Winter, with its white brush, gives Armenia’s nature a special kind of beauty—covering mountain peaks and forest trails with snow and opening up new horizons for hiking enthusiasts. Hiking during this season is a unique opportunity not only to enjoy striking landscapes, but also to fully immerse yourself in the harmony and silence of nature.
Snow-covered gorges, forest trails, frozen waterfalls — to experience this variety of hiking trails, we suggest several easy and moderate options across four regions of Armenia: Kotayk, Ararat, Vayots Dzor, and Tavush.
Hiking the Pink Gorge
The Pink Gorge is located in the Ararat region, on the slopes of the Yeranos Mountains. It owes its name to the geological formations rich in various shades of pink — dendrites — found throughout the gorge.
There are several ways to reach the Pink Gorge; we recommend starting the hike from Lanjazat village in the Ararat region. Along the trail, you’ll see the Yeranos and Anapatakan mountains, uniquely structured stone columns from a geological perspective, layered rock cliffs formed over different periods, and a pyramid-like formation several meters high.
The hike is rich not only in views opening toward the gorge, but also panoramas of the surrounding mountains — Mount Ararat, the Geghama mountain range, and the especially impressive Azat Reservoir.
At the end of the trail, you can also visit Tiknuni Fortress, located 1 km north of Getazat village, which once served as a summer residence for palace ladies. The Pink Gorge hike is 13 km long with approximately 550 meters of relative elevation gain.
Hiking through Angels’ Canyon
If the Pink Gorge amazes with its pink hues, another hiking trail in the Ararat region — Angels’ Canyon — is a true visual feast thanks to its yellow-reddish tones.
Surrounded by yellow-reddish rock formations, the canyon is located 55 km from Yerevan, near the town of Vedi. Recently, this destination has become quite popular among both locals and tourists.
To reach Angels’ Canyon, you need to head to Dashtakar village, located near Vedi. On the left side of the village gates, you’ll see the first sign pointing toward the trail leading to the canyon.
The canyon, filled with rock fragments, is almost devoid of vegetation but rich in diverse stones. This 7 km loop trail is an excellent option for hikers looking for an easy hike with beautiful scenery.
Hiking the Rock Partridge Trail
For another short and easy hike, continue from the Ararat region to Vayots Dzor. In winter, the trail gains additional charm thanks to the contrast between the region’s yellow-reddish tones and white snow, as well as the mild, hike-friendly climate.
The trail is named after the rock partridge, which inhabits the rocky slopes — spotting one is a matter of luck and quiet steps. You might also consider yourself fortunate if you encounter Bezoar goats leaping across the reddish cliffs of Noravank.
The hike starts from the road leading to Khachik village and is accompanied by stunning views opening toward Noravank Monastery and Gnishik Gorge.
The trail is easy, 8 km long, and offers a wonderful opportunity to slowly enjoy the colors of Vayots Dzor and the winter sun that still manages to warm you.
Hiking to Havuts Tar
From Vayots Dzor, move on to Kotayk region and hike through the Khosrov State Reserve, an area rich in nature and historical-cultural monuments.
The hike starts near the Symphony of Stones natural monument in Garni village. Crossing the 11th-century medieval bridge over the Azat River, you’ll find yourself on one of Armenia’s oldest trails leading to Havuts Tar Monastic Complex. Most of the trail passes through the Khosrov Reserve, winding through evergreen juniper forests and opening beautiful views toward Garni Temple and the village of Garni.
Havuts Tar was founded in the 11th century and was one of medieval Armenia’s important spiritual and cultural centers. It suffered severe damage during the 1679 earthquake. In 1721, Catholicos Astvatsatur Hamadantsi attempted to build a new church using the old stones, but the work remained unfinished. Havuts Tar was finally destroyed during the 1840 Akori earthquake.
Trail length: 8 km.
The Frozen Waterfalls of Khosrov
The Astghik and Vahagn waterfalls, located within the Khosrov Reserve and named after Armenian pagan gods, take on a uniquely stunning appearance in winter, thanks to their icy formations. Not seeing them in this form could easily be counted among the greatest hiking sins.
This hike also starts from Garni village, crossing the medieval bridge, entering the Khosrov State Reserve, and continuing with a moderate-to-long walk toward Astghik and Vahagn waterfalls.
Although the trail is long (18 km), it is easy and accessible, offering breathtaking views of the Azat River and the gorge bearing its name.
Hiking to Okonavank
This trail, passing through the dense forests, gorges, and beneath narrow rock formations of Tavush, is an invitation to a winter fairy tale — one that is hard to resist amid deep, untouched snow. Snow crunching underfoot, flakes falling from branches and melting on your face, sometimes quenching your thirst, absolute silence — is it really possible to refuse experiencing the Okonavank trail, which is part of HIKEArmenia’s Armenian National Trail, in winter as well?
Many have been to Lastiver, but who has continued further — to Okonavank, hidden in a valley between the Mtnasar and Ijevan mountain ranges, in the upper reaches of Khachaghbyur Gorge? Winter is a unique opportunity to feel the full charm of the forested path leading to the monastery.
Starting from Yenokavan, passing through Lastiver, continue your journey toward medieval Okonavank. This long hike (17 km) hike becomes a winter meditation after the endless noise of the city, drawing you back into this dense forest and rewarding you at the end with a monastery of remarkable character and location.
Okonavank is one of Armenia’s lesser-known monasteries, with limited historical information available. It was built in 1863 and is a three-nave basilica. Inside, there are finely dressed stone columns supporting arches that connect to the roof. The monastery is built from andesite stone fragments. Not far from it lies a 19th–20th century cemetery. In front of the monastery stands a winged cross dating back to the 12th–13th centuries, about which no historical information has been preserved.
Winter is not only a season for cozy evenings at home with a book and a glass of wine — it is also an invitation to rediscover familiar hiking trails in a new way. And if the other three seasons are the most commonly spoken languages of nature, winter is the one that leaves an unforgettable impression on an entire hiking lifetime.
The fairytale world hidden beneath the snow cover is waiting for new guests at its doorstep…