Akhtala - Neghots / Armenian National Trail / Armenia

Akhtala - Neghots trail is the first hiking day of the Armenian National Trail (or the last one if you start from the South).
This is a lovely beginning of a long adventure which includes all the amazing and hidden trails and cultural sights of Armenia passing through more than 100 villages.

◈◈ ◈ Akhtala monastery and fortress ◈◈ ◈

◗ Akhtala monastery is mentioned also as Pghndzavank ( Պղնձավանք ) in the middle ages which literally means Copper monastery as there were a lot of copper mines in that area.

◗ There is an also 10-th century Akhtala fortress remains on tha area, so you'll have a chance to see both the fort and the monastery in the same place.

◗ Akhtala is an Chalcedonian monastery, and it has a both Armenian, Georgian and Byzantine architecture influence.

◗ The founders of Akhtala fortress were the Kyurikids.

◗ The main church of Akhtala has fantastic murals which have survived till our time.
The murals were made after the church was converted into Chalcedonic by the Zakarians'
( Զաքարյաններ ) dynasty in 12th century.

◗ The Zakarids or Zakaryan brothers were vassals to the Bagrationi dynasty in Georgia, but frequently acted independently and at times titled themselves as kings.
In 1236, they fell under the rule of the Mongol Empire as a vassal state with local autonomy.

◗ The mural's colorings of the main church are characteristic of Byzantine art, but the thematic solutions are Armenian.
Some of the murals were renovated in 1979.


◤What you should know about this trail ?◥

--- This is an easy-moderate trail with a lot of ups and downs. It passes through the idyllic villages, Lori gorges and woods with the mighty scenery of Debed canyon.

--- The trail leads right from the monastery to Neghots village ( Նեղոց գյուղ ).

--- If you like longer hikes, I’d recommend going on till Haghpat monastery by taking the next “ Neghots - Haghpat” consecutive trail and finishing up a “from monastery to monastery ” trail (21.5 km).
It’s feasible for advanced hikers.

--- There is a water source in the middle of the trail, so you just turn right 15 m to get water (this spot is mentioned as a waypoint ).

--- If you want to get the most out of this trail, I’d recommend hiking it during the best season (late spring, early summer ).

SEASON

▶Doable:
Season starts from mid April till December. It is doable also in winter months if you are lucky to have a dry and warm winter without snow.
Snow normally blocks the paths.

▶Best season:
From April till June is the best part of the year to walk in Lori gorges. As this part of Armenia is warm and low enough, we avoid summer hikes here.
From mid September till late November it’s colorful fall here and nice temperature but less greenery.