From Pemzashen village to Northern Peak of Mount Aragats

Skiing trail description
It is suggested to ski by the acclimating ski trail for getting to the northern peak of Mount Aragats. This place is convenient for skiing multiple times and visit Pemzashen village. The village has also a guest house where the holidays can be spent, as well as there are three historical churches that are open for the believers.

Monuments description
Harichavank monastic complex and Pemzashen church are also open for the believers. The historical and cultural monuments are surrounded admiring the beautiful winter scenery.
Harichavank is a medieval monastic complex in Shirak marz of Armenia. It is one of the oldest medieval Armenian monasteries. The oldest building is st. Gregory Church built in the 7th century. There are also two-storied prayer halls built in the 13th century. The main church of the monastery was built by the mandate of Zakare and Ivane brothers in 1201, it is a cross-shaped structure with immense dome. This monument is one of the treasures of medieval architecture, surrounded with delicate ornaments. The building is unique with its simplicity and construction perfection. The monastery was also a science center. Famous Armenian poet Avetik Isahakyan was studying there in 1887-1889.
Future clergymen are being educated in Harich monastery. At present, there are other seminaries in Vagharshapat and Sevan monastic complexes.
According to the legend, during the Seljuks’ evasion one of royal ladies eluded from the evaders and was hided in the chapel built on the rock and when the Seljuks tried to take the maiden, the rock was divided into two parts. They were scared, and thanks to this miracle the maiden survived.

The Holy Mother Church of Pemzashen is located in Pemzashen village of Shirak province. This church, located in the center of the village, consists of three ancient medieval churches built adjacent to each other. This is the unique architectural monument is one of the oldest with the peculiarities of composition inherited from IV-VII centuries. The central church of the complex (VI c.) is a three-dimensional cross-shaped construction with rectangular form and centralized dome. It is built of pebble tuff stone and there are masters' transcription on the stones. The ornamental decorations are typical to Armenian architecture of VI-VII centuries. The sculpted entrance is remarkable with the paintings of Virgin Mary and Jesus Christ who are surrounded with God’s angels.

Fauna
There are few species of animals in the forests of Aragats: wolves, foxes, rabbits and mice.

Safety and Security
The mobile connections are available. In the case of accident, rescue services function in Armenia with 24/7 principle and the number is 911. Beware of dogs in the village.

Trail technical parameters
Best period: January-March
Distance: 110 km from Yerevan,
Duration: 1 hour 40 min on car
Ski trail length: 6 km
Ski run: 3 hours 30 minutes
Altitude from sea level: 1800-2150 m
The best drink is hot tea

How to get to the Trail
The departure from Yerevan to Pemzashen village of Shirak province should be done on car (taxi), in order to reach the above mentioned ski trail. The reliable taxi cars are with electronic counters that are quite affordable in all over Armenia.