Urts mountain I Urtsi mountains I Ararat I Armenia

Urts mountain ( Ուրծ լեռ ) with the height of 2446 m is the highest peak of the Urts mountain range or the Urtsi mountains ( Ուրծի լեռներ ), located in Ararat region, Armenia.

The name "Urts" comes from historic times, when there was an Urts state (province) in Armenia.
It is also believed, that the origin of the name "Urts" may be related to a popular
eponymous herb in Armenia - Urts (thyme), as it grows a lot in these areas.

This hiking trail heads to the 13-th century remote Saint Karapet church as well ( սուրբ Կարապետ վանք ). The yard of the church is a nice spot with shaded picnic areas.

This is one of the best destinations if you like wild mountain hikes and want to have a magnificent view of Ararat mountain.

◤What you should know about this trail ?◥

--- This is one of the wild trails with no bazed signs, steep slopes and challenging parts.
If you are in favor of comfy hikes, I'd suggest choosing "Mets Parakhadem" mountain in this range, which has similar views and landscapes but you won't curse anyone (including me) while going up :)

--- The hike starts from the highway close to Tigranashen village ( Տիգրանաշեն ) .
First you turn off the main roadway. The first 1/3 of the ascent way is jeep treks so that part of the trail is a walk in the park.

--- When you reach the point where jeep trek does not lead you to the summit direction, you keep going straight by the hill and here the most challenging part of this trail kicks in.

--- When you turn off the treks, you'll have a steep and in some places uncomfy ascent, as we have loose stones and steep grades here.

--- The descent way is less steep and way easier than the ascent one, so if you plan to leave your car and return the same way, it's better to start and finish the hike from that side ( Surb Karapet church ).

--- You'll have a view of Tejkar mountain and Vayots dzor mountain ranges while going up.

--- When you go down, you'll see an old cemetery at the end of the trail (mentioned as a waypoint).
After crossing the asphalt you may head either to the left, to Saint Karapet church ( Սուրբ Կարապետ եկեղեցի ) or to the right - to Lanjar village ( Լանջառ գյուղ )․
ATTENTION! For going to the church follow the path, not the asphalt road. We hiked the asphalt road and found the trail leading to the church after getting there.

--- The closest village to the church is Lanjar, so getting there will take you 1 more hour (about 5 km).

SEASON

▶Doable:
If you are not in fond of snowy hikes, this trail is doable from April till December. Yet the snow conditions depend on the season, so during severe winters there might be some snowy areas even in November or early April.
▶Recommended:
From mid April till mid May: greenery, blooming spring, amazing views of snowy peaks.
From October till December: nice temperature, stable weather.
Winter months for challenging expeditions, clear sky, the best views when the slopes are fully snowy.
Attention! After the end of cold winter days, as spring approaches there might be a risk of an avalanche, especially on the trail that goes up here. Avoid hiking during that period to be on the safe side.
▶Not Recommended:
From June till late September: the area is very dry, hot and full of snakes during summer.