Teghut to Haghartsin: Ijevan Mountain Route

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This run is located in the Tavush province, and stretches from Ijevan to Dilijan through the Virahayots, Gugarats, Miapori, Areganu and Pmbak Mountain Ranges. Generally unknown to tourists, this run is popular amongst local villagers from nearby settlements.

Although there are potable fresh water springs nearby, be sure to bring bottled water!

In order to reach the start of this run, the most convenient option is to take a taxi from Yerevan to Teghut. This will cost around 11,000 AMD. It is recommended to take a taxi with a working meter (be sure the driver uses it) or agree on a price beforehand. From there, villagers offer rides to the top in their all-terrain vehicles for around 7,000 AMD. The best time to visit the area is April to November.

There are also buses to Dilijan (a nearby town) from Yerevan’s Northern Bus Station for 1,000 AMD. From Dilijan, there are buses to Teghut for 500 AMD. The route starts in Teghut village, amongst the high cliffs of the Ijevan Mountain Range. The smooth, rectangular peaks give way to lush green forests in the valleys around the “Kiss” Waterfall. All throughout the run, runners will enjoy amazing views of the gorges and mountain ranges.

From the Gugarats Mountains, the trail descends to Haghartsin village, where there is a historic monastery, recently renovated. Other nearby sights within the Dilijan National Park are Goshavank Church, Parz Lich (Clear Lake in Armenian), and Gosh Lake.

The highest point of the province is Miapor Mountain, whose peak stands at an altitude of 2,993 meters. From the peak, there are many views including the clear blue lake of Sevan, the tall mountain ranges of Geghama, Vardenis, Papbak, Teghenats, Sevana, Aregau and Gugarats, and the vast valley of the Kura River.

Flora: Tavush province has around 40% of its 2,704 sq. km. land area covered in forest. Protection plans for these forests have been in place since 1958, one of which became the Dilijan National Park in 2002. This run travels through this national park, where 94% of its total area is forested. Tavush is developing its ecotourism thanks to this wealth in natural monuments, and landmarks of cultural and historic significance. Between 600-2,000m above sea level are dense forests; while the higher slopes are mountain steppe eco regions and have mostly meadow plants.

Fauna: Thanks to the forests, the fauna is relatively rich. Endemic to the area are Chamois, Caucasian bear, wild boar, hare, rock badger, fox, hedgehog, jackals, filed mice, bobcat, martens, dormouse and squirrel. There are also various types of birds, reptiles, insects, as well as fish in the rivers.