Surb Luyis Mountain

Surb Luys Mountain (Holy Light Mountain) is one of the most beautiful and forest-covered mountains of the Armenian Highlands. It is located in the north-western part of the Gugarats Mountains, between the villages of Haghpat and Tsaghkashat in Lori Province, Armenia. Among the locals it is known as “SrbLis”.

The highest peak of the mountain reaches 1857 metres. Its relative height is approximately 850 metres. It has several peaks and the ravines between them, which give the mountain a proud appearance. It is rich in plant species and historical monuments. Thus, Surb Luys Mountain is not only picturesque but also of great ecological, historical and touristic value.

Settlements and habitations

Over millennia, human settlements have formed on the slopes of Surb Luys Mountain. Archaeological finds dating back to the 1st and 2nd millennia BCE testify to this. In some parts of it, one can find ancient settlement ruins included in the list of monuments. Today the two inhabited settlements preserved are Haghpat village on the north-western side of the mountain and Tsaghkashat on the south-eastern side. These villages naturally harmonize with the mountain’s landscape.

Historical monuments

Surb Luys Mountain is rich in Armenian historical-cultural monuments, among which the renowned Haghpat Monastery complex stands out. Most of these monuments have survived to our days either intact or partially ruined and represent the uniqueness and beauty of Armenian architecture. It could be said that the mountain has served as a protector for these monuments for centuries, guarding and sometimes hiding them.

Forests and botanical world

Surb Luys Mountain is covered with high-quality forests, which are its greatest wealth. Here grow numerous endemic tree species. Some of them are included in Armenia’s Red Book and considered endangered.

These forests provide people with clean air, cold spring water, shade and a healthy environment—ensuring vital balance. From the point of view of nature, the forest regulates the climate, preserves soil moisture and biodiversity—making the ecosystem stable and viable.

Tree species

On the western, northern and north-western slopes facing Haghpat village there spreads a forest of Oriental beech. Entering it feels like stepping into another world. The beech can reach up to 50 metres in height and have a trunk 1.5–2 metres thick. It is a deciduous, moisture-loving and enduring tree species which can live 350–400 years.

In smaller numbers there appears also the European yew (Taxus baccata), listed in the Red Book, specimens up to 300 years old have been discovered. It is especially widespread in the basin of the Acher River, where human impact is minimal. It is a deciduous tree.

In the mountain’s lower forest belt there grow dense woods of Eastern hornbeam. This deciduous tree species grows up to 5–18 metres and is mainly found on the mountain’s north-western and southern slopes.

On the slopes also grow oaks—both in oak groves and as individual trees. Expansive oak forests are located on the mountain’s south-eastern side—from the summit down to Tsaghkashat village. Oaks can reach 30–50 metres in height. They are deciduous.

Mixed with various tree species grows also maple: a deciduous tree reaching 15-16 metres in height and 40-60 cm trunk diameter.

In small numbers pine trees may also be encountered, mostly the result of human planting in clearings.

How to visit

Surb Luys Mountain can be seen from many settlements, but the most beautiful view opens from Haghpat village. Standing in the courtyard of Haghpat Monastery, observe the forest-covered beauty.

If you wish to conquer the mountain’s summit, use the Surb Luys Mountain trail, which starts from Haghpat Monastery and passes near Zoravank Church. Then the trail goes through the dense beech forest, sometimes via small clearings, and enters into the canopy forest. From there the winding trail under giant trees ascends and reaches the summit. From the height a memorable panorama opens toward the Debed Gorge and the Virahayots Mountains. The return is by the same path, after which one should walk to Kusanants Desert Church and Haghpat Monastery.

Additionally, the mountain is also included in the Haghpat–Tsaghkashat trail, which is more difficult and time-consuming, but very interesting and attractive. A part of this route coincides with the Surb Luys Mountain trail. Upon reaching the summit of the mountain, you must descend toward Tsaghkashat village. The return is via the Tsaghkashat–Haghpat road, which is an interesting and beautifully landscaped route for walking.