Haghpat Great Spring Trail

Trail Description

The Great Spring trail of Haghpat village is quite easy and, at the same time, rich in historical-cultural monuments and scenic nature views. It connects Haghpat Monastery to the Kusanats Anapat Church, passing by the monastery’s spring, a medieval cemetery, and other monument-structures. From the final section, a magnificent view opens up to the forested Mount Surb Luys, Haghpat village, the Debed Canyon, and the Virahayots Mountains.

The Haghpat Monastery Spring was built in 1258 and is unique in its architecture. Since the 13th century, cold water from the slopes of the nearby mountain has reached the spring through clay pipes. The water is cold and potable.

Kusanats Anapat Church was built between 1200 and 1230. It features interesting architectural solutions. Large-sized khachkars (cross-stones) are located in the vicinity.

The Medieval Cemetery has preserved various types of khachkars and tombstones. However, due to the expansion of the modern cemetery, this group of monuments has been significantly damaged.

The trail also features the Vanatun (monastery guesthouse) building, built in later times, and a two-story abandoned house with a wooden balcony, which are of interest to tourists.

Technical Description and Guide

The trail is easy. It is also suitable for children and the elderly. Access to the medieval spring, the church, and the historical cemetery is free 24 hours a day, but it is not recommended to visit the cemetery section and the church at night. The one-way duration is 30 minutes, and with the return, about 45 minutes. The one-way length of the route is 550-600 m. The trail is most beautiful during the spring and autumn months.

The hike begins at the Haghpat Monastery Complex. If you are in the square in front of the monastery, walk along the road passing on the left side of the monastery to the opposite side of the complex. If you are inside the monastery area, exit through the large historical entrance on the western side (a basalt entrance with an arch). In front of you, you will see the basalt Vanatun with its antique architecture. Walking about 60 m from there, on the left, you will see the two-story house with a wooden balcony, next to which is one of Armenia’s most famous monuments: the Haghpat Monastery Spring. If you look closely, you will see some of the khachkars of the medieval cemetery immediately behind it.

Continue straight up the road toward the hill. On the left is the area of the historical cemetery, which has been greatly damaged by the emergence of the modern cemetery. To see the medieval khachkars and tombstones, you should advance slightly to the entrance of the modern cemetery and go inside. The monuments of interest are located on the left, distant from each other.

To reach the Kusanats Anapat Church, we suggest choosing the dirt road passing below the cemetery rather than the path through it. Passing by the lower part of the church and reaching the intersection of dirt roads, walk to the left and in about 100 meters you will reach the church. There is an iron gate in the fence; open it and go inside. Return by the same route.

Warning

• * Please do not damage the historical-cultural monuments. Such actions are criminally punishable offenses.

• * Do not light fires: the area is close to the forest and is in a fire-hazardous zone.

• * Dispose of trash in the bins available in various parts of the route.

Safety Considerations

• * Beware of snakes, which may be encountered in the cemetery area and around the Kusanats Anapat Church during the summer months.

• * Have drinking water with you. Since the 13th century, water has been available 24 hours a day at the Haghpat Monastery Spring. Drink from the tap, not from the basin.

• * In case of need for assistance, call 102 or 911.