Heavy snowfall over the past month has turned the mountainous areas of Erbil province into a winter wonderland.

Soran, Rwanduz, and Ballakayati to the northeast of Erbil city have been blanketed in thick snow, becoming a magnate for winter sports and tourism. 

Mount Korek and Bekhal waterfalls in particular have seen a spike in visitors. 

Photos taken on February 15 showcase the region’s beautiful mountain landscapes.

Korek is the Kurdistan Region’s largest and most popular winter attraction, complete with a small ski resort opened in 2013.

In some areas the snow is two meters thick. According to Krmanj Izzat, the mayor of Soran district, this is the deepest it has been in 30 years.

Photos: Rudaw