Arevatsag Gorge

Hidden deep in Armenia’s northern Lori Province lies Arevatsag Gorge—a place of striking beauty shaped by wind, water, and time. Wide alpine valleys unfurl along the gorge’s floor, with the deep-blue Dzoraget River threading through them like a ribbon of glass. Towering above the scene rises Tsitsqar, a solitary rock formation that commands attention not with grandeur, but with presence. The gorge, named from the Armenian words “dzor” (canyon) and “get” (river), holds this monolith in quiet reverence, where it stands against a backdrop of grassy hills and wild mountain blooms.

Arevatsag is part of a region celebrated for its clean air and raw landscapes, but the gorge itself is often considered one of Lori’s most cherished natural treasures. Visitors who reach this secluded valley are rewarded not just with scenery, but with silence—interrupted only by the rush of water and the whisper of wind through the grass.

It’s an ideal escape for a short wilderness retreat. One can set up a tent on the open ground, cook over a fire, and fall asleep beneath a sky thick with stars. In the stillness of early morning, the sunrise reveals itself in a slow golden sweep over the hills—fitting, as Arevatsag means “sunrise” in Armenian. This place earns its name with every dawn.

A short hike from Tsitsqar brings you to natural mineral springs, their waters praised for purity and healing properties. The route winds through steep ravines, framed by sheer cliffs and rock walls that speak of geologic time and quiet resilience.

Reaching Arevatsag Gorge is simple, though it remains off the beaten path. From Yerevan, it’s a journey of about 170 kilometers to the village of Arevatsag. From there, the remaining distance can be covered on foot, by private vehicle, or by taxi. The effort is modest. The reward—immense.