Kurdistan hiking lovers train to become mountaineering coaches

RAWANDUZ, Kurdistan Region — These hikers are being taught the principles of mountaineering in hopes of becoming coches. After two days of classroom instruction, it is time for their practical training in Rawanduz, located 110 kilometres northeast of Erbil.

“As a mountaineering federation, we have a clear plan for the course and promotion of the art of mountaineering from the very beginning to the level of coaches,” Anwar Ali, head of the Kurdistan Mountaineering & Climbing Federation, told Rudaw on Monday.

For the first time in the Kurdistan Region, the principles of mountaineering are being compiled in a book.

“We learn how to take steps, eat healthily, and go on the paths,” said Narmin Abdi, a hiker of two years, told Rudaw of the training.

Translation by Sarkawt Mohammed