Dsegh

Birthplace of one of Armenia's most celebrated writers, especially popular are his children's tales. A popular stop that is interesting as a well preserved pre-Soviet village house, as well as for the story of the writer and his life. The five rooms and upstairs living quarters invite visitors to experience the early life of Toumanian and his family in the early 19th century—from bread making in the kitchen to the sleeping quarters where Toumanian’s family gathered for songs and stories. The collection also features photographs, watercolors, and selected writings highlighting the personal life of Toumanian. Visitors should keep an eye out for an intricate sculpture of the writer on the second floor rendered in a piece of gold smaller than a grain of rice and also visit the memorial in the yard where Toumanian’s heart is buried. The museum is one of five branches of the Museum of Literature and Art after Yeghishe Charents in Yerevan.

This 10th-13th-century monastery is about 2 km north of Dsegh Village where a steep wooded path leads down the side of the gorge to the monastery around 500 meters from the road. The site holds a large collection of local khachkars and the remains of an ancient pagan shrine. The monastery is in this forest location and is surrounded by mature trees. Dating from 1221, the monastery was constructed during the reign of Gregori IV and is regarded as one of the finest in the country. The main church is the 13th-century Saint Astvatsatsin, Holy Mother of God, as written in an inscription of dedication on its walls. The entrance, parts of the southern and western walls, sections of flying arches, and pillars are still well preserved. The dome however has been lost, although fragments of stone carvings remain. South of the monastery is a medieval cemetery with the remains of a number of 13th-century khachkars and the tombs of members of the Mamikonian family. Saint Harutiun Chapel is located in the cemetery – one of the few examples of a 12th-century stepped roof – its walls and roof made from large slabs of basalt. A little further from the monastery is the site of a medieval bridge and the remains of the Mankants Vank Convent.

12th century

The trail starts in the village of Dsegh. Passing through a forest, the trail takes you all the way to the main regional highway, and loops back to the village following a beautiful river valley. On your way down from Dsegh ( left side) you’ll notice a natural water fountain famous as Giqor source. During the hike before reach the ruins of St Bardzrakash Monastery you will have a chance to explore different types of cross stones. Before to reach the main road, the trail loops following the river, taking you back via an alternate route that follows the river valley. Take this way until to reach a junction directional sign showing the villages of Tumanyan and Karinj while following the trail the junction continue till Dsegh, where you started. Walking back to Dsegh you will come across the beautiful cross stone called “Sirunn Khach (beautiful cross)”. Time: 4 hours, distance: 8.7 km, difficulty level: Medium.

The trail is named after the famous SovietArmenian film based on Hovhanness Tumanian poem ‘’Giqor’’. The trails goes trough lush forest with ruins of monastic complexes. At the begging of the trail pay attention at QR code in order to be able to download and hear the story in English. After you will arrive to the water fountain. During the hike before reach the ruins of St Grigor Illuminator Monastery you will have a chance to explore different types of cross stones. You can finish this trail or return to Dsegh. Time: 2 hours, distance: 4 km, difficulty level: Easy.

Ashot and Anahit will meet you at their guesthouse located at the end of the village where the famous Lori Canyon and mountains begin. The harvesting tour will take you through a beautiful forest. During the tour, Anahit and Ashot will present the variety of herbs, berries, and mushrooms found in the region and used in local cuisine. Though the experience is seasonal, from May until October, there is always something to gather. After harvesting and gathering on the tour, you will return to the guesthouse and start preparing the food. If you gathered herbs or plants, Anahit will demonstrate how to fry or make soups with them or just mix them making a fresh summer salad. With berries, you will prepare fresh juices or preserves, which you may take home with you.

Taking an excursion in an open-roof truck from Soviet times, called a Zil, is both fun and engaging. The Zil follows a rural road, which ends at a Lake Tsover where guests will have time to enjoy nature, have a picnic, and even paddle on the lake. A thick forest surrounds the lake on one side, and Lori canyon on the other side. An open area near the lake is flat and comfortable for picnics and camping. As an alternative to riding in the Zil, the lake is an easy 35- to 40-minute walk from the TUC basecamp. TUC offers a healthy and rewarding biking experience to blend a love for outdoors with an adventurous spirit in beautiful surroundings. Starting from the TUC basecamp, visitors will make a 7-km round-trip of the Dsegh Plateau, passing through groomed fields and views of a gorge and nearby natural sites. Along the way, you will marvel at a popular cross-stone with intricate patterns known as Sirun Khach (or “beautiful cross” in Armenian) and the picturesque villages on the opposite slope. Stopping in Dsegh village on your return to basecamp will provide opportunities to meet locals and to explore some of its most popular features. For more of the local spirit, visitors may enjoy playing some traditional outdoor games on the fields surrounding the lake or back at the TUC basecamp, in both cases organized by TUC staff.