My walk down to the GG shuttle at the Matenadaran passes through the Cascade, and I always enjoy taking the escalators to view the art collection indoors. My GPS always gets a bit confused in the complex, but I made it to the shuttle in good I didn’t pack for rain (except for an umbrella) and didn’t even pack a jacket, given that there is a clear forecast of 29 degrees for the next two days. Friday shows rain, so I may decide to leave earlier that day; we’ll see.
The drive to Dilijan quickly became green as we approached, with poplar-lined highways, and the mountains as a backdrop. We entered Gegharkunik Province, and drove directly by Lake Sevan. (This was a treat, because I don’t feel I need to make a special trip any more!) The driver even pointed out Sevanavank higher up on a hill.
Soon, we entered a very long tunnel, and when we emerged, Dilijan was waiting for us! With its green rolling hills and majestic mountain ranges in the Tavush province, Dilijan is like entering a different world.
The drive to the center of town was beautiful. We were dropped just off the highway. My hotel (11+1 by Tumo) is past old Dilijan, a very small but very sweet street to walk through. I also passed a Roman amphitheater perched higher up with a tremendous view for a backdrop. There is a lot of Roman architecture in this town; I will have to find out more about that.
My hotel/hostel is rather wonderful. I am used to sleeping dorm-style from the Camino, and I wouldn’t ordinarily do this too often, but this is the right place. Beds have curtains, everything is spotless, and there are 7 floors for the multi-purpose building housing a school, a library, and co-working facilities. The best part for me is the rooftop lounge. I don’t know if any other hotel in town has such a view!
My hike was more arduous than I expected. Apparently it is 7.2 km, but I clocked 15 km and 94 flights on my phone, so it was a long day. The trail was VERY muddy in parts, and I did get distracted and go off the beaten path a few times. And the ascent from Goshavank was steep! But I won’t complain :it was a wonderful hike.
I enjoyed Gosh village, Goshavank (named after Mkhitar Gosh: scholar, writer, priest, and legal thinker) and the setting, and then set out for the hike. I had downloaded Hike Armenia‘s navigation map, which was very helpful. The trailhead itself was difficult to find, but the Armenian woman living across the road reluctantly guided me (after failing to convince me to sit and have a coffee with her). Once I was on the path and understood the blue line on my downloaded map signified my trail, I was on the way.
The ascent was tiring but very worthwhile. Views at every level gave me stellar panoramas. As I continued to climb, I would reach open meadows, and then retreat again into the forest. At the top, a wide open expanse revealed wild horses, a shepherd with his flock, and cows grazing in the distance. I marvelled that people still live such an idyllic existence (at least from my perspective).Yeghjervasar montain, Pambak, and ljevan mountain ranges were the backdrop.
About 1/3 of the way, the trail levelled off and then began a gradual and mostly shaded descent. Unfortunately, much of the trail was very muddy, so I was a little preoccupied with not slipping. (I am happy to report no falls today!)
Just as I was overwhelmed with the beauty of the hike at the top, I was a little underwhelmed by Lake Parz at the end. It is a very small lake, and perhaps the site is overdeveloped with a restaurant, accommodations, ziplines,and other apparatus to amuse families. I had thought I might linger, but changed my mind after arriving. Instead, I took a taxi back to the hotel, showered, tried to clean my shoes, and went to get some groceries for my rooftop dinner.
I took a walk to town after my meal, but turned around rather quickly when I found everything rather quiet. This seems to be a sleepy town (although one can never be sure!) All the better; time to plan for tomorrow!
