Hike in the mountains and forests of Tavush

Day 1: Hike from lake Parz to village Gosh

Early in the morning, we will start our journey from Yerevan and will head to the treasure, the timeless and everlasting Lake Sevan. The lake is situated in Gegharkunik province, at an altitude of 1900 meters, and is called the pearl of Armenian mountains. The lake is surrounded by mountains and constantly changes its appearance depending on weather, mirroring the merest climate fluctuations, so even the movement of clouds can change it beyond recognition. There, we will visit the monastery of Sevanavank, which is located on a peninsula that used to be an island. The monastery was constructed in 874 by Princess Mariam.

Lake Sevan

After visiting the monastery, we will continue our journey to another alpine lake hidden in the mountains. We will start the hike from Lake Parz and through the mountains covered by dense forests of Tavush, will go down to the village of Gosh. The village is named after one of the 12th-century Armenian thinkers Mkhitar Gosh.
Here we will see one of the largest monasteries in the region – the medieval Armenian monastery complex of the XII-XIII centuries. On the territory of this complex, there is a two-meter high khachkar, recognized as the best for the excellence of the work of its creator, the master Poghos.

lake Parz

Details of the day:

Location – Tavush province
Distance from Yerevan – 120km
Length of the route – 10 km
Difficulty level – moderate
The best hiking period- all seasons
Overnight stay: Dilijan

Day 2: Old Dilijan and fairy Lastiver

After having breakfast, we will go for a walk around Dilijan. The town is covered with forests and trees, which explains why the locals call it the “Little Switzerland of Armenia”. Not far from Dilijan, on the afforested slope of the mountain, lies the monastery complex of Jukhtakvank, which consists of two churches – The Church of the Holy Mother of God and St. Gregory the Illuminator Church. According to the inscription that appears at the entrance, the former one was constructed in 1201, whereas the exact date of the latter’s construction is unknown. There is a medieval cemetery near the monastery of Jukhtakvank.

Jukhtakh Monastery

Afterwards, we will head to the village of Yenokavan, from where we will start our journey through the Khachaghbyur gorge to one of the most fabulous corners of Armenia – Lastiver.There you will see waterfalls, tree houses and medieval caves, in which hermits once lived. This paradisiacal place is gorgeous at any time of the year and in any weather.
At the end, we will return to Yerevan.
Furthermore, it is worth noting that at the beginning of our journey there is a zipline, so you can have a ride before starting the hike.

Details of the day:

Location – Tavush province
Distance from Dilijan – 45km
Length of the route – 9 km
Difficulty level – easy
The best hiking period- all seasons
Overnight stay: Yenokavan

Lastiver

Day 3: Climbing mountain Apakekar

After breakfast, we will head to the village Haghartsin, from where we will start our ascent to the mountain Apakekar. It is simply impossible not to notice this mountain when you travel from Dilijan to Haghartsin. It is an outstanding cone-shaped mountain, covered by lush vegetation and trees from top to bottom. Throughout the whole way, we will be accompanied by a magnificent view of Ijevan ridge. After reaching the summit, we will descend to the village and will drive back to Yerevan.

Details of the day:

Location – Tavush province
Height of the mountain: 1651 m
Relative altitude: 600 m
Distance from Yenokavan – 34 km
Distance from Yerevan – 110 km
Length of the route – 11 km
Difficulty level – medium
The best hiking period- all seasons