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Khosrov Forest State Reserve: Armenia's Royal Sanctuary

Discover Armenia's ancient wilderness: Khosrov Forest State Reserve, a haven of biodiversity, history, and stunning landscapes.

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Khosrov Forest State Reserve, established in the 4th century by King Khosrov III, is one of the oldest protected areas in the world. This vast reserve in the Ararat Province of Armenia boasts diverse ecosystems, rich biodiversity, and historical significance, offering a unique blend of nature and culture.

A brief summary to Khosrov Forest State Reserve

Local tips

  • Visit during spring or autumn for mild weather and blooming flora.
  • Wear sturdy hiking boots due to the rugged and uneven terrain.
  • Bring binoculars for bird watching and wildlife spotting.
  • Hire a local guide to learn about the reserve's history and ecology.
  • Carry sufficient water and snacks, as facilities within the reserve are limited.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    To reach Khosrov Forest State Reserve via public transport from Yerevan, take bus number 284 from Yerevan Gai bus station to Garni. The bus departs every four hours, and the journey takes approximately 50 minutes, costing $1–2. From Garni, follow local signs or ask for directions to Khosrov Forest State Reserve. You may need to walk or hire a taxi for the remaining distance, roughly 10 km to the reserve entrance. A taxi from Garni to the reserve may cost around 2,000-3,000 AMD.

  • Taxi

    For a direct route to Khosrov Forest State Reserve, take a taxi from Yerevan. Using a ride-hailing app like Yandex Taxi, a one-way trip to Garni costs around 2,000 AMD. From Garni, continue to the reserve; negotiate the fare beforehand, expecting to pay around 2,000-3,000 AMD for the remaining distance. The total journey from Yerevan to Khosrov Forest State Reserve by taxi will cost approximately 4,000-5,000 AMD.

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Discover more about Khosrov Forest State Reserve

Khosrov Forest State Reserve, a natural treasure in Armenia's Ararat Province, is steeped in history and biodiversity. Founded in the 4th century (334-338) by King Khosrov III Kotak, it stands as one of the world's oldest protected areas. The King established the reserve to improve the natural climate of the adjacent city of Artashat and the newly established city of Dvin, ensure the conservation of flora and fauna, and serve as a royal hunting ground. Covering approximately 23,213.5 hectares, the reserve ranges in elevation from 700 to 2,800 meters above sea level. Its varied terrain includes mountains, deep canyons, lush forests, and arid landscapes. This diverse environment supports a wide array of plant and animal life. The reserve is home to over half of Armenia's flora, with around 1,849 plant species, including many rare and endemic varieties. It also protects juniper and oak forests dating back to the Tertiary Period. The fauna is equally rich, with 283 vertebrate species, including the Caucasian leopard, Bezoar goat, Armenian viper and many species listed in the Red Book of Armenia. Khosrov Forest holds significant cultural heritage, with traces of ancient civilizations, archaeological monuments, and historic sites. Within the reserve, visitors can explore the ruins of medieval monasteries and fortresses, such as Kakavaberd Fortress, Havuts Tar Monastery and Aghjots Vank Monastery. The reserve also features natural wonders like the Vahagn and Astghik Waterfalls, named after ancient pagan gods. Today, Khosrov Forest State Reserve is a popular destination for ecotourism, offering hiking trails, wildlife spotting, and historical exploration. Visitors can immerse themselves in the serene environment, enjoy breathtaking views, and discover Armenia's rich natural and cultural heritage.

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