The pasture is one of Kurdistan’s most refreshing spots, attracting visitors with its beauty and cool climate
Located in the Khurmala district, the village of Zhalm is situated 80 km east of Sulaymaniyah and 5 km north of the Halabja Governorate. The village is near the source of the Zhalm River, in the upper portion of the Zhalm valley. To the south lies the village of Ahmed Awa, to the east is Darai Mar, and to the west are Hani Qul and Yalan Pey. Situated at the foothills of the magnificent Hewraman mountains, particularly near the Dalani mountain’s summit, Zhalm is a picturesque border village. It currently has over 100 homes, despite the Baath regime’s previous attempts at removal.
Zhalm, located approximately 5 km from the Iranian Kurdistan border mountains, sits at an altitude of 1,600 meters above sea level. The summer pasture is renowned for its cool climate and unspoiled beauty. A lovely waterfall cascades cold water from summer to winter, while the water level rises dramatically each year due to heavy rains. The origin of Zhalm’s water has become a well-known folktale, with some claiming it comes from Russia and others believing it originates in Iran. This water is also a valuable resource for the local tourism industry.
Though no statistics are available regarding the number of visitors to Zhalm, it is reported to have a visitation rate similar to Halabja. Many visitors come to see both the Zhalm and Ahmed Awa springs. Tourists from Iraq, particularly from the central and southern regions, frequently visit Zhalm. Numerous international media articles have highlighted the significance of this area, and Halabja also uses Zhalm’s water as a drinking water source.
Recently, Masrour Barzani, the Prime Minister of Kurdistan, visited Zhalm’s summer pasture, underscoring its significance by mentioning it in a speech. This visit highlights the services that the Kurdistan Regional Government has been able to offer to these areas. Zhalm plays a significant role in both tourism and pomegranate production, contributing a substantial portion of the region’s renowned pomegranates each year. Alongside the tourist attractions, visitors can purchase locally grown goods, including pomegranates, apples, and grapes.
Recent developments in Zhalm include the construction of visitor cabins, offering inexpensive overnight stays and a pleasant experience of the region. Additionally, the road from Khurmala to Zhalm has been paved, further enhancing the summer pasture for visitors.