Odzun - Kobayr / Debed Canyon / Armenian National Trail

This trail is located in the Lori Province of Armenia — a land of fairytales and poetry. It's as breathtaking as the great Armenian poet Hovhannes Tumanyan once described Lori in his poems.

— Kobayr (Կոբայր) is a 12th-century monastery — a truly stunning, untouched cultural gem nestled in the hills of Lori. The trail begins here and takes you to Horomayr (Հոռոմայր).

— Horomayr Monastery, built between the 7th and 13th centuries, is perched dramatically on cliffs. At the end of the route, you’ll reach Odzun Monastery (Օձուն), dating back to the 6th century, located in the village of Odzun.

What should you know about this trail?

— The trail is marked by the Transcaucasian Trail and Armenian National Trail. Some signs have been removed by vandals, and others have faded due to weather. GPS is essential.

— This route is magical — blending cultural heritage with natural beauty. You’ll experience Armenia in a new light, with stunning views of the Lori Canyon and Debed River (Դեբեդ).

— The trail starts at Odzun Monastery and ends near Tumanyan town.

— In the first part of the trail, you might encounter shepherd dogs. Pass that section calmly — don’t run or turn your back to them.

— There are a few water sources along the trail — pure mountain water you can drink without hesitation.

— Kobayr to Horomayr is around 6 km; from Horomayr to Odzun is about 3 km.


◤𝐖𝐡𝐞𝐧 𝐭𝐨 𝐆𝐨?
The hiking season in Lori region runs from April to mid-November, ending with the first snowfall.

▶ Recommended
𝑀𝑖𝑑-𝐴𝑝𝑟𝑖𝑙 - 𝐿𝑎𝑡𝑒 𝐽𝑢𝑛𝑒:
Starting in mid-April, the landscape begins to come to life after winter, with the blooming season reaching its peak in late April to early May.

𝑆𝑒𝑝𝑡𝑒𝑚𝑏𝑒𝑟, 𝑂𝑐𝑡𝑜𝑏𝑒𝑟:
A great time to hike, as the summer heat fades—especially after mid-September. The autumn foliage reaches its peak from mid-October to early November, offering vibrant colors and cooler weather.

▶ Other Seasons

𝑁𝑜𝑣𝑒𝑚𝑏𝑒𝑟: This month marks the shift into winter. Trees are usually bare, and temperatures drop, but hiking is still possible for those who enjoy a cooler, quieter trail.

𝐽𝑢𝑙𝑦, 𝐴𝑢𝑔𝑢𝑠𝑡: Summer can be quite hot, especially in the lower parts. Overall, the Lori region tends to be too warm for ideal summer hiking, particularly on trails with little shade.

▶ Not Recommended

𝑀𝑎𝑟𝑐ℎ: This month is a continuation of winter—a transitional period with remnants of melting snow.

𝑊𝑖𝑛𝑡𝑒𝑟 𝑀𝑜𝑛𝑡ℎ𝑠:
During winter, temperatures often drop, and snow can cover large parts of the trail, especially the higher ones.
Snow conditions vary depending on the season, and sometimes the trails are clear of snow. This period is only suitable for those specifically looking for a snow hike.


*𝐼𝑛𝑡𝑒𝑙𝑙𝑒𝑐𝑡𝑢𝑎𝑙 𝑃𝑟𝑜𝑝𝑒𝑟𝑡𝑦 𝑁𝑜𝑡𝑖𝑐𝑒:
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