Garni Temple - Azat reservoir / Climbing trail / Armenia

~Some important information about the trail~

---This is the best trail for those who want to catch up both Garni temple and Azat reservoir ( Ազատի ջրամբար ) in one trail, also who is prepared and fond of combining hiking with some risky activities.

--- So the trail starts from the temple and leads down there - Azat gorge ( Ազատի կիրճ ) or Garni gorge (as natives call it )․

--- The 95 percent of the trail you go down, it's like a walk in the park, then the climbing part starts.

--- Though it's possible to do it without any climbing equipment one should have some climbing skills for that, also a sense of direction or very accurate GPS as it's hard to find the way, where there is not any proper way. (It's easy to get confused if you haven't got that experience before).

--- Be very careful as soon as you get closer to Azat reservoir. When the hiking wide road ends, the area where snake live begins. We've met some venomous " Blunt Nosed Viper " there in October (known locally as gyurza) , so watch your step and tap your foot frequently ( snakes don't have ears, they can't hear you coming, but they feel the vibration we make and they avoid meeting people whenever they find out they are approaching)

--- After the end point of the trail highly recommended to walk along the river and find out the best vista points as we have done (especially when it's sunset and when you really earned it! ).

--- The hiking part of the trail is blazed, it's really difficult to get lost there, but I'm always for having GPS on me.

--- The trail is ALL- SEASON, but here some tips for seasons:
*** The most beautiful season is spring (especially April).
*** Summer and September is too hot in there, which makes the trail more risky because of the snakes.
*** Take into consideration that in winter period the trail can be snow-blocked (depends on season) and heavy snowfall can make it impassable.