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 50 minutes. The total length of the route is 1600 m. The trail is most beautiful during the spring-autumn months. The hike starts from the square (parking lot) in front of the Haghpat monastery complex. From the starting point, walk along the paved road passing by the left side of the monastery until the opposite side of the complex. 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 walking straight up the road towards the hill. On the left side is the area of the historical cemetery, which has been greatly damaged with the emergence of the modern cemetery. To reach the Kusanats Anapat Church, walk along the dirt road passing below the cemetery. 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.

For the return, follow the orange line on the map. From the church, you need to walk down through the area of the modern cemetery until you see the preserved section of the historical cemetery. There are medieval khachkars and tombstones there. After leaving the cemetery area, walk towards the historical entrance of Haghpat Monastery (an arched entrance made of basalt stones), go inside, and end the hike at the St. Luys (Holy Light) Mountain viewpoint, from where a wonderful view opens up to the forested mountain. If you do not wish to pass through the area of the modern cemetery, then return by the same trail you came (marked with a red line on the map).

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 emergency, call 112 (police, rescue service).