Duhok دهوك
Mountain valleys, Assyrian rock reliefs and the Yazidi holy valley nearby.
Duhok lies in a mountain valley in the far north of Iraq. The region around it is known for its scenery and for ancient sites such as the Assyrian reliefs of Khinnis, while Lalish, the holiest place of the Yazidi faith, is close by.
Duhok lies in a valley in the far north of Iraq, surrounded by mountains. The province holds some of the most remarkable heritage of the region: the rock reliefs carved by the Assyrian king Sennacherib at Khinnis and Maltai, the monastery of Rabban Hormizd in the cliffs above Alqosh, and Lalish, the holiest place of the Yazidi faith.
The landscape is greener and cooler than the rest of Iraq, with rivers, waterfalls and villages that make Duhok a favourite summer escape. It is easily combined with Mosul, about an hour and a half to the south, and with Erbil.
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Travel tips
- Bring a light jacket: mountain evenings are cool even in summer.
- Combine Khinnis, Alqosh and Lalish in one day from Mosul or Duhok.
Questions & answers
Which tour visits Duhok province?
Our Lalish & Khinnis Historical private tour, and the 10-day group tour across Iraq.
Map of Duhok
Pins show the sites in this guide. Locations are approximate.
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Sites to see in Duhok
Khinnis (Bavian) reliefs
The monumental rock reliefs of the Assyrian king Sennacherib beside an ancient canal head.
Rabban Hormizd Monastery
A 7th-century monastery cut into the mountainside above Alqosh.