Shanidar Cave & Bradost Ridge — Archaeology Day (Full-Day)

Duration

8–10 hours (includes transfer from Erbil)

Ticket price

$75 / person; Family: $240 (includes transport, guide, basic picnic)

Included

Private transport, certified guide, entrance where applicable, bottled water, picnic.

Excluded

Academic access to ongoing dig areas (restricted), specialist permits if required.

Available languages

English, Kurdish, Arabic (archaeology/academic interpreters available on request)

Suitability

Anyone with moderate mobility; the trail has uneven ground — ask for reduced-walk options.

Meeting point

Erbil hotel lobby or agreed pickup point.

About the tour

Visit Shanidar Cave, one of the world’s famous Neanderthal sites on Bradost Mountain — archaeology, short walks, and interpretation by a trained guide. Shanidar has seen renewed global interest as a key prehistoric site.

Itinerary

07:30 — Pickup Erbil → drive to Bradost area → 10:00 Guided walk to Shanidar site & interpretive talk → 13:00 Picnic / local lunch → 15:00 Short ridge walk, photography → 17:00 Return.

Tour highlights

Neanderthal discoveries (Shanidar 1 & the ‘flower burial’), Bradost panoramas, archaeology briefing.

Full description

Shanidar is a unique archaeological site where several Neanderthal remains were discovered in the 1950s and later projects continue to reveal the area’s deep prehistory. Our guide will explain discoveries, recent research, and local geology while keeping the walk gentle and informative.

Important info

Do not disturb excavations or fragile areas. Follow guide instructions strictly. Photography allowed in open areas but not in active excavation zones without permission. Some parts may be seasonal/closed for research — bookings may require confirmation