Qandil Mountains

Quick Facts

• Type: Mountain range
• Elevation: Up to 3,587 m
• Range: Zagros Mountains
• Location: Erbil Governorate, Iraq (border with Iran)

Overview

The Qandil Mountains are a rugged subrange of the Zagros straddling the border between Iraq and Iran. The highest summits rise above 3,500 meters, creating some of the most remote terrain in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq.

The range is known for its steep valleys and sparse settlements, with trails and high pastures used seasonally by local communities.

Landscape and Culture

The Qandil landscape is defined by high ridges, forested slopes, and narrow gorges. Shepherding and seasonal movement remain part of the mountain economy, and the area has long been seen as a natural stronghold in Kurdish history.

Notes

The range sits within the northern Zagros belt that arcs along the Iran-Iraq frontier.