Rock Climbing to Lasti Ayr

Trail Description

In the area of Haghpat village, there are numerous inaccessible and hard-to-reach caves, many of which hold historical significance. Some served as hideouts for the manuscript collections of the Haghpat Monastery library and as safe dwellings. Among these is the Lasti Ayr cave complex, located in the Haghpat canyon near the medieval settlement of Jraghatsadzor. It is situated within a 100-meter vertical cliff, at a height of 60 to 80 meters from the ground.

To reach the caves, one must scale the vertical cliff. This opportunity has been made possible by the management of the nearby rest area, who constructed a rock-climbing trail on the rock face.

Technical Description and Guide

The trail is of difficult and extreme level (Via Ferrata style); special training and rock-climbing equipment are mandatory. It is not recommended for children, the elderly, or those with weak nerves or a fear of heights (acrophobia). Climbing the caves is permitted only during daylight hours. Avoid climbing in windy or rainy weather, as well as during lightning or winter. The duration of the one-way route is 1–1.5 hours, and about 2 hours for the return.

It is mandatory to contact the management of the adjacent rest area in advance to obtain permission for climbing. Non-professional safety harnesses can be obtained from them, but it is highly recommended to bring your own professional climbing gear.

To reach the starting point, go to the crossroads of the Haghpat-Tsaghkashat road. Both free and paid parking are available. From there, walk toward the canyon, cross the 13th-century Jraghatsadzor bridge, go up past the restaurant complex, and approach the vertical cliff. This is where the climb begins.

As you climb, look down and enjoy the view of the Haghpat canyon. From above, a magnificent scene unfolds: the Acher River flowing through the gorge, the medieval bridge, forested mountains, and the winding road leading up to Haghpat village. Upon reaching the caves, remnants of ancient wooden logs embedded in the rocks become visible. These were once parts of wooden rafts (rafts is “lasti” in Armenian, hence the name) over which people used to walk. The largest cave is a giant hall with a partially preserved stone entrance. In the other caves, you can find remains of a tonir (traditional clay oven), fragments of clay jars, and a small water basin. Moreover, rock climbing here is not just a challenge, but an opportunity to feel the fusion of history and wild nature.

The impressive trail leading to the historic Kayanberd Fortress also begins in the vicinity of this route.

Warning

• * Strictly forbidden: Do not damage nature or historical-cultural monuments. Such actions are criminally punishable.
• * Observe fire safety rules; the cliff is in a fire-prone forest zone.
• * Keep your trash with you and dispose of it in a bin at the end of the trail.

Safety Considerations

Please be extremely vigilant during the climb.

• * Mandatory: Throughout the entire climb, wear a safety harness secured to the steel cable running along the trail. A careless step can be fatal.
• * Forbidden: It is strictly recommended to avoid climbing or staying in the caves after dark.
• * In rain, snow, or humid weather, gripping the rocks is extremely difficult, and the risk of slipping is high. Rockfalls are also possible.
• * Forbidden: Do not stay on the cliff during lightning, as you may become a conductor in an open area.
• * It is recommended to wear hiking, lightweight, and comfortable shoes. Avoid very loose or overly tight clothing. Wearing a protective helmet is highly desirable.
• * Bring drinking water. There is a water spring near the Jraghatsadzor bridge, but it is occasionally non-functional.
• * For emergency assistance, call 102 or 911.