Hors - Hors Lake - Aghavnadzor / Winter hike / Armenia

This trail connects 2 villages of Vayots Dzor region: Hors and Aghavnadzor.
It includes also a pretty lake in the Karkatar mountains: Horsi lake.

▶Recommended for: Hikers who like visiting hidden lakes in the mountains and fond of moderate scenic hikes. The hike is totally kids -friendly

▶Scenes: You’ll have the view to the Armenian Alpes: Qarkatar mountain range ( Քարկատարի լեռներ ) and 2 hidden lakes in the mountains.

◤Description of the trail:
--- The hike starts from Hors village ( Հորս գյուղ ) and heads to Hors lake first ( Հորսի լիճ ).The section from the village to lake is the most challenging part of the hike as you gain 450 m during 5 km hike.
You can get here by 4x4 vehicle as well.

--- After Hors lake you head to Aghavnadzor through the mountains. You gain about 200 m till the highest point and start descending to the village.

--- This trail is not blazed, but it is not hard to find it, as you follow jeep treks all the time. No any confusing footpaths that can get lost.

--- If you have more time and want to make your hike harder, you can turn right from the highest point (close to “Khachkars” waypoint) and hike Sirakn or Partam mountain.

--- You will see another lake on your way 2 km before getting the village: Aghavnadzor lake ( Աղավնաձորի լիճ )․

◤ When to Go ?

▶Doable:
It’s always all-season hike, when it comes to Vayots Dzor region. I hiked this trail in January, when it was partly snow-blocked, but not super challenging. We usuallyhave snow here after mid December till April (depends on season).
▶Best season:
April, May: only this short period of spring we have greenery and flowers in this area.
▶Not Recommended:
Vayots Dzor province is not recommended for summer hikes, as it's too dry, hot and full of snakes.
Avoid hiking here especially from early June till mid October.