Mount Korek... Winter tourism in Kurdistan (In Pictures)

Tourists usually flock to the Kurdish region in the spring when the snow clears and find grass and flowers on its way to the sun in the mountains and valleys.

But the region went to take advantage of the winter contrary airspace from the rest of Iraq through the establishment of tourism facilities and festivals over the foothills of the mountains so that tourists can practice their winter games Alstoah above the snow that covers the area throughout the winter.

In the winter of 2013, the transport project (Chairlifts) was opened to the summit of Mount Cork more than three kilometers long.

The project is considered one of the most important strategic tourism projects in Soran district in Erbil province in Kurdistan Region and aims to winter tourism development in the region.

Mount Korek summit rises 2127 meters above sea level and 1,500 meters from the surrounding ground, as snowfall on the mountain in abundance and fit to practice different Winter Games.

Previously it was not possible to reach the top of the mountain but the electrical transport project is doing its task by transferring visitors in winter in breathtaking atmosphere.

The project was established by "Darren" group in cooperation with Kurdistan Regional Government as the absorptive capacity of the cable car up and down reach 800 people per hour.

The project includes a set of other games with houses to accommodate tourists who want to stay in the custom ski place.

The top of the mountain became an attraction place for winter tourism by citizens of the region, Iraq and even foreigners.

One of the citizens of the region called , Howcar Ahmed, who came with a group of young friends, "We came to enjoy this beautiful atmosphere."

He adds in his interview for "Shafaq News" We are students and we agreed this winter to make a tour to the summit of Mount Korek. We are happy for the presence of these beautiful areas in Kurdistan. "

On top of the mountain one can see a small Iraq of various components to enjoy the winter atmosphere without creating a barrier of race, religion and remove they can forget about hardships of displacement and the ongoing war in the country and suffering.

Ahmed Omar, a resident from Anbar province told “Shafaq News"that "We are now displaced in Erbil and today we came here and surprised by the presence of these beautiful places in our country."

He adds that "everyone enjoy without anything to stop them and we hope secure and stable atmosphere to prevail throughout Iraq."

While Abdullah Ismail , a resident of Fallujah who lives in Shaqlawa town says "We heard about Korek Mount but what we saw today is different from what they talked about."

He points out that "The atmosphere is very nice , kids and families enjoy their time without being hampered by anything which we lost years ago in other parts of Iraq."

Many families bring their children to enjoy skiing and snowboarding at the top of the mountain, where there is a place dedicated for ski for adults and children.

The government had set up last year, the first ski festival in Korek Mountain summit with the participation of Lebanese , Romanian and Canadian teams.

The festival was held within the activities of Erbil, the capital of Arab tourism and to support winter tourism in Kurdistan.