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Bezoar Goat Trail

Bezoar Goat Trail

2-3h
3.1 km
1828m
1598m
Medium

Things to see

Old Amaghu Village Ruins
Noravank Monastery
This trail is named after—you guessed it—the majestic bezoar ibex, a goat species indigenous to Armenia and a cliff-scaling badass. You may just spot herds of these mountaineers from two observation points above the Gnishik River Canyon!

The bezoar ibex is a subspecies of the wild goat, and native to Armenia and several other West Asian countries. Bezoars are known for their incredible ability to scale very high and very narrow mountainsides and cliffs. In Armenian culture, they represent strength and courage; many Armenian circle dances mimic the movements of these animals fighting. The Bezoar Trail gets its name—you guessed it—from two observation points where spotting herds of these creatures is possible (though not guaranteed). The trail is located within the Arpa Protected Landscape, which ensures the goats are safe from human interference. You’ll also see spectacular views of the 13th century Noravank Monastery and the Gnishik River Canyon from the highest points of the trail.

You can hike this trail and others in the Protected Landscape beginning either at Noravank Monastery, or in Areni village 10km away. Other routes through the reserve, like the Chukar and Noravank trails, are marked by signposts. Check out their trail profiles on our app or website to learn more, and follow the appropriate signs while in the reserve to access them!

How to get there

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Anna V
We hiked it in May 2024. The best way to enjoy the red rocks and the scenic beauty of Vayots Dzor. We started from Noravanq and ended up following the Chukar trail. The Noravanq trail was hard to find, but the Bezoar Goat trail seemed to be much friendlier to hikers. You can observe the monastery from almost all spots during the trail. Don't forget to take enough water with you - we failed to find any water sources during the hike.
Valeria Logacheva
We hiked this trail on Feb 9th 2024. Spectacular views! Especially on our way back — the sunset made the cliffs crimson red! And we got to see bezoar goats! The only problem is that we could not find where the trail could possibly start at the Noravank monastery (which is on the opposite side of the canyon from the trail). We had to drive back and start from Amaghu and so lost about an hour driving back and forth between Areni and Noravank.
Patkás Hajnalka
It was a very nice hike. It took us about 2 hours to go and come back.
Peter Ochieano
Spectacular views above the Gnishnik River gorge and Noravank monastery, especially after late afternoon rains when the sheen of the red stone contrasted beautifully with the green meadows above it. The campsite overlooking the canyon is really scenic, and there even appears to be a carpeted shelter for people hiking without tents (bring a sleeping bag, though). The only downside was that the spring near the campsite wasn't giving any water when I was there. I saw one sign on the trail which read, "Gnishnik village, 7.5KM", and Maps.Me also indicated that a trail leads to Gnishnik, but in reality it kinda peters out and becomes super steep and bushy once you reach the end of the trail shown on this app. Given my lack of water, I didn't fancy a steep descent into the unknown, so I turned around.
Rémy José
Very nice hike above Noravank, well marked with amazing views on the monastery and the cliffs around. Don't forget your water and make it in late afternoon for a better light in the valley!

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Get a taste of Armenian hospitality

Crossway Camping

<20 USD

Areni Lodge Guest House & Cottage

12 - 17 USD

Areni House B&B

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