Makaghaqar mountain I Ishkhanats mountain I Armenia

Mountain Makaghakar 2170 m ( Մակաղաքար ) and Ishkhanats ( Իշխանաց լեռ ) 2337 m are the peaks in the Tsaghkot mountains ( Ծաղկոտ լեռներ , Ծաղկոտի լեռներ ).

The Tsaghkot mountain range is a small South-Western branch of the Miapori mountains ( Միափորի լեռներ )․

From the top of these summits there are stunning views of Miapori mountain range and Areguni mountains ( Especially Tag mountain view from Ishkhanats summit).

Though both Makaghakar and Ishkhanats stands on the border of Gegharquniq Tavush provinces, the flora and the climate of these mountains are more similar to Tavush than Gegharkunik region.

▲ What you should know about this trail ▲

▸ The best point to hike these peaks is Dprabak village ( Դպրաբակ գյուղ ), but you can get there from Aghavnavank village as well (longer, steeper way).

▸ The first part of the hike you follow jeep treks, then you hike up keeping the direction to Makaghakar, then it’s a tiny path leading to Makaghakar top.

▸ When you are close to Makaghakar summit, you'll see a huge rock on the way which seems as the highest point, but the top is behind this rock, so no any climbing skills are needed for the summit.

▸ After Makaghakar summit there is a lovely jeep trek leading to Ishkhanats mountain.

▸ I'd not suggest taking another direction for getting back if you don't crave for challenging hard hikes ( for example: taking direction to Shunkar mountain ) or uncomfy steep descents.

▸ There are no any blazed marks here, so it’s right to have GPS with you.


SEASON

▶Doable:
Season starts from mid April till December. It is doable also in winter months when snow level is not very high and temperature is not so low, but you should be well prepared for this.
▶Recommended:
From mid May, June, early July - green, October- colorful, nice temperature, November - golden landscapes, not very cold.
▶ Not recommended:
Severe snowy winter, from late July till late September (too hot for these heights ).