The 13th century Noravank Monastery, one of Armenia’s most iconic monuments, sits high above the Gnishik River Canyon, through which this trail winds… Get ready for some epic photos!  

This trail serves as an interesting way to walk down into the canyon and Noravank Monastery, or as a connection to other trails in the area that are linked below. 

The Gnishik River Canyon is part of the Arpa Protected Landscape, home to almost 900 species of plants and around 525 species of animals, including the majestic bezoar ibex, a species indigenous to Armenia and an all-round mountain climbing badass. You may just spot a herd of these guys while making your way through the canyon (if you’re not posing for photos against the backdrop of the canyon’s impressive, rocky walls, that is)! The Arpa Environmental Foundation, which manages the reserve, has placed informational signs throughout the trail about the flora and fauna species that live there, plus info on cultural sites. 

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, Bezoar, and Gnishik 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!