Khosrov Forest State Reserve
Date of Foundation: 1958
Area:30,000 hectares
Status: Protected by the State
Working days: Daily
Working hours:09:00 – 18:00
In the 4th century one of the Armenian kings Khosrow II Kotak decided to plant a forest on the southern slopes of the Gemama ridge. He raised various animals and birds there and hunted there. Today the reserve“Khosrov Forest”is located on the same territory in the basins of the Azat and Vedi rivers. For centuries, “Khosrov Forest”was mentioned in the history of Armenia as a noble hunting ground – the main place of entertainment for Armenian kings. Despite the small area of30,000 hectares, the state reserve can be proud of its unique biodiversity of plants and animals. The forest and semi-desert landscapes of Armenian nature are represented by a peculiar symbiosis of flora and fauna.
1850 plant species grow on the territory of the state reserve, which accounts for more than 50% of the flora of Armenia. Juniper, oak forests, and, of course, steppe wormwood are especially common in this treasury. The gorgeous flora landscapes not only of the reserve, but of the entire region, create favorable conditions for preserving the diversity of fauna. The steep slopes and flower glades of the forests are considered the habitat of Armenian endemic species, such as the Armenian brown bear and the bezoar goat, which are recorded in theRed Book of ArmeniaIn the forest reserve you can also see unique and beautiful animals such as like the Asian panther (Panthera pardus ciscaucasica) and the leopard, living in canyons and bushes. As you have already noticed, the flora and fauna of the reserve are rich, and some species are definitely worth seeing. In general, 70% of the animals recorded in the Red Book of Armenia live here. Many of them are on the verge of extinction and are listed in the International Red Book. These include mouflons (wild sheep) and amazing eared hedgehogs.
Speaking about the“Khosrov Forest”we should also note historical monuments, monuments and natural obelisks: cave settlements, ancient medieval monasteries, khachkars and churches. “Khosrov Forest” is an ideal tourist destination for scientific, cognitive and eco tours, as well as pilgrimage. Next to the lovely centuries-old monasteries there is a holy place for pilgrims – the Church of St. Stepanos, which was a sanctuary for millions of people.
And now about the main entertainment of the Khosrov Forest. For expeditions, the most entertaining are the waterfalls of the Khosrov Forest, and, of course, the Symphony of Stones – the miracle of the Azat River gorge. The natural monument, called the “Basalt Organ,” is a massive stone structure formed by basalt hexagonal pillars due to the freezing of lava. These huge stones look like an organ, which is why people call them “Basalt Organ”.
On the territory of the reserve you will have a wonderful walking tour, during which you will see another miracle of this region – 2 beautiful waterfalls. People name them after the favorite pagan gods of Armenian mythology: the goddess of love and beauty Astghik and the god of war Vahagna, since according to legend, the goddess bathed in these waterfalls. And the last cozy corner of the reserve is the“Lonely Tree”which welcomes visitors under its thick branches.
