HAKKARI, Turkey — Nestled in Turkey’s southeastern Hakkari (Kurdish: Colemerg) province, the Heaven and Hell Valley—locally known as Spixane—stands as one of the country’s most captivating natural wonders, where stark contrasts in landscape coexist in dramatic harmony.
Located at an altitude of 3,200 meters, the valley uniquely combines snow-covered terrain with blooming spring flora. The area known as “Paradise” is marked by lush greenery and vibrant flowers, while “Hell” refers to a deep, glacial valley harboring ancient ice masses believed to be over 20,000 years old.
On May 20, a group of mountaineers, accompanied by a Rudaw news crew, visited the valley to experience its contrasting beauty firsthand.
“This is the gem of Colemerg,” said mountaineer Kahraman Aytan. “Everyone should come and see it, but they must respect and protect it. No one should leave trash behind. This is a place to visit with family and friends. For Kurds, Spixane holds deep natural and cultural significance.”
Environmental advocates have raised concerns about the impact of increased tourism. Kenan Canan, representing the TEMA Environmental Foundation, noted that the glaciers have been steadily melting over the past decade.
“Human activity is a contributing factor. Visitors need to be more environmentally conscious,” Canan emphasized.
The Heaven and Hell Valley continues to attract attention for its surreal beauty—a landscape where lilies and daffodils frame glacial streams, and where the forces of ice and bloom offer a rare sensory experience. However, experts warn that without responsible tourism, this natural wonder may face irreversible changes.
