Zagros viewpoints - the mountain panorama from the shoulder.
• Winter snow - the modest ski slopes when conditions allow.
• The resort - hotels and restaurants developed at the top.

When to go

April to June for green slopes and clear air, December to February for snow. Summer weekends are busy with families escaping the heat. The cable car closes in high wind, which happens regularly.

Honest expectations

The cable car is frequently closed for wind or maintenance, so a trip can be wasted. Development at the top is heavy and the funfair atmosphere jars with the setting. Prices are high by local standards. Skiing is limited and snow unreliable.

Nearby

Bekhal waterfall lies south; the Rawanduz gorge is below.