This is the longest stage of the ZMT, but also one of the most spectacular. The route leaves from the village of Khalan to climb up on Bradost mountain. The path is an ancient, well-defined trading path, often reinforced with stone, and wide enough for a donkey to travel on. It carries hikers slowly up the valley on the side of the mountain. There are a couple of sections where there is an exposed drop off into the canyon, but the path is always wide enough to stay well back.

At the top of the canyon the path crosses a paved road, built by Saddam Hussein in the 1970s to install military observation points. There was also once a village here, Sheikh Sherif, the remains of which can still be seen. It is possible to arrange with a local guide to camp here, and have supplies brought up, or to split this stage into 2 parts, and finish the first part here.

The route climbs again through a forest, again gradual, until it reaches a 4x4 track on the ridgeline. There are beautiful views in both directions - west, back across the Barzan valley where the trail has come from, and east to the city of Soran and the iconic mountains of Hendrin, Hasan Beg and Halgurd behind. Please be aware, however, that along this ridgeline there are signs for unexploded ordinance. Saddam Hussein’s troops mined this area, and although the 4x4 track is clear and often used, the same cannot be said for the land on either side. Please stick to the path, and go with a local guide. You may also see local shepherds here walking in the area behind the mine signs. If you talk to them, some might tell you not to worry. Shepherds and farmers often use land that has not been de-mined because it is all that is available to them. But there are also incidents in this region, sadly, of shepherds and farmers treading on mines. The mines may be few, and they may be deeply embedded in the ground, but the only way to be completely safe is to stick to the path.

Finally, the route switchbacks down into the city of Soran, where we recommend to stay at the Soran Palas Hotel, which offers a good price, and especially so to those on the ZMT. It is basic but clean. Guides or taxis can take you into the city, and there is a restaurant in the hotel. There are also small shops nearby. Soran is a good place to catch taxis back to Erbil, or onwards to Choman if necessary, and there is also a hospital, pharmacy and other services here.

Disclaimer:

 The ZMT team has provided the following information on the trail based on multiple visits over a number of years. However, actual trail conditions may be different at any given time, and the information here may no longer be accurate. The ZMT team urge you to contact the local service providers and hire a guide for your visit to the trail. Trail users are responsible for all decisions related to the route they choose, the weather conditions, and safety precautions. The ZMT is not responsible for any injury, illness or death that occurs on the trail.