Kirants Monastery
Brick-domed monastery reached by a forest hike
- Area Tavush
- Type Monastery
- Time needed 2h
Kirants is a monastery in the forests of northern Tavush, unusual in Armenia for being built largely of brick with tiled domes rather than cut stone. Reaching it involves a long rough track or a hike up the river valley, which keeps visitor numbers very low.
Open in the planner →Getting there
About 142 km from Yerevan, roughly 2h 35m of driving to Kirants village, after which the monastery lies several kilometres further up a poor valley track.
What you see
The brickwork and the glazed tilework on the domes are the striking thing, pointing to builders working in a Georgian rather than Armenian tradition. Three churches, a gavit and remnants of walls stand in a forest clearing by the stream. Some interior plaster and painted fragments survive.
What to pair it with
It is closest to Nor Varagavank and the Ijevan to Noyemberyan stretch of road.
When to go
Late spring to early autumn, in dry weather. The track involves stream crossings that rise after rain and snowmelt.
What is hard about it
This is the hardest site in the group to reach: the track needs a high-clearance 4x4 or a walk of a couple of hours each way, with river crossings. The two hours suggested for the visit does not include that approach, and the area is close to the border, so take local advice before setting out.
Common questions
Do I need a 4x4?
Effectively yes, or be prepared to walk. Ordinary cars should not attempt the valley track.
How long is the walk from the village?
Plan on two hours or so each way on foot, following the river. Start early and carry water.
Is the border an issue?
The region lies near the Azerbaijani border and local conditions change. Ask in the village or with your accommodation before going. [VERIFY — confirm current details]
Nearby
- Haghartsin MonasteryMonastery complex set deep in beech forest
- Goshavank12th-century monastery with an exquisite khachkar
- MakaravankRichly carved monastery high in the forest
- Dilijan National ParkForested park known as "Armenian Switzerland"
- Lake ParzForest lake with walking trails near Dilijan
- Nor VaragavankForest monastery above Varagavan
More of the same kind
- Geghard MonasteryPartly carved into the rock face, a UNESCO World Heritage site
- Havuts TarRuined monastery reached by a hike across the Azat gorge
- Kecharis Monastery11th-century complex in the ski town of Tsaghkadzor
- Aghjots MonasteryMonastery tucked into the Khosrov forest edge