The Zagros Mountain Trail travels through the beautiful Kurdistan region of northern Iraq from the village of Shush to the foot of Mount Halgurd near Choman. You might think of Iraq as a desert land devoid of plant and animal life. But the mountainous region in the north breaks this stereotype. Mount Halgurd rises 3607 meters (11,834 feet) and holds snow even in the peak of summer. The region contains numerous historical sites dating back thousands of years.
While the Kurdish region of Iraq is generally safe, there are some areas near the trail which contain landmines from previous conflicts. It is recommended to consult guides before hiking or running this trail. Sticking to the official route and consulting with locals about each section is very important.
For more detailed information on each segment including contact info for guides, guesthouses, etc., see: https://www.zagrosmountaintrail.org/