Aparan Reservoir, Church of Surb Khach, Pilgrimage to Chapel of Surb Hovhannes (20th century)

• Aparan Reservoir
• Church of Surb Khach (4 th century)
• Chapel of Surb Hovhannes (20th century)

The first stop of the tour is the famous Aparan reservoir. It attracts tourists at any time of the year with the changeability of colors and the calming smoothness of the water. 

In Aparan we will also see the Church of Surb Khach constructed in the 4th century. The church was restored in 1877.

The next stop will be the white chapel of St. Hovhannes located on the top of Mount Chgnavor (2157 m) in the Hartagyugh community of the Lori region in the park of cross-stones (khachkars), on one of the impregnable peaks of the Pambak mountain range. The chapel was built in 1958 on the burial site of the relics of St. Hovhannes. There are legends about the miraculous power of the saint's relics. There are many stories of miraculous healing of illnesses. The flow of people to the chapel does not stop. It is believed that if You come here with sincere faith in Your heart, Your dreams and wishes will really come true!

Near the chapel there are many (more than 200) khachkars, each of them has its own history. They say that, according to tradition, since 2005, each pilgrim who visited the holy place, whose prayers were heard by the Almighty, has erected a khachkar here.

Usually the chapel is reached on foot along the steep slope of the mountain. The length of the path is 6 km.  This time we offer off-road vehicles for climbing the mountain, as the way up involves a number of difficulties and is just impossible for many people, but the wish is great.

During the tour  you will be treated with tea, coffee and sweets.

Departure: 10:00

Arrival: 19:00

Place of departure: Hakob Hakobyan str.1/ near Mergelyan Institute 

Total distance: 250 km