Khosrov Forest Reserve
Ancient royal hunting reserve of rugged canyons
- Area Ararat
- Type Nature
- Time needed 4h
Khosrov Forest Reserve covers a stretch of dry canyons and oak and juniper woodland south-east of Yerevan, protected since antiquity as a royal hunting ground. It is a walking destination rather than a sightseeing stop, and entry is regulated by the reserve administration.
Open in the planner →Getting there
The nearer entrances are roughly 68 km and about 1h 14m from Yerevan on the app's estimate. Getting to a trailhead often means a further stretch of unsurfaced road beyond the nearest village.
What you see
The reserve is a landscape of steep canyon walls, sparse woodland, springs and small ruined churches and chapels left from earlier settlement. Wildlife includes bezoar goat and a range of raptors, though sightings are a matter of luck and patience. Routes follow riverbeds and old tracks rather than engineered paths.
What to pair it with
Aghjots Monastery sits on the reserve's north-western edge, and Garni and Geghard are on the same side of the mountains.
When to go
Spring and autumn are the sensible seasons; summer days in the canyons are very hot and water is scarce. Some zones may be closed in the breeding season. [VERIFY — confirm current details]
What is hard about it
Access requires permission and often a guide, the terrain is rough with no waymarking to rely on, and there is no infrastructure once you are inside. Three hours is a short visit here, and a half or full day is more realistic.
Common questions
Do I need a permit?
Entry is controlled by the reserve administration and permission is normally required, sometimes along with a guide. [VERIFY — confirm current details]
Can I walk in unaccompanied?
It is not advisable. Routes are unmarked, the canyons are confusing and some areas are restricted.
What should I bring?
More water than you expect to need, sun protection, boots with ankle support and a paper or offline map, since phone coverage is patchy.
Nearby
- Khor VirapMonastery on the plain with the classic view of Mount Ararat
- DvinRuins of Armenia's early medieval capital
More of the same kind
- Symphony of StonesBasalt columns lining the Garni gorge like organ pipes
- TsaghkadzorMountain resort with a cable car up Mount Teghenis
- Mount AragatsArmenia's highest peak, with Lake Kari below the summits
- JermukSpa town known for its mineral water, gorge and waterfall