Joel Balsam is a travel journalist and editor whose work has appeared in TIME, National Geographic Travel, The Guardian, BBC Travel, American Airlines, Travel + Leisure and more. He is the Lonely Planet guidebook author for Armenia, Morocco and France.
- Distance: Approx. 7.5km
- Duration: Five hours
- Start point: Saghmosavank
- End point: Hovhannavank
- Difficulty: Easy
These two monasteries are connected by an easy 7.5km trail along the edge of Kasagh Gorge, which takes about five hours to complete a return trip.
A longer hike (10km) starts from Saghmosavank and goes down into the gorge along the banks of the Kasagh River. The river eventually flows into the Metsamor River where you can take a dip before finishing the hike in the village of Karbi.
The area has stunning views of Mount Ararat, Mount Aragats and Mount Ara and is populated with apricot trees, wild rabbits and foxes. The region is also known for its wine and there are a few wineries to try in the area.
The town of Ashtarak is a good place to base yourself with its beautiful 19th-century black tuff buildings, pleasant tree-lined streets and several good restaurants.
At a glance
Destinations
Armenia
Activity
Adventure, Hiking & Trekking, Active, Walking, Nature & WildlifePhysical Level
Easy
Duration
1 day
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