Saghmosavank - Hovhannavank trail / Aragatsotn / Armenia

This is a classic blazed trail of this gorge, pay attention to the waypoints I’ve included here which may help to orient in some confusing parts.

Qasakh canyon or Kasakhi gorge ( Քասախի կիրճ ) is one of top gorges in Armenia that’s totally worth seeing!
This trail leads from Saghmosavank monastery ( Սաղմոսավանք ) to Ohanavank monastery ( Հովհաննավանք ).
After having a fantastic view from Saghmosavank monastery nearly everyone wants to go down that gorge.

What you SHOULD KNOW about this trail ~~~


*** This trail starts exactly from Saghmosavank monastery and ends in Ohanavank monastery, so the first and the last part of the trail you hike through the villages.


*** The trail is absolutely child friendly, no edgy parts and steep passes. There is only one part full of stones while hiking down where kids may have some difficulties to pass.


*** Remember, that once you hike down the canyon, you never cross the other side of the river, as the trail lacks blazed marks, you could come up with that idea periodically .


*** SEASON:
This is the most important thing you should know about this trail, as it's better to go there from mid April till early June, as in March the river could be flooded and the surrounding is not so green.
— After June the gorge becomes very dried and full of snakes ( very typical for Aragatsotn province's gorges ), so be careful with the right season!
—The best month here is May.
— If you decide to go there before April, be prepared for changing your route direction in some spots because of the river.


*** When you hike down the gorge there is about 600 m hike in a gorge where you find no sign of the trail, then it goes and joins geep vehicle traces road and becomes easier to follow.