Artabuynk - Tsakhats Qar - Smbataberd - Yeghegis / Vayots Dzor

𝐀𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧! 𝐇𝐞𝐫𝐞 𝐢𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐤 𝐭𝐨 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐮𝐩𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐢𝐥 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐝𝐞𝐭𝐚𝐢𝐥𝐞𝐝 𝐢𝐧𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐧𝐚𝐯𝐢𝐠𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐩𝐨𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐬:↴

https://www.wikiloc.com/hiking-trails/tsakhats-kar-smbataberd-zorats-classic-trail-armenia-131149829

This is one of the top hiking trails in Armenia.
The route has long been a popular hiking destination, even before hiking culture developed in the region. It leads to historical sites, including the Smbataberd Fortress ( Սմբատաբերդ ) and Tsakhats Kar Monastery ( Ցախաց քար ), both surrounded by the picturesque valleys of the Vayots Dzor region.

You begin the hike by heading to the 13th century Tsakhats Kar Monastery, a medieval site that is definitely worth a visit.
Then, you retrace your steps and follow the trail to Smbataberd, one of the few Armenian fortresses founded in the 5th century and fortified in the 10th century. Miraculously, it has been preserved to this day.
Finally, you conclude the hike near Zorats Church (Զորաց եկեղեցի), founded in the 14th century.

◤Description of the Trail

The trail is not blazed. While there are some directional signposts, many intersections lack markings. I’ve created some waypoints to help with navigation in the area.

--- Most of the trail is a gravel road, making it accessible by a 4x4 vehicle up to the Tsakhats Kar monastery and Smbataberd Fortress .

--- The only section where you hike on a path is the descent from Smbataberd, which leads to Yeghegis.

--- You begin the trail at Artabuynk Village ( Արտաբույնք ) and finish in the charming village of Yeghegis ( Եղեգիս ).

Season:
Be mindful of the timing for your hike. While this is an all-season trail, it’s best to visit from mid-April to June, during mid and late fall, or in the snowy winter months.
From mid-June to mid-October, the region can become quite hot and dry.

*𝐼𝑛𝑡𝑒𝑙𝑙𝑒𝑐𝑡𝑢𝑎𝑙 𝑃𝑟𝑜𝑝𝑒𝑟𝑡𝑦 𝑁𝑜𝑡𝑖𝑐𝑒:
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