Hiking is one of the most popular things to spend time on while you are on vacation. Being out in nature is good for the mind and body. Studies have shown this for years, and more and more people are taking wellness to heart. There are a number of hiking trails in Tavush, not far from Dilijan. Therefore, when you are in Dilijan, here are a couple of trails to choose:
Most popular Hiking Routes in Tavush
Parz Lake Loop Trail
- Distance (Km/mi): 3.1 / 1.9
- Time (Hrs): 1.25
- Difficulty: Easy
- Altitude gain (m/ft): 143 / 469
- Altitude loss (m/ft): 146 / 479
- Min Elevation (m/ft): 1,290 / 4,232
- Max Elevation (m/ft): 1,385 / 4,543
- Surface: Single-track Dirt & Forest Trails
- Type: Hiking Loop
- Points Of Interest: Lake Parz, Medieval Khachkars Fresh-water Spring, Patio, Cottages, Transcaucasian Trail Section, Footbridges, Zipline, Treetop Park, MTB Bike Rental, Restaurant, Cute Patio-boat, Water Bicycles, Small Boats, Viewpoints, Mushrooms, Medicinal Herbs
At the bottom of a deep basin – surrounded by mountains on three sides – is the mirror-like Parz Lake. Take a moment to admire the infinite reflections of the scenery within it, before setting on a journey to discover the nature and historic human interaction with the area. Although catching sight of animals is considered a rare opportunity, keep your eyes wide-open for their traces; footprints in the mud, scratched bark around the bases of trees and the scented surprises they leave behind.
Such a perfect setting has a timeless potential for inhabitation. Nowadays the lake houses a restaurant and cottages you can rent, and people can be seen swinging from the trees hanging from zip-lines. In the past, the basin is thought to have been home to a small settlement. Follow the loop around the lake to see the remains, including a concentration of khachkars (cross-stones). After the hike, take a moment to explore the lake area. If you are inspired to hike harder and further, there are several other trails setting out from here in every direction. If you are tired, stop for a drink at the bar and enjoy some fire-roasted snacks. You can even stay overnight in the cozy cottages and take a late-night boat-ride around the lake.
King of the Forest Trail
- Distance (km/mi): 3.6 / 2.2
- Time (hrs): 1.5
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Altitude gain (m/ft): 181 / 593
- Altitude loss (m/ft): 256 / 839
- Min Elevation (m/ft): 1,255 / 4,117
- Max Elevation (m/ft): 1,481 / 4,858
- Surface: Single-track Dirt & Forest Trails
- Type: One-way Hike
- Points Of Interest: Ancient Cave in the Forest, King of the Forest Statue, Fresh-water Spring, Wild Trees and Mushrooms, Viewpoints, Memorial of the Second World War, Aghstev River
Guarding Dilijan from the spirits within the forest is a bizarre statue carved into a tree – the King of the Forest. Right above the city center, he watches day and night, and keeps the demons from venturing too far out of their nearby cave. This short trail winds up into the mountain where he is located. Visit the cave he is guarding and enjoy the silence of the forest. The trail comes out of the forest by the Aghstev River near the Memorial of the Second World War.
Dilijan’s urban plan is essentially an inverted Mercedes symbol; three branches stretched out divided by unconquerable mountains. Until recently, these different sections developed as independent villages. This trail connects the southern and western branches, and though the trail itself only covers the forest portion, you can loop around from the city centre and see the contrasting Dilijan neighborhoods of Golovino and Papanino on the way.
The materials on the hiking routes are from the Dilijan Tourism Information Center website. You can find a lot more hiking routes here.
