Panjeli Peak

Panjeli Peak is one of the most prominent and beautiful mountains of the Zagros range in Kurdistan Province. It lies southwest of the city of Qorveh and southeast of the village of Qarah Bolagh Panjeh. At an approximate elevation of 2,860 metres above sea level, it is known as one of the highest points around Qorveh. Its distinctive rocky shape, which from a distance looks like the five fingers of a hand, gave the mountain the name "Panjeli", meaning "like a paw/hand" in Kurdish. Besides its visual appeal, Panjeli is also of natural importance, as several headwater tributaries of the region's rivers rise on its slopes.

For tourism and mountaineering, Panjeli Peak is a valuable choice for those who enjoy high elevations and rocky mountain routes. The peak actually consists of several smaller summits, which all look like five fingers when seen from afar, and it offers very attractive views of the Zagros and the surrounding plains. The slopes of the mountain can be reached by several different routes, such as the "Kangareh", "Moshirabad-Panjeh", "Qarah Bolagh-Panjeh" and "Gerdakaneh-Olya" routes, and depending on the route you choose, each offers a different experience of nature travel and mountain climbing.

To reach Panjeli Peak, the route usually starts from the village of Qarah Bolagh Panjeh, which is reached from the city of Qorveh by heading southwest and then continuing towards the village. The road is paved up to the start of the hiking trail, after which the ascent enters the mountainous section. Given the mountain's considerable height and its geographical position, the climate of the region makes spring through early autumn the best time for hiking and climbing, as the weather is milder and the routes are relatively drier in these seasons. Following the principles of responsible nature travel is essential to protect the ecosystem of this part of the Zagros: do not leave litter, respect the vegetation and wildlife, and refrain from lighting fires on the mountain trail.