Yew Grove Trail

Dogs Off-leash

Features Birding · Fall Colors · Spring · Views · Wildflowers

Flora: The Tavush province occupies 2,704 square kilometers and half of it is covered with various species of trees. An area for preserving national forests was created in 1958 and was named Dilijan National Park, in 2002. The slopes, at an altitude of 600-2,000m, are forested, but in higher areas the landscape is mountainous. Runners will be amazed by the diverse plants and flowers in the high mountainous meadows. The main species of trees in these forests are the oriental beech, oak, hornbeam, linden, maple and yew.

Fauna: The fauna of Tavush is varied and visitors may spot deer, Caucasian bear, wild boar, rabbit, badger, fox, hedgehog, jackal, voles, lynx, marten, myoxus glis, or even a squirrel. There are also various birds and reptiles.

From the church at Yew Grove, runners will begin the ascent at Aghavnavank, and continues up to 2,150m. After this long climb, you might meet people living in tents on the mountains during the summer. The camping spot where you can pitch your tent is marked on the trail; you can also find water here.

During the run as well as in the evening, you'll be treated to views of the verdant lush Tavush province and the high and rocky mountain range of Ljevan. You can sit and watch birds soaring in the sky, and spend the night watching the stars.

On day two, you'll continue your run along the trail down to the newly built church of Gandzakar village, which is the end of the trail. This portion of the trail is a steady, but easy, downhill.