Description

Begin your day with a captivating cultural hike blending Armenia’s spiritual heritage and natural wonders. The walk starts at 9:00 AM from Garni’s central square. The first stop is Khumarjam Basilica, a modest 4th-5th-century one-nave church also known locally as the "Humble Church." Next, you’ll visit Mashtots Hayrapet Church, a 12th-13th-century architectural gem named after Catholicos Mashtots Yegivardetsi. The church features beautiful carvings, khachkars, and preserved medieval inscriptions. The trail continues to the iconic Symphony of Stones, a wall of basalt columns, followed by a crossing of the Arched Medieval Bridge (11th–12th century) over the Azat River. You’ll then enter the Khosrov Forest State Reserve and ascend through a forested path toward the Havuts Tar Monastic Complex, perched high on a hill. Also known by names such as Amenaprkich and Karmir Vank, this 13th-century site offers breathtaking views of the Azat Gorge and Geghama Mountains. 🚩 Start Point: Garni, 09:00 AM 📍 Stops: Khumarjam, Mashtots Hayrapet, Symphony of Stones, Arched Bridge, Havuts Tar 🌿 Difficulty: Moderate 🥾 Duration: ~5 hours 📷 Tips: Best for photography, inscriptions, panoramic views 🥗 Optional traditional lunch can be arranged