Known for blue waters and cool summers, Gali Sherane has become Kurdistan’s booming tourist attraction.
In the Kurdistan Region, there are hundreds of tourist destinations visited annually by thousands of people. Among these sites is Gali Sherana, located in the mountainous area of Diraluk in Amedi district. It has become famous for its blue waters, known for their striking color and refreshing coolness. Even in the hottest summer months, temperatures in Gali Sherana remain around 20 degrees, offering tourists a pleasant escape.
Across the Kurdistan Region, tourist sites are entirely natural—no artificial lakes or man-made streams. Gali Sherana is particularly attractive with its mountainous setting and pure waters, captivating visitors with breathtaking scenery at every turn. Its streams are fed by melting snow from surrounding mountains, along with several natural springs, providing water that is both pure and cold. The valley is also covered in dense forests, keeping the temperature consistently mild.
Local resident Sivan Bakr, who runs a restaurant in Gali Sherana, said: “I’m very happy that this valley has become a source of income for the youth of our village.”
Situated in Diraluk sub-district of Amedi district, Duhok province, Gali Sherana is less than two hours by car from Duhok city. Along the road, travelers pass popular summer resorts such as Zawita, Sarsenk, and Solav before reaching the valley. To explore deeper into the mountains, visitors must go on foot, where the scenery becomes even more spectacular and the weather cooler. Families and groups often gather along the riverbanks, enjoying food, tea, and swimming in the icy waters.
Tourist Harim Nouri, visiting for the first time, said: “This is my first time here. My brother invited me. He has traveled to many countries and says he has never seen a place as beautiful as this.”
While most tourists stop near the easier-to-reach areas, young visitors often venture further, spending hours swimming. Many stay until sunset, then retreat to tents near their cars as temperatures drop. Some groups also celebrate their visit with Kurdish folk dancing and music before heading home.
What makes Gali Sherana’s waters unique are the sulfur minerals, which give the streams their distinctive deep-blue color. This striking natural feature has led many to call the area “blue water,” and some even describe it as “a scene from paradise.”
According to Herman Sidqi Mohammed, manager of Gali Sherana summer resorts: “The nature of this area is virgin nature, and no modifications have been made. Research by water specialists has shown that the water here is the most suitable in all of Iraq.”
Tourism in Gali Sherana has grown rapidly since the first resorts opened in 2017. That year, 30,000 tourists visited. In 2018, the number rose to 150,000, and in 2019 it reached 520,000. Although the COVID-19 pandemic halted tourism in 2020, the number of visitors has since doubled.
The Kurdistan Regional Government continues to prioritize tourism development, with road and transport projects playing a vital role in supporting areas like Gali Sherana and ensuring the sector’s growth.
The Kurdish Globe