Surb Luys Mountain Trail

The Mt. Surb Luys trail is one of Armenia’s most fascinating and lesser-known hiking routes. It combines the wild, picturesque nature of the Lori region with the rich history of Haghpat village. The trail leads to the summit of Mt. Surb Luys, offering unforgettable views of the Debed Canyon, the Virahayots and Gugarats mountains, Haghpat village, and surrounding settlements.

While several paths lead to the summit, we have selected the most interesting and scenic route. The trail begins through a rural setting with historical monuments, followed by an ascent through the forested slopes of the mountain. This is a fairy-tale route where you can truly feel the power of the Armenian mountains.

The beauty and spiritual energy of this mountain once captivated Queen Khosrovanuysh of Bagratid Armenia, who founded Haghpat Monastery on its slopes in the 10th century. Since the 13th century, fresh, cold water has flowed from these slopes to the Haghpat Monastery spring. The mountain is home to many rare tree species, including the European Yew (Taxus baccata), which is registered in the Red Book of Armenia. Overall, Mt. Surb Luys holds significant value from both an ecological and historical-cultural perspective.

Technical Description and Guide

The trail is of moderate difficulty. The total round-trip length is 7.5 km. The mountain’s elevation is 1,857m, with a relative elevation gain of approximately 870m from the starting point. A one-way hike takes about 3 to 4 hours, and the round trip takes approximately 5 to 6 hours (depending on the hiker’s physical fitness). The trail is most beautiful during the spring and autumn months. The route and stop points are indicated on the map, with the description provided below.

The hike begins at Haghpat Monastery; however, if you are starting from another location, the Haghpat Viewpoint can serve as your starting point. Free parking is available in the square in front of the monastery. Walk down the asphalt road toward the canyon (follow the red line), where Zoravank Church is located (it is surrounded by private land, so please contact the owner to enter). The ascent begins from there.

Walk toward the Haghpat Viewpoint, a platform offering a stunning panorama of Haghpat Monastery. Continuing forward, past private orchards and across a clearing, you will reach a hornbeam forest. Follow the trail closely to avoid getting lost. An even wider clearing will open before you, leading to the entrance of a forest with giant trees. This is where the fairy tale begins.

Once inside the forest, stay strictly on the trail, as there are dangerous sections and a risk of getting lost. The winding path will lead you to the summit, which consists of a small clearing mostly devoid of trees.

For the return, follow the same path until you reach the large clearing. After exiting the forest, descend into the canyon on the right (follow the orange line), following the dirt road. This will lead you to Kusanants Anapat Church, the Haghpat Monastery spring, and finally back to Haghpat Monastery.

Warnings

• *Please do not damage nature or historical-cultural monuments. Such actions are punishable by law.

• *Making fires is strictly prohibited; the forest is in a high-risk fire zone. Even a cigarette butt can be catastrophic.

• *There are no trash cans on the trail. Please take your trash with you and dispose of it in the bins located in the village.

• *Do not pick mushrooms; most of them are poisonous.

• *The European yew is a poisonous tree; if you spot it, observe it from a distance. Do not touch the branches or the berries.

• *Be cautious of snakes in rocky and sunny areas.

Recommendations

• *Avoid hiking after dark, in heavy snow, fog, or torrential rain.

• *Stay strictly on the trail in the forest to avoid dangerous areas or getting lost.

• *Wear hiking boots and appropriate clothing (preferably in bright colors).

• *Carry 1-2 liters of water and snacks. There is a spring near the Haghpat Monastery square (if a rubber hose is attached to the tap, remove it temporarily to use).

• *In case of emergency, call 102 or 911.