Horses Island

The Island of Horses (Jazirat Al-Khail), located in the Darbandikhan Lake, is one of the most stunning and unique natural tourist destinations in the Kurdistan Region. Thanks to viral videos on social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram, it has become one of the top trending tourist spots this year, attracting massive crowds of visitors. Key Features of the Island: • Geographical Location: Situated in the heart of Darbandikhan Lake, directly opposite the Shamiran mountain range. It is only accessible by boats and kayaks, making the short water journey an exciting part of the adventure. • The Story of the Horses: What makes this island exceptional is the group of horses living there completely free and semi-wild. Locals say these horses were left by villagers years ago, adapted to the wild environment, and reproduced over time. Watching them run along the water's edge against the lush green landscape creates an unforgettable sight. • Why it Became a Trend: The breathtaking combination of mountains, water, greenery, and wild horses provides a perfect backdrop for photography and drone footage. It has also greatly boosted the local economy, as local fishermen now use their boats to transport hundreds of tourists arriving daily from central and southern Iraq, as well as the Kurdistan Region