River Azat is situated in the regions of Kotayk and Ararat․ It is the left tributary of Araks river. The river begins at the height of 3200 m from the southern slopes of Mount Spitakasar on Geghama mountain range. The length is 55km, pool reservoir is 523 km2․ There is a deep gorge near the village of Garni, and the tributary Goght meets this gorge from the right side.
The River of Garni
The locals, when they speak about Azat river, use another name. They call it the river of Garni, and the gorge near the Temple of Garni, Garni Gorge.
Azat reservoir is located in the middle stream of Azat river, in Ararat region. It is situated at the height of 1000 m. It started to be used in 1976. The dam is from soil, it consists of sand and clay, the length is 630 m, the maximum height is 76 m. The reservoir is fed by Azat river, melted water, atmospheric precipitations and from underground water. The water is used for watering, fish-breeding and for energetic purposes.
Lanjarat village is located near the reservoir. Once it was called Zovashen, and the locals still call the reservoir Lake of Zovashen.
Hiking in Azat Gorge
The hiking begins from the village Garni. The stream of the river goes down till the village Lanjazat. This tour is only possible in wintertime, because the reservoir needs to be with less water, so we could pass through it.
Grandfather Vardan’s house is also situated in Azat Gorge, this house is famous among the hikers. Unfortunately, after his death, the house is abandoned and, I’m afraid, that in several years the house will totally be destroyed.
The swinging bridge made by Vardan still exists, which leads people to the mineral spring through the river.
In winter months a very beautiful ice-waterfall is formed by the drops of mineral waters. That waterfall is the main target for our tours to Azat Gorge in winter.
Hiking and Trekking Tours in Armenia
