ANT5 Sanahin Monastery to Alaverdi
ANT5 Sanahin Monastery to Alaverdi
1.5h
4.7 km
1028m
711m
Hard
Things to see
Sanahin Monastery
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The 4.7 km trail that connects Sanahin to Alaverdi offers a perfect blend of medieval historical monuments, 20th-century industrial remnants, and lush green landscapes. Beginning at the square in front of the medieval monastery of Sanahin, which dates back to the 10th-13th centuries and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, hikers will find a small grocery store and a water spring nearby.
The trail leads past the museum of the Mikoyan brothers, showcasing an original MiG-21 jet exhibited in the open air. Strolling through the village streets, visitors are treated to panoramic views of the Debed canyon and the town of Alaverdi. The route also offers glimpses of the vast territory once occupied by a copper smelter, complete with an abandoned cable car that once linked these two bustling industrial hubs.
Exiting the village, the trail winds through the forest via a serpentine path, ultimately leading to the main highway. After a brief walk along the asphalt road, hikers encounter a medieval bridge dating back to the 12th century, built by Queen Vanine. Crossing this bridge places you in the city center, where various shops await. From there, one can continue the journey on foot toward the Sanahin railway station.
Throughout the hike, you'll encounter Soviet-era apartment blocks constructed from tufa stone, as well as gray buildings from the Stalin period, offering a glimpse into the city's industrial past. Exploring Alaverdi further reveals well-preserved examples of Soviet modernist architecture, including water monuments and bus stops.
Water sources
The first water spring is situated approximately 100 meters east of the square at Sanahin Monastery. Another spring can be found within Alaverdi, just a few steps toward the modern bridge once the trail intersects with the highway.
The trail leads past the museum of the Mikoyan brothers, showcasing an original MiG-21 jet exhibited in the open air. Strolling through the village streets, visitors are treated to panoramic views of the Debed canyon and the town of Alaverdi. The route also offers glimpses of the vast territory once occupied by a copper smelter, complete with an abandoned cable car that once linked these two bustling industrial hubs.
Exiting the village, the trail winds through the forest via a serpentine path, ultimately leading to the main highway. After a brief walk along the asphalt road, hikers encounter a medieval bridge dating back to the 12th century, built by Queen Vanine. Crossing this bridge places you in the city center, where various shops await. From there, one can continue the journey on foot toward the Sanahin railway station.
Throughout the hike, you'll encounter Soviet-era apartment blocks constructed from tufa stone, as well as gray buildings from the Stalin period, offering a glimpse into the city's industrial past. Exploring Alaverdi further reveals well-preserved examples of Soviet modernist architecture, including water monuments and bus stops.
Water sources
The first water spring is situated approximately 100 meters east of the square at Sanahin Monastery. Another spring can be found within Alaverdi, just a few steps toward the modern bridge once the trail intersects with the highway.
