NORAVANK TRAIL (NOR AMAGHU-NORAVANK)
The trail connects Nor Amaghu village to the monastery complex of Noravank. On the way, on the left and right sides of the trail, you will see the ruins of the old settlement. The trail runs through the Gnishik river valley, famous for its beautiful rocks, endemic flora and fauna.
Length: 2.8km / 1.76 miles
Duration: 1-1.5 hours
Elevation gain: 206m / 677 ft
Elevation loss: 267m /877 ft
Max elevation : 1560m /5117 ft
Min elevation: 1390m / 4563 ft
Difficulty: Moderate
Best time to hike: April-November
BEZOAR GOAT AND CHUKAR TRAILS
The Bezoar Goat trail and the Chukar trail each from separate starting point will take you to one of the highest parts of the protected landscape, from where you can admire the unforgettable sceneries of Gnishik canyon and Noravank. There are two observation points on the way where you can watch the Bezoar Goats. There is also a campsite and drinking water source on the trails.
Bezoar Goats Trail
Length: 3.1 km / 1.92 miles
Duration: 2-2.5 hours
Elevation gain: 296m / 973 ft
Elevation loss: 86m / 282 ft
Max elevation : 1828m / 5998 ft
Min elevation: 1598m / 5242 ft
Difficulty: Moderate
Best time to hike: April-November
Chukar Trail
Length: 5.8 km / 3.6 miles
Duration: 2.5-3 hours
Elevation gain: 228m / 750 ft
Elevation loss: 429m /1408 ft
Max elevation : 2033m /6672 ft
Min elevation: 1792m / 5880 ft
Difficulty: Moderate
Best time to hike: April-November
General Information
Arpa (former Gnishik) Protected Landscape has been established in 2013 with the co-financing of the Critical Ecosystem Partnership Fund (CEPF), WWF-Armenia and the Caucasus Nature Fund (CNF). Arpa Protected Landscape is the first community-managed protected area in the Caucasus, which is managed by Arpa Environmental Foundation. The main goal for creation of the Gnishik Protected Landscape is protection of open juniper forest, phryganoid vegetation and semi-desert ecosystems, human-altered and natural landscapes, rare and threatened species of flora and fauna.
The Protected Landscape hosts 885 plant species, 47 of which are registered in the Red Book of Armenia. Mammals of the protected area include 39 species, 14 of which globally threatened, such as Eastern Barbastelle Bat, Long-fingered Bat, Arax Myotis Bat, Bezoar goat, Armenian mouflon, Caucasian leopard, etc. Landscape is home for more than 190 species of birds, including European Roller, Pallid Harrier, Golden Eagle, Lesser Kestrel, Egyptian Vulture, etc.
Throughout the trail, there will be informational signs, showing the species of plants, animals and their tracks which can be encountered on the trail as well as objects of cultural interest. Tourists will be able to visit locals and learn about their lifestyles while experiencing their hospitality and culture. They will also have the opportunity to buy local produce (fruit, honey, dried fruits, home-brewed moonshine etc.).
We hope that our trail is exciting and educational, providing visitors with information and knowledge not only about cultural monuments but also about the surrounding biodiversity. Our trails aim to minimize the negative impact on the environment and help to maintain the integrity of the protected areas.
