HIKING FROM LTSEN TO TATEV

Hiking trail description
This trail starts from Ltsen Village, Syunik province. The road passes through the picturesque reservoir of Shamb. The road to Liege is picturesque with sloppy roads, outlines of mountains following each other, naturally industrious, creator, gardeners and gardens, hearty and hospitable people. Of course they are Armenians. From Sisian to Ltsen can be reached by taxi because public transport does not operate. The route is indicated in the middle of the village, but if your car refuses to climb higher, don’t be surprised. The road is challenging. Getting out of the village most of the route goes through forests. The road is unique.
Usually, these trails are more for an enthusiastic climbers and the walk is becoming more spectacular. If you have time, you can also visit several important sights on the way: Zorats Karer (Sisian), Shaki Waterfall (Sisian), Old Khndzoresk Caves (Khndzoresk Village), Swing Bridge (Khndzoresk Village), Tatevs Ropeway and Devil's Bridge (Halidzor and Tatev villages).

Monuments description

Shamb reservoir was built on the Vorotan River, in the Syunik region of Armenia, near the village of Shamb, about 1350 meters above sea level. The implementation launch was in 1970. It received the water flow from the Shamb hydro station supplies to Vorotan River and regulates the flow of Tatev water supply. Some of the accumulated water is being used for irrigation purposes. The length of it is 107 meters, the maximum height is 47 meters. The water is being distributed through a water pipe and a tunnel. Disaster wastes are removed by the “Margaritka”- type hollow haze and 6 tunnel holes.

The Vorotan Canyon is a gorge of more than 100 meters, the width of which reaches 3 km in some areas. It is Syunik's symbol and The Wonder Canyon of Armenia. This picturesque gorge stretches along the Vorotan River, with a length of 178 km. The river passes through Vorotnavank, David Beck's temple and Vorotan hot spring water, feeding the Shamb Reservoir. This area, particularly the forests, is attractive for trekking.

Hot spring water of Vorotan
The hot spring waters of Vorotan spill outside the Vorotan village. There is a pool where you can swim and chill. The water temperature is +33- +34.
People in the region have built a lot of springs ponds. The oldest spring has a very ancient history. The earliest spring that reached to us is Brumaoth Tum, built in the village of Brnakot in the 1650's and 1660's.
In many villages of the region, there are separate springs, which have been put in a cross during the drought years with the expectation of a rain. These springs are known in the region under the common name "Cross Source". Every single spring is a small architectural monument.

Tatev monastery used to be a spiritual and cultural center, a large monastic complex establishment in Tatev village of Syunik region. Tatev Monastery was founded in the IV century, named after the Apostle of the Thaddeus Apostle (Tateus), who preached Christianity in Syunik and was martyred there. The Tatev bishop had 47 own villages and received tithing from 677 villages. In 940s-950s after the economic growth, the Tatev bishops tried to gain independence. In XIV century Tatev monastery was established as the center for Armenian culture where the Miniature School, Matenadaran and University was operating. During the Lenkemur’s invasions to Syunik, on 1381-1387 the monastery was robbed, burnt and ruined. In the late middle ages, a courtyard and a bell tower were built on the western side of the main temple. The school operated until the XX century and was demolished in the beginning of the century (the excavations started in 1981-82). There are 16 classrooms in the school's rectangular and enclosed classrooms adjacent to the common wall. The classrooms were warmed by fireplaces. The rooms at the half-floor were interconnected and had separate doors from the outside. In 1974-98 the complex was completely renovated.

Syunik is the most rocky region of Armenia. Its highest point is Cappeak peak- 3906 meters, the lowest point is 375 meters in Meghri Gorge. The difference between these two points is about 3500 meters.
The trail runs through the oak-horned forests, where the growing trees are hawthorn, prawns, wild pearls, wild apple trees, carrots, and carrots. Vorotan, Voghji, Meghriget are famous for their rivers. Vorotan is the largest river in Zangezur.
Tatev, Kajaran, Goris, Vorotan (Urut) and many other mineral sources are known. The Sosu and Zangezur Sanctuaries and the Shikahogh State Reserve are in this training.

Flora
On both sides of the road, the hawthorn is quiet high, from that height can be seen all the field with flowers at a height of 1500-1600m. For example, mariamakhot (Armenian name of a tea), (Cichorium), chamomile, (Cephalaria), frankfurter (Centaurea).

Fauna
Among Sisian wildlife there is a bee, wolf, fox (only the gray-haired tribe), rabbit. In the woods of Ltsen and Arenis there are wild goats, pigs, lanterns and peacocks. The rivers and lakes are rich with fishes. In the Vorotan River and in other clear and frozen waters, red-colored fish breed, which, however, is rarely encountered because of swine fever. The region is rich in edible and predatory birds. In all zones a peacock meets with a family of tycoons. Birds of prey are spread by vultures, with big claws and beef. There are many eagles that are mostly rooted in rodents in the area.

Safety and security
From Ltsen to Tatev Ucom and MTS Armenia telecom connection is always available. In the case of an accident 911 emergency is functioning. Beware of sheep.

Technical parameters
Best period: from May to October.
Length: 16.64 km.
Duration: 6 hours, 31 minutes.
Altitude from the sea level 1534-1507 m
Trail visibility: 100%.
Take a bottle of water with you.

How to get to the route
To get above-mentioned trekking route you have to reach the village of Ltsen in Syunik Marz. Taxis throughout Armenia are quite affordable. Please use the taxi that have meters in it.