10 OF THE MOST BEAUTIFUL WATERFALLS IN ARMENIA

22.05.19

Armenia is a country of many high mountains, impregnable steep cliffs and turbulent mountain rivers. You can find beautiful and unique single or cascading waterfalls, in almost any region of the country. Special excursions are organized to the most popular waterfalls, while others, located in more remote and wild areas of nature, remain accessible only to real extremes. Let us take a closer look to the top 10 waterfalls that you can visit during your stay in Armenia.

1. Kasakh waterfall

Kasakh waterfall, located on the Kasakh river in the Aragatsotn region, near the village of Hovhannavan, has a height of about 70 meters and is considered the highest waterfall in Armenia. Kasakh takes its sources from the very tops of Mount Aragats, and the stream heads towards the Ararat valley. “Kasakhian natural wonder” is a truly grandiose sight, and the combination of the “music” of the waterfall and the sound of the bells of the ancient monastery Hovhannavank makes an unforgettable impression.

2. Jermuk waterfall

Jermuk waterfall (68 meters) is considered the second largest waterfall in Armenia. The waterfall is located in the resort town of Jermuk, known not only for its picturesque nature, but also for the presence of many thermal mineral springs. Water of Jermuk has a special chemical composition and has various therapeutic and prophylactic properties.

3. Shaki waterfall

Shaki waterfall is located on the river Shaki in the small town of Sisian. The rock forms many grottoes, niches and small ledges along the entire slope of the waterfall, thanks to which Shaki waterfall forms a beautiful water cascade. Despite the fact that the height of the Shaki waterfall is inferior to the previous one (18 meters), however, its power is so great that being nearby it is impossible to hear the voices of people.

4. Trchkan Waterfall

Trchkan Waterfall (23 meters) is a natural landmark located on the Chichkhan River, on the border of the Shirak and Lori regions. The nature of this territory is rich in rare species of animals and plants, many of which are listed in the Red Book, and the Chichkhan river itself is literally teeming with trout. Waterfall owes its name “Trchkan” (“Jumping”) due to trout, as the fish swimming to spawn jump out of the water above the waterfall.

5. Lichk waterfalls and 6. Chran waterfall

Lichk waterfalls belong to the less well-known waterfalls of Armenia and are located on the Zvaraget and Meghri rivers, flowing through the territory of the village of Lichk, Syunik region. One can see four waterfalls located close to each other in the most accessible part of the river Zvaraget. There are several dozen waterfalls on the Meghri River, which begin two kilometers to the north of the village and are located in a cascade.
Chran waterfall (30 meters), falling down from a steep, almost sheer cliff, is located in the village of Ltsen, Syunik region. The road to the Chran waterfall is not an easy task, even for professional extreme sportsmen, it can only be reached on foot along a steep and narrow mountain path. However, the majestic landscape that appears in front of you at the end of the path is undoubtedly worth the effort.

7. Waterfalls “Herher” and 8. Khosrov waterfall

Waterfalls “Herher” or Karavaz waterfalls (8 and 12 meters) are located near the village of Herher, Martuni district. Waterfalls are located in rocky canyons, to which leads a rather complicated hiking route that requires some physical training. One of the waterfalls (8 m) falls into a small crystal clear lake, where in summer it is very pleasant to refresh yourself and swim. The magnificent cascade waterfall (about 10 meters) is located in Khosrov reserve in the Ararat region. The territory is rich in unique flora and fauna and is protected by the state. Nevertheless, swimming in the clear, transparent waters of the Khosrov waterfall is allowed, which, of course, attracts many tourists.

9. “Sharach” waterfall and 10. “Umbrella” waterfall

“Sharach” waterfall (15 meters) is located in a rather inaccessible place, on the Khndzorut river in the Tavush region. The name “Sharach” can be translated from Armenian as “roar” or “moan”, which is associated with the loud sound of falling water.
Of course, this list of natural attractions would be incomplete without the unique “Umbrella” waterfall located in Artsakh. The waterfall was named because of its very characteristic appearance: the water here flows from a rounded, moss-overgrown rock in small, thin streams, just like drops from an umbrella during a rain. The second name of the waterfall is “Mamrot Kar” (“Mossy Stone”).