This is another long stage, with a significant climb at the end. It can also be broken into two, with the break at Garawan village after 16.5km. A local guide can help arrange transport and accommodation.

The route leaves Rwanduz on small roads, with big views down into the Akoyan valley. It then crosses some rolling hills to pass the entrance to Karak canyon, where a local team have made a Via Ferrata climbing route. An old pathway follows the flank of the southern side of the valley, passing above villages and across the undulations of the mountains rising behind.

The road is always parallel, but at a distance in the valley below. Just before Garawan village the route crosses the tarmac, then heads east where it joins a smaller road. There is 2km of walking on this road, and then the path follows a dried-out river bed up the valley towards Saran. There is still another 500m to climb on cow paths, so be sure to have enough supplies. At the end is Saran - a remote and beautiful mountain village. Many of the original homes were destroyed in Saddam Hussein’s genocidal Anfal campaigns, but the village has rebuilt, and retains a special atmosphere. Look out for the grape orchards on the hillside, and the dramatic, sheer rock walls surrounding the houses.

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.