Trchkan Waterfall: Armenia's Hidden Gem

Trchkan Waterfall, nestled on the border of Armenia's Shirak and Lori regions, is a breathtaking natural monument. Plunging 23.5 meters down the Chichkhan River, it is one of the country's highest and most voluminous waterfalls. The name 'Trchkan' translates to 'jumping' in Armenian, inspired by the legend of trout leaping up the falls during mating season. Locals sometimes call it Chran, describing the sound of flowing water. The Chichkhan River, the waterfall's source, originates from the north-eastern slopes of the Shirak Mountains at 2250 meters above sea level. The river's flow is strongest from March to June, fed by melting snow and groundwater. The area around Trchkan Waterfall offers picnic spots and trails with varied perspectives of the falls. In winter, the waterfall transforms into a frozen spectacle, attracting ice climbers. In 2008, Trchkan Waterfall was designated a natural heritage site, and in 2011, it became a protected area. This designation followed public concern regarding a proposed hydroelectric power station that was planned to be built at the top of the waterfall.