Kirs Mountain Range

Hiking trail description
This trail is located in the Hadrut province of the Nagorno-Karabakh Republic. Many tourists visiting Armenia, besides being interested in alternative tourism such as hiking, trekking, and skiing, are also interested in the culture and history of the new, independent, Nagorno-Karabakh Republic. Besides this hike, there are also many other worthwhile sights in the area.
This route winds up the forest-covered mountain, Big Kirs, one of the highest peaks of Karabakh’s southern mountain range, at an altitude of 2,725 m. The fragrance of a varied abundance of flowers is thick in the air from spring through to summer, and during the course of the hike to the rocky peak, blanketed in fog, hikers are accompanied by a symphony of babbling brooks and beautiful flowing waterfalls.
The route returns via the same path.

Flora
In Karabakh and Armenia, the landscapes are rich and varied. Throughout the course of the hike, high rocky peaks stretch out across the horizon, covered in dense mountainous forests. About forty species of valuable trees grow here, including hornbeam, oak, beech and eighteen kinds of shrub. Thick trees – maple, birch, ash, willow, lime, elm and others – are also common. Over 180 species of herb – perennial, mint, thyme,common horehound, bryony, and others – grow alongside the wide range of mushrooms on the forest floor, many of which are consumed for their nutritional and medicinal properties.

Fauna
The fauna of Karabakh is also quite rich. Roe deer, rock badger and Caucasian bear, and species of wild boar, hare, fox, hedgehog, jackal, field mouse, marten, dormouse, and squirrel inhabit the woods and birds, both large and small, as well as reptiles and insects are in abundance.

Safety and Security
Mobile telephone coverage (via Karabakh Telecom) is not great near Kirs Mountain, but the 911 emergency service operates throughout Armenia in case of any accidents.
Be aware of rapid changes in weather, especially in spring, as lightning storms are common. Hiking on the mountain in gloomy and rainy weather is not recommended. Take extra precaution when hiking the last rocky portion to the peak.
Be sure to bring bottled water! Local sources are displayed on the map.

Technical parameters
Best period: April -October
Distance: 310 km from Yerevan
Duration: 6 hours
Hiking trail length: 8 km
Duration: 7 hours
Altitude from Sea Level: 1,900 – 2,725 m
Existing Trail Surface: 5% existing, 95% moderately discernible

How to Get There
In order to reach Mt. Kirs from Yerevan, the most convenient option is to take a taxi to Lisagor Village. It is advisable to take a taxi with a working meter (be sure the driver uses it), or agree on a price beforehand.