Duckin' into Dukan

In a country largely devoid of any significant bodies of water, it seems even a puddle can be treated with disproportionate reverence among the locals. Such is the case in Iraq, especially so in Kurdistan. Sure the country has a few rivers (ie the Tigris and Euphrates) and even waterfalls, but it is hardly what one might call swimming in major lakes. Lake Dukan is the largest lake in Iraqi Kurdistan. But it's not even natural. Regardless, this man-made watering hole is about as close as you're going to get to beach action in the region. I wish i had heaps to report about the place, but what is there to say about a dam reservoir.The village of Dukan, some 2 hours south-ish of the regional capital Erbil, is as simple as itgets. Stretching along the river wizzed out by the dam, the town has very few facilities and even fewer attractions (aka none). Although some hard to reach caves are about 20 minutes south of the village. A few simple tea-houses are perched next to the lazy river, offering... well... tea and at times fish. And other than the very pricey 5* resort on the nearby cliff, there are few accommodation options. Some bungalows are fine for for families, even the hotel option in the centre of town is a little on the pricy side. Getting here is tricky without your own car as it will involve at least 2 shared taxis out of Erbil, or one out of Sulaymaniyah.

The good news is, for those too nervous to take the Kirkuk road between Suly and Erbil, Dukan is right along the alternative "mountain road". You would most certainly need to change in Koya, if coming from Erbil. There is no reason why one couldn't stop off for a look. But the area really doesn't warrant staying long unless you have a bundle to drop on a resort stay.