Al Ukhaidar Fortress | Tourist Attraction
Iraq
Details
- Verified:
- 26 days ago
- GPS:
- 32.44205, 43.60220
- Altitude:
- 64.0 masl
- Contributor:
-
paolo.votino
Amenities
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Description
Beautifully preserved, 1.300 years old Al Ukhaidar Fortress should be a highlight of any visit to Karbala (and, indeed, any visit to Iraq). It is surprisingly little visited for its exceptional state of preservation. For those who have their vehicles it's about 50km west of Karbala (on the way to the Saudi border which has been recently opened to Iraqis and might be open to all in the near future).
To those who don't have their wheels there are shared taxis from Karbala to a nearby town ( Ain al Tamr) that cost 5.000 IDR and can drop you at the site (going back you'll have to hitchhike, though it's not difficult). Not sure how much a private taxis from Karbala might be but I guess around 30.000 IRD.
Entry is, as usual, 25.000 IDR for foreigners, you can skip the fee if you simply wish to see it's exterior (it's visible and photogenic from miles away) but it's definitely a nice interior with a labyrinth of stairs taking you to endless levels, and you can easily lose the way back (only to find another hallway or stairs to another level up or down). Lovely views from the top over the desert in every direction. Interesting architectural interior, no doubt, and it's OK even from just outside
The guardian speaks no English but he's reasonably friendly.
Highly recommended
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Latest Check-Ins
really impressive and well preserved fort. we got escort for the last 20 kms. it took around 30 minutes waiting at the checkpoint. once we finished in the fort they were not there anymore.. they just left our passport with the guy selling tickets
Report Check-InWorth the stop - impressive fort - no problems passing checkpoints on motorcycle - just took passport and bike photos. Entrance still 25,000 IQD.
This is as for West as I could go - following checkpoint no go.
Biked there from Karbala. At the checkpoint I was stopped, some discussion ensued, then they assigned me a free police escort to the fort. Not sure if because I was on a motorcycle or because I was a girl alone or both. They did say the area is still dangerous. Police came with me to the fort, but the caretaker showed me around (included in the ticket price) even though he didn't really speak English. Really stunning and massive fort, do recommend visiting for anyone in the area.
Report Check-InBeautifully preserved, 1.300 years old Al Ukhaidar Fortress should be a highlight of any visit to Karbala (and, indeed, any visit to Iraq). It is surprisingly little visited for its exceptional state of preservation. For those who have their vehicles it's about 50km west of Karbala (on the way to the Saudi border which has been recently opened to Iraqis and might be open to all in the near future).
To those who don't have their wheels there are shared taxis from Karbala to a nearby town ( Ain al Tamr) that cost 5.000 IDR and can drop you at the site (going back you'll have to hitchhike, though it's not difficult). Not sure how much a private taxis from Karbala might be but I guess around 30.000 IRD.
Entry is, as usual, 25.000 IDR for foreigners, you can skip the fee if you simply wish to see it's exterior (it's visible and photogenic from miles away) but it's definitely a nice interior with a labyrinth of stairs taking you to endless levels, and you can easily lose the way back (only to find another hallway or stairs to another level up or down). Lovely views from the top over the desert in every direction. Interesting architectural interior, no doubt, and it's OK even from just outside
The guardian speaks no English but he's reasonably friendly.
Highly recommended