Top 5 Autumn Destinations in Armenia

It’s already fall, which means it’s time to enjoy the most spectacular and colorful fall hikes in Armenia. Enjoy the peace and coolness of fall kilometers away from the city, away from the noise and routine of everyday life, in the forests of Tavush, in the deep gorges of Syunik, in the copper-colored rocky mountains of Vayots Dzor. Three regions and three different landscapes, views, feelings and experiences.

Fall hikes are a great way to enjoy the most pleasant weather games, walks in a cool and pleasant environment, feeling the warm and pleasant touch of the fall sun in the cold air. Even the fog becomes attractive in the fall, it seems to break the bright colors, turning them into halftones, making the contours softer and more mysterious. It is in the waves of fog that one can get lost in the mind, soul and body.

These top 5 Autumn destinations in Armenia, chosen by us, unknown to many, are meant to enjoy and experience fall in a unique way, where you will be free with yourself, your thoughts and feelings. Each destination is unique and unrepeatable in that it gives you the opportunity to discover Armenia from a different, completely new side, with new colors and new breath. Each of these destinations has something to tell you, surely, each of them in their own way. To tell you about everything, of course, is to say nothing. So all you have to do is choose the most appealing route, complete it and be convinced.

Three Hawks Loop

The nature of Tavush is unique at any time of the year. Tavush is the land where it is always pleasant, interesting, there is always something to say and show, and with each visit you find something new, something you have been waiting for and following. In October and November, it begins to impress especially with the splendor of its nature and the richness of the colors.  One of the three trails in Tavush that is less visited and perhaps unknown to many is the Three Hawks Loop.

This exclusive destination is located in Dilijan National Park, near the village of Hovk, about 2-3 km away. It includes both rocky and beautiful forest trails. The best season for this destination is April-May and October-November. Along the way you will be greeted by stunning copper-colored cliffs, Tavush forests, and bare, majestic mountains. This is a place that will open you up to a whole new Tavush.

From Tsovagyugh to Gosh Lake

This hike from region to region promises indescribably beautiful and fabulous scenes accompanying the entire hike. Another Tavush route that takes us through the dense, colorful Tavush forests that have become a favorite of many of us.

Our hiking route from Tsovagyugh to Ghosh starts from Tsovagyugh, which is located on the coast of Sevan (10 km north of Sevan City). Walking through the Areguni Mountains, we stop to admire Lake Kakach, often called Lake Tsovagyugh, located at the foot of the mountain. Then the trail continues to Lake Ghosh, where we have the opportunity to enjoy the lake surrounded by the brightest and warmest colors of fall, located deep in the forest.

Mount Apakekar

Mount Apakekar is also known as Abeghakar. It is located in the Tavush region, between the villages of Haghartsin and Hovk. The height is 1651 meters.

The hike starts from Haghartsin village. The colorful forest trail of Dilijan National Park leads to the top, and already from the top you can see the most expected landscapes of Tavush: picturesque mountains Ijevan and Aghstevi Gorge.

Ghosts of the Vorotan Gorge

Ghosts of the Vorotan Gorge – this is how we call the route, passing through the abandoned villages Old Khot, Old Shinuhayr, Old Halidzor – one of the most impressive directions, through which you will discover the most vivid and colorful nature of Syunik with its dense forests, gorges and valleys. All the way is accompanied by warm forest views of the Vorotan Gorge.

The village of Old Khot was one of the oldest settlements of the Syunik region. The village is located in the rocks. Here people first adapted caves, formed in tuff, volcanic rocks, for habitation. Later, the cave dwellings were expanded with stone structures, so it seems as if the houses grow out of the rocks.

The trail continues from Old Khot to Old Shinuhayr through the beautiful Vorotan Gorge. At various times it was known by the names Hayrashen, Shinoy-herk, and Shnher (i.e., father of the villages). The area of the village is rich in remnants of material culture. 6 km west of the village, to the right of the old road Shinuhayr – old Halidzor, is a B.C. Graveyard dating back to the I millennium, which proves that the village existed from the times of the Van or Yervandun kingdoms. The route passes by the monastery of Kusanats Anapat, located on the edge of the canyon. It was a writing center at the end of the 17th century, where a number of manuscripts were copied and illustrated, some of which can be found in the Matenadaran. Unfortunately, it is in a state of disrepair. The route ends in the village of Old Halidzor.

Mount Drakhtisar

The region of Vayots Dzor impresses at first sight with its hard and huge rocks and deep canyons. Here, volcanic eruptions and other natural phenomena over the millennia have created a unique topography: endless mountain ranges, mysterious gorges, mountain passes. Mount Drakhtisar has its name for a reason, everything here is truly “heavenly”. Mount Drakhtisar is located in the Vayots Dzor region. Its height is 2209 meters. It is a watershed between the Enkuzats Valley and Shresht gorges.

The route begins from Yelpin village and descends the slopes of Sreshtasar to Lake Vardenik. Then it approaches Mount Drakhtisar through the Shresht gorge and descends to the Enkuzats valley along the summit section. Along the way there are views of the Nakhichevan and Vayots Dzor mountains.

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