KARENIS TO NURNUS: THE HRAZDAN GORGE (EASY HIKE)

FROM KARENIS TO NURNUS: THE HRAZDAN GORGE (EASY HIKE)

Join us in Armenia’s Kotayk region to explore some of the most scenic spots in the Hrazdan Gorge. We’ll hike past towering basalt columns, walk through a rock-cut tunnel, and visit two medieval monasteries.

We’ll start at the Ttu Jur mineral spring, then follow the gorge past its towering basalt columns and through a tunnel carved into the rock. Just beyond the tunnel, we’ll stop for photos beside a striking rock formation. From there, we’ll visit Karenis Monastery (6th–15th centuries), also known as the Monastery of the Apostles Matthew and Andrew.

Along the way, we’ll take in views of the Argel Reservoir before reaching the village of Nurnus. From the village, we’ll descend into the gorge to visit the 13th-century Surb Astvatsatsin (Holy Mother of God) Monastery. The monastery feels lost in time. Among its ruins, we’ll see finely carved khachkars (Armenian cross-stones), distinctive gravestones, and surviving fragments of the church’s decorative stonework.

Hiking distance — 12 km, Elevation difference — 350 m

The hike is also suitable for beginners.