Sanahin - Haghpat / Classic trail / Armenia

𝐀𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧!
This is the old Haghpat–Sanahin trail. The newer route passes through Kayanberd Fortress and is slightly longer. Since the rerouting, the old section after Akner village has not been maintained, so it may be uncomfortable to hike.

𝐇𝐞𝐫𝐞 𝐢𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐤 𝐭𝐨 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐮𝐩𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐢𝐥: ↴

https://www.wikiloc.com/hiking-trails/sanahin-akner-haghpat-unesco-heritage-sites-armenian-national-trail-212273144

If there were a list of top trails in Lori, this one would undoubtedly make the cut.

This trail captivates not only with its stunning natural beauty but also with its rich cultural heritage — connecting the UNESCO-listed Sanahin Monastery (10th century) and Haghpat Monastery (10th–13th centuries).

What You Should Know About This Trail
— The route starts at Sanahin Monastery, located in the village of Sanahin (Սանահին գյուղ).
From there, it leads to Akner village (Ակներ գյուղ), and then continues on to Haghpat Monastery in Haghpat village (Հաղպատ գյուղ).

— The trail has a mix of ascents and descents but no particularly steep sections, making it moderately easy to hike.

— The most confusing part comes after passing Akner village, where the trail descends toward the main road. After crossing it, you'll enter another forest heading toward Haghpat.
Here, multiple small paths and faded trail marks can make navigation tricky.

— While the route is marked, many of the signs have faded or disappeared. A GPS device or app is essential.

— Best hiking season: April to November, before heavy snowfall.
Lori is beautiful in every season — spring's bloom, summer's greenery, autumn’s vibrant colors (especially in mid to late October), and even winter, if you're into snow hikes.



◈◈◈ Haghpat monastery ◈◈◈

Haghpat ( Հաղպատ ) is one of the most impressive medieval monastery complexes located in Haghpat village, Lori region (3 hours from Yerevan/190 km).

◗ The 10-13th century largest monastery of medieval Armenia monastery overlooks Debed canyon

◗ Haghpat and Sanahin monasteries were included on UNESCO's World Heritage List in 1996.

◗ The architecture of Haghpat has elements of both traditional architecture of the region and the ecclesiastical architecture of the Byzantine Empire.

◗ Haghpat and Sanahin were the largest educational and cultural centers in medieval Armenia. Oratory, philosophy, music, manuscript illumination and other subjects were taught there.

◗ The monastery was founded around 976 by Queen Khosrovanuysh, the wife of Bagratid Ashot the 3rd.
◗ The sons of the church's founder, Princes Smbat and Kurike, are shown with Queen Khosravanush in a bas-relief on the east gable.
◗ Armenia was released from Seljuk domination at the end of the 12th century by Ivaneh and Zakareh Zakaryans. During their rule, the monastery was expanded, occupying a territory three times larger than the previous one.

◗ The Haghpat Monastery complex is a combination of churches like Saint Astvatsatsin(13 century), Saint Nshan (10 century), and Saint Grigor(11 century). There is also a bell tower, a repository, many khachkars, and it is surrounded by high walls to protect from invaders.

◗ The best known khackar is the "Amenaprkich" (All-Savior) khachkar reflecting the scene of crucifixion which has been standing since 1273.

◗ Among the teachers of the monastery was Grigor Magistros and the famous philosopher Hovhannes Sarkavag ( Hovhannes Imastaser).
His tombstone is located under the bell tower of Haghpat. At that time, several hundred monks lived in the Haghpat Monastery.

◗ In the 18th century (1775), the famous Armenian composer Sayat Nova found refuge in Haghpat. According to the locals, he lived in a monastery until his death as a monk.

◗ The monastery has been damaged many times by numerous attacks and earthquakes and renovated after.

◗ The monastery has no official opening hours, but it’s safe to arrive anytime between 10am and sundown.

*𝐼𝑛𝑡𝑒𝑙𝑙𝑒𝑐𝑡𝑢𝑎𝑙 𝑃𝑟𝑜𝑝𝑒𝑟𝑡𝑦 𝑁𝑜𝑡𝑖𝑐𝑒:
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