7.8 km | 3 hours | Easy
This is one of the easiest, yet most varied, sections on the trail From Father in Heaven to Mother Nature. It can be completed in under three hours and the second half consists largely of a downhill walk into the village of Shgharshik. It is particularly suitable for landscape photography, offering some of the best views of the surrounding villages and mountains.
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The walk begins from the sign at the bottom of the rocky outcrop, on the western edge of Arajadzor. There are no fresh water sources during summer on this segment of the trail so it is recommended that you fill up your bottles in Arajazdor village or the Ark Dacha camp.
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After a short climb, the path circles up, revealing idyllic views of Arajadzor behind you, sitting in between the surrounding hills. The path then leads into the forest.
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Keep a watchful eye out for the signs in this section – several are painted on low-lying rocks and can be covered by vegetation. Follow the path up a slight incline, which lasts for about 1 hour. The trees arch over the path offering welcome shade from the mid-day sun.
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After a long, mid steep climb you come to a break in the forest with views of Khustup mountain, the main peak being on the far left. After 2.6km, reach this plateau, after which you will walk slightly more than a kilometer. Be sure that you will take proper route: there are three signs (left, straight, straight). From here the decent begins to Shgharshik village.
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After 10 minutes in the forest, the path becomes a little bit wild and overgrown. When reaching a fork in the road, carry on straight. Do not double back on yourself.
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There are many ancient trees in this section which are bent at right angles and creak in the wind. They also support large spiders’ webs. This gives it a magical and ethereal feel.
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Upon exiting the forest, you get your first view of the Vahanvank monastic complex on the opposite side of the valley at the base of the Tigranasar Mountain. On your left you will see the outskirts of the city of Kapan.
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A long stony path fenced off on both sides leads into the village of Shxarshik. Here you are only 10 min drive to center of Kapan city.
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Acknowledgements
This segment was first scouted by ARK volunteers with the financial support of Azi Melkonyan
