Legends of the North: Trchkan Waterfall and Hovhannavank

This journey combines the grandeur of medieval architecture with the power of wild nature. We begin with a visit to Hovhannavank, a monastery literally hovering over the edge of the Kasakh Gorge. You will see ancient shrines where, according to legend, the relics of John the Baptist are kept, and enjoy a breathtaking panorama of the canyon. The second part of the tour is an adventure in nature. We will travel along mountain roads to Trchkan Waterfall — the "Niagara" of Northern Armenia. This is the country's most voluminous waterfall, hidden in the picturesque mountains on the border of Lori and Shirak. Fresh air, the roar of a mountain river, and unforgettable landscapes await you. The narrow mountain roads to the falls and the cliff-edge terraces at Hovhannavank are easier than they sound: a professional driver handles the drive, and a professional guide walks the gorge and the waterfall path with your group, so there is no navigating to do on your own.

Travel Plan

Start Point: Yerevan

Hovhannavank Monastery Complex

Hovhannavank is the pearl of Aragatsotn, towering over the sheer cliffs of the Kasakh River gorge. The history of the abode dates back to the 5th century, to the times of Gregory the Illuminator. The architectural appearance that has survived to this day was formed in the 13th century thanks to the noble Vachutyan family. Special attention should be paid to the main temple with its unique bas-relief on evangelical themes and the powerful fortress wall erected by Queen Nana. Hovhannavank was not just a place of prayer, but also a prominent scientific center: ancient manuscripts were copied here, and philosophy and music were studied. Today, the monastery impresses with its severe beauty and incredible acoustics.

Trchkan Waterfall

Trchkan is the highest and most abundant waterfall in Armenia, the true pride of the country's north. It is located far from noisy highways, on the Chichkhan River, which is famous for its pristine water and abundance of trout. It was the fish that gave the waterfall its name: "Trchkan" means "jumping" or "flying." According to legend, trout going to spawn jumped out of the water so high that it seemed as if they were flying over the 23-meter cascade. This place is beautiful at any time of the year: in spring the water flow is deafeningly powerful, in summer it offers coolness, and in winter the waterfall freezes, turning into a giant ice sculpture called the "Ice Queen".

End Point: Yerevan

What's Included

• Professional guide
• Professional driver
• Transport
• Bottled water
• Drone photography
• Wine, coffee, gata

What's Not Included

• Lunch and dinner
• Personal expenses
• Entrance tickets

Frequently Asked Questions

• How long is the tour and where does it start? It is a full-day private tour from Yerevan visiting Hovhannavank Monastery above the Kasakh Gorge and Trchkan Waterfall, the most voluminous waterfall in Armenia.
• What are the highlights? The 13th-century Hovhannavank with its unique bas-reliefs and remarkable acoustics, and the 23-metre Trchkan Waterfall — the "Niagara of Northern Armenia" — on the pristine, trout-rich Chichkhan River.
• What does "Trchkan" mean? It means "jumping" or "flying" — named after the trout that leap so high going upstream to spawn that they appear to fly over the cascade.
• Is the waterfall worth visiting in winter? Yes — it's beautiful year-round: thunderously powerful in spring, refreshing in summer, and frozen into a giant ice sculpture (the "Ice Queen") in winter.
• What is included in the price? A professional guide, a professional driver, transport, bottled water, drone photography, and wine, coffee, and gata. Lunch, dinner, and entrance tickets are not included.
• How much walking is involved? Some walking on mountain terrain to reach the waterfall; comfortable shoes are recommended.
• Do I need hiking experience to reach the waterfall? No. The walk to Trchkan is short and on mountain terrain rather than a technical trail, and a professional guide accompanies you the whole way while a professional driver covers the mountain roads.
• Is it a private tour? Yes, run for your group with your own guide and driver.