Hike Dilijan National Park

Dilijan National Park is situated in Armenia. It covers a huge area, approximately 240 km. This is a real paradise for those who like nature, hiking, exploring and finding new things and for those who are in search of inspiration, new emotions, and motivation. This is a place where you just want to get lost and never again be found by humans.

Dilijan National Park administration mapped eleven hiking trails (be aware that you can also get to many of these places by car or cycling) to help travelers easily arrange their hiking destinations.

Diljan to Matosavank: Matosavank monastery was built in 12-13 century. The ruins of the monastery are located in the northwest of Dilijan and it will take you around 50 minutes to walk there. On your way, you will not only admire by the plants but you might also notice deer, Persian squirrels and Uralian field mouse.

Diljan-Jukhtak Monastery: The monastery has two churches (jukhtak in Armenian means twin)- The church of Saint Astvatsatstin (Holy Virgin) and the Church of Saint Grigor Lusavorich (Gregory the Illuminator) built in 12 century.The hiking length is 3 km. The road is surrounded by apple and peach trees (in the beginning of spring when the trees blossom it looks awesome) and time to time you can notice wild rabbits.

Dilijan to Haghartsin Monastery: The monastery was built in 12th century. The distance is 12km. Passing a long way through the forest up the mount you can find numerous Khachkars (traditional stone monuments with a cross) and other monuments. The road is full of flowers. As it’s a forest you have to be aware that there can be also different wild animals. Haghartsin is a must see place so if you are not able to hike then at least make to this place by car.

Lake Parz to Goshavank: Both Lake Parz and Goshavank (monastery) are lovely places to visit and it’s even more exciting to walk from Lake Parz to Goshavank. Goshavank monastery carries the name of prominent Armenian scholar Mkhitar Gosh. The monastery used to be one of the leading religious and educational-cultural centers of medieval Armenia. On the way, you can notice wildcat, long-eared hedgehog, deer, grey rabbit and at night even foxes. The distance is 7.5 km.

Credits to marlenka

Dilijan-Ttu Jur- La[ke Parz](https://www.livetheworld.com/post/lake-parz-k062): Ttu jur translated means "sour water". This is a drinkable, healing water. On your way, you may notice khachkars (cross-stones), Botanical research Institute meantime enjoying mind-blowing nature.

Aghavnavank Village- redwood grove: The road starts from the Church Saint Astvatsatsin located in Agavnavank Village not far from which you can find wooden pavilion by the natural water spring. Exactly here, you can see the oldest Yew Grove in the Caucasus. On your way, you may also notice deer and black woodpeckers. Hiking trail’s length is 1.7km.

Haghartsin Village-Abeghakar Peak: On your way, you will find natural cold water spring and Khachkars. After getting to Abeghakar Peak you’ll have an existing view plus an opportunity to see the caves that now serve as a “house” to animals.

Credits to Artsrun Arshakyan

Dilijan-Ayridasht: If you are lucky on your way you may notice blue rock thrush, Armenian gull, and short-toed snake eagle. From Ayridasht you can enjoy the view of the National Park. Distance is 8km.

Goshavank-Lake Gosh: Goshavank is a must see place and as the Lake Gosh is not far would be great to visit it too. If you have a tent you may also stay overnight by the lake. The length of the trail is 2.5 km.

Dilijan National park- waterfall: The road starts from the visitors’ center of the Dilijan National park. Before getting to the waterfall you can also collect mushrooms that grow on trees. Those are very tasty, however, make sure you collect the right ones (ask locals to explain you which ones are eatable and which ones are not) not to get food poisoning. The length is 2km.

Dilijan to Dilijan Mountains: The starting point is Dilijan Children's sanatorium. The trail distance is 13 km.

If you want to know more about these hiking trails or find answers to specific questions you can contact the administration of Dilijan National park. Would be great if you could also save in your mobile the maps designed by the park administration that is available on their official website. You can find the contacts and short description of the NP administration below. The only thing that is left to say is to wish you a good luck. Go hike Dilijan!