Aparan Reservoir Loop
Aparan Reservoir Loop
3.5h
6.5 km
2017m
1842m
Easy
Things to see
Old Zovuni Ruins
St. Vardan Mamikonyan Mausoleum
St. Poghos-Petros Church Ruins
×
Pass by the ruins of an abandoned village on this picturesque, pine-scented path along the beautiful Aparan Reservoir. This trail is perfect for a quick hike through nature!
As you make your way up the reservoir bank, you’ll find yourself walking among the remnants of the village of Old Zovuni, which was abandoned back in 1965. Keep your eyes peeled for the Mausoleum of St. Vardan Mamikonyan, the Armenian hero known for leading the Armenian army at the Battle of Avarayr in 451 against the Sassanid Persians, subsequently securing Armenians’ right to practice Christianity.
On the bank of the Aparan, near the Mausoleum, you’ll also see the ruins of the 5th century St. Poghos-Petros Church. Depending on the tide, you may find the ruins submerged in reservoir waters, with only the church’s cross peeking out (although the tide rarely rises that high anymore).
From there you will start walking through the pine forests that will take you up and eventually back towards the reservoir. ON the second half of the loop, you will be met by a fantastic view of the water and the peaks of Aragats Mountain in the distance.
An easy, 3.5 hour hike in Armenia’s Aragatsotn Province, this trail is perfect for all seasons! In the winter, you can hike with snowshoes for a more frigid but fun hiking experience.
The trail has two possible access routes, one from the Jrambar village side closer to Yerevan and the other towards Yeghiapatrush village. The Jrambar village access route requires you drive over the dam itself, guards are stationed which let visitors cross so long as they don't stop, but on occasion they are required to not let anyone cross (even on foot) which is why the second access route exists.
As you make your way up the reservoir bank, you’ll find yourself walking among the remnants of the village of Old Zovuni, which was abandoned back in 1965. Keep your eyes peeled for the Mausoleum of St. Vardan Mamikonyan, the Armenian hero known for leading the Armenian army at the Battle of Avarayr in 451 against the Sassanid Persians, subsequently securing Armenians’ right to practice Christianity.
On the bank of the Aparan, near the Mausoleum, you’ll also see the ruins of the 5th century St. Poghos-Petros Church. Depending on the tide, you may find the ruins submerged in reservoir waters, with only the church’s cross peeking out (although the tide rarely rises that high anymore).
From there you will start walking through the pine forests that will take you up and eventually back towards the reservoir. ON the second half of the loop, you will be met by a fantastic view of the water and the peaks of Aragats Mountain in the distance.
An easy, 3.5 hour hike in Armenia’s Aragatsotn Province, this trail is perfect for all seasons! In the winter, you can hike with snowshoes for a more frigid but fun hiking experience.
The trail has two possible access routes, one from the Jrambar village side closer to Yerevan and the other towards Yeghiapatrush village. The Jrambar village access route requires you drive over the dam itself, guards are stationed which let visitors cross so long as they don't stop, but on occasion they are required to not let anyone cross (even on foot) which is why the second access route exists.
