Things To Do
in Sinjār
Sinjār (Shingal) is a town and district in northwestern Iraq at the base of Mount Sinjar, known for its dramatic ridgeline and a majority Yazidi population. The area is steeped in ancient history and has recently been the focus of humanitarian attention after the 2014 ISIS attacks and subsequent displacement. Today visitors will find a landscape of mountain trails, small towns, memorials and local markets with a resilient community rebuilding daily life.
Travel here requires sensitivity to recent history and careful attention to security and local customs.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a visit to the ancient ruins of Sinjār Castle, where you can enjoy breathtaking views of the surrounding area. As you explore the castle's stone walls and learn about its rich history, you can imagine the stories of the past that echo through its corridors. Afterward, take a leisurely stroll through the vibrant local market, where you can immerse yourself in the sights and sounds of daily life in Sinjār.
In the afternoon, indulge in a traditional Kurdish lunch at a local restaurant, savoring dishes such as dolma and kebabs. Following your meal, visit the nearby Sinjār Mountain, where you can embark on a hiking trail that offers stunning vistas and a chance to connect with nature. Spend some time in the serene environment, taking in the natural beauty and perhaps catching a glimpse of local wildlife.
As the sun sets, head back to the historic center to enjoy a cultural performance showcasing traditional Kurdish music and dance. This vibrant display will give you a deeper appreciation for the region's rich heritage. End your evening with a leisurely walk under the stars, reflecting on the day's experiences while enjoying the cool mountain breeze.
Begin your day by visiting the local museum, which houses artifacts and exhibits that tell the story of Sinjār's cultural heritage. Engage with knowledgeable staff who can provide insights into the history and significance of the items on display. After your museum visit, spend some time at a nearby café enjoying a traditional Kurdish breakfast of fresh bread, cheese, and tea.
In the afternoon, join a cooking class where you will learn how to prepare traditional Kurdish dishes using fresh, local ingredients. Under the guidance of a skilled chef, you'll gain hands-on experience in creating flavorful recipes that you can take home with you. Afterwards, enjoy the fruits of your labor by sitting down to a communal meal with your cooking class peers.
As night falls, immerse yourself in the local nightlife by visiting a popular café or tea house where you can enjoy live music performances. Sip on aromatic Kurdish tea while mingling with locals and other travelers, experiencing the warmth and hospitality of the community. Wrap up your evening with a leisurely stroll back to your accommodation, savoring the lively atmosphere.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $3-6 |
| ☕Tea or coffee at a cafe | $0.5-2 |
| 🚕Short taxi ride | $1-5 |
| 🛏️Basic guesthouse / local hotel (per night) | $20-50 |
| 💧Bottle of water | $0.3-1 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Powerful, scenic landscapes with dramatic mountain ridgelines and panoramic views.
- Deep cultural and historical significance, especially for Yazidi heritage and resilience.
- Authentic local markets and simple, hospitable community experiences.
- Good base for hiking, birdwatching and documentary photography (with sensitivity).
- Security concerns and remnants of conflict make travel more complicated and sometimes risky.
- Limited tourist infrastructure—few hotels, restaurants and services compared with bigger cities.
- Cultural sensitivities require careful behavior and restrictions around certain sites.
- Medical and emergency services are limited locally; evacuation can be difficult.
- "Slaw / Salam" - Hello / Peace
- "Spas / Spas dikim" - Thank you
- "Erê / Na" - Yes / No
- "Kerema xwe (please) / Min fermanek bike" - Please / Excuse me
- "Tu Inglîzî dizanî?" - Do you speak English?
- "Çiqas e?" - How much is it?
Places to Visit in Sinjār
Visit one of these nice places.
Dramatic ridgeline offering panoramic sunrise and sunset views, ideal for landscape photography; heed safety guidance and stay on known trails.
Bustling market scenes with colorful produce, breads and local life—great for candid street photography when you have permission.
Memorials commemorating recent events are powerful and sensitive photographic subjects—always ask permission from families and community leaders before photographing.
Traditional homes, agricultural terraces and rural life on the mountain slopes provide authentic cultural imagery; respectful engagement is essential.
Food in Sinjār
Sinjār Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Skewered and grilled lamb or beef spiced simply, served with flatbread and salad; widely available at local grills and small restaurants.
Must-Try!
Fried or cooked bulgur-and-meat dumplings in broth or served fried; a regional specialty you can find in local kitchens and market stalls.
Eggs scrambled with tomatoes, peppers and onions — a common hearty breakfast prepared in many households and cafes.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Small daily market with fresh bread, vegetables, spices and grilled meat stalls; try freshly baked flatbread, local cheese and chai from street vendors.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Dress conservatively in public—cover shoulders and knees; women may prefer a headscarf in more conservative settings. Respect family and religious settings.
Always ask permission before taking photos of people, especially women, children and religious sites. Be sensitive around memorials and sites linked to recent trauma.
Greet people with Salam or Slaw; men often shake hands, but wait to see if a woman will offer her hand first. Polite hospitality is important—accepting tea is a sign of respect.
Be respectful of Yazidi religious beliefs and the community’s recent experiences; avoid political debates and speak with sensitivity about past events.
Safety
Tipping in Sinjār
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is appreciated but not obligatory; small tips (10% or round-up) for restaurant staff, taxi drivers and guides are common. When hosted by locals, bringing a small gift or offering to pay for a meal is polite.
Cash in Iraqi dinar (IQD) is the primary payment method—credit/debit cards are rarely accepted in Sinjār. Carry small-denomination notes for markets; US dollars are accepted in some places but change will be given in IQD.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Hot and dry on the plains with temperatures often exceeding 35°C (95°F); mountain mornings are cooler. Carry water, sun protection, and schedule strenuous activities for early morning or late afternoon.
Pleasant temperatures and clearer skies make it an excellent time for hiking and photography; evenings can be cool, so bring light layers.
Winters can be chilly and occasionally cold on the mountain with sporadic rain; some remote tracks may be muddy—pack warm clothing and waterproof shoes.
Wildflowers and mild weather make spring a beautiful season for outdoor activities and birdwatching, though rains can still make some trails slippery.
Sinjār at Night
Hiking in Sinjār
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Multiple trails along the ridge provide short to full-day hikes with panoramic views; hire a local guide familiar with safe routes and seasonal conditions.
Lower-elevation walks through olive groves and small villages for a gentler hike and cultural encounters.
Trails descending from the ridge into nearby valleys highlight rural landscapes and birdwatching opportunities; be prepared for uneven terrain and limited signage.
Airports
How to reach Sinjār by plane.
The nearest international airport in the Kurdish region offering domestic and some regional flights; about 80–120 km (depending on route) from Sinjār—transfer by car or shuttle, travel times vary with checkpoints.
Located to the east of Sinjār, Mosul airport handles domestic flights and is approximately 120–180 km away; accessibility depends on security and road conditions.
Major international airport serving Iraqi Kurdistan with many international connections; roughly 180–250 km from Sinjār—commonly used as a gateway for international visitors.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The Yazidi community forms a significant part of the local population, with distinct religious traditions and strong cultural identity.
Ethnic Kurds live in and around the district and influence language, culture and trade.
In recent years Sinjār has hosted internally displaced people (IDPs), returnees and humanitarian actors, creating a mixed and dynamic social environment.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
The most popular sport in the region; local youth play in neighborhoods and small pitches, and watching local matches is a common pastime.
Traditional competitions and displays of strength appear at local festivals and celebrations.
Horse riding and related skills are part of rural life in some communities, though organized events are less common.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Sinjār.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian travelers can manage by ordering lentil stews, rice, salads and egg-based dishes; always confirm that dishes do not use animal broths. Markets have fresh produce for DIY meals.
Vegan and strict gluten-free diets are more challenging due to common use of bread, yogurt and meat broths—bring supplements and be explicit about restrictions; larger towns offer better options.
Carry allergy cards in Kurdish/Arabic, communicate clearly about nuts, dairy and wheat, and consider bringing essential snacks and medications.