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Parz Lake to Dilijan

Parz Lake to Dilijan

4h 30m
14.1 km
1,749m
1,236m
Medium

Things to see

Drunken Forest (Takhtah)
Parz Lake
The town of Dilijan is one of Armenia’s most popular tourist destinations, and this trail, which is part of the Transcaucasian Trail (TCT) route, takes you through Dilijan National Park and ends in the center of the charming vacation spot.

You can start this hike either at Parz Lake, or in Dilijan. Whichever starting point you chose, this hike offers the best Dilijan National Park has to offer. In the late spring and early summer, you can spot what TCT calls the most beautiful display of wildflowers in Armenia on what’s known locally as the Gyolort, a large alpine meadow (be warned—the ground may still be wet that time of year). While there are several sections of the trail that take you through heavily wooded areas, there are several flat spot that are great for camping. Don’t shy from saying hi to local farmers, but be weary of their dogs, which have been trained to defend their livestock from outsiders.

How to get there

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Anna Bartczak
Enjoy :)
Andy S
We did this hike at the very end of august 2024. The trail was very well maintained. I think the lake isn’t that interesting and the walk from the lake to the meadow is definitely nice (cool funguses and comfortable walk in forest) but you could consider just walking from Dilijan to the meadow and back. The views during the walk from the meadow to Dilijan are the best, and it’s a more interesting walk. The meadow in late august also provides big hay heaps perfect for impromptu hide and seek.
Peter Ochieano
It is a pretty easy hike, but it passes through lots of atmospheric forest, plus some expansive vistas of the cliffs across the valley. Parz Lake was pretty, but commercialized, as it says. I pushed on towards Goshavank and found a nice campsite next to a spring above the village.
Narek Israelyan
💣💣💣
Brandon Gauthier
Great hike. While Parz Lake itself can be quite busy with local daytrippers (I went in July), the hike itself is really secluded, intimate, and gorgeous. It's also really well maintained. There are a handful of spots where the trail isn't immediately clear, so definitely have your GPS on and the HIKEArmenia app downloaded. Be prepared for gorgeous meadows. You can also use a map and compass, if you're experienced. It's easy to get a map in town - it makes a great keepsake.
Tom Allen
Make time to hang out at Gyolort, the wildflower meadow at the high point of the route, from where you can see across the whole of the National Park on a clear day!
Timo Kempe
Nice hike mainly through the forests. Beautiful scenery half way through, enjoy!
Luigi Pappalardo
The first part in the forest is quite boring, there is nothing interesting to see for almost 10 km. When I arrived to the top of the mountain there is a beautiful valley and it starts to be nice!
Jo Howard
I really enjoyed this hike. Beautiful, verdant forests with bird calls, lovely shade and well marked track. Yes - wear long pants and carry water and insect spray, the mossies are nasty. Thanks to this Ap I didn’t get lost - negotiating the plateau grassland would have been really difficult without it
Stefan Kraushaar
Amazing trail through woods (don't forget insect repellent) and meadows with beautiful wild flowers. Sometimes we almost missed a turn or the path was mostly covered by plants, but thanks to the app we didn't get lost.
Katrin Avanesyan
One of the beautiful trails when you want to surround yourself with wild (but safe because of the touristic place) forests, unbelievable meadows and smooth coming back to the city.  Would like to recommend checking the schedule of the small buses and coming 30 minutes earlier. Also keep in mind that there is no public transport (except taxi) after 4pm from Dilijan, therefore, order a taxi.  And do not be afraid of the bear sign and forest wolves information during the trail. Would go there again definitely!
Anna V
It's definitely one of my favourite hikes in Armenia. Many amazing views, forest, hills, meadow. It's not hard for not-prepared people. It took about 5 hours for us to come to Parz lake. Once or twice HikeArmenia app helps us to stay on the route so please consider downloading the app.
Galadriel Goldberg-Vormes
We loved that trail. Thanks a lot to the people who advise to take insect repellent it was needed specially near the lake. At some places the grass was very high, so I would advise to have covering clothes. The view at the top was incredible!!
Chris Marks
Relatively easy hike through a shady forest. Perfect for hot summer days.
Oleg Df
Maat Leblanc
I took a taxi from Dilijan to Parz Lake and walked back to Dilijan. For the first 6 km, you go gently up until you get to a clear area (highest point). The views are really nice there. After, you go down all the way (8km) to Dilijan. I enjoyed the views the last few kilometers before reaching Dilijan. Overall, a moderate hike (I did it in 3h45), I didn`t see much wildlife and I was the only hiker there on a Tuesday (late September).
Tad Karapetian
A great day out, especially if you start in Gosh. Lovely forest paths and meadows at the top. I enjoyed all the free berries along the way.
Javier Velasco
Great adventure that start from the center of Dilijan! Vahagn guide us the whole route explaining to us everything about the route and about the Armenian Culture. I have to highlight the risk management that he did in the activity. It was so proffesional.
Michelle Cheng
This hike is beautiful. Bring mosquito repellent as those bloodsuckers are nasty and there are SWARMS of them. Also check for ticks after. We found two. Part of the trail has long vegetation so wear long pants to protect from stinging nettle. Also towards the end heading into Dilijan, the trail has two correct paths (from the road section) - one that is a short cut that skips the drunken forest. The first left turn takes you in to the forest.
Paul Ferguson
Beautiful hike with a mix of lush forrest and high medow. The views across the vally to the cliffs are remarkable site. Parz Lake makes a nice finish with food, drinks amd other amenities available.
Ben Allen
Wonderful hiking through varied terrain with some truly spectacular views from the high points in the alpine meadows. The trail also passes by some very rustic farms with friendly locals hanging around in the summer months but otherwise you're unlikely to bump into anyone. very enjoyable overall
Mark Chao
Walked this trail from the lake back to Dilijan on October 2. Beautiful, especially the large meadow in the middle of the route. With occasional brief pauses, the whole hike took me about 6 hours. Tracking via the app helped me stay on the route several times when I might otherwise have gone astray.
Anthony K
Great hike with nice sceneries. Not too difficult - took us about 4 hours one way. Very pleasant to see some wild animals along the way!
Muriel Clark
Heavenly hills covered in wild flowers when you look down and gorgeous views of the cliffs on the other side of the valley.
Aleksei Nikiforov
Крутейший маршрут с красивейшей локацией наверху. Хорошо размечен!
Anna S
The second part of the trail impressed with spectacular views.

CHOOSE YOUR GUIDES

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Get a taste of Armenian hospitality

Areguni Guesthouse

20 - 50 USD

Takht-House Dilijan

>50 USD

Tufenkian Old Dilijan Complex

>50 USD

Dilijan Hikers Hostel

10 - 15 USD

Parz Lich Rest Area

>50 USD

Daravand Hotel

20-50 USD

Villa Jrhogher Dilijan

>50 USD

Artsiv Guesthouse

20 - 30 USD

Eco House and Camp

< 20 USD