Hikking-Waterfalls of Khosrov Nature Reserve

One-day walking tour of the Khosrov Reserve: Khosrov Reserve - Vahagni and Astghik Waterfalls - "Symphony of Stones"

The walking tour will begin at the entrance to the Khosrov Nature Reserve, and we will finish the trekking in front of the legendary “Symphony of Stones” in the picturesque gorge of the Azat River. 

As part of this adventure, you will discover a unique natural reserve area in the southern part of Armenia. In 334 —338 this corner of the country was called Khosrow Forest in honor of King Khosrow II Kotak, and the Khosrow Forest State Nature Reserve was founded in 1958. Thus, the rich history of the reserve covers a period of about 1700 years!

The four waterfalls that adorn the territory of the state reserve include Astghik and Vahagni waterfalls. These natural phenomena are given the names of ancient pagan gods, and the waterfalls themselves are located several hundred meters next to each other. 

The Garni Gorge stretches along the valley of the Azat River and the Azat-Goht tributary. In 2000, the Azat River (together with the Geghard Monastery) was included in the prestigious UNESCO World Heritage List. In the river gorge there are giant pillars, in some places rising to a height of 300 meters. If you look at the “Symphony of Stones” (or “Basalt Organ”) from afar, the outlines of the rocks are very reminiscent of a colossal organ. 

Khosrov Nature Reserve

In the Khosrov Nature Reserve you will find a variety of plant and animal species, as well as stunning natural landscapes. On its territory there are mountain ranges, forests, rivers and waterfalls. This reserve is home to various species of animals, including Caucasian leopards, mountain goats, badgers and a variety of bird species.

Vahagni and Astghik waterfalls

The first, which received the name of the god of thunder and war, falls in a narrow powerful stream from a steep cliff about 10 meters high and breaks on the flat stones below. Astghik, named after the goddess of beauty and fertility, – smoother, rapids, flows down stone steps formed by a rocky slope into a transparent pool at the foot. The waterfall is surrounded by greenery of trees and bushes leaning towards the streams.

"Symphony of Stones"

The basalt columns, which are located in the gorge of the Azat River, were formed from magma, split during cooling by a system of cracks into columns of hexagonal cross-section. The amazing strangeness of the regular forms of basalt columns attracts the eye and causes delight. Almost perfect pillars look as if they were specially carved by a human hand, and not by nature itself. The Garni Temple is clearly visible on a high stone promontory.

• English
• Russian

Elevation gain - 450 meters
Length – 17 kilometers
Seasonality – year-round
Difficulty level - medium
Safety - A professional instructor-guide provides accompaniment and safety along the route.

Excursion cost includes:

- comfortable transport service;
- service of an accompanying instructor-guide;
- bottled spring water in the service transport; 

 Tour price does not include:

- food;
- personal expenses;

Entrance ticket prices (per person):

- entrance to the reserve ($10);
- symphony of stones ($0.5)

We recommend wearing comfortable hiking shoes and clothing, and bringing trekking poles and sunglasses.