Khosrov Forest State Reserve Hike from Yerevan
- 10:00: Depart from Yerevan.
- 10:50: Arrive at the Garni Visitor Center.
- 11:00: Start the hike to Khosrov Forest State Reserve, which has a history of about 17 centuries and was founded in the 4th century by the Armenian King Khosrov Kotak. During the hike, see:
Havuts Tar Church: The hiking trail starts from the Garni Visitor Center and leads to Havuts Tar Monastery (10th-13th centuries), which was a remarkable cultural and religious center of Medieval Armenia. It is located on one of the heights of the Azat River valley and is a half-ruined but very beautiful monument with unique views of the surrounding landscapes. Besides being an important educational center, Havuts Tar was well known for manuscript creation. Bright green lizards can be found all along the trail leading to the monastery. Chukar partridge occur on the rocky slopes, and a range of birds of prey is common in this area. The trail returns the same way and ends at the visitor center.
St. Stepanos Church: St. Stepanos Church, or Aghjots Church, is an ancient church whose ruins still stand firmly on the ground.
Geghmahovit Church: Geghmahovit Monastery is a medieval complex in the uninhabited village of Geghmahovit (5th-7th centuries). A one-nave church with a basilica structure is located in the center of the village, and it is one of the best samples of early medieval architecture.
Vahagn and Astghik Waterfall: Vahagn and Astghik Waterfall is a real wonder in the Khosrov Forest. These two waterfalls are connected to each other by their mythological names. In the pagan religion, Astghik was the goddess of love and fertility, the lover of Vahagn, the dragon fighter and the god of war and fire.
- End the walk at 17:30.
- Return to Yerevan from the Garni Visitor Center at 18:00.
