Qolooz Waterfall

Qolooz Waterfall, also known as Sangin-Abad Waterfall, is one of the most notable natural attractions of Qorveh County in Kurdistan Province. The waterfall lies near the village of Sangin-Abad, about 8 kilometres from the city of Qorveh, on the slopes of the Qolooz mountains. In the local dialect, the name "Qolooz" means a rugged, hard-to-cross rock wall, which describes the topography of the area well. Its setting among high mountains, rocky cliffs and unspoiled natural scenery has made the area one of the most popular nature-tourism destinations in the east of Kurdistan Province.

Qolooz Waterfall lies among the three Qolooz mountains: Small Qolooz, Middle Qolooz and Great Qolooz. The highest peak of the group, Great Qolooz, is about 3,100 metres high and adds to the natural appeal of the area. The route to the waterfall passes through mountainous, rocky terrain and offers visitors beautiful views of the heights, valleys and local vegetation. One of the unique features of Qolooz Waterfall is that it freezes completely in winter, creating a striking sight that draws ice-climbing enthusiasts and nature photographers to the area every year. In the other seasons, the flowing water, the rock walls and the surrounding mountain landscape make it an appealing place to stroll and relax in nature.

To reach Qolooz Waterfall, first travel to the city of Qorveh and then to the village of Sangin-Abad. From the village to the waterfall is about one kilometre; the final section is stony, and it takes about 10 minutes by car or nearly 40 minutes on foot. The best time to visit is spring and summer, when the weather is more suitable for nature tourism and the waterfall carries more water. In winter, those who enjoy icy landscapes can see the waterfall from a very different perspective. When visiting the area, it is very important to practise responsible nature tourism, take your rubbish with you, avoid damaging the vegetation, and pay attention to the weather and the safety of the route.