Gargar - Stepanavan / TransCaucasianTrail / Day 36 / Armenia

The trail starts in Gargar village ( Գարգառ )and heads towards Stepanavan town ( Ստեփանավան ), passing through Pushkino village ( Պուշկինո ). It follows old jeep tracks, offering views of the Lori mountains and surrounding woods.

Stepanavan, a town with a population of 10,800, is one of Lori's most developed areas, known for its modern infrastructure.

This trail is one of the best in the Stepanavan area. Due to its relatively short length and moderate difficulty, it is an ideal hike for those wanting to enjoy the natural beauty of Lori region.

▶Recommended for:
Hikers looking to explore the Transcaucasian Trail ( Տրանսկովկասյան արահետ ) as well as those seeking an easy to moderate hike through villages and forests, offering stunning landscape views.

▶ Distance from Yerevan to Stepanavan:
136 km (via Aparan) 2 hr 35 min
159 km (via Sevan) 2 hr 45 min

◤ Description of the Trail

--- This trail is considered marked, with red and white signs and TCT markers along the way. However, as some sections lack these signs, it’s recommended to have a GPS with you.

--- I started the trail from Gargar village as I'm doing the Transcaucasian Trail, but if you're planning a day hike, I’d recommend skipping the first 2 km of asphalt and starting from Pushkino village instead of Gargar.

--- If you prefer not to walk on paved roads, it's best to start from Pushkino village and complete the trail at the trailhead, covering a total of 6.5 km.

--- After reaching Pushkino village, the next 2 km follow the road until you reach the river. Here, we took off our shoes to cross the river. Since it was early July, the stream may be lower after August.

--- Be cautious not to miss the right turn at 5.6 km on the trail. I've passed this point several times and noticed a mistake on the maps, which show jeep tracks on the right. Be sure to follow the route we've taken.

--- After hiking up the hill, you'll enter a forest and continue through it until you reach the Transcaucasian Trailhead at 8.5 km. From here, you can finish your hike or continue for another 2 km through Stepanavan town to the Shahumyan statue.


◤ Which direction to go ?

There is no significant difference whether you start from Gargar or Stepanavan on this trail. Personally, I prefer starting from Gargar, as I enjoy tackling the wilder part of the route first and ending with a stroll through the town.

◤ Can I shorten this trail?

Yes, you can start from Pushkino village, located 2 km into the trail. A vehicle with moderate clearance can reach the first 4 km, up to the river crossing point. The final 1.5 km of the trail is a leisurely walk through the town along a paved road.

So, you could start from the river crossing at 4 km and finish near the trailhead at 8.5 km, completing a shorter 4.5 km hike.

◤ Is this hike 𝐤𝐢𝐝-𝐟𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐥𝐲 ?
Absolutely! While there is a short steep section, it's still an ideal hike for everyone. One great feature of this trail is that you can shorten it to 4.5 km. Depending on the age and abilities of the kids, you can choose the most suitable option for your group.

◤ Where to Stay?

There are several homestays in Gargar and Pushkino villages.
However, many of the homestays in Gargar cater more to locals, so finding accommodation online can sometimes be challenging.

Stepanavan is a town where finding a hotel or guesthouse shouldn't be difficult. If you plan to stay in Gargar or Pushkino and have trouble locating accommodation, feel free to contact me, and I can provide you with contact details for local guesthouses. Since the ones I know aren't English-friendly, I’m not sharing their information here, but I hope better options are available.

If you come across any reliable options, please let me know so I can update the information for future hikers.

≋ Water Sources

There are several drinking water sources, known as "pulpulaks," once you enter Stepanavan town, after passing the TCT trailhead.

∝FAUNA

The area is not as wild as some other parts of Armenia. While there is a low chance of spotting snakes in the fields or wolves in the more remote sections of the trail, animals typically avoid these areas due to the trail's closeness to the civilization. We encounter shepherd dogs on the trail, they were friendly but be careful here, as there is a possibility to meet other dogs next time

◤ When to Go?

▶ Doable:

This trail is one of those "all-season" hikes, and if you're a fan of snowy adventures, it can be enjoyed in winter as well.
If you are not fond of snowy hikes and cooler temperatures, the trail is accessible from April to mid-November. From December to March, the trail is usually covered in snow, depending on the season.

▶ Recommended:

The best time to visit is from May to late July. May still feels like spring with cooler temperatures, while the period after mid August can be dry. In May, June you'll enjoy lush greenery, vibrant flowers.

▶ Not Recommended:

The only time I wouldn't recommend hiking this trail is during the heat of summer afternoons. While the sun is generally mild in the Lori region, it can sometimes become quite intense from late July to mid-September.