Dilijan National Park: Lake Parz – Lake Gosh – Khachardzan

The hike begins at Lake Parz, a peaceful forest lake in the heart of Dilijan National Park. From here, we’ll follow a scenic woodland path to the village of Gosh, home to the famous Goshavank Monastery, a beautiful medieval complex full of history and character.

After exploring the monastery, we’ll continue hiking to Lake Gosh. Here, we’ll take a short break to enjoy the calm atmosphere before heading toward the village of Khachardzan. Along the way, you’ll be treated to breathtaking views of the Tavush Mountains, with fresh forest air and beautiful natural surroundings. The hike ends at Khachardzan village.

Lake Parz (meaning “Clear Lake” in Armenian) is a small, picturesque lake located east of Dilijan in the Tavush region, inside Dilijan National Park. It lies at an altitude of 1,334 metres above sea level and has an elongated shape, surrounded by forested hills. The lake is 385 metres long, 85 metres wide, over 5 metres deep, and covers a surface area of 0.03 km². Its peaceful setting makes it a perfect starting point for our adventure.

Goshavank, also known as Nor Getik, is a medieval monastery complex from the 12th–13th centuries. It is located in the village of Gosh in Armenia. The monastery was founded in 1188 by Mkhitar Gosh, with the support of Prince Ivane Zakaryan, in the vicinity of the earlier Getik Monastery, which had been destroyed by an earthquake. The new monastery was originally called Nor Getik, meaning “New Getik.” After Mkhitar Gosh’s death, it became known as Goshavank (“Monastery of Gosh”).

In medieval Armenia, Goshavank was one of the most important cultural, educational, and religious centres. Historical records describe it as both a seminary and a university. Many manuscripts written here have survived to this day.

The complex includes the Church of St Astvatsatsin (1191–1196), built in the domed-hall style; the gavit (entrance hall, 1197–1203); the Church of St Gregory (1208–1241), also in the domed-hall style; the small Church of St Gregory Lusavorich (1237–1241), built as a vaulted hall; a two-storey building with a manuscript library (until 1241) on the ground floor and a chapel with a bell-tower rotunda (1241–1291) on the upper floor; as well as several chapels, including the Church of St Hripsime (1208), and other structures.

Goshavank is especially known for its khachkars (cross-stones), which are considered masterpieces of Armenian stone carving. One of the most delicate, lace-like khachkars was moved to the History Museum of Armenia. The other, made in 1291, still stands at Goshavank. It’s a true work of art, with finely carved, multi-layered patterns that seem to float above the surface. What makes it even more special is that none of the designs are repeated.

Lake Gosh is a small lake located in the Tavush Province, within the Dilijan National Park, 2 km southeast of the village of Gosh, in a forested area. The former name was Tzrka. The lake’s surface area is 0.008 km², its length is 100 meters, and its width is 80 meters. The maximum depth is 8 meters, and its water volume is 1,500 m³. The elevation above sea level is 1,500 meters.

(The price includes the transport vehicle — it stays the same no matter how many people join.)

If you still have questions about the tour organization in Armenia, then it is very easy to contact us! You can order a call on the website, send an email or just SMS. We will get back to you shortly