Outdoor activities

Camping

Ecotourism is rapidly developing in Armenia in recent years, and Lori province is no exception. Especially popular among young people, ecotourism aims to protect natural and cultural sites, as well as raise awareness and improve the ecological education of the local population in the towns and villages around the country. The canyon of Debed, with its serene valleys, vast plateaus, lush forests and wild mountains, is the perfect destination for ecotourism. And since camping is legal in Armenia, those who prefer tents over the comfort of hotel rooms can easily pitch their tents at a desired location and camp in the Debed canyon.

As more and more independent travelers visit the canyon, tourism infrastructure in the area grows, and today there are several camping sites available in the towns and villages around the Debed canyon.

Tourism Unique Center, or simply TUC camping base, in the village of Dsegh is one such place. The fenced camp base has a kitchen, a storage room, two bathrooms, and a shower. Apart from camping, TUC also offers tent and sleeping bag rental, bicycle rental, safe parking for cars and bicycles, biking and hiking tours in and around the Dsegh village, yoga and other activities. You can contact them via their Facebook page or call +374 91 643317.

“Kanchaqar” is another camping site in the Debed canyon. Located in the village of Haghpat, the campzone is a pleasant place for all fans of camping, active leisure and nature. Campers have access to bathrooms, hot showers, and cooking equipment. The area is fenced and illuminated at night. You can contact them via their Facebook page, or call +374 91 604082.

What to see in Debed canyon

Haghpat monastery

Kayanberd Fortress

Tsover Lake

Kobayr monastery

Sanahin monastery

COAF SMART Center

Mikoyan Brothers museum

House of Fairy Tale in Pambak

Horseback Riding

Horseback riding tours are another great way to explore the mesmerizing Debed canyon. The tours take travelers on a journey lasting anywhere between 2 hours and 2 days along the hidden paths and trails of the canyon and are adjusted to the participants’ experience. All beginners start with a half-hour training and introduction, touring along easier trails, while the more experienced travelers ride along the highland trails well-suited for galloping. Relatively difficult are the trails that run through forested canyons, and while these tours require a higher level of experience, travelers get a chance to visit remote villages and historical or cultural monuments hidden in the forests.

You can request a horseback riding tour with Lori Canyon Trails in the city of Alaverdi or Vrezh Shekoyan in the village of Dsegh. These are some of the services they offer: training and introduction to horseback riding, horse riding tours on historical trails, horse riding tours in the mountains and meadows, etc.

Contacts
Lori Canyon Trail Rides | +374 77 175 783 | Facebook

Vrezh Shekoyan | +374 77 739 394 | Facebook

Natural monuments to visit in Debed canyon

Tsover Lake near Dsegh village

Dragon Belly ('Odzi Port') in Ardvi village

"Tsits Kar" near Arevatsag village

Zarni-Parni caves near Haghpat village

Birdwatching

Home to rich nature and wildlife, the Dsegh community of the Lori province is one of Armenia’s Important Bird and Biodiversity Areas identified by BirdLife International as being habituated by one or more globally threatened bird species. This makes Dsegh a dream destination for ornithologists and birdwatchers. Griffon vultures, bearded vultures, Egyptian vultures, booted eagles, long-legged buzzards, European honey buzzards, and other species are found in the area.

In 2015, by the joint efforts of UNDP/GEF Small Grants Programme, the Rhone Alpes Regional Council in France, SVS BirdLife Switzerland, and the Armenian Society for the Protection of Birds, the Nature Visitor Center opened in the village.

The center provides visitors with information on the local flora and fauna. Travelers can see replicas of the landscapes surrounding Dsegh or take part in challenging quizzes to find out more about nature’s basic patterns.

The Nature Visitor Center aims to boost ecotourism and economy in the community, while also serving as an education hub for local youth and a base for organizing birdwatching tours and other outdoor activities.

Contacts
+374 60 657441 | dseghcenter@gmail.com | Facebook