Hike from Vernashen village to Spitakavor Monastery complex on this medium out-and-back trail. Don’t forget to stop and admire the diverse flora and fauna of Vayots Dzor Province along the way and at the complex, where wildflowers bloom in abundance. 

Starting at the top of the village, this trail climbs steadily up rocky mountains to reach the Spitakavor Monastery complex. On your climb, you may spot some bezoar goats – which are native to the area – leaping up near-vertical cliffs. Apart from goats, Vayots Dzor is home to a number of wild animals like bears, roes, wild boars, Armenian vipers, lizards, black vultures, blackbirds, quails, sparrows, swallows and various types of butterflies. 

At the monastery complex, spend some time exploring the main church and its detailed sculptures and reliefs. If you’re hiking in the spring or summer, you’ll find the monastery surrounded by fields of bellflowers, dandelions, red tulips, narcissus, and blue forget-me-nots. Because of its blooming fields, the monastery is sometimes called “Tsaghkavank” (Flower Monastery) by the villagers of Vernashen, who also pick many of these flowers and other native plants for their medicinal value.