Bezoar Goat Trail / Vayots Dzor / Hike Armenia

𝐁𝐞𝐳𝐨𝐚𝐫 𝐆𝐨𝐚𝐭 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐢𝐥 s a picturesque hike through the red rocks of Vayots Dzor Province, Armenia.
This trail is also part of the longer 𝐺𝑛𝑖𝑠ℎ𝑖𝑘 𝑇𝑟𝑎𝑖𝑙, which begins in Amaghu and leads to the Noravank Monastery.

▶ Distance from Yerevan։
132 km 2 hr 20 min

▶Recommended for:
Hikers who enjoy easy trails, as well as those looking to experience beautiful scenic views along the way.

The hike is 𝐤𝐢𝐝-𝐟𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐥𝐲, with a smooth trail and no dangerous sections. However, keep a close watch on very young hikers, particularly near the viewpoint, where the terrain is close to steep drop-offs.

◤ Description of the Trail:

The trail is marked, but due to a lack of regular maintenance, it’s not always dependable, so it's better to have a GPS.
The route is fairly easy to follow, as you’re on the jeep tracks throughout the entire hike.

--- To reach the trailhead, drive through Areni village ( Արենի գյուղ ) and stop on the way to Khachik village. While Amaghu village ( Ամաղու ) once existed here, there are no remains left today.
Some navigation systems may suggest alternate 4x4 routes to Amaghu, so I’ve decided to share this 10 km road route to help newcomers find their way to the trailhead:↴

https://www.wikiloc.com/car-trails/areni-amaghu-road-armenia-103456257

--- This hike is part of the 13 km Gnishik Trail, which is a segment of the 𝑇𝑟𝑎𝑛𝑠𝑐𝑎𝑢𝑐𝑎𝑠𝑖𝑎𝑛 𝑇𝑟𝑎𝑖𝑙, which stretches across Armenia from south to north.

--- At 1.3 km on the trail, you’ll find a wooden gazebo. It’s a perfect spot for a lunch break with a great view, and we also use it for shelter during storms or rain.

--- At 2.2 km, you’ll see khachkars standing on the ground. These cross-shaped stone carvings, often adorned with religious symbols and patterns, are an important part of Armenia’s cultural heritage.

--- At 2.7 km, you’ll reach a junction. The left path leads 600 meters to a viewpoint with dramatic rock edges, while the right path continues to Gnishik village. The direction signpost was incorrectly placed last time, so be sure to follow the GPS.

--- After finishing the hike, you'll return to the trailhead the same way. If you didn’t arrive by car, you’ll need to arrange a taxi pick-up from Areni, as the road is quiet and hitchhiking can be challenging. Alternatively, you can take another trail that leads to more traveled roads—the trail from Amaghu to Noravank, known as the Noravank Trail: ↴

https://www.wikiloc.com/hiking-trails/amaghu-noravank-classic-blazed-trail-vayots-dzor-armenia-179874022

≋ Water Sources
At 1.9 km on the trail, you'll find a drinking water pipe. It's not directly on the path but about 3 meters higher, tucked away in the bushes (I’ve included this in the waypoints). The water is fresh and clean, coming straight from the mountains.

◤Can I off-road here instead of hiking?
It is possible, but not allowed. Since the area is a protected zone, there is a barrier (shlagbaum), and entering with a car is prohibited. That said, you might see tourist vehicles bringing visitors, as these cars have special agreements with the guards, and they, along with some locals, have a key to open the barrier.

∝FAUNA

Vayots Dzor province is home to some wild animals, including bears and bezoar goats. While the area is not heavily wild and locals frequently pass through, the chance of encountering a bear is very low. However, it’s quite possible to spot bezoar goats along the trail.

To stay safe, make some noise to avoid surprising wildlife. Additionally, it’s best to avoid hiking during the hotter months (from late May to October) to reduce the risk of encountering snakes.

◤ ◤ When to Go?
We usually hike this trail from April to mid-May and from late October to December. In spring, the landscape is lush and blooming, while late fall offers pleasant temperatures with a gentle sun.

𝐖𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬
From December to mid-March, the trail may be partially or fully covered in snow, depending on the season. Always check conditions before planning a winter hike.

▶ Best Seasons
Mid-April to mid-May – For blooming landscapes and vibrant greenery.
Late October to November – For golden autumn scenery and comfortable temperatures.

▶ Not Recommended
Warm months (June, July, August, September)
After late May, the region becomes extremely hot and dry, as Vayots Dzor, one of Armenia’s driest provinces, can feel desolate. The heat can be intense, and there is also a higher presence of snakes.

*𝐼𝑛𝑡𝑒𝑙𝑙𝑒𝑐𝑡𝑢𝑎𝑙 𝑃𝑟𝑜𝑝𝑒𝑟𝑡𝑦 𝑁𝑜𝑡𝑖𝑐𝑒:
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