Khosrov State Reserve
The reserve is located to the south-east of Yerevan in the Ararat marz at an altitude of 1,600-2,300 m/5,249.34-7,545.93 ft above sea level. Organizations like SunChild EcoTours are specialized in hiking tours in Armenia and particularly in the Khosrov State Reserve. As an option, the hiking tour to Khosrov State Reserve may start with breakfast at the Eco-Center of the National Academy of
Sciences of Armenia before beginning the journey to Khosrov Village, where the ruins of an old village can still be seen. Khosrov State Reserve and its surroundings are also rich with historic sites. Geghard Monastery (12th century) or Garni village, with its historic sites of the Garni Pagan Temple (1st century) and Garni Fortress, may be other starting points for the hike to Khosrov State Reserve.
From here hikers can get to the Havuts-Tar abandoned medieval
monastery (10th century) and Surb Stepanos Monastery (11th century), then camp near the ruins of Kerpikend village. On the next day, hikers may start the ascent to Kakavaberd Fortress (10th century). Hiking along the banks of the Azat River one can visit Azat Cave, which was inhabited in the Middle Ages. The hike continues along the Darband River to the camp site of the abandoned meteorological station in the valley of the Khosrov River, after which begins the descent towards the forest rangers’ base near Urtsadzor village.
When to Hike: Climate
The best season to tour these areas is between the months of May and November. The average hiking trip to Khosrov State Reserve may take 4 to 5 days.
Geghard Monastery
© Vigen Haghverdyan
Kakavaberd Fortress
The fortification walls and high towers of the Kakavaberd Fortress are well preserved. Within the
fortress one can see the ruins of a church and other structures, though the fortress itself is Read More